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Subject Area

Pediatrics

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background Learning difficulties (LDs) are associated with increased comorbidity, especially depression and anxiety; it constitutes one of the major health problems that affect the educational process. Objective The aim was to assess frequency, types, and risk factors of LDs among primary school children in Toukh city. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 273 students who were randomly selected from two primary schools in Toukh city. Data were collected by using a questionnaire which included questions about sociodemographic criteria of the participants, diagnosis, and risk factors of LDs. Results Prevalence of LDs among primary school children was 31.9%. The most prevalent types were dyslexia, dyspraxia, perceptual difficulties, social difficulties, and auditory difficulties, representing 31, 29, 27, 27, and 25%, respectively. Predictive factors for LDs were low socioeconomic state, [odds ratio (OR) 5.4], female sex (OR: 3.7), nonworking mothers (OR: 0.25), and finally age upto10 years (OR: 0.35); other predictive factors were failure in school achievement (OR: 21.97), noncooperation between home and school (OR: 14.26), neglect of the student (OR: 9.64), and increased course content (OR: 1.21). Conclusion Prevalence of LDs was 31.9% among the studied group. Dyslexia was the most prevalent type. Low socioeconomic state, female children who were more than 10 years old with nonworking mothers, failure in school achievement, noncooperation between home and school, neglect of student, and increased course content were other predictive factors of LDs.

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