Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Neurocognitive Perfomance in Early Adolescents Living in Galle District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

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Adolescence brain undergoes massive growth spurt and responsible for high order neurocognitive functions. Early experiences are crucial for shaping brain development. Socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with many different types o f life outcome, including physical health, mental health and cognitive ability. The study aimed to investigate association o f socioeconomic status with neurocognitive performance o f early adolescents. A school based cross - sectional study was conducted on female adolescents (11 -1 4 years, n = 200). Cognitive performance was assessed with Wechsler Intelligence Tests for Children (WISC) and Tests Of Nonverbal Intelligence (TONI -3). Children performed Computer based executive function test battery including inhibition task and visuo- spatial working memory task. Self-administered questionnaire was applied to assess socioeconomic status o f parents. Mean Verbal comprehension index (VCI), Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), Working Memory Index (WMI) and Full Scale Intelligence Quota (FSIQ) were, 77.45 (SD±12.69), 69.71 (SD±9.27), 96 (SD±34.71), 78.78 (SD±10.21) respectively. FSIQ was significantly associated with family income (p=0.008), parent educational level (p=0.047) and employment status o f father (p=0.019). VCI was strongly associated with mother’s educational level (p=0.000) and father’s occupation level (p=0.000). WMI was significantly associated with and father occupation level (p=0.000). PRI correlated with parent’s educational level (p=0.013). Abstract and figural forming skill was correlated with monthly income level (p=0.O28). VCI and PRI o f high SES families significant difference from low SES families (P=0.005), Inhibition task performance of socially disadvantaged background is significantly differ from counterpart (p=0.032). Socioeconomic status is an important predictor o f neurocognitive function in particular language, executive function and spatial skills.