Association between nutritional status and cognitive function scores of adolescent girls in underprivileged communities

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Optimal cognitive development in early life is crucial for academic achievement and long-term quality of life. However, there is limited and inconsistent evidence regarding its association with nutritional status, especially among underprivileged school-aged children and adolescent girls. This study aimed to assess the association between nutritional status and cognitive function among adolescent girls aged 11 to 17 years. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 372 adolescent girls from two schools in Takalar District between July and November 2024. Data collection included questionnaires, 24-h dietary recall, anthropometric measurements, and cognitive function assessments using the Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT). Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of cognitive function. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 14.0 ± 1.5 years. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and chronic energy deficiency (CED) was 18.0 , 11.3, and 19.9 %, respectively. Girls with CED and stunting had significantly lower cognitive scores than their counterparts (CED: 74.3 ± 13.8 vs. 78.8 ± 13.8; p<0.05; Stunting: 73.3 ± 12.6 vs. 79.0 ± 13.9; p<0.01). Regular intake of iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements was associated with higher cognitive scores (80.2 ± 13.1 vs. 77.0 ± 14.1; p<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that BMI-for-age z-score (β=3.419; p<0.01), IFA intake (β=4.054; p<0.05), and height-for-age z-score (β=0.652; p<0.01) were significant predictors of cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional status was significantly associated with cognitive function among adolescent girls in underprivileged communities. Targeted nutrition interventions may be critical in supporting cognitive development in this vulnerable population.

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