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Early childhood diarrhea has been shown to hinder school readiness and performance

In a study of children in a Brazilian shantytown, researchers found that the greater the number of episodes of persistent diarrhea before age two, the more delayed a child was in terms of school readiness. Overall, each episode of diarrhea delayed a child’s starting school by 0.7 months. Likewise, 6-10 years later, increasing episodes of diarrhea before age two predicted delays in age-appropriate educational attainment.

Full Citation:
Lorntz, B., Soares, A.M., Moore, S.R., et al. 2006. Early childhood diarrhea predicts impaired school performance. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 25(6).

Title of Article: Early childhood diarrhea predicts impaired school performance

Author(s): Lorntz, B., Soares, A.M., Moore, S.R., et al

Publication Year: 2006

Publication Name: Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal

Publication Volume: 25(6)

Publication Source URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=16732149

DOI (Digital Object Identifier): 10.1097/01.inf.0000219524.64448.90

Topics: Cognition & Schooling

Disease Vaccines: Diarrhea

Countries: Brazil

WHO Regions: Americas