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Cited by 7Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional DevelopmentAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderDevelopmental and Educational Neuropsychology

Neurodevelopmental problems, general health and academic achievements in a school‐based cohort of 11‐year‐old Swedish children

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Landgren, Valdemar, Svensson, Leif, Törnhage, Carl‐Johan, Theodosious, Michail, Gillberg, Christopher, Johnson, Mats, Knez, Rajna, Landgren, Magnus·2024·Acta Paediatrica
DOI 10.1111/apa.16989
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Abstract

Aim: Assessing rates of neurodevelopmental problems (NDPs) in 11‐year‐old children and possible association with other health complaints and school performance. Methods: In‐school study of 11‐year‐old children as an add‐on assessment to the 4th grade regular health check‐up, comprising a structured physical neurodevelopmental examination, neuropsychological assessment, behavioural ratings, maternal interview, review of medical records and academic achievements. Results: Out of 348 children recruited from eight schools, 223 (64%) participated. Any physical condition was found in 102/222 (46%), most commonly atopy (18%). One in five had a BMI z‐score >2 standard deviations over the reference mean. One or more NDP was found in 86/221 (40%) children. The number of failed national tests correlated positively with NDP severity rated with the clinical global impression severity instrument (Spearman's r = 0.41, p < 0.001). The majority of participants with failed national tests, also had co‐occurring health complaints (≥2 of: stomach or extremity ache, headache, difficulties sleeping, internalising symptoms or obesity) and NDPs. Conclusion: Health complaints, physical conditions and NDPs are very common in 11‐year‐old children and warrant adequately staffed, thoroughly equipped school healthcare services.

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  • The elevated prevalence of NDPs in our cohort is due to a selection of schools with significant socioeconomic disadvantage.

    “we interpret the elevated prevalence of NDPs in our cohort as being due to a selection of schools with significant socioeconomic disadvantage”

    From No association between joint hypermobility, musculoskeletal pain and neurodevelopmental problems in a school-based sample of 11-year-old children (2025) · cites this paper as [35]

    The Discussion (page unavailable) says the participating schools’ socioeconomic index was about one standard deviation below the population mean and that this may partly explain the high prevalence of NDPs. The claim presents socioeconomic disadvantage as the cause, whereas the source offers it as a possible partial explanation. (LLM, conf=0.86)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • The elevated prevalence of NDPs in our cohort is due to a bias towards study participation of families of children with unmet needs who are pursuing an evaluation for NDPs.

    “along with a bias towards study participation of families of children with unmet needs who are pursuing an evaluation for NDPs”

    From No association between joint hypermobility, musculoskeletal pain and neurodevelopmental problems in a school-based sample of 11-year-old children (2025) · cites this paper as [35]

    In Additional information (page not provided), the authors suggest that the high prevalence of NDPs may reflect selection bias: parents of children with previously unrecognised NDPs may have viewed participation as a way to obtain a clinical referral. The claim presents this tentative explanation as an established cause. (LLM, conf=0.88)

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Landgren, V., Svensson, L., Törnhage, C., Theodosious, M., Gillberg, C., Johnson, M., Knez, R., & Landgren, M.
Affiliations
  • Skaraborg Hospital (SE)
  • Göteborgs Stads (SE)
  • University of Gothenburg (SE)
Corresponding author
Landgren, Valdemar
ORCID
Venue
Acta Paediatrica
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2023-10-12
Volume
113
Issue
3
Pages
506-516
ISSN
  • 0365-1436 (ISSN-L)
  • 0803-5253
  • 1651-2227
DOI
10.1111/apa.16989
OpenAlex
W4387563490
Cited by
7
References
3
Citations by year
2025: 4 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 1
FWCI
2.04
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Acta Paediatrica (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • University Library of Skövde (University of Skövde) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
Funders
Västra Götalandsregionen (VGFOUREG‐981955, VGFOUREG‐932247, VGFOUREG‐856701)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Developmental and Educational Neuropsychology
Keywords
neurodevelopmental problems, elementary school students, academic performance, health complaints, obesity, atopy, neuropsychological assessment, school health screening, internalizing problems, sleep disorders, national tests
MeSH terms
Academic Success, Child, Health Status, Humans, Schools, Serotonin, Sweden, Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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