Associated biological and environmental factors of impaired executive function in preschool‐aged children: A population‐based study

Abstract

Executive function (EF) is essential for academic achievement, successful work, and physical and mental health. Although evidence shows that several factors have been linked to EF, these results are mixed. This study aims to identify both biological and environmental variables associated with impaired EF in preschoolers. This study was a populationbased cross-sectional study of healthy children aged 2-5 years from public and private schools in Chiang Mai, Thailand. EF was assessed using a parent report of the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool (BRIEF-P). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the biological and environmental factors relevant to impaired executive functioning. In a total of 1540 included children, 213 children (13.83%) were defined as impaired EF. We found that biological factorsmale (odds ratio [OR], 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.04-1.91]), overweight/obesity (OR, 1.59, 95% CI [1.10-2.31]), less physical activity (OR, 1.77, 95% CI [1.10-2.84]), and environmental factors-low maternal education (OR, 1.61, 95% CI [1.13-2.31]), permissive parenting style (OR, 2.75, 95% CI [1.24-6.13]), and excessive screen exposure (OR, 1.66, 95% CI [1.15-2.41])-are associated with an increased risk of impaired EF. Adjusting modifiable factors, such as healthy weight status, positive parenting,

Executive dysfunction as a possible mediator for the association between excessive screen time and problematic behaviors in preschoolers

“…Since there is a critical window for EF development, early EF-targeted promotions and interventions should be provided to at-risk children before the EF brain circuits fully mature. Although many biological and environmental factors contribute to EF outcomes [ 39 ], media exposure is a more manageable environmental factor influencing EF development. Parents, teachers, and health care providers should monitor screen use in children to prevent their children from having later adverse outcomes.…”

“…This study was a secondary analysis from the large population-based cross-sectional EF study [ 39 ]. The sample was drawn from the seven private and public schools in Chiang Mai city, Thailand.…”

“…Finally, seven representative schools were obtained by using stratified sampling. The sampling process in more detail was reported elsewhere [ 39 ]. The power analysis of the sample size used in this study was performed and found to have sufficient power to detect the effect.…”