ArticleBMC nutrition2025
Factors associated with low short-term memory development among pupils in public primary schools: evidence from Benin republic.
Article in BMC nutrition, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundShort-term memory, the ability to temporarily hold and manipulate information, plays a critical role in learning and academic performance. This study aims to assess factors associated with low short-term memory in 524 children aged 8-14 years who attended public government schools in the Benin. METHODOLOGY: Sixteen randomly selected schools located in peri-urban areas in northern and southern Benin participated in this cross-sectional study. Short-term memory was assessed via the WISC digit span tool. Food insecurity was evaluated with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Socioeconomic and health data were collected through a digitalized questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined through anthropometric measurements and a hemoglobin test.
resultsThe prevalence of below average short-term memory was 53.47% in the Northern and 28.81% in the southern Benin. In the northern region, 5.56%, 8.68%, and 13.19% of the pupils were, mildly, moderately, and severely food-insecure, respectively. In the southern region, 22.46%, 6.36%, and 3.38% of the pupils fell into the same categories, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that severe food insecurity (OR = 3.461, p < 0.05), moderate and severe thinness (OR = 1.680, p < 0.005), poverty (OR = 2.916, p < 0.001), caregivers' illiteracy (OR = 1.89, p < 0.05), pupils' age (OR = 0.864, p < 0.05) and being from the northern regions (OR = 2.263, p < 0.05) were significant predictors of low short-term memory ability.
conclusionEven with access to a school canteen program, pupils from northern regions, malnourished, food-insecure and from socioeconomically disadvantaged households are more likely to exhibit low short-term memory skills. Policymakers should prioritize the implementation of evidence-based interventions and policies aimed at alleviating food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty, alongside initiatives to enhance infrastructure and essential services, including access to electricity in underserved and remote areas.
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