Sharma, J. (1996). The Effect of Nutrient Supplementation on Mental Abilities of Children. Unpublished. Ph.D., Home Sciences, Education. Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya.
The objectives of the study were: (1) To study the effect of nutrient supplementation on mental abilities of pre-school children (Age 3-4 years). (2) To study the effect of nutrient supplementation on mental abilities of school going children age 8-10 years). (3) To study the effect of nutrient supplementation on mentally retarded children.
The hypotheses of the study were: (1) There is an increase in the mental ability of adequate intake group pre-school children (3-4 years) after the nutrient supplementation for three months. (2) There is an increase in the mental ability of deficient intake group preschool children (3-4 years) after the nutrient supplementation for three months. (3) There is an increase in the mental ability of school going children (8-10 years) of adequate intake group after the nutrient supplementation for three months. (4) There is an increase in the mental ability of school going children (8-10 years) of deficient intake group after the nutrient supplementation for three months. (5) There is an increase in the mental ability of mentally retarded children after the nutrient supplementation for three months.
The sample comprised 611 children (270 of 8-11 year, 248 of 3-4 year, and 93 mentally retarded) selected using multistage sampling technique.
For data collection tools used were- Pandey’s Cognitive Development Test for Pre-Scholars, Pramila Pathak’s Draw-A-Man Test, and Developmental Screening test by Bhardwaj.
For the present study pretest posttest control group experimental design was used. Variables were controlled by pre testing of clinical examination, anthropometrics measurement, nutrient intake and mental ability. Treatment continued for three month.
Mean, SD, ANOVA and t-test were
used for analyzing the data.
The findings of the study were: (1) No significant difference between pre and post test means was found in the average and above average category of cognitive development. (2) There was a significant difference between pre and post means of cognitive development scores in all the categories. Also there was a significant difference between pre and post test means of IQ scores in all the categories below average, average and above average. (3) There was a significant difference between pre and post test means of IQ scores in mild category of mental retardation, but no significant difference between pre and post test means was found in the moderate and severe category of mental retardation.
Keyword(s): Nutrient Supplementation, Mental Abilities,