Indian Journal of Community Medicine (Jan 1996)
Long Term Impact Of The Non Formal Pre School Education Component Of Icds On The Mental Status Of School Going Children
Abstract
Research Question: What is the long term impact of non formal pre-school education component of ICDS on the mental status of school children? Objective: To assess and compare the long-term impact of the preschool education component of ICDS on the mental development in rural and urban children in the school going age group (6-12 yrs). Study design: With and without non-formal education exposure. Setting: Two ICDS blocks one urban and one rural in Ludhiana district. Participants: School going children in age group 6-12 yrs. Sample Size: 360 children, (180 each from urban and rural) school going children from 30 schools. Study Variables: Age, Sex. Place of residence, previous ICDS attendance. Outcome Variable: present mental status by Raven Colored Progressive Matrices Test. Statistical Analysis: Mean and Standard Error of difference between means. Results: The children exposed to non-formal pre-school education through ICDS in younger life had better mental status than those who did not receive such stimulation. Urban children of higher age groups i.e, 8-10yrs, had better mental status than similar group of rural children. No sex difference was noted in between similar groups. Recommendation: Non-formal pre-school education component of ICDS is highly cost-effective measure in promoting mental development and serves very useful purpose in our present situation.