Bócio endémico: desenvolvimento somático e desempenho escolar

Abstract

In this research some possible effects of the «endemic goiter» were examined in the somatic development and in the school performance of students from the Junior High School of Oleiros (EB 2/3 School), whose county integrates the only recognized endemic goiter zone in our country, since 1969. Significant differences were found in the distribution of frequencies between students without (control group; n=34) and with (experimental group; n=54) goiter, regarding the variables weight (gl=1; c2 =5.09; p<.05), stature (gl=1; c2 =16.52; p<.001) and failed school years (gl=1; c2 =5.07; p<.05), being more favourable for the former group. In what concerns the school performance variable, this type of difference was only observed between the group without goiter and the subgroup with the most serious condition (degrees 1B and 2), (gl=1; c2 =8.08; p<.01). In relation to the supplementary pedagogical measures variable, no difference was found. Thus, adverse effects of the endemic goiter were made clear in relation to the (height-weight) physical development and, also, in relation to the school performance. This makes the continuation of the prophylactic programme and the implementation of measures of health education recommendable. Nevertheless, there are limitations to the investigation deriving, namely, from the need to control better the socio-economic status variable.