Work

Association between Urinary Iodine Excretion (UIE) and Academic Achievement in Elementary School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Iodine is an essential micronutrient for brain development and cognitive function in children. Deficiency of iodine in elementary school children can result in impaired intellectual growth and reduced academic achievement. The status of iodine nutrition is commonly evaluated by measuring urinary iodine excretion (UIE), which serves as a reliable biomarker of iodine intake. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between UIE levels and academic achievement among elementary school children in Purworejo Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Methods: This observational study used a cross-sectional study design involving 211 elementary school students from three selected schools. UIE levels were measured through spectrophotometric analysis of urine samples. Academic achievement was assessed using students’ report card grades, including scores from mid-term and final exams across all subjects. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation and multivariate linear regression tests. Results: The findings indicate that UIE levels do not show a significant correlation (p-value>0.05) with students' academic performance across all subjects. The factors significantly associated with academic outcomes were demographic characteristics, particularly gender and age (p-value<0.05), which were associated with performance in most subjects. After adjustment in the multivariate analysis, maternal education level and intelligence questionnaire scores were not significantly associated with academic achievement (p-value>0.05). Conclusions: UIE was not significantly associated with the academic performance of elementary school-aged children. Gender and age remained significantly associated with learning outcomes in several subjects, whereas maternal education level and intelligence questionnaire scores were not significant after multivariable adjustment.

Source: Amerta Nutrition

DOI: 10.20473/amnt.v10i2sp.2026.15-24

Authors: Dila Lintang Harmanto Putri, Suyatno Suyatno, Ahmad Syauqy, Lilis Wijayanti

Institution: Diponegoro University

Language: English

Topic: Thyroid Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $65