Objective:
To investigate the association between the learning and living style with developmental dyslexia in school-aged children.
Methods:
Using stratified cluster sampling, a total of 11 668 schoolaged children (grade 2 to 6) in the cities of Wuhan, Hangzhou and Jining were selected to participate in this programme from April 2017 to April 2018. The investigation tools combined the questionnaire on associated factors for reading ability, Dyslexia Checklist for Chinese Children and Pupil Rating Scale Revised Screening for Learning.
Results:
Pupils with more than 20 minutes of exercise each day (OR=0.43-0.64) and at least 1-2 times per week (OR=0.34-0.48) had a lower risk of dyslexia. The association was observed between going to the library more than 1-2 times per semester (OR=0.41-0.62) and the decrease risk of dyslexia. Lacking active learning (OR=7.76, 95%CI=4.71-12.78), scheduled reading time (OR=2.55, 95%CI=2.01-3.23) and extracurricular training classes (OR=1.62, 95%CI=1.27-2.07) were positively associated with dyslexia. There was no significant difference in screen time duration between dyslexic and non-dyslexic children. Using electronic devices for learning was associated with decreased risk of dyslexia (OR=0.47, 95%CI=0.33-0.67), while playing video games was correlated with increased risk of dyslexia (OR=1.67, 95%CI=1.16-2.41).
Conclusion
Physical exercise, good study habits and using the electronic products in a proper way could reduce the risk of dyslexia to a certain extent. Parents and teachers should guide the school-aged children to develop a good learning and living style.