Studying the Prevalence of Lead among Schoolchildren in Qatar and its Impacts on School Performance and Attitudes towards Violence in School

Abstract

Exposure to lead (pb+2) has been associated with several diseases including mental diseases and violent behaviors. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of lead (pb+2) and its impacts on school performance and attitudes towards violence in Qatar schools. A case control study design was conducted. A total sample of 170 students was randomly selected to participate in this study according to their academic achievement. A special questionnaire was designed for this study. Lead (pb+2) was determined in urine sample using spectrum atomic absorption. Results showed that the grades are significantly negatively correlated with the concentration of Pb, sleep hours and rate of preservative consumption. Similarly, the performance of the student’s id significantly associated with the violent and negative behaviours. The poor performance of the students is indicated by the low grades (score: 50-60) is significantly associated with the presence of higher concentrations of Pb in the urine in comparison to the good performing students. The outcomes of this study also highlight the feasibility of observable behaviours and quantifiable biochemical indicators to predict a student’s performance in academics. Furthermore, the association of the consumption of preservatives and daily sleep hours with the performance of the students are indicator to provide awareness to the students, school administrators and the public. The detectable presence of a toxicant like Pb, in this case, to impact academic performance and behaviour necessitates further validation as well as provision of guidelines for public health. Taken together, exposure to lead is a significant problem that should be addressed in social context.