Reading Problems and Risk of Dyslexia Among Early Elementary Students in Thailand

Abstract

Reading problems and dyslexia adversely affect a child’s learning, emotions, and behavior. This research aims to survey students with reading problems and at risk of dyslexia and find the relevant factors. This study considered students in the first grade of primary school. Eight schools in Pathum Thani province were selected by the purposive sampling method. Caregivers responded to questionnaires regarding information about their children and their family backgrounds. Research assistants tested the children's reading abilities with a reading ability assessment test. It was found that 161 of the 1,018 students are at-risk for dyslexia, with a calculated prevalence of 15.81% (95% CI, 13.63–18.20%). Following an analysis using the multivariable logistic regression model, it was found that the pertinent risk factors for reading problems in children were being male, a developmental or hereditary disease, a father with a low level of education, and type of school. Children with reading problems should receive the help they need early, while risk factors should be identified to improve the quality of education in different types of schools.