Executive functions and their correlates among pre-schoolers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Results from a SUNRISE Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: Executive function in the early years is associated with academic achievement and health determinants in the adulthood. This study aimed to describe the levels and physical-related correlates of executive functions among pre-school-aged children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study with convenience sampling was conducted on 135 healthy pre-schoolers in HCMC. Executive functions (working memory, inhibition, and shifting) were assessed using Early Year Toolbox. Physical activity was measured for three consecutive days using Actigraph accelerometers. Gross and fine motor skills were examined with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3. Parent questionnaires were administered to obtain demographics, screen time, sleep time, and sitting time. Binary comparisons with Wilcoxon rank-sum testing were applied to examine the differences in executive functions vis-à-vis potential associates. Results: The response rate was 35.4%. Children scored a median of 2.0 points in working memory (IQR 1.00 - 2.33), 0.5 points in inhibition (IQR 0.2 - 0.6), and 8.0 points in shifting (IQR 6.0 - 10.0). 4-year-olds outperformed 3-year-olds in all three components of executive function. Adiposity was negatively associated with working memory, while adequate gross and fine motor skills were associated with better working memory and inhibition. Compliance with sleep and screen time guidelines was associated with higher inhibition scores, whereas getting enough sleep time was associated with higher shifting scores. Conclusion: Performance in executive function tasks was adequate among preschoolers in Ho Chi Minh City. Some positive associations between executive function, motor skills, nutritional status and physical activity levels were detected. DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.3.2.6