Interaction Between Air Pollution and Diet on Cognitive Function in Schoolchildren
January 26, 2026 | Source: Springer Nature Link | by Hasani Narges, Esmailzadeh Ahmad, Moeinaddini Mazaher, Mohammadi Hamed, Milajerdi Alireza, Kazemeini Hosein and Pouraram Hamed
Background and objectives
This study aimed to investigate the joint effects of air pollution exposure and dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) on short-term memory and concentration among elementary school students in two regions of Tehran.
Materials and methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 female primary school students, aged 9–12 years, with 150 students selected from a more polluted district and 150 from a less polluted area. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). Concentration was measured using the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), and memory was assessed with the Wechsler Memory Scale. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests and two-way ANOVA to evaluate main effects and interactions.
Results
Demographic information such as students’ age, anthropometrics, outdoor activity, and parents’ socioeconomic characteristics was obtained via parental questionnaires. Students were categorized into low (TAC1) and high (TAC2) dietary antioxidant groups. Students in the TAC1 group spent less time outdoors and were slightly shorter and heavier, although the latter difference was not statistically significant.