As a practitioner dedicated to improving the outcomes for children, it is crucial to understand the multifaceted impacts of slow learners on both families and society. A recent study titled Economic burden of slow learners: A prevalence-based cost of illness study of its direct, indirect, and intangible costs sheds light on the significant economic burden faced by families of slow learners, healthcare providers, and society at large. This blog aims to distill the findings of this research and offer actionable insights for practitioners.
Understanding the Economic Burden
The study reveals that the economic burden of slow learners is enormous, with intangible costs far outweighing indirect and direct costs. Specifically, the total costs were estimated to be INR 16,364,528, with indirect costs comprising 62.9% of the total. The average annual total costs per student were INR 57,951. Key components of direct costs included tuitions, medications, and remedial education, while parental loss of earnings was the most significant component of indirect costs.
Key Findings
- Late Diagnosis: Slow learners in the study were diagnosed late, with a mean age of 14.5 years. Early diagnosis is critical for effective intervention.
- High Costs of Tuitions: Parents spend a significant amount on private tuitions, which accounted for 57.38% of direct costs.
- Poor Compliance with Remedial Education: Only 2% of slow learners completed 3 years of remedial education, while 98% either did not undergo or quit prematurely.
- Parental Economic Impact: 41% of parents reported loss of earnings due to absenteeism, and 5% of mothers quit their jobs due to their child's poor school performance (PSP).
- Intangible Costs: The intangible costs, reflecting parental anguish, were significantly higher than the total costs.
Actionable Insights for Practitioners
Based on these findings, here are some recommendations for practitioners to help mitigate the economic burden on families and improve outcomes for slow learners:
- Early Screening and Diagnosis: Implement early screening programs in primary schools to identify slow learners as early as possible. Regular classroom teachers should be trained to screen for this condition.
- Resource Rooms and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Schools should set up resource rooms and employ special educators to create and implement IEPs tailored to each slow learner. This approach can reduce the need for private tuitions and ensure regular, affordable remedial education.
- Parental Support: Provide support programs for parents to help them manage the economic and emotional burden of raising a slow learner. This could include counseling services and financial aid for remedial education.
- Inclusive Education: Promote inclusive education by integrating IEPs with the regular school curriculum. This approach can help slow learners stay in mainstream education and reduce parental anguish.
Encouraging Further Research
The study highlights the need for more research to better understand the economic burden of slow learners and develop effective interventions. Practitioners are encouraged to collaborate with researchers to explore innovative solutions that can reduce the economic impact on families and improve the quality of life for slow learners.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Economic burden of slow learners: A prevalence-based cost of illness study of its direct, indirect, and intangible costs.
