Year: 2026 | Month: January | Volume: 13 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 515-524
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260149
The Relationship Between Intelligence Quotient Level and Quality of Life in Children with Intellectual Disability at Special Schools in Padang City
Zulfahmi1,2, Asrawati Nurdin1,2, Rahmi Lestari1,2, Rusdi1,2, Eny Yantri1,2, Nice Rachmawati Masnadi1,2
1Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
2Department of Maternal and Child Health, Dr. M. Djamil Hospital, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Corresponding Author: Zulfahmi
ABSTRACT
Background: Intellectual disability affects intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, leading to a generally lower quality of life compared to the general population. The relationship between Intelligence Quotient (IQ) levels and quality of life requires further exploration in Indonesia.
Objective: To investigate the relationship between IQ levels and quality of life in children with intellectual disabilities at special schools in Padang City.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 95 children with intellectual disabilities aged 12-18 years from May to August 2025. IQ was assessed using the Coloured Progressive Matrices and the Culture Fair Intelligence Test. Quality of life was measured using the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales parent-report version. The Chi-Square test was used to evaluate relationships between variables (p<0.05 was considered significant).
Results: The mean age of participants was 14.8±2.1 years with an equal gender distribution. Most subjects had mild intellectual disabilities (61.1%), followed by moderate (35.8%) and severe (3.2%). The mean IQ was 52.8±12.3. Overall, 68.4% had impaired quality of life (mean score 57.7±13.9). Physical functioning scored the highest (60.1), while school functioning scored the lowest (56.7). A highly significant relationship existed between IQ level and quality of life (p<0.001). Among those with mild disabilities, 50% achieved good quality of life, compared to 2.9% in moderate cases and 0% in severe cases. Maternal education (p<0.001) and socioeconomic status (p<0.001) significantly influenced quality of life.
Conclusion: IQ level significantly correlates with quality of life in children with intellectual disabilities, with environmental and family factors playing crucial roles. Comprehensive interventions addressing cognitive, psychosocial, and environmental factors are essential for optimizing outcomes.
Keywords: Intellectual disability, Intelligence Quotient, Quality of life, PedsQL, Children, Special education
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