Adolescent School Children Research Articles

Classroom Furniture Mismatch and Back Pain Among Adolescent School-Children in Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Objective: To explore the potential classroom furniture mismatch with students’ anthropometric measurements and back pain related to sitting for extended periods. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on all twelve male and female intermediate and secondary schools located in Abha city. Anthropometric and classroom furniture measurements were assessed, and the mismatch was determined using standardized methods. Students were also screened for back pain related to long sitting at school. Results: A total number of 879 students was selected. The study revealed seat height mismatch in both intermediate, and secondary school of 84.3%, and 75.6%, respectively. Seat depth mismatch was 74.0% in intermediate schools and reached 84.5% in secondary schools. The desk height was improper for 94.1%, and 82.3% of students in intermediate, and secondary schools, respectively. The levels of mismatch differ significantly by grade level and gender. A prevalence of 10.8% of back pain related to long sitting at school was found. In multivariable logistic regression, males, intermediate school children, and the presence of buttock-popliteal length/seat depth mismatch were significantly associated with pain. On the other hand, practicing exercise was a significant protective factor. Conclusions: There is a prevalent mismatch between students’ dimensions and existing schools’ furniture. School furniture providers should take in consideration the average Saudi students’ dimensions, while designing school furniture especially for males, and at intermediate schools, or provide schools with adjustable seats and desks.

Cognitive dysfunction among adolescent school children with an anxiety disorder

Background: Anxiety is a mental health disorder which is characterized by worry, fear that may be strong enough to affect the day-to-day activities. The children and adolescents group in the current generation is the most vulnerable group for anxiety disorder due to lifestyle modifications. Anxiety-prone children are likely to have decreased concentration, lack of attention and drive for academic and social activities. Hence, the present study was done to compare the cognition of normal subjects with cognition of mild, moderate, and severe anxiety disorders. Aims and Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the cognition in adolescent school children with anxiety disorder. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 150 students. A questionnaire recommended by generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)-7 was administered to the students. Cognitive status was assessed using Stroop test and reaction time. Results: Out of the 150 participants, 19% were normal with GAD to score

Comparison of Yoga versus Physical Exercise on Executive Function, Attention, and Working Memory in Adolescent Schoolchildren: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose:Executive function, attention, and memory are an important indicator of cognitive health in children. In this study, we analyze the effect of yoga and physical exercise on executive functioning, attention, and memory.Methods:In this prospective two-armed randomized controlled trial, around 802 students from ten schools across four districts were randomized to receive daily 1 h yoga training (n = 411) or physical exercise (n = 391) for 2 months. Executive function, attention, and memory were studied using Trail Making Test (TMT). Yoga (n = 377) and physical exercise (n = 371) students contributed data to the analyses. The data were analyzed using intention-to-treat approach using Student's t-test.Results:There was a significant increase in numerical TMT (TMTN) values within yoga (t = −2.17; P < 0.03) and physical activity (PA) (t = −3.37; P < 0.001) groups following interventional period. However, there was no significant change in TMTN between yoga and PA groups (t = 0.44; P = 0.66). There was a significant increase in alphabetical TMT (TMTA) values within yoga (t = 6.21; P < 0.00) and PA groups (t = 1.19; P < 0.234) following interventional period. However, there was no significant change in TMTA between yoga and PA groups (t = 3.46; P = 0.001).Conclusion:The results suggest that yoga improves executive function, attention, and working memory as effectively as physical exercise intervention in adolescent schoolchildren.

Menstrual Problems among Adolescent School Children at International Indian School, Buraidah

Menstrual Problems among Adolescent School Children at International Indian School, Buraidah

Prevalence of mental health status in adolescent school children of Kohima District, Nagaland

Background: Adolescents suffer from psychosocial problems at one time or the other during their development phase and they are highly vulnerable to develop psychiatric disorders. The aim of the study was to see the mental health status of school-going adolescents in Kohima district, Nagaland. Methods: The researcher used a cross-sectional study as the design. In the present study, field setting was private and government schools of Kohima district, Nagaland. The population sample consisted of school-going adolescents' age between 13 and 19 years from private and government schools in Kohima. Random sampling technique was used for the selection of schools. On the basis of which three schools were selected, the selected schools were taken consent from the school authority. Total enumeration method was used for data collection. A total of 702 students were recruited for the study. Adolescents, as well as parental consent, were undertaken. The study was undertaken with the approval of the Scientific Committee and the Ethical Committee of Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health. Socio-demographic data sheet and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were used. Results: The prevalence of mental health status on the basis of the total difficulties score was found to be 17.2% at the abnormal level whereas 28.8% was at the borderline level. The study results also revealed that in adolescent population, emotional problem was present in 17.1%, hyperactivity in 16.1%, conduct problem in 15.2%, peer problem in 5.6%, and prosocial behavior in 5.1%. Conclusions: Mental health problems are highly prevalent among the adolescent population in India. Early identification, treatment, and promotion of mental health services are required.

Assessment of Microenvironmental Exposures to Ultrafine Particles among Adolescent Schoolchildren

Background: Assessing personal exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs) is challenging due to multiple indoor and outdoor sources and high spatiotemporal variation. Our objective is to characterize personal UFP exposures experienced by adolescents enrolled in the Ecological Momentary Assessment and Personal Particle Exposure Study (EcoMAPPE). Methods: Participants (ages 13-17) complete a seven-day sampling period using a personal UFP monitor for 3 hours each day that simultaneously records GPS-based location at 1-second resolution. Measured UFP concentrations are assigned to microenvironments based on speed and distance from participant specified locations: schools (400m), homes (100m), and other (100m) locations. UFP concentrations measured outside these areas exhibiting speeds greater than 2 m/s are categorized as occurring while in transit. We define the percent contribution of each microenvironment to a participant&amp;#8217;s overall exposure as the summation of UFP concentration in a specific microenvironment divided by the summation of all recorded UFP concentrations. Lastly, we derive exposure-time ratios by dividing the percent contribution of each microenvironment by the percentage of time spent within each microenvironment. Results: Complete sampling and location data is available for 21 participants, representing 378.5 hours of UFP data. The overall median UFP concentration is lowest at home (4,500 particles/cm3), while school/other (5,990), and transit concentrations (7,960) are higher. Most UFP measurements are recorded at home (70%), followed by school/other locations (23%), and transit (7%). Participants experience median exposure-time ratios of 0.99 (Q1: 0.90; Q3: 1.04) at home, 0.82 (0.45; 1.21) at other locations, and 1.10 (0.62; 1.73) in transit.Conclusion: Despite the low percentage of time spent in transit, most participants experience UFP concentrations during transit that contribute more to their overall exposure in comparison to other microenvironments.

Can upper limb taping or exercises improve hand function, writing speed and self-perception of performance in adolescent school children?

The majority of students spend time in writing, which is a prime performance measure in examinations. Enhancement in handwriting should benefit students to attain better academic performance. To assess the effectiveness of taping and exercises on hand function, writing speed, self-perception of writing and to compare these techniques. A randomized control trial was conducted using cluster sampling in adolescent children across four schools in an urban city. A 4-week intervention study was conducted on 123 students divided into taping, exercise and control groups. Outcome measures were grip strength, pinch strength, 12-min writing speed test and the Writer Self-Perception Scale (WSPS). For intra-group analysis, a paired t-test was used for parametric values and the Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for non-parametric values. For inter-group analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for parametric values and the Kruskal-Wallis test for non-parametric values was used. The taping group showed a significant improvement in grip strength (1.79 kg; p = 0.00), pinch strength [1.67 lb (757.4 g); p = 0.00] and writing speed (39.77 words/12 min; p = 0.00). The exercise group showed significant improvement in grip strength (2.09 kg; p = 0.00), pinch strength (1.28 lb; p = 0.00), writing speed (28.38 words/12 min; p = 0.00). In the control group, there was a significant increase in pinch strength (1.023 lb; p = 0.01) and writing speed (12.94 words/12 min; p = 0.02). Inter-group analysis showed significant difference in writing speed (p = 0.002) and grip strength (p = 0.00). There was no significant difference in perception (p = 0.071). Taping and exercise are equally effective for enhancement of hand function, writing speed and self-perception in adolescent school children.

Dental fluorosis and associated risk factors in early adolescents in India.

Background Dental fluorosis has a negative impact on the facial esthetics of adolescents and is a worldwide oral health concern. Objective To assess the prevalence and associated risk factors for dental fluorosis in early adolescents in India. Methods This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 800 adolescent school children selected from the Jhabua and Dhar districts of Madhya Pradesh, India. The children were in the of 12-15-year age group. A total of eight schools from both Jhabua and Dhar districts were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire collected information on demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices and various risk factors for dental fluorosis. Water samples were collected from each zone and sent to a laboratory for water fluoride estimation. Dental fluorosis was assessed using the Dean index. Chi-squared (χ2) and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results The overall prevalence of dental fluorosis was found to be 40.5% in early adolescents. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was found to be 45% in the Jhabua district and 36% in the Dhar district. The water fluoride content was found to be the strongest predictor for dental fluorosis followed by the method of water storage. Conclusion Dental fluorosis affects a large number of adolescents in both the Jhabua and Dhar districts of Madhya Pradesh. Effective policies focusing on oral health education and prevention of dental fluorosis need to be drafted.

Overweight and obesity among adolescent school children in the Colombo education zone

Background Sri Lanka has undergone rapid development during the past few decades, resulting in broad socioeconomic changes including rapid urbanization and industrialization. This has led to a nutrition transition with an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Adolescent obesity is a major problem as it leads to several adult life problems such as non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 14 to 15-year-old school children in the Colombo education zone. Method A school-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among a sample of 1728 students representing all schools in the Colombo education zone selected using a multi stage cluster sampling method. Weight and height of all subjects were measured according to standard procedures using standard equipment. BMI for age was calculated using WHO charts. Results Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents was revealed as 10.8% (CI 9.3-12.5) and 3.9% (CI 3.1-5.0) respectively, with no gender difference. Studying in semi-government or international schools was statistically significantly associated with adolescent overweight and obesity (p=0.000). Conclusion Overweight and obesity among adolescents in the Colombo education zone is a significant public health problem.

Optic disc-fovea distance and myopia progression in school children: the Beijing Children Eye Study.

To assess changes in the optic disc-fovea distance (DFD) with progressing myopia in school children. The school-based, prospective, longitudinal study included grade-1 children in 2011 who were yearly re-examined until 2016. We measured DFD, optic disc diameters and width of parapapillary gamma zone (parapapillary region without Bruch's membrane (BM)) on fundus photographs. Of 382 grade-1 children examined in 2011, 294 (77.0%) children (mean age in 2011: 6.4±0.5years) returned to be examined in 2016. In relative terms, the increase in DFD (1.15±0.33mm) was more due to an increase in gamma zone width (+300% or 0.29±0.30mm) than an increase in macular BM length (+18% or 0.74±0.21mm). In multivariate regression analysis, longer increase in DFD was correlated (regression coefficient r2 =0.79) with longer axial elongation during the study period (p<0.001; standardized regression coefficient β: 0.61; non-standardized regression coefficient B: 0.30; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26, 0.33), larger increase in gamma zone width (p<0.001; β: 0.35; B: 0.40; 95%CI: 0.32, 0.48) and longer axial length in 2011 (p=0.01; β:0.07; B:0.03; 95%CI:0.01, 0.06). Larger increase in gamma zone width was associated (r2 =0.73) with larger increase in DFD (p<0.001; β: 0.51; B: 0.46; 95%CI: 0.39, 0.53), larger increase in the vertical-to-horizontal disc diameter ratio (p<0.001; β: 0.43; B:1.21; 95%CI: 1.00, 1.42) and longer vertical disc diameter (p<0.001; β: 0.15; B:0.24; 95%CI: 0.14, 0.34). In adolescent school children, axial elongation-associated increase in DFD was mainly due to an enlargement (+300%) of parapapillary gamma zone, while macular BM length increased to minor degree (+18%). Gamma zone enlargement was correlated with axial elongation-associated vertical optic disc rotation, potentially due to an increased backward pull of the optic nerve on the temporal optic disc border.

Yoga versus physical exercise for cardio-respiratory fitness in adolescent school children: a randomized controlled trial.

Background Yoga is very effective in improving health especially cardio-respiratory fitness and also overall performance in adolescents. There are no large numbers of randomized controlled studies conducted on comparing yoga with physical activity for cardio-respiratory fitness in adolescent school children with large sample size. Objective Aerobic training is known to improve physical and cardio-respiratory fitness in children. Cardio-respiratory fitness is an important indicator of health in children. In this study we evaluate the effects of yoga versus physical exercise training on cardio-respiratory fitness in adolescent school children. Subjects Eight hundred two school students from 10 schools across four districts were recruited for this study. Methods In this prospective two arm RCT around 802 students were randomized to receive daily one hour yoga training (n = 411) or physical exercise (n = 391) over a period of two months. VO2 max was estimated using 20 m shuttle run test. However, yoga (n = 377) and physical exercise (n = 371) students contributed data to the analyses. Data was analysed using students t test. Results There was a significant improvement in VO2 max using 20 m Shuttle run test in both yoga (p < 0.001) and exercise (p < 0.001) group following intervention. There was no significant change in VO2 max between yoga and physical exercise group following intervention. However, in the subgroup with an above median cut-off of VO2 max; there was a significant improvement in yoga group compared to control group following intervention (p = 0.03). Conclusion The results suggest yoga can improve cardio-respiratory fitness and aerobic capacity as physical exercise intervention in adolescent school children.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases Among Urban Schoolchildren from Affluent Families

Smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, raised blood pressure, low dietary intake of vegetables and fruits have been identified as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The study was aimed to find out the extent of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among adolescent schoolchildren from affluent families of Dhaka city. This cross sectional study was done among 386 students of two English medium high schools during July 2006 to June 2007. Sixty one percent of the sample was boys. The children were of 10-18 years age group (mean=13.5 years). Half of the parents had postgraduate education, fathers mostly businessmen and service holders and mothers were housewives. Moderate physical inactivity at leisure was found among 51% of the study population. Association between moderate physical activity (MPA) at leisure and gender was statistically significant (p &lt;0.001). Furthermore, 34% of the children spent 3 hours or more watching TV and /or using computer in a day. A little over 16% of the children were overweight and 8.5% obese. ‘Ever smoked’ were 16.5% males and 4.0% females. Association between ever smoked and gender was statistically significant (p &lt;0.001). Moreover, 51% children took fruits and 69% took vegetables daily in their diet. Association between intake of fruits and vegetables and gender was not significant. Considering the high level of cardiovascular risk factors among adolescents, in terms of inactivity, overweight, obesity and smoking, population-wide life-style interventions specially focused on adolescents are thus recommended.

Intestinal parasitic infestations and anemia among urban female school children in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu.

Introduction:In India, intestinal parasitic infection and anemia remain the most important cause of morbidity especially among the adolescent school children due to lack of awareness of personal hygiene practices, leading to intestinal parasite infections which could in turn lead to anemia.Aim:This study was conducted with the aim to find out the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and anemia among adolescent female school children in an urban area of Tamil Nadu.Materials and Method:This descriptive cross-sectional study was done among adolescent female school children in Anakaputhur area of Kancheepuram district. Three schools were selected randomly from a total of eight schools in the study area. Universal sampling was applied in each school, and a total of 250 willing children participated in the study. Early morning stool specimen was collected for microscopic examination and hemoglobin estimation was done. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant data which were analyzed using SPSS version 22.Results:The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found to be 36% with Entamoeba histolytica being the commonly isolated organism (23.2%) followed by Giardia intestinalis (5.2%), Hookworm (4.4%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (3.2%). The prevalence of anemia among them was found to be 84.8% with mild, moderate, and severe anemia being 12.8%, 46.8%, and 25.2%, respectively. Statistically significant association was found between intestinal parasitic infection and open field defecation, inadequate hand washing practices, and anemia.Conclusion:The study reveals high prevalence of anemia and intestinal parasitic infection among female school children. Preventive measures such as periodic deworming and health education about nutritional balanced diet, iron supplements, and personal hygiene practices have to be given to both the parents and their children to prevent and reduce disease burden.

Assess the Level of Stress among Adolescent School Children

Assess the Level of Stress among Adolescent School Children

Percepción de la autoridad parental en adolescentes escolarizados víctimas de desplazamiento

Objetivo: identificar los estilos de socialización parental percibidos por adolescentes escolarizados en un sector vulnerable de población, de Villavicencio, Colombia, víctima de desplazamiento por conflicto armado. Materiales y métodos: estudio cuantitativo descriptivo. Se tomó como muestra el total de la población de adolescentes escolarizados del sector (n = 184) entre los 12 y 19 años de edad. Se aplicó la Escala de socialización parental en la adolescencia (ESPA 29) en el año 2015, donde el adolescente valora la reacción de cada progenitor frente a 29 situaciones cotidianas. Resultados: se clasificó a cada padre de familia en un estilo de socialización o crianza entre cuatro posibles opciones: los adolescentes de sexo masculino en general percibieron estilos más indulgentes en sus padres y más autoritativos en sus madres; las adolescentes percibieron estilos más autoritativos en sus madres y menos autoritarios o negligentes en sus padres. La población en general percibe a sus progenitores más asociados al diálogo y al afecto, con un patrón de socialización más cercano a la aceptación-implicación. Conclusiones: los adolescentes de ambos sexos perciben en sus padres un estilo de crianza más autoritativo e indulgente que autoritario o negligente. Distinguen una socialización familiar más basada en el diálogo y el afecto que en la displicencia y la indiferencia, lo que constituye un factor protector para esta población.

Factors associated with adherence to school meals by adolescents in State public schools in Colombo, Paraná State, Brazil

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of adherence to school meals and associated factors among adolescent schoolchildren (N = 1,569). The adolescents completed an on-line questionnaire on adherence to school meals, and their parents answered another questionnaire on socioeconomic data. The chi-square test was used to assess the association between adherence to school meals and gender, nutritional status, per capita family income, maternal schooling, adolescents' opinions on the dining hall layout, whether they considered school meals healthy, and consumption of other foods. Variables with statistical significance for adherence to school meals were included in the multilevel proportional odds logistic regression model. The covariates for comprising the final model were defined by backward selection methods. The results of the adjusted model were presented as odds ratios with respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Prevalence of adherence to school meals was low, especially effective adherence (19.8%). Adherence was associated with per capita family income less than one minimum wage, lower consumption of foods outside of school meals, the fact that adolescents considered the dining hall space adequate, and believing that school meals are healthy. Adherence to school meals in this study falls short of universal coverage for the program. Different factors contribute to incomplete program implementation, which may hinder achieving the food and nutritional security policy under the Brazilian National School Feeding Program (PNAE).

Level of physical activity and obesity among the adolescent school children in Bhaktapur: A cross-sectional pilot study

Background: Physical activity is crucial for overall health and well-being of an individual. As childhood obesity has emerged as a serious public health concern, physical activity is a proven tool for prevention and treatment of this type of obesity. As lifestyle and behavior pattern is formed at the adolescence age, it is essential that healthy lifestyle and good food habit should start at this age. Hence, we aimed to fi nd the level of physical activity and obesity among the adolescent school children in this study.Objectives: The objective of the study was to fi nd the level of physical activity and obesity among the adolescent school children in a Bhaktapur school.Method: This is a cross sectional pilot study conducted in October 2015 at a private school in Bhaktapur, Nepal. A total of 83 students studying in class eight, nine and ten were included in the study. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used, height and weight were measured and a BMI index for age percentile growth chart was used to interpret the Basal Metabolic Index of the participants.Result: Out of the total 83 respondents, 31.3% of the respondents performed physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day for more than three days per week and 37.3% participants performed the same for less than three days per week. Twelve percent of the total participants were either overweight or obese.Conclusion: The amount of physical activity in majority of the students is not adequate. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescence is high. Sedentary life style, increasing trends of indoor game and consumption of junk food are responsible for increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in the adolescence. Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 5, No. 2, Issue 16, Apr.-Jun., 2016, page: 65-70

Epidemiological survey of mental health in adolescent school children of Gujarat, India

IntroductionMental health problems in adolescents are inadequately researched in low-resource settings. We aimed in this study to assess the prevalence of mental health problems and correlates in school children aged...

Effect of internet on the psychosomatic health of adolescent school children in Rourkela - A cross-sectional study

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of internet use on the psychosomatic health of adolescent school children in Rourkela. Methods: The study involved a population of 484 school students of Rourkela in the age groups of 13-18 years. History taking and clinical examination were done to know any existing health problem. Young people’s internet usage questionnaire” was handed over to enquire internet use practices. The parents of these children were asked to fill in “pediatric symptom checklist” to know psychological problems. Each answered questionnaire was given a specific serial number. The data collected from these matched sets of questionnaires as per serial number were analyzed using Chi-square test and ANOVA (to compare average number of health problems among the groups). A p&lt;0.05 is considered significant. Results: It was found that more frequent internet user suffered from sleeplessness (p=0.048), increased interest in sexual activity (p&lt;0.001), and conduct problems (p=0.013). Getting cyberbullied had statistically significant association with increased interest in sex (p=0.012), low mood (p=0.001), lack of concentration (p&lt;0.001), anxiety (p=0.002), aggression (p=0.003), backache (p=0.001), headache (p=0.001), eye pain (p&lt;0.001), and attention problems (p=0.017). Visiting porn sites were associated with interest in sex (p&lt;0.001), low mood (p&lt;0.001), lack of concentration (p=0.020), and unexplained anxiety (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Frequency of internet use, cyberbullying, and visiting pornographic sites had a significant association with some physical and psychological health problems. For the victims of cyberbullying, average number inexplicable diseases/problems are significantly more than that of nonvictims (p&lt;0.001).

Perceptions and Practices Related to Obesity in Adolescent Students and Their Programmatic Implications: Qualitative Evidence from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Background Prevalence of obesity in children in Ho Chi Minh City is rising in the last 10 years. We conducted a formative study to explore the perceptions and practices related to obesity, diet and physical activity among the students in two junior high schools in two suburbs in Ho Chi Minh City to aid in the design of an intervention in preventing obesity among adolescent school children. Method We conducted in-depth interviews with twenty participants including students, their parents, physical education teachers and a representative of the Department of Education. Manually coded and organized data were analysed applying a thematic analysis approach to divulge trends, diversities and similarities among the emerging themes. Results The study revealed diversified perceptions of obesity, diet and physical activity and their relationship with adolescent obesity. The findings indicated low practice of physical activity among almost all students who participated in the study. The major barriers to obesity prevention included knowledge gaps, food environment in the school, devaluation of physical activity and academic burden. Conclusion The findings provide contextual insights to design a culturally appropriate and feasible intervention to tackle child and adolescent obesity by harnessing the perspectives of the target populations.