Attending Private Schools Research Articles

Overweight and obesity of school-age children in El Salvador according to two international systems: a population-based multilevel and spatial analysis

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO-2007) and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF-Cole) systems assess child weight status. However, derived estimations often differ. We aimed to a) compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity, b) analyze individual and contextual factors associated with child weight using multilevel analysis and c) explore the spatial distribution of overweight and obesity using both classification systems.MethodsWe used data from the 2015/2016 National School Height and Weight Census in El Salvador. Information on 111,991 children aged 6.0–9.9 years attending the first grade was analyzed. Body mass index Z-score (BMIZ), overweight and obesity were defined with both classification systems. Weighted kappa was used to measure agreement. Child, school and municipal potential determinants of BMIZ were examined by multilevel analysis. Municipal spatial clustering of overweight and obesity was tested using Moran’s Index and Getis-ord Gi* statistics.ResultsThe combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher according to the WHO system than the IOTF (30.4% vs 23.1%). The weighted kappa was 0.83. Boys, children attending urban schools, children attending private schools, and children residing in municipalities with high human development index had higher BMIZ than their counterparts. The Moran’s indexes were positives and significant. Clusters of high prevalence (above the national prevalence) of overweight and obesity were found in 29 municipalities using the WHO and IOTF systems. For obesity, 28 and 23 municipalities in clusters of high prevalence were detected using the WHO and IOTF criteria, respectively.ConclusionsOverweight and obesity is high among school-age children in El Salvador. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher when using the WHO system, as compared to the IOTF system. Irrespective of the classification system, the multilevel and spatial analysis derived similar interpretations. These results support the need for national preventive interventions with targeting strategies to reduce overweight and obesity in school-age children.

Influence of Body Dissatisfaction on the Self-Esteem of Brazilian Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The present study investigated the influence of body dissatisfaction (BD) on the self-esteem of Brazilian adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1011 students at public and private schools in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. The body shape questionnaire and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale were applied. Chi-square test, Student’s t-test, Pearson’s correlation, the odds ratio and binary logistic regression were used. Results: The rate of low self-esteem was 33.8% in the adolescents; 27.8% of the adolescents presented some degree of BD, with severe BD in 5.8%. A significant low negative correlation was found between self-esteem and BD in all the adolescents. In the Odds Ratio analysis, it was observed that the odds of having low self-esteem increased in adolescents with BD as compared to adolescents without BD, being 3.85 times higher in females (CI 95%, 2.12–6.99), 2.83 times higher in males (CI 95%, 1.22–6.58), 5.79 times higher in adolescents attending public schools (CI 95% 2.06–16.26), and 2.96 times higher in adolescents attending private schools (CI 95%, 1.79–4.88). Conclusions: Low self-esteem affected one-third of the adolescents, both male and female. BD and education in public schools are predictor variables of low self-esteem in adolescents.

Nutritional status of school age children in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

BackgroundMalnutrition is a major public health problem with short and long-term adverse effects on children particularly in middle and low-income countries. Three out of every ten under-five children are said to be stunted and 19.4% underweight in Nigeria. In Ebonyi State, between 2013 and 2015, the proportion of preschool children with chronic undernutrition rose from 16.2 to 20.6%. Little is documented about the nutritional status of school-age children in Ebonyi State and Nigeria.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 780 children aged 6 to 12 years from 10 primary schools in Abakaliki metropolis. A multistage sampling method was used to select the participants. A pre-tested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the children and their parents. Body Mass Index (BMI), Z scores of the weight for age, BMI for age and height for age were obtained using the WHO AnthroPlus software. We estimated the prevalence of undernutrition, over-nutrition, underweight, thinness, stunting, overweight and obesity.ResultOut of 751 pupils that participated, 397 (52.9%) were females and 595 (79.2%) were in public schools. The overall prevalence of undernutrition was 15.7% and that of over-nutrition was 2.1%. The prevalence of underweight, thinness and stunting, overweight and obesity were 8, 7.2, 9.9, 1.4 and 0.7% respectively. The proportion of pupils who were thin was higher among males (8.7%), those attending public schools (8.6%) and those dwelling in rural parts of the metropolis (14.3%) compared to females (5.8%) private school attendees (1.9%) and urban dwellers (4.6%). Stunting was found to be higher among pupils attending public schools (11.8%) compared to those attending private schools (2.5%). The prevalence of stunting was 19.3% among the pupils residing in rural areas and 5% among the pupils living in urban areas of the metropolis. No pupil in private schools was underweight. Over-nutrition was not found among the pupils in rural areas.ConclusionBoth under and over nutrition exist in Abakaliki metropolis. Undernutrition is the more prevalent form of malnutrition among school age children in the metropolis.

A implementação da lei de cotas 13.409/2016 para as pessoas com deficiência na universidade

The study resulted from the investigation of students with disabilities in 2019 who made the option of enrollment through quotas via SISU. The research problem was: what are the limits and challenges for implementing the Law n. 13.409/2016 in federal public universities? Objectives: to discuss the limits that the quota law has been facing to ensure the inclusion of students with disabilities; know the challenges facing higher education in promoting inclusion; debate at the university the quota law for students with disabilities. The investigation was qualitative, anchored in the assumptions of discourse analysis. Results: there are doubts of students with disabilities about who are the beneficiaries of the Law, since it was implemented in 2018. Considerations: need to disclose the law to the managers of universities, states, municipalities, school principals and students with disabilities in high school, considering that the law does not include students who attended private schools.

Prescription stimulant use among young adult college students: Who uses, why, and what are the consequences?

Objective To examine prescription stimulant use among college students, particularly use with versus without prescriptions or attention deficit hyperactive disorder (attention-deficit/hyperactivitydisorder (ADHD)) diagnoses. Participants: Data were drawn from a diverse sample of college students from seven colleges/universities in Georgia participating. Methods: Measures assessed ADHD-specific factors, prescription stimulant use, access, motives, side effects, and covariates. Results: Of the 219 students reporting prescription stimulant use (average age 20.72 years, 54.8% female, 82.1% White), 45.7% did not have prescriptions or ADHD diagnoses. Correlates of use without prescriptions/diagnoses included lower parental education, attending private school, not having depression- or anxiety-related diagnoses, and past 30-day marijuana and tobacco use. Those without prescriptions/diagnoses were more likely to use to stay awake longer, to have more enjoyable time, and to party longer; they also reported fewer adverse side effects. Conclusions: Campuses should educate students about ADHD, facilitate screening and treatment, and emphasize adverse consequences of recreational use.

Depression and Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Pubertal Girls

Treating depression can be a financial burden on the health care system and time consuming; finding an alternative that may prevent or decrease the occurrence of depression may be better for adolescents. This study intended to estimate the prevalence of depression among pubertal school adolescent girls and to determine the difference between physically active pubertal girls and sedentary ones regarding the presence of depressive symptoms. It is a cross sectional study, done in 10^th of Ramadan city, on 365 adolescent pubertal girls in 7-12 grades. The Short Moods and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) was used to evaluate depressive symptoms and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise questionnaire for the assessment of self-reported leisure-time physical activity. This study revealed that the prevalence of depression in adolescent girls was (47.4%). Depression is significantly present among insufficiently active students (53.8%) with (COR 3.9, 95% CI 2.4-6.5) with (P<0.001). The percent of active students are significantly higher among those attending private schools (44.4%) (COR 3.7, 95% CI 2.1-6.8) versus (27.4%-28.2%) (COR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8-2.0 and 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.5) respectively in language governmental and in governmental schools with (P value<0.001). There is significant negative correlation between depression and leisure-time physical activity (r=-0.49, P<0.001). It was concluded that depression is inversely related to physical activity, so it’s a must to encourage all adolescents to be engaged in regular bases physical activity to avoid psychiatric troubles as depression that may occur in this age with hormonal changes of puberty.

Disparities in Caries Experience and Socio-Behavioural Risk Indicators Among Private School Children in Lagos, Nigeria

Objective: To determine the prevalence and socio-behavioural risk factors for dental caries among children at selected LGAs in Lagos State. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive study of 592 school children in four Local Government Areas of Lagos, Nigeria. The presence of caries was recorded using the World Health Organization criteria. Descriptive statistics were reported for analysis of comparative DMFT and SiC scores in relation to age, gender, and other socio-demographic variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the differential impact of the variables on the probability of being in the high caries prevalence group . Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 16.0% with mean dmft for age 6 being 1.3 ± 1.57 while the mean DMFT for age 12 was 0.15 ± 0.67. The mean Sic for age 6 was 1.5 ± 0.53 while the mean SiC for age 12 was 1.09 ± 0.29. The mean SiC values was significantly higher in the primary and permanent dentition among those who had never visited the dentist, female students, those who don’t use fluoridated toothpaste and those who eat sweets and candy several times a day. After logistic regression analysis, those with no previous dental visit (OR=3.05; CI: 1.72-4.67) and females (OR=1.55; CI: 1.16-1.62) still had significantly higher SiC Values . Conclusion: The prevalence of caries was low in the study population. Being female, non-use of fluoride-containing toothpaste and not visiting the dentist were significant predictors of dental caries among children attending private schools.

Trend in childhood obesity reflects socioeconomic status in Argentina

Background: Surveillance of childhood obesity is essential to guide preventive policies and interventions.Aim: To analyse trends in overweight and obesity by socioeconomic status (SES) in Argentinian schoolchildren during the last decade.Subjects and methods: Two cross-sectional studies in schoolchildren aged 6–12 years were compared. The first study was conducted in 2005/07 (n = 1418) and the second one in 2015/16 (n = 1366). Overweight and obesity were estimated by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-offs. The type of school (public/private) and parental education level were used as measures of SES. Data were analysed by linear and logistic regression with survey year, type of school, parental education level, and sex as independent variables.Results: From 2005 to 2016 overweight and obesity increased by 7.3% and 5.0%, respectively. The change was significantly higher in boys (9.6% and 8.3%) and girls (9.6% and 5.4%) from public schools, and in children whose fathers had low (10% and 8.3%) and middle (9.0% and 5.5%) education levels. No significant changes were found in children attending private school or those whose fathers had a higher education level.Conclusions: Obesity is still increasing in this population. SES disparities are strongly associated with this trend, with stabilisation in children from high SES.

The difficulties of judging what difference the Pupil Premium has made to school intakes and outcomes in England

ABSTRACT Pupil Premium funding has been provided to schools in England since 2011, to help overcome socio-economic segregation between schools, and reduce the poverty attainment gap. Yet there is little evidence such an approach is effective. Some important stakeholders are considering whether Pupil Premium should stop or be re-routed. It is therefore essential to know whether the policy has helped in the eight years since its inception. Evaluating the impact of such a funding policy is fraught with difficulties because of changes over time in the economy, legal definitions, prevalence of disadvantage, and metrics used. Previous research has generally ignored these, and the role of length and depth of disadvantage. Hence, previous estimates of the attainment gap are insecure. This paper introduces a new analysis, based on the National Pupil Database that considers changes in the prevalence of FSM-eligibility, private school attendance, GDP and the duration of individual poverty. Net of such factors, the results show that segregation has declined unexpectedly since 2011, suggesting that the Pupil Premium may be working. The policy should continue, while research looks at the long-term impact on the poverty gap. Meanwhile, the funding could be re-calibrated to be fairer to areas with longer-term disadvantage.

Constrained school choice in Egypt

This paper examines patterns of school choice in Egypt from primary through higher education. We use a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data with qualitative in-depth interviews to explore schooling decisions. We find that attendance of private education institutions has increased over time but only at the university level. Azhari (Islamic religious) school attendance at the pre-university level has increased over time. Multivariate models show that girls are more likely than boys to attend public schools. Students from higher socio-economic status households are the most likely to attend private schools, while Azhari schools are attended by students of diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Yet in most geographic areas school “choice” at the pre-university level is effectively limited to public schools. When choices are available, qualitative data indicate that families still tend to prefer public schools due to their low cost, although private and religious schools are generally perceived to be of higher quality.

Psychometric properties of BREALD-30 for assessing adolescents' oral health literacy.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (BREALD-30) administered to adolescents.METHODS The study included 750 adolescents: 375 aged 12 years and 375 aged 15–19 years, attending public and private schools in Campina Grande, state of Paraíba, Brazil, in 2017. Reliability was measured based on internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Convergent validity was measured based on correlations between BREALD-30 and Functional Literacy Indicator scores. Divergent validity was measured by comparing BREALD-30 scores with sociodemographic variables. For predictive validity, the association between BREALD-30 scores and the presence of cavitated carious lesions was tested using a multiple logistic regression model. All statistical tests were performed with a significance level of 5%.RESULTS BREALD-30 showed good internal consistency for the 12 year olds and 15 to19 year olds (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.871 and 0.834, respectively) and good test-retest reliability [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.898 and 0.974; kappa = 0.804 and 0.808, respectively]. Moreover, item-total correlation was satisfactory for all items. BREALD-30 had convergent validity with the Functional Literacy Indicator for 12 year olds (rs = 0.558, p < 0.001) and for 15 to 19 year olds (rs = 0.652, p < 0.001). Participants with higher oral health literacy levels who attended private schools (p < 0.001), belonged to economic classes A and B2 (p < 0.001), and who had parents with higher education levels (p < 0.001) were included, indicating the divergent validity of the BREALD-30. Participants with lower BREALD-30 scores were more likely to have cavitated carious lesions [12 year olds: odds ratio (OR) = 2.37; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.48–3.80; 15 to 19 year olds: OR = 1.96; 95%CI 1.24–3.11].CONCLUSIONS BREALD-30 shows satisfactory psychometric properties for use on Brazilian adolescents and can be applied as a fast, simple, and reliable measure of oral health literacy.

Revisiting the Role of Private Schooling on Children Learning Outcomes: Evidence from Rural India

In the view of increasing preference of private schooling in India, this article assesses its impact on learning outcomes for rural children from 8 to 11 years. Despite earlier attempts to study the issue, this article stands out in two ways. Firstly, it addresses the problems arising because of non-random selection of children attending private schools. Secondly, it also presents an all-India estimate unlike most studies which have dealt largely with few states. Our results show the performance of children attending private school to be significantly better than those from public schools. This difference is evident among ‘low-fee’ private schools as well. However the private schooling premium differ across regions and groups, and there are several other concerns regarding affordability, access and segregation which require further deliberation and debate. JEL: I2, I21, I28

Ellisras Longitudinal Study 2017: the association of fat patterning with blood pressure in Polokwane private school children aged five to 15 years (ELS 22).

Obesity is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases and is a global public health concern. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the association of fat patterning and blood pressure among five- to 15-year-old black children attending private schools in Polokwane, South Africa, and to determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension. A total of 1 665 subjects (846 boys and 819 girls), aged five to 15 years and attending three private schools in Polokwane, were included in the study. All anthropometric measurements were taken according to standard procedures of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. All data were analysed using SPSS. Girls showed a higher prevalence of over-fatness (10.2-12.3%) and hypertension (1.4-33.0%) than boys (7.3-10.3, 3.6-21.3%, respectively). The sum of four skinfolds, trunk skinfolds relative to limb skinfold, and body mass index (BMI) were positively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01). There was a significant positive (p < 0.001) association between over-fatness and hypertension, both unadjusted (OR = 3.11; 95% CI = 2.17-4.46) and adjusted for age and gender (OR = 3.29; 95% CI = 2.22-4.86). These Polokwane private school children with high body fatness were at risk for developing high blood pressure.

Nutritional Status of School Children Attending Private and Public Schools in Anyigba, Kogi State

Under nutrition continues to be a primary cause of ill health among children in developing countries. Adequate nutrition is critical for optimal growth, health and development of children. The objective of the present study was to assess the nutritional status of school age children (6-12 years) attending public and private schools in Anyigba as well as certain pertinent socio economic and demographic factors. Subjects were randomly selected for the study. Consent was obtained from the parent(s) or guardian(s) through the head teachers and principals of the various schools to allow the selected children to participate in the study. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee, Kogi State Ministry of Health. With the aid of a validated semi structured questionnaire, interview was conducted to obtain information on demographic, household characteristics and hygiene practices after obtaining informed consent from the target population. Anthropometric measurements were carried out to ascertain the nutritional status of the subjects. Results on nutritional status of subjects revealed 79.0% underweight, 1.0% obesity, 6.0% overweight and 14.0% normal weight. Community and school based nutrition programs should be established to tackle the problems of malnutrition considering the severity of malnutrition as identified in this study.

Comparison of body mass index among schoolgirls in Catamarca as per anthropometric, self-report and figure rating scale techniques.

To compare mean weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) values as per different measurement techniques and analyze the influence of socioeconomic level and school type. Cross-sectional, descriptive study in a sample of 856 schoolgirls aged 15-18 years attending secondary school in the city of Catamarca. Assessment included weight and height measurement, self-reported weight and height, and Stunkard's Figure Rating Scale. Socioeconomic level was assessed based on the Family Affluence Scale. Student's t tests were used for both independent and paired samples to analyze BMI measurement techniques and school type classification, and a one-way analysis of variance was used for the socioeconomic level. Pearson's correlation and linear regressions were established. Height was overestimated (p < 0.001) when self-reported compared to the anthropometric measurement. In relation to actual BMI, the self-report and body figure perception techniques showed significant differences (p < 0.001). No differences were established in terms of weight and BMI by schoolgirls' socioeconomic level. Girls who attended private schools were taller (p = 0.004); such difference was also observed in self-reported height (p < 0.001). Excess weight was observed in 29.2% of schoolgirls. BMI estimations varied depending on the technique, and actual BMI was underestimated.

Human papillomavirus vaccination among diverse college students in the state of Georgia: who receives recommendation, who initiates and what are the reasons?

Young adulthood is a critical time for catch-up HPV vaccination. We assessed predictors of vaccine recommendation and initiation among college students. We analysed cross-sectional surveys from 2397 students using multivariable logistic regressions. Guided by the Socio-ecological and Health Belief Models, measures included socio-demographic characteristics, intrapersonal measures (e.g. vaccine beliefs), interpersonal measures (e.g. doctor's recommendation) and institutional-level measures (e.g. college settings). The sample included students from private, public, technical and historically black colleges/universities. Of the sample, 64.5% were White; additionally, 48.3% of women (n = 750/1552) and 18.8% of men (n = 159/845) received a doctor's recommendation. Among women, predictors included older age, US-born, higher parental education and attending private schools. Among men, predictors included younger age, being homosexual and attending private schools. HPV vaccine series initiation was low-43.3% of women (n = 672) and 16.7% of men (n = 141). Doctor's recommendation predicted initiation for both sexes. Younger women, women attending technical colleges and men of 'multiple/other' race had lower odds of initiation. Common initiation barriers for both sexes included a lack of doctor recommendation and sexual inactivity. These barriers and the associations between nativity, race and socio-economic status with vaccine recommendation and initiation should be further investigated. Interventions should improve patient-provider communication around HPV vaccine.

Socio-demographic factors associated with overweight and obesity among primary school children in semi-urban areas of mid-western Nigeria.

BackgroundMany developing countries are in a state of nutritional transition from prevalent under-nutrition to the emergent problem of over-nutrition (overweight and obesity), which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and whose complications can persist into adulthood with long-term consequences. However, data are limited on the risk factors for overweight and obesity (O&O) among primary school children, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas in these countries.Aim and objectivesTo determine the socio-demographic factors associated with overweight and obesity among primary school children in semi-urban areas.Subjects and methods1187 school pupils aged 6–11 years recruited from semi-urban areas using multistage sampling were interviewed for risk factors of overweight and obesity using a structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index and this was classified using a standard method. The proportions were compared using Pearson’s chi-squared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was also carried out with overweight and obesity as the dependent variable and socio demographic factors as independent variables. The level of statistical significance was set at p <0.05 in all the statistical analyses.ResultsFifty-eight pupils (4.9%) had overweight and obesity while 1129 (95.1%) were either of normal nutritional status (1088, 91.6%) or were thin/severely thin (41, 3.5%). Among those with overweight and obesity, 41 (3.5%) were overweight and 17 (1.4%) obese. A higher prevalence of overweight and obesity was significantly associated (in unadjusted analysis) with female gender [unadjusted Odds Ratio, OR (95% CI) = 2.42 (1.37, 4.28)], attendance at private schools [OR (95% CI) = 3.34 (1.86, 6.00)], higher socio-economic status families [OR (95% CI) = 2.32 (1.65, 5.80)] and presence of a television in the pupil’s bedrooms [OR (95% CI) = 2.22 (1.02, 4.82)] on bivariate analyses. However, only gender, school type and family socioeconomic status were independently associated with overweight and obesity on multivariate logistic regression analysis.ConclusionWe conclude that overweight and obesity among primary school pupils in semi-urban areas is associated with female gender, attendance at private schools and higher socioeconomic status families. Preventive programmes should accordingly be more directed at children from affluent families; particularly those who are females and those attending private schools.

Abstract P138: Private School Attendance and Later Life Hypertension

Introduction: Black Americans have the highest prevalence of hypertension in the United States (US). Higher educational attainment has been found to have an inverse association with hypertension, yet research examining the association between hypertension and components of education not captured by quantity of education, such as type of school attended, private vs. public, has been limited. The positive relationship between private school attendance and academic achievement, with effects particularly robust among Black Americans, suggests a potential role for private school attendance as a protective factor in hypertension. Hypothesis: Private school attendance compared with public school attendance is hypothesized to be associated with a lower prevalence of hypertension among African American and Afro-Caribbean men and women in the United States. Methods: Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine type of school attended, private vs. public, and its independent association between hypertension among African American (N = 2693) and Afro-Caribbean (N = 1308) men and women, 18 years and older, in the National Survey of American Life (2001-2003). Odds ratios (OR) of the association between type of school attended and adult hypertension were estimated after adjusting for age, socioeconomic factors, health and lifestyle measures within the models. Adult socioeconomic factors included marital status, education, occupation, home ownership and poverty status. Adult health and lifestyle covariates included obesity, diabetes, smoking, alcohol use and physical activity. Results: Private school attendance was a risk factor for hypertension among African American men; age-adjusted OR = 2.11; 95%CI: (1.07, 4.15). Conversely, private school attendance was a protective factor for Afro-Caribbean men; age-adjusted OR = 0.34; 95%CI: (0.13, 0.89). After adjusting for adult socioeconomic, health and lifestyle factors, the two-fold higher odds of hypertension compared to those who attended public schools remained among African American men who attended private schools; adjusted OR = 2.11; 95%CI: (0.97, 4.60). After covariate adjustment, private school attendance remained a statistically significant protective factor for Afro-Caribbean men; those who attended private schools had 68% decreased odds of hypertension compared to those men who attended public schools, adjusted OR = 0.32; 95%CI: (0.11, 0.94). No association between hypertension and school-type was found for either African American or Afro-Caribbean women. Conclusions: These findings suggest that type of school attended is another dimension of education relevant for the cardiovascular health of African American and Afro-Caribbean men. Additionally, it exerts a differential effect on hypertension by ethnicity.

Proliferation of Multi-Cultures Through Globalization: Is It Promoting the Indigenous Culture or Global Culture?

The purpose of the study was to highlight the impact of multicultural proliferation through globalization on the adolescents of Lahore, Pakistan. A way to measure part of the impact is to have an understanding of how they have internalized foreign holidays and/or festivals which belong to other cultures. The data were collected from 200 male and female participants, of ages 13 to 19 years. The sample was subdivided into two groups of 100 participants each based on their parents&amp;rsquo; income level and the type of their institution (public or private). The medium of instruction in the private institutions of Lahore is English. English is, clearly, the language of globalization. In this regard, the hypothesis is that those students who study in private schools are more affected than those who study in public schools and whose medium of instruction is Urdu. A survey design was used to collect data regarding their perceptions about foreign cultural and religious festivals such as &amp;ldquo;Christmas&amp;rdquo;, &amp;ldquo;Holi&amp;rdquo;, &amp;ldquo;Valentine&amp;rsquo;s Day&amp;rdquo;, etc. Hamelink&amp;rsquo;s Cultural synchronization theory provided the theoretical lens to the study. The analysis procedure was based on content analysis. The findings reveal a vivid difference between the perceptions of both groups. The adolescents who belong to the lower socio-economic status (who attend public schools) do not favour the celebration of foreign festivals. However, a tendency towards celebrating &amp;ldquo;Black Friday&amp;rdquo;, &amp;ldquo;Valentine&amp;rsquo;s Day&amp;rdquo; and &amp;ldquo;Basant&amp;rdquo; has been noticed. On the other hand, the adolescents of higher socio-economic background (who attend private schools) look forward to celebrating these festivals and perceive their celebration does not harm their cultural values. Even if this effect is partially due to globalization, the speedy influence on one stratum of the young generation of Pakistan may lead to a rapid assimilation to the global culture in the forthcoming times and also an opposition to the other strata. The study suggests a national media campaign as well as an institutional policy with an emphasis on indigenous cultural, social and religious values. There is a need to be more tolerant towards &amp;ldquo;others&amp;rdquo;, and know how to co-exist but at the same time be able to retain the elements of the home culture of Pakistan, rather than adopting foreign practices.

Childhood Obesity and Its Associated Factors among School Children in Udupi, Karnataka, India.

BackgroundChildhood obesity has become a serious public health problem in many low-and-middle income countries. This study aims to determine the prevalence and assess the factors associated with obesity among school children.MethodsA cross-sectional school-based study was conducted among the 1185 secondary school students in Udupi, India. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Weight and height were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The z-score was calculated, and BMI was categorized based on its distribution by gender and age according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The BMI categories were reported as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square tests, followed by multiple logistic regressions, were used at 5% level of significance to identify factors associated with overweight and obese children.ResultsThe overall prevalence of overweight and obese children was found to be 10.8% and 6.2%, respectively. Both ‘overweight’ and ‘obese’ were found more frequently among males (11.0% and 7.1%, respectively) than females (10.6% and 5.4%, respectively). Attending private schools, (AOR: 2.87, CI: 1.55–5.31), identifying as Muslim (AOR: 2.26, CI: 1.39–3.67), and having a father with a business occupation (AOR: 2.43, CI: 1.05–5.62) were found to be significantly associated with overweight/obese status.ConclusionWe found a high prevalence of overweight and obese children in our study. Since obesity in adulthood has its onset in childhood, it is important to have effective implementation of school health activities to reduce and curb the burden of childhood obesity.