Children In Different Regions Research Articles

A Study on“Physical and Mental Anxiety”,And “Parent-child Interaction” in Primary School during the “Suspension without Suspension” Period———Taking Changzhou City as An Example

This study explores the physical and psychological anxiety degree of primary school parents and the interactions between parents and their children in different regions and grades of the same city during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire method was used and convenient sampling method was adopted to investigate the primary school parents in Changzhou city, Jiangsu Province. 2756 questionnaires were issued, and 2501 valid samples were recovered for analysis and research. The results of this study shows that there were significant differences in “physical and mental anxiety” and “parent-child interaction” in primary school in different regions during the period of “school suspension”. Grade level has positive influence on “somatization” and “parent-child interaction” of primary school parents. The findings are as follows: 1. The location of the school has an impact on the “physical anxiety” of primary school parents; 2. The location of the school has an impact on the “psychological anxiety” of primary school parents; 3. Grade level has influence on “physical anxiety” of primary school parents; 4. Grade level has influence on “psychological anxiety” of primary school parents; 5. School location has influence on “parent-child interaction” of primary school parents and children; 6. Grade level has influence on parent-child interaction between primary school parents and children. The recommendations of the study are as follows: 1. Strengthen home-school cooperation during the epidemic; 2. Changes in the concept of family education are needed.

Childhood Health and Growth Trends: A Cross-Sectional Study of School Children

Childhood is a pivotal phase of human development, entails rapid growth and evolving health requirements. This cross-sectional study examines the age and sex distribution of school children across five coastal localities. To address the unique health and well-being challenges faced by school children in different regions, this cross-sectional study explores the age and sex distribution of school children across five distinct localities: Koilpathu, Karaikalmedu, Nallathur, Varichikudy, and Kottucherry. It offers a comprehensive examination of school children, encompassing demographic profiles, anthropometric measurements, and a wide array of health-related data. Our analysis revealed shifting gender proportions across age groups, with females dominating in the younger years but males surpassing females as children grow older. Particularly intriguing were the 12-year age group's scarcity of females (0.3%) and the 13-year age group's exclusive female composition (6.07%). Regarding body mass index (BMI), boys generally exhibited values near reference standards in their early years, while girls displayed lower BMI values than the reference during pre-adolescence, signaling potential nutritional concerns. Malnutrition was less prevalent in younger age groups, but overweight and obesity became more common as children aged. Gender-specific health disparities were also evident, with females more susceptible to anemia, while males had a higher prevalence of color blindness and dental health issues. These findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to address age and gender-specific health challenges among coastal school children.

Community Norms and Lexical Frequency Shape U.S. Bilingual Children’s Subject Pronoun Expression

Abstract This study explores variable Spanish subject pronoun expression (e.g., yo veo ~ veo) in Spanish-English speaking children in different regions of the United States (U.S.): Los Angeles (LA), California, and the Tri-Cities area of the state of Washington. We also compare the U.S. children to monolingual Spanish-speaking children in Mexico. Binary logistic regression analyses of 2,064 verb tokens produced by nine U.S. children and nine children in Mexico, ages 5;11 to 7 years old, show that the children are sensitive to linguistic factors that typically influence children’s Spanish subject pronoun expression in their respective communities. In addition, we find that the LA children’s subject pronoun expression is predicted by lexical frequency. A subsequent analysis of the LA children’s frequent verbs uncovers two phrases with high degrees of prefabrication, yo creo and yo no sé, which, we argue, obscure the LA children’s sensitivity to Reference, all while acting as central exemplars of a [1sg+cognitive verb] construction.

Broad application prospects of bone turnover markers in pediatrics.

BackgroundBone turnover markers (BTMs) have been studied for application in clinical medicine. However, BTMs in children are challenging, and few studies explore these BTMs in children. The application of BTMs is complicated mainly due to pre‐analytical factors, variable reference intervals of age‐ and sex‐related BTMs for adolescents and children in different regions and laboratories. Therefore, laboratory testing of BTMs is critical for understanding pediatric bone development and metabolism, which provides additional information about bone development and diseases.MethodsLiterature search was conducted using the MeSH term “child” combined with the terms that bone turnover markers such as “osteocalcin,” “Procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide,” “procollagen type I C‐terminal propeptide,” “osteocalcin,” “N‐terminal cross‐linked telopeptide,” and “C‐terminal cross‐linked telopeptide,” Several databases including Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed were searched to obtain the relevant studies.ResultsBTMs represent the combined effects of skeletal development, growth, and remodeling in children, which can be used in clinical pediatrics to assist in the diagnosis and prognosis of bone metabolic disorders.ConclusionBTMs are clearly helpful for diagnosis and monitoring of bone growth and development as well as bone metabolic disorders.

National Nutrition and Health Systematic Survey for Children 0–17 Years of Age in China

The main purpose of the National Nutrition and Health Systematic Survey for children 0-17 years of age in China (CNHSC) was to collect basic data on the nutrition, development, and health status for children in different regions across China using evidence-based, reliable, and cost-effective approaches. Children and their parents or guardians from seven regions (south, southwest, north, northwest, eastern, central, and northeast China) in China were recruited. A multi-stage stratified randomized sampling method was used. Two provinces were randomly sampled from each of the seven regions, from which one urban district and one rural country were also randomly sampled, resulting in a total of 28 survey counties/districts. Dietary surveys, health examinations, laboratory testing, and questionnaires were used to collect dietary intake, nutritional status, child development, and health status information. Nutrition, health, and lifestyle assessment of children and their parents was determined using the Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP) survey. Greater than 100,000 children (38,000 children < 6 years of age and 66,000 children 6-17 years of age) completed the survey. The survey provided comprehensive data on child nutrition and health status for future studies and will serve as the basis for an integrated nutrition and health improvement strategies proposal for children in China.

Underestimation of energy intake in overweight siberian adolescents

Abstract Background According to some epidemiological studies, in the Russian Federation the prevalence of overweight in children in different regions of Russia is from 5.5 to 11.8%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutrition of Siberian adolescents with different weight status. Methods A cross-sectional population survey (2019) was conducted on a random representative sample of schoolchildren aged 14-18 years of both sexes, 612 people were examined: 249 boys (40.9%), 360 girls (59.1%). To assess levels of overweight and obesity IOTF cut offs were used. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) was calculated using formulas proposed by FAO/WHO/ONU. For evaluation of misreporting of energy intake the equations, proposed by Goldberg G.R. et al were applied to derive cut-offs. Reported Energy Intake should be calculated as average value based on EI estimated for each of non-consecutive days applying 24-h dietary recall. Under-reporters energy intake estimate if EI/BMR &amp;lt; 0,97 for boys and &amp;lt;0,95 for girls. Results The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Novosibirsk was 22.1% in boys and 14.4% in girls. Quotas of fat energy in general, saturated fatty acids, easily digestible sugars exceed recommended levels in all weight status groups. The fiber content was below the recommended level by more than 2 times. Above 80% of overweight adolescents underestimate energy intake. Percent of under-reporting of energy intake in boys was 45,8% in underweight group; 48,6% in normal weight group; 80,6% in overweight group. In girls - 26,8%, 54,1% and 85,1%, respectively. Conclusions Overweight adolescents exceeded the energy of fat, saturated fatty acids, added sugar, protein in the total energy intake. A low intake of total carbohydrates, vegetable protein, and dietary fiber was noted. Supported by grant No. 19-013-00800 of RFBR. Key messages Above 80% of overweight adolescents underestimate energy intake. The results presented that nutritional corrections requires both adolescents with overweight and obesity, as well as with normal weight.

A proteção de crianças migrantes e refugiadas: desafios contemporâneos

O presente artigo versa sobre as crianças refugiadas, voltando-se para as concepções de infância e os mecanismos de proteção internacional e interamericano. Apresenta-se uma breve contextualização da origem dos direitos humanos e da condição de pessoa refugiada, com especial destaque às crianças. O estudo tem como marco a Doutrina da Proteção Integral e aplicabilidade do Direito da Criança e do Adolescente como afirmação do Direito Internacional dos Direitos Humanos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de cunho qualitativo, amparando-se nas técnicas de análise documental e bibliográfica. A escolha por fotografias possibilitou a ampliação do olhar para a compreensão das possíveis condições de infância vividas pelas crianças refugiadas e migrantes em diferentes regiões do mundo. Verificou-se nesse trabalho que a infância não é uma experiência única, mas que há diferenças e semelhanças entre cada uma delas em relação ao seu contexto sócio-histórico-cultural.

Intelligent Simulation of Children's Psychological Path Selection Based on Chaotic Neural Network Algorithm.

In recent years, there are many problems in the study of intelligent simulation of children's psychological path selection, among which the main problem is to ignore the factors of children's psychological path selection. Based on this, this paper studies the application of chaotic neural network algorithm in children's mental path selection. First, an intelligent simulation model for children's mental path selection based on chaotic neural network algorithm is established; second, it will combine the network based on different types of visual analysis strategies. The model is used to analyze the influencing factors of children in different regions in the choice of psychological paths. Finally, experiments are designed to verify the actual application effect of the simulation model. The results show that compared with the current mainstream intelligent simulation methods with iterative loop algorithms as the core, it adopts the intelligent simulation model based on the chaotic neural network algorithm has a good classification effect. It can effectively select the optimal psychological path according to the differences in children's personality and can adaptively classify children in different regions, and the experimental results are accurate. Compared with the traditional method, it is improved by at least 37%.

Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections and associated risk factors among elderly individuals living in rural areas of southern Thailand

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection is a neglected tropical disease affecting approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide. In past decades, most studies focused on STH infection in preschool-aged and school-aged children in different regions of Thailand. However, little is known about the prevalence and intensity of STH infection in the elderly population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the current prevalence and intensity of STH infections and to identify associated risk factors among the elderly population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2019 to assess the prevalence of STH infections and associated risk factors among elderly populations living in five subdistricts of Thasala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. A total of 439 elderly individuals were selected using a random sampling technique. Each fresh stool sample was examined using the formalin ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT), Kato-Katz thick smears and agar plate culture (APC). A structured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information regarding associated risk factors for STH infection.ResultsThe overall prevalence of STH infection was 15.7%. Hookworms (10.9%, 48/439) were the most prevalent STH species, followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (3.4%, 15/439) and Trichuris trichiura (2.1%, 9/439). Most elderly individuals infected with hookworms or T. trichiura had light-intensity infections. A higher prevalence of STH infection was observed among individuals aged older than 80 years (23.4%) than among those aged between 70 and 79 years (15.2%) and 60–69 years (14.5%). Males were 1.85-times more likely to present with STH infections than females. Not washing vegetables before eating increased the risk of STH infection by 3.19 times, while defecation in an open field increased the risk of STH infection by 2.65 times.ConclusionsThe findings suggested that STH infection is prevalent, and that hookworms are the most common STH species among elderly populations in southern Thailand. Personal hygiene and deworming programs should be implemented among the elderly population to reduce the risk and prevent the spread of STH infections.

Multi-sectoral response to child maltreatment in Switzerland for different age groups: Varying rates of reported incidents and gaps in identification

BackgroundAs many countries lack (multi-sectoral) data on the epidemiology of agency responses to child maltreatment, they do not know if children in different regions of the country have equal chances to receive help and protection. The Optimus Study, the first nationally representative Swiss study on multi-sectoral responses to child maltreatment, examines gaps in identifying children in need and reveals opportunities for improved support and protection. MethodsA stratified sample of 351 agencies (participation rate 81 %) in the social and health sector, public child protection, and the penal sector provided data on new cases between September 1 and November 30, 2016. The resulting study data on 7651 cases included information on the maltreatment incident, specifics of the report/referral, and child characteristics. The weighting procedure to produce national estimates was based on inverse sampling probabilities and inverse response rates. ResultsIn the 3-month period, an estimated 10,335 cases were referred/reported to agencies in multiple sectors of the child protection system in Switzerland. This corresponded to 66 cases per 10,000 children. Rates were highest for adolescents (aged 13+), with 69 cases per 10,000 children. Lower rates for school-aged children coincided with a relatively low percentage of reports/referrals from the schools (8 %). Regional variance was extensive, with rates more than quadrupling from a low of 26 cases to a high of 107 cases per 10,000 children. Types of child maltreatment handled by agencies in the different sectors varied. Gender distribution was lopsided for sexual abuse, with many more girls experiencing incidents of sexual abuse, and unequal for incidents of neglect and psychological maltreatment. ConclusionsThere are gaps in the identification of maltreated preschoolers. Promoting health checkups for this age group is a potential solution. However, school-aged children up to age 11 are underreported as well, as the schools contribute only marginally to child maltreatment reporting. The findings of the study are being used to initiate the implementation of continuous and multi-sectoral child maltreatment surveillance in Switzerland.

The Psychomotor and Cognitive Competencies of Filipino Children Ages 1-4: A Multiple Case Study

This multiple case study explored on the psychomotor and cognitive competencies of four Filipino children, ages one to four who came from different demographic background. This also determined other prominent psychomotor and cognitive competencies of these children not indicated in the NELC development standards (ECCD Council, 2015) and described relevant issues and concerns that impact their psychomotor and cognitive development using a researcher-developed early childhood development checklist and an interview guide for the children’s parents/guardians. The study was able to describe the psychomotor and cognitive competencies of four Filipino children based on the NELC development standards. There were specific psychomotor and cognitive competencies that were identified but not defined in the NELC standards, but they were recognized distinct to a child’s social context. Relevant environmental stimulations, especially, from primary caregivers were recognized as important determinants of children’s psychomotor and cognitive development. Furthermore, findings of the study conform to principles on child development and learning – that development proceeds at varying rates for each child and reflects children’s experiences and their environment. This implies that when planning programs and early learning experiences for children, individual and age appropriateness should be considered, and the child is understood as part of his/her environment. Further researches may explore other domains of development and other socio-cultural perspectives of development utilizing quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, which could involve bigger groups of children in different regions of the Philippines.

Comparison of nutrition education policies and programs for children in China and other selected developed countries

A double burden of overweight/obesity and malnutrition during childhood is a major concern in China. Dietary intakes in this critical period affect children's physical and cognitive development, and also have health consequences in later life. Therefore, establishing healthy eating habits that will endure is crucial for children. Nutrition education is an effective way in improving nutrition knowledge and attitudes, and healthy eating behaviors. Diverse forms of nutrition improvement programs that targeting children, family, teachers, and school settings have been conducted in many developed countries. However, due to the differences of genetic background, household environment as well as dietary patterns between Chinese children and children from other countries, the existing nutrition education programs for children abroad might not be appropriate for children in China. Thus, nutrition education programs that consider Chinese nutrition-related policies and food supply as well as the local educational resources are required for Chinese children. This review summarized nutrition-related policies and legislations in China and developed countries. A series of evidence-based nutrition education programs that combined educational strategies and environmental supports conducted in the Southwest China Childhood Nutrition and Growth Study were presented. These programs can serve as example models for adopting nutrition interventions to improve nutrition and health status of children in different regions of China.

Inhalation therapy for bronchial asthma in the conditions of paediatric section

The prevalence of bronchial asthma among children in different regions of Russia ranges from 10.9–9.6‰ to 50–55‰. The frequency of bronchial asthma among lyceum students is 33.1‰, while in the most overcrowded school it is 45.8‰. Bronchial asthma occurs more frequently in the mild, less frequently in the medium form. Therefore, the main burden on the management of such patients falls on the ambulatory segment. Diagnosed on the basis of respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, strain and bloating of the chest, coughing. Asthmatic attack with bronchial asthma of any degree of severity can be as severe or even asthmatic status, which, along with the prevalence of bronchial asthma, determines the primary importance of ambulatory control of the disease. It is fundamental to suppress local bronchial inflammation and remove bronchospasm. Adequacy and systematic treatment is essential for the outcome of bronchial asthma in children. Timely anti-inflammatory treatment can lead to remission. Inhalation techniques of anti-inflammatory drugs and bronchodilators are the most optimal. The possibility of application of beclometasone (inhalation glucocorticosteroid), a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol, ipratropium bromide of Russian manufacture, which efficiency is proved in practical work and economically justified, is considered. IGCS, acting locally, have a pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, suppressing both acute and chronic inflammation. Clinical examples of children with atopic dermatitis and the revealed diagnosis of bronchial asthma, with an optimum choice of treatment are given. It is proved that application of modern inhalation drugs in complex treatment leads to bronchial asthma remission.

Sonographic renal length and volume of normal Thai children versus their Chinese and Western counterparts.

Background Renal size is an important indicator in the diagnosis of renal diseases and urinary tract infections in children.Purpose The purpose of this study is twofold. First, it aimed to measure the renal length and calculate the renal volume of normal Thai children using 2-dimensional ultrasonography (2D-US) and study their correlations with somatic parameters. Second, it aimed to compare the age-specific renal size of normal Thai children with the published data of their Western and Chinese counterparts.Methods A total of 321 children (150 boys, 171 girls; age, 6–15 years) with a normal renal profile were prospectively recruited. All subjects underwent 2D-US by an experienced pediatric radiologist and the renal length, width, and depth were measured. Renal volume was calculated using the ellipsoid formula as recommended. The data were compared between the left and right kidneys, the sexes, and various somatic parameters. The age-specific renal lengths were compared using a nomogram derived from a Western cohort that is currently referred by many Thailand hospitals, while the renal volumes were compared with the published data of a Chinese cohort.Results No statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was found between sexes or the right and left kidneys. The renal sizes had strong correlations with height, weight, body surface area, and age but not with body mass index. The renal length of the Thai children was moderately correlated (r=0.59) with that of the Western cohort, while the age-specific renal volume was significantly smaller (P<0.05) than that of the Chinese children.Conclusion Therefore, we concluded that the age-specific renal length and volume obtained by 2D-US would vary between children in different regions and may not be suitably used as an international standard for diagnosis, although further studies may be needed to confirm our findings.

Evaluation of dietary quality of Chinese preschool children based on Chinese diet balance index for preschool children

Objective: To establish Chinese diet balance index for preschool children（DBI_C), and evaluate the dietary quality of Chinese preschool children. Methods: DBI_C was established according to the methods establishing DBI_16 and the recommended intake of different kinds of food for preschool children. Three scoring methods [low bound score （LBS), high bound score （HBS), diet quality distance （DQD)] were used to evaluate the dietary quality of preschool children selected from the 2010-2012 China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance. Scores [P50（P25, P75)] were compared to reflect the diet quality of preschool children in different regions. Results: DBI_C scores for cereals of preschool children from big city, middle and small city, normal rural area, and poor rural area were 0.0 （-2.0, 6.0), 0.0 （0.0, 6.0), 4.0 （0.0, 10.0), and 10.0 （2.0, 12.0), respectively （P<0.001), indicating that the intakes of cereals of preschool children were adequate. Scores for animal food of preschool children from four types of location were 0.0 （-2.0, 2.0), 0.0 （-6.0, 2.0), -4.0 （-6.0, 0.0), and -6.0 （-8.0,-2.0), respectively （P<0.001), indicating that the intakes of animal food of rural preschool children were inadequate. Scores for vegetable and fruit, milk and soybean were both less than 0 （P<0.001), indicating that the intakes of these food were insufficient in both urban and rural area. Scores of LBS, HBS and DQD were 24.0 （18.0, 30.0), 8.0 （3.0, 13.0) and 33.0（26.0, 39.0). Children without diet insufficient problem in four type of location accounted for 30.8%, 7.8%, 4.3% and 1.1%, respectively （P<0.001). Children without diet excessive problem accounted for 54.0%, 57.3%, 52.9% and 32.6%, respectively （P<0.001). Children without diet imbalance problem were 10.6%, 1.1%, 1.3% and 0.3%, respectively （P<0.001). Conclusion: Diet quality of urban preschool children is better than that of rural preschool children. Dietary imbalance is the main problem among Chinese preschool children.

Utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets and care-seeking for fever and its associated socio-demographic and geographical factors among under-five children in different regions: evidence from the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey, 2015\u20132016

BackgroundMalaria is one of the top-five contributors to under-5 deaths in Myanmar. Use of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) and receiving early appropriate care in case of fever are the core interventions to prevent malaria and its complications and thereby deaths. This study aimed to assess among the under-five children, (a) utilization of ITNs and its associated factors, (b) care-seeking behaviour among their caregivers and its associated factors and uptake of malaria testing among those with fever in the last 2 weeks.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study using secondary analysis of Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) conducted in 2015–2016. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the factors associated with non-utilization of ITNs and not seeking care for fever. Effect sizes have been presented using odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Data analysis was done using svyset command in STATA to account for the multi-stage sampling design of the survey.ResultsOf 4597 alive under-five children, 80.5% did not sleep under an ITN last night. The factors significantly associated with non-utilization of ITNs were residing in malaria elimination regions (aOR = 2.0, 1.3–3.2), urban residence (aOR = 1.8, 1.2–2.9), staying in delta region (aOR = 8.7, 4.7–12.2), hilly region (aOR = 3.0, 2.0–4.6, and having highest wealth quintile (aOR = 1.8, 1.1–3.0). Around 16% had fever in the last 2 weeks, of whom 66.7% sought care for fever and 3% got tested for malaria. Nearly half (50.9%) of the caregivers sought care from a government health facility, followed by private hospital/doctor (27.8%), shop (8.0%), village health worker (4.4%) and pharmacy (3.1%). The factors associated with not seeking care for fever were residing in specific geographical locations (hilly, delta and central plains compared to coastal region) and having lowest wealth quintile (aOR = 2.3, 1.1–5.7).ConclusionsThis study highlighted that ownership and utilization of ITNs was very poor among under-5children. Care-seeking behaviour of the caregivers of under-5 children in case of fever was dismal with two-thirds not seeking care. The programme should seriously consider addressing these barriers if Myanmar is to achieve zero malaria deaths by 2030.

Prevalence of Refractive Errors Among Primary School Children (6-15 Yrs) In Al-Khartoum- Sudan

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of refractive errors and visual impairment among primary school children in Khartoum city, Sudan. Methods: This is a cross sectional study. Children of the primary schools in Khartoum with age range of 6-15 years were included. School children were first screened at the school premises for refractive error and visual acuity. Children detected with defective vision were further evaluated employing subjective refraction with auto refractometer. Results: The study included 400 pupils. Prevalence of refractive errors was 108 (27%). Astigmatism was the commonest refractive errors encountered 56 (14%). Seven (1.75%) of the participants were visually impaired, with visual acuity less than 6/18 of the right eye. Our study showed that all types of the refractive errors were relatively more common among males than females. Majority of the participants with refractive errors were in the age group 9-11year old. Conclusions: Refractive errors are one of the most common prevalent ocular conditions among school children. Implementation of policies including periodical screening of preschool and school children for refractive errors; integration of child eye healthcare into school health programs and further studies of refractive errors among school children in different regions of Sudan are strongly recommended.

A school-based, multi-faceted health promotion programme to prevent obesity among children: protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial (the DECIDE-Children study)

IntroductionObesity is a public health concern that is becoming increasingly more serious worldwide. Effective and sustainable childhood obesity prevention strategies may help to reduce the prevalence of obesity and may...

Nutrition status and inequality among children in different geographical regions of Maharashtra, India

IntroductionNutritional status is influenced by the complex social, biological, environmental and cultural factors that are highly interrelated. Despite being a demographically and economically developed state, Maharashtra has a high prevalence rate of child malnutrition with alarming figures. There is uneven development in different geographical regions. AimThis paper assesses the extent of nutritional status and inequalities among children in different regions of Maharashtra. Data and MethodsThis study utilizes data from the fourth Round of the National Family Health Survey (2015–16), the large-scale survey on demography and health recently conducted. Simple chi-square test was conducted to test the association and, further binary logistic regression analysis was done by adjusting various socio-economic and demographic characteristics. Additionally, to deal with the inequality aspect, concentration curve, concentration index, and decomposition analysis techniques were used to access and measure the degree of socio-economic inequality in geographical regions of Maharashtra. ResultsThe result shows that household aspect wealth quintile, religion caste/tribe, mother education, child ever born and different regions of Maharashtra were the main factors contributing to poor child malnutrition. Rural area has the highest percentage of underweight (40%) children followed by stunted (38%) and wasted (26%) respectively. Almost half of the children are underweight whose mother has no education, with 45% of stunted and 26% wasted children. Nandurbar district of North-Maharashtra regions has a prevalence of underweight (56.17 per 100) and stunted (47.38 per 100) children while Gadchiroli district of Vidarbha region has highest prevalence of wasted (46.59 per 100) children respectively. DiscussionDue to lack of proper development, poor awareness about keeping up and improving the dietary benefit of nourishment and absence of cleanliness and sanitation as compared with other social groups. ConclusionsThe aim of this paper was to explore the geographical variations in malnutrition in Maharashtra. The present study plentifully uncovers that, as far as child nutrition is concerned, the Scheduled Tribes groups seems to be socially excluded among all the social classes. Economic growth has played a definite role in reducing child nutrition, but it is not primarily responsible for the significant decline. As per the results, we have seen that among rich and poor inequalities exists and were highly significantly different regions of Maharashtra. RecommadationsThe paper calls for state and regions specific strategies which are needed to be designed and executed on a priority basis, keeping in view the keeping in view the idea of disparity or the nature of inequality in childhood malnutrition in the state and its differential characteristics across the regions.

Prevalence, Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Impact of Intestinal Parasitic Infections on School Children in Jeddah, Western Saudi Arabia

Intestinal Parasitic Infections (IPIs) are a major public health problem worldwide, especially among children with a need for periodical evaluation of prevalence and risk factors to adopt an appropriate prevention strategy. This cross-sectional prospective study was conducted to identify prevalence, risk factors, characteristics, and impact of IPIs on school children in different regions of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Children were recruited from randomly selected schools. Questionnaires were distributed to students and filled by their parents to collect relevant information about sociodemographic, environmental, and hygienic living conditions. Stool samples and anthropometric measurements as indicators of nutritional status were collected from students who agreed to participate in the study. Fecal samples were examined by direct smear and formol-ether concentration method. Out of 581 collected stool samples, only 31 (5.3%) samples were positive for IPIs especially Blastocystis hominis (10 samples) and Giardia lamblia (six samples). The only two significant risk factors associated with IPIs were drinking water from tanks [odds ratio (OR): 3.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.60–6.99, p = 0.001] and washing hands with only water (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.17–5.93, p = 0.03). There was no significant impact of IPIs on growth parameters or level of children’s academic performance.