Complete Secondary Education Research Articles

"Children of the Tundra": State Policy and Social Mobility in the North of Yakutia in the 1960s – 1980s.

The purpose of the presented research is to highlight the results of the social policy of the Soviet state in the ethno-cultural development of the indigenous population of the Arctic regions of Yakutia. It is revealed that the new socio-cultural environment that emerged as a result of the industrialization of the Arctic region, as a whole, contributed to the improvement of the general cultural and educational level of the indigenous population and revealed new opportunities for the realization of its aspirations. During this period, conditions began to develop for the formation of the intelligentsia of the northern aboriginal ethnic groups, some representatives of which became prominent figures of culture, science and literature. Their fates are an interesting example of the implementation of the life strategies of the ethnic elite, which subsequently played a major role in the socio-political history of the region. The methodological basis of the article was the historical method of analysis of archival data, periodicals and scientific literature related to the research topic. The use of historical-comparative, historical-systemic and biographical methods made it possible to analyze socio-economic and cultural processes in the Yakut ASSR. The result of the study was the identification of the main factors that contributed to the formation of the intelligentsia of the small peoples of the North in the 1960s and 1980s, which played an important role in their social development. It is noted that the expansion of the education and training network in the republic has allowed for the mass education of young generations of Northerners, and the growth in the number of people with incomplete and completed secondary education has opened up opportunities for professionalization. Access to vocational education against the background of the processes of urbanization of the Arctic territories, their integration into the common cultural and educational space of the country had a decisive influence on the formation of the intelligentsia of the indigenous peoples of the North. For the first time, based on the materials of Yakutia, the assessment of the state policy on the formation of "national cadres" from northern national minorities was undertaken through the prism of real personal biographies.

Improved Latrine Coverage and Associated Factors Among Rural Community in Gicumbi Gistrict, Rwanda

This study aimed at determining improved latrine coverage and associated factors among rural community in Gicumbi district. A cross-sectional study was employed using mixed methods with quantitative and qualitative data collection approaches. The quantitative approach of data collection method was conducted and then qualitative approach followed. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was conducted to collect the qualitative data. The study population consists of household heads or their representatives and key informants from the study area of Gicumbi district. For quantitative the total sample size was 236 households while for qualitative data, a total of three FGDs with eight (8) participants was conducted among twenty four (24) rural community members of Gicumbi district. Raw data from the questionnaire were entered into EPI data and transported into SPSS version 22 for analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to tabulate and describe the data. The strengths of the associations were determined with multiple logistic regressions. The results shows that 69.1% of respondents were male, 30.1% were farmers, 16.9% had formal employment while 57.2% completed secondary education. The prevalence of improved latrine in Gicumbi District was 65.3%. Tertiary education was also 4.3 times more likely to have improved compared to those who did not have formal education (AOR=4.3CI: 95%: 1.027-7.032. P=0.005). Respondents with average monthly income Between 50,000 and 100,000 Rwfs are 2.7 times more likely to have improved latrine (AOR=2.7 CI at 95%:1.009-4.120, P=0.022).

Maternal educational inequalities in child’s birth weight: ONS Longitudinal Study

Abstract Background Studies found that maternal education is the most frequently assessed predictor of child’s birth weight. Lower level of education was consistently found as indicator of lower child’s birthweight. In turn, inequalities in child’s birthweight have been repeatedly shown to be closely related to inequalities in later adult health. The aim of this project is to evaluate the association between the highest achieved level of maternal education and birthweight of single born babies in large English and Welsh population sample, taking into account factors such as child’s gender, parity, maternal age, partnership status, ethnicity, and household socioeconomic characteristics. Methods Using Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study (ONS LS) based on English and Welsh Census data, information from almost quarter of a million children born since 1981 to ONS LS sample mothers were used. Maternal education was categorised in 3 categories (below secondary, completed secondary education, degree and higher), and its association with child’s birth weight was analysed by logistic regression accounting for range of available covariates. Results Significant association between the level of education and birth weight was found in crude analysis (p < 0.001). When adjusted, the magnitude of the association with education gradient declined but remained highly significant and was found to considerably increase over the years. The birth weight difference between those born to mothers with below secondary education and those born to mothers with degree increased by more than 60 grams (p for change <0.001) between 1981 and 2016. Conclusions These findings support previous evidence based on different population samples. According to our results, children of mothers with below secondary education tend to have lower birth weight. Our results suggest that the inequalities in birth weight by the highest education level achieved by mother significantly increased since 1981. Key messages • Lower levels of maternal education predict low birth weight in children. • The differences in birth weight by maternal educational demonstrate increase in inequalities over the years.

A Comparison of High School Graduation Predictors Between Two Ontario Student Cohorts

While a number of factors have already been shown to impact variations in graduation rates among students in Canada, there is little research examining the changing impact of these factors on Ontario students’ secondary education completion over time. This research draws on data from two Grade 9 cohorts (2006 and 2011) from the Toronto District School Board in order to unpack how predictors of high school graduation change over time. In particular, we use multivariate analysis to examine whether predictors (including gender, race, parental education, household income, suspension, academic achievement, special education needs, and Grade 9 absenteeism) are significant by cohort of students and if there are gaps in secondary school success between subgroups. Findings demonstrate that high school completion is increasing over time and that there is a diminishing importance of parental education and neighbourhood household income as a predictor of high school graduation. However, we do find evidence of persistent under-achievement among students of certain racial backgrounds, lower academic streams, and those with high rates of absenteeism. We argue that additional data infrastructure in Ontario and beyond are necessary to identify how our findings generalize to the province as a whole.

Psychiatric and neurodevelopmental diagnoses in adolescence and adulthood over-indebtedness among Finns born in 1987.

Adolescence psychiatric and neurodevelopmental diagnoses are common but their link to adulthood over-indebtedness is unknown. This study aims to determine this relationship and explores the possible mediating role of upper secondary education completion. We analyzed the 1987 Finnish Birth Cohort, which consisted of a complete census of children born in Finland in 1987 and registered in the Medical Birth Register (n = 53743). Records of debt payment defaults, at the age of 33, were used as a measure of over-indebtedness. Adolescent psychiatric and neurodevelopmental diagnoses at ages 13-17 were derived from the national hospital discharge register. Inverse probability treatment weighting was used to investigate the role of pre-exposure variables in this relationship, and the mediating role of upper secondary education completion. Compared to unexposed individuals, those affected by an adolescent psychiatric or neurodevelopmental diagnosis had a 15 percentage points higher prevalence of over-indebtedness in adulthood. This association was more common for males and was additionally notably strong for suicidality and conduct and oppositional disorders. Controlling for measured potential confounding factors, the diagnoses were linked to a 11-percentage point (95% confidence interval 9-12) higher risk of over-indebtedness. Completing at least upper secondary education reduced this effect by some 39%. People with psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in adolescence are at elevated risk of over-indebtedness in adulthood. Recognizing this high risk may help in efforts to prevent further debt problems. Better education may serve as a protective factor against over-indebtedness and perhaps similar other behavioural consequences.

Influence of Girl Child Involvement in Commercial Sex Exploitation on Students’ Completion of Secondary Education in Msambweni Sub County, Kenya

Female students’ completion rate of secondary school education is a concern in developing countries where generally women participation in socio economic development of these nations is wanting. A number of issues have been cited by various scholars as the causes for meager participation of female learners in middle level education. In Africa, mixed results arise from different social, cultural and economic factors influencing the female students’ education. In Kenya, in order to ascertain the effect of various aspects on girl child education, various studies have been carried out. In Msambweni Sub County, commercial carnal abuse of minors is rampant putting the sub county in a wanting status. The different practices of commercial sexual abuse of minors consist of sexual abuse by tourists and child prostitution that have emerged to be on the rise as a result of the trending social beliefs, attitudes and practices. The core intention of this study was to find out girl child’s involvement in commercial sex exploitation and its influence on learner’s completion rate of education at secondary school level in Msambweni Sub County. The research was driven by four objectives which focused on girl child involvement in child sex tourism, early marriages, teenage pregnancies and child prostitution and the influence on students’ completion rate of secondary school learning in Msambweni Sub County. This study employed a descriptive research design targeting all tutors and learners in public mixed and girls’ secondary school learning institutions in Msambweni Sub-County and county quality assurance officer for education Kwale County. The research also used a logical sampling technique to choose the respondents. Data collection was done by use of questionnaires consisting of both closed and open ended questions together with the use document analysis schedule. The results were evaluated using a statistical data analysis software notably Statistical Package for Social Sciences-SPSS. Presentation of results was by use of charts, frequency tables and percentages. Several respondents (72%) concurred with the fact that the different forms of CSEC are evidently rampant in Msambweni Sub County. From the findings of this study it has been established that girl child involvement in commercial sex exploitation of children interrupts, delays or denies them the opportunity to complete secondary education. The researcher recommends that relevant programs be developed and facilitated by both government and non-governmental bodies to create awareness on the long term benefits of completing secondary education over the perceived short term benefits of involvement in CSEC. Key Terms; Commercial sexual exploitation of children, Child sex tourism, Child prostitution, early child marriage, Teenage pregnancy DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/14-20-07 Publication date: October 31 st 2022

EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF STUDENTS OF 5-9 GRADES IN LABOR EDUCATION AS AN OBJECT OF MONITORING IN PEDAGOGICAL THEORY

The article considers the problem of clarifying the essence of monitoring the academic achievements of students in grades 5-9in labor education and analyzing the state of the problem of monitoring implementation at the level of general secondary education. One of the effective ways to solve the identified problems is the introduction of a system to ensure the quality of the process and results of labor training in school, an important component of which is the monitoring of student achievement. One of the types of such monitoring is the monitoring of academic achievements of students in grades 5-9 in labor education, the development of which requires the definition of its specific features, which distinguishes it from other types of monitoring. The concept of «student achievement» is part of the broader concept of «student learning outcomes», which are determined by the requirements of state educational standards. Student achievement is an integral characteristic of the learning process and results, which is due to such factors of social productivity of education as the content of subject learning in school, the level of competence of teachers, innovative learning technologies and their corresponding material and technical base. Based on the fact that the object of monitoring in the study is the academic achievement of students substantiated the essential features of the concept of «monitoring of student achievement», which are necessary for its definition: continuous targeted monitoring of the results and functioning of competence-oriented labor training, as well as the requirements of the market of educational services of secondary, higher and higher vocational education to analyze information, pedagogical forecasting and organizational and pedagogical decisions to ensure compliance with labor training results , established by state standards of basic and complete secondary education.

A Study on Knowledge and Awareness of M-Learning among the Teachers of Higher Education

Higher education is tertiary education leading to award of an academic degree. Higher education, also called post-secondary education, third-level or tertiary education, is an optional final stage of formal learning that occurs after completion of secondary education. It represents levels 6, 7 and 8 of the 2011 version of the International Standard Classification of Education structure. Tertiary education at a non-degree level is sometimes referred to as further education or continuing education as distinct from higher education. Nowadays, m-learning services are interesting and very recent addition as a new vital platform for the higher education environment. This study explored the requirement for utilizing m-learning services in the higher education environment. Moreover, it provided the knowledge base about the current state of students’ awareness about m-learning services. Both of the environment and the infrastructure are appropriate to diffuse m-learning in the higher education environment. The results indicate that the higher education environment has the required infrastructure to utilize m-learning services. Furthermore, the results show that the teachers have adequate knowledge and awareness to use such technology in their education environment. However, the barriers and obstacles that could be faced during the actual use of mobile learning should be considered. Literature shows that while the limitations of mobile technology are reducing over time, the capabilities are going on increasingly. This study shows that the limitations of m-learning for education are well concerned by teachers. However, Mobile wirelesses technology use in higher education will keep growing and will become the choice of the learning environment. This study is part of research to investigate adoption and diffusion of m-learning services among teachers in the higher education environment.

Positive influences of the COVID-19 pandemic on community dwelling adults in Trinidad and Tobago: a cross sectional study

Background Since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic its negative effects have been highlighted globally. There is little literature that examines the positive impact on daily living. Aims To examine the positive influences of government-imposed COVID-19 public health restrictions on adults throughout Trinidad and Tobago (TT) and their associated factors. Method A cross-sectional study, using an adapted pretested online survey instrument, was conducted amongst non-institutionalised, community-dwelling adults using convenience sampling. Results Of 1287 completed and weighted responses, the mean age (S.D.) was 39.2 (14.6) years, 49% were males, and 61% completed secondary level education. The top 5 positive experiences were more time spent with family (80%), more down-time (78%), learning new skills (68%), more time for hobbies (66%), self-care (57%), more time spent with friends (55%) and eating healthier (50%). The importance of religion, working from home, and an increase in marijuana use emerged as positive correlates for certain positive experiences, while participants with chronic illness, and a positive anxiety or depression screen, were negatively associated with most positive experiences. Conclusions Despite the negative consequences of the COVID19 pandemic, several positives were highlighted in this study. These findings have implications for social policies toward building resilience within the community.

Investigating the Influence of Social Support Factors on Retention of Boys in Public Secondary Schools in Marsabit County

Purpose: To investigate the influence of social support factors on retention of boys in public secondary schools in Marsabit county.
 Methodology: The research design used was mixed methodology because there was an application of both quantitative and qualitative methods when collecting data. The study was located in Marsabit County. The target population was 8 secondary schools in Marsabit County that had boys’ students in them. That is both boys’ secondary schools and mixed secondary schools. The respondents were 56 class teachers, 4,559 boys’ students and 48 parents present at Board of Management. Class teachers and parents were selected using simple random sampling method with an application of Krejcie & Morgan table or formular to obtain 48 and 42 class teachers and parents respectively. The sample technique that was used on students was determined using a Kothari statistical method to obtain a sample of 94. Questionnaires and interview guides were answered by students, teachers and parents respectively. The pre-test study was conducted in two public secondary school in Isiolo which were Isiolo boys’ secondary school and Garbatula mixed day secondary school whose respondents comprised of 5 class teachers, 10 students and 4 parents at BOM. Reliability and validity were also measured. The conclusion made was that a lot of boys failed to remain in school since they lacked motivation from the people surrounding them. That is, most of the boys’ peers, teachers and parents did not adequately portray clear need on why they should remain in school. The results were presented using tables and explanation.
 Results: As per the questionnaire, 46(60%) strongly agreed and 17(22%) agreed that parents were so supportive to their completion of secondary school education (Median-5). Additionally, 23(29%) strongly agreed and 39(51%) agreed that the community has always wished students well in academic endeavors and are always present when needed (Median-4). Nevertheless, 53(69%) strongly disagreed and 14(18%) disagreed that the school had provided conducive classes and meals among other resources to the students (Median-2). Additionally, 39(51%) strongly disagreed and 33(42%) agreed that the government had provided reliable and qualified teachers who were committed to see students succeed in secondary education (Median-2).
 The study interviewed teachers and parents of public secondary schools of Marsabit County. The type of support accorded to the boys to remain in school included moral support to shape their manners, financial support to provide schools fees; religious support to check their status with God; and counseling support to offer advice and listening ear to the issues boys underwent through. The ways through which social support was administered included assignments to do at home hence keeping them busy while the parents indicated that they offered them tasks such as cleaning houses, utensils, taking care of the cattle, assisting them in running the businesses and sending them to library to keep them busy. Further, the motivating factors that were put in school which attract students to remain in school included different meals; flexible curriculum hence a choice to choose favorable 8 subjects; school uniform and books; library; entertainment days; school clubs; and cocurricular activities such as drama, soccer, rugby, basketball, tennis and badminton.
 Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: Most secondary school management were struggling in ensuring that students have decent learning classes and eat frequently in school. That notwithstanding, the students did not have teachers who would be committed in ensuring that they instill discipline and ensure that the boys are interest in education matters and school activities in general. The recommendations made on social support is that secondary school principals should liaise with the ministry of education for requests to have as many teachers as possible. This is because, when teachers are present, students will benefit a lot since they would be taught and be more confident towards excelling in the examinations. Additionally, the government should increase budgetary allocation to the ministry of education to be able to fund education in the marginalized regions adequately. The fund would be used to build classes and provide at least a meal per day. The ministry of education officials in Marsabit, should incorporate the idea of building classes using affordable means such as precast panels and fabricated panels. This method would cut cost to manageable limits based on the allocated and available funds.

Cryptococcosis: Identification of Risk Areas in the Brazilian Amazon.

The Brazilian Amazon has a specific epidemiological profile for cryptococcosis, considering its social and economic inequality, health reality, and low access to health services. Furthermore, Brazil and Colombia have the highest cryptococcosis incidence rates in Latin America. In this study, we identified the areas of risk for cryptococcosis in the state of Pará in the Brazilian Amazon. This was an ecological study of patients admitted to a referral hospital from 2008 to 2018, aged 13 years or older, and of both sexes. The spatial distribution was determined using ArcGis 10.3.1 software. Cryptococcosis was confirmed in 272 cases. The incidence rate was 3.41 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Spatial distribution was concentrated in the Metropolitana de Belém, Nordeste Paraense, and Marajó mesoregions. The sociodemographic profile consisted of 62% men, aged between 24 and 34 years (36%), without completed secondary education (64.7%), and with occupations varying between agricultural activities (13.8%) and household activities (22%). The mean hospitalization time was 39 days; the prevalent clinical form was neurological (89.7%). The mortality rate among patients with cryptococcosis was up to 40%. Knowledge of the real magnitude of the disease in the Brazilian Amazon makes it possible to identify areas with the greatest risks and to propose control and epidemiological surveillance programs.

Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of HIV/AIDS patients with neurological complications due to opportunistic infections at the Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue, 2017-2019

Objective: To describe the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of HIV/AIDS patients with neurological complications due to opportunistic infections at the Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue in Lima, Peru (2017-2019). Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted with medical records of patients older than 18 years diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and neurological complications due to opportunistic infections. The study variables were analyzed with descriptive statistics using the IBM SPSS Statistics V25. Results: Forty-five (45) medical records were analyzed: the average age was 34.38 ± 11.19 years, 73.30 % were males, 31.10 % were from the district of Ate, 53.30 % completed secondary education, 24.40 % were unemployed, 67.90 % (n = 19/28) were heterosexual and 17.20 % had tuberculosis as comorbidity. The most common clinical manifestations were headache (21.30 %) and impaired consciousness (19 %). Cerebral tuberculosis and neurotoxoplasmosis were the most frequent neurological complications (30.90 % in both cases). Eighty-three point three zero percent (83.30 %) (n = 25/30) of the study subjects had a viral load > 100,000 copies/ml, 97.40 % (n = 38/39) had a CD4 count < 199 cells/mm3, and 90.50 % (n = 38/42) showed poor adherence to HAART. Conclusions: Neurological complications due to opportunistic infections most frequently affected the age group of 18 to 30 years old, males, unemployed and heterosexuals. The most frequent complications were cerebral tuberculosis and neurotoxoplasmosis. Most of the study subjects had a viral load > 100,000 copies/ml, CD4 count < 199 cells/mm3 and poor adherence to HAART.

Brief Report: Adolescent Girls Who Sell Sex in Zimbabwe: HIV Risk, Behaviours, and Service Engagement.

To reduce HIV incidence among adolescent girls who sell sex (AGSS) in Zimbabwe, we need to better understand how vulnerabilities intersect with HIV infection and how those living with HIV engage in care. In 2017, we conducted social mapping in 4 locations in Zimbabwe and recruited girls aged 16-19 years who sell sex, using respondent-driven sampling or census sampling methods. Participants completed a questionnaire and provided finger prick blood samples for HIV antibody testing. Of 605 AGSS recruited, 74.4% considered themselves sex workers, 24.4% reported experiencing violence in the past year, 91.7% were not in school, and 83.8% had less than a complete secondary education. Prevalence of HIV increased steeply from 2.1% among those aged 16 years to 26.9% among those aged 19 years; overall, 20.2% of AGSS were HIV-positive. In the multivariate analysis, age, education, marital status, and violence from a client were associated with HIV. Among the 605 AGSS, 86.3% had ever tested for HIV, with 64.1% having tested in the past 6 months. Among AGSS living with HIV, half (50.8%) were aware of their status, among whom 83.9% reported taking antiretroviral therapy. The steep rise in HIV prevalence among those aged between 16 and 19 years suggests the window to engage with AGSS before HIV acquisition is short. To accelerate reductions in incidence among AGSS, intensified combination prevention strategies that address structural factors and tailor services to the needs of AGSS are required, particularly ensuring girls enroll and remain in school.

Modification of the program «Young tourists-local historians» as a means of meeting the educational needs of schoolchildren with intellectual disorders

The article considers the problem of modification of the curriculum «Young tourists-local historians» of the tourist-local history direction of out-of-school education of primary level for primary schoolchildren with intellectual disabilities. The aim of the article is to reveal the content of the modification of the program «Young tourists-local historians» as a means of meeting the educational needs of students with intellectual disabilities. Modification is seen as a strategy to simplify the content of the curriculum, teaching and, as a result, the level of knowledge and skills that a child must acquire during learning. The theoretical basis for the modification of the curriculum was the conditions of quality education of children with intellectual disabilities, defined by V. M. Sinyov. Modification of the program was carried out taking into account the modal-specific patterns of physical, intellectual development and the level of socialization of primary school students with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of the training program «Young tourists-local historians» is to promote the development and socialization of children with intellectual disabilities by involving them in tourism, sports and local history activities and the formation of educational, cognitive, life-practical, civic and social; environmental and health competencies. Structural and substantive sections of the modified curriculum are: general propaedeutic; tourist and sports training; local lore; physical culture and safety of life. The content of these sections is studied by children for four years. The content of the program takes into account the requirements of the State standard of basic and complete general secondary education in the fields of «Social Sciences», «Health and Physical Culture», «Natural Sciences». The program contains information that deepens and complements the content of disciplines studied in general secondary education, including special schools, such as: «Science», «Fundamentals of Health», «I am in the world» and correctional and developmental program «Social and household orientation». The presented program was implemented in the activities of the Municipal Institution «Kharkiv Regional Station of Young Tourists» of the Kharkiv Regional Council, Volyn Center for National and Patriotic Education, Tourism and Local History and its effectiveness was proved.

Features of legal regulation of financial autonomy of higher education institutions

The article considers the legal support of financial autonomy of higher education institutions (HEI). The research-orientation of forms, ways and methods of normative consolidation of financial autonomy of the Free Economic Zone in the European Union is carried out. Legal conflicts and positive legislative approaches are studied through the prism of review of relevant acts of lawmaking: the Law of Ukraine “On Education”, the Law of Ukraine “On Higher Education”, the Law of Ukraine “On Complete General Secondary Education”, the Law of Ukraine “On Public Procurement”. The key elements of the financial economy of the Free Economic Zone on transparency and food security are highlighted (Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine № 305 of March 24, 2021 “On approval of norms and procedures for nutrition in educational and children’s health and recreation facilities”.
 At the theoretical level, a review of the concepts of financial and economic, founding and food autonomy of the Free Economic Zone in accordance with modern regulatory criteria.
 The author’s-conceptual view on the settlement of normative differences and the introduction of hypothetical changes in the relevant legislation is given.
 It is established that the legal regulation of the financial autonomy of the Free Economic Zone in Ukraine has signs of complexity, orderliness and systematization. The process is provided by the Law of Ukraine “On Education”, the Law of Ukraine “On Higher Education”, the Law of Ukraine “On Complete General Secondary Education”, the Law of Ukraine “On Public Procurement”, Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers № 305 of 24.03.2021 approval of norms and the Procedure for the organization of nutrition in educational institutions and children’s health and recreation facilities “, in part –– Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers № 215 of 15.04.2015” On approval of the Regulations on the State Treasury Service of Ukraine “.
 At the same time, normative-legal regulation sometimes has signs of illogicality and inconsistency (such as the normative determination of the status of the founder, manager and authorized person when spending funds as an element of ZVO’s own financial autonomy according to Ukrainian legislation).
 At the same time, in our opinion, the selective incorporation of the positions of the European Commission and EU member states on providing a multi-educational environment with the process of information and economic openness should become an important element of normative and legal support of free economic autonomy in Ukraine.

Parental Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Antibiotics Use for Childhood Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Kicukiro District, Rwanda

Parents’ attitudes and expectations towards antibiotics use for children’s Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are among major causes of antibiotics misuse and the latter leads to the antimicrobial resistance. Thus, this study aimed at assessing parents’ knowledge, attitude and practices on antibiotics use for childhood URTIs in Kicukiro District. A cross-sectional study was conducted and a questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample size of 384 parents with under 12 years of age attending selected Health Centers in Kicukiro District. (SPPS) version 21 was used for data analysis; Chi-square test and regression analysis were used to examine the association between variables. The study findings indicated that 88.5% of parents were female, 39.6% aged from 25 to 34 years, 81.8% were married, 42.2% completed secondary education, 50% had 2 to 4 children and 57% of them were in economic class 2. The study revealed that 40.4% of parents had low level of knowledge of antibiotics use towards antibiotics use and 62% of them had poor practices regarding antibiotics use for childhood URTIs. Parents with increased level of education, higher economic position, with high knowledge and positive attitude use were more likely to have good practices towards antibiotics use than their corresponding counterparts. In conclusion, parents from Kicukiro District had poor knowledge and poor practices regarding antibiotics use for children’s URTIs. Hence, the study recommended that educational interventions for parents are needed to reduce antibiotics misuse by raising awareness on indications of antibiotics, their side effects and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

TEACHING SCHOOLCHILDREN TO BE TOLERANT: THE EXPERIENCE IN UKRAINE

The experience of implementing the ideas of tolerance in schools of Ukraine from the end of the XX century to date is presented. In the study, tolerance stands as an integral part of the State standard of basic and complete general secondary education and the result of students mastering training courses on human rights and civic education. A review of school practice suggests that the introduction of tolerance began with the processes of democratization and humanization of education in the late twentieth century and was done purposefully and systematically through the organization of the educational process on the basis of mutual respect, harmony and democracy, and the introduction of separate courses. The authors conduct a retrospective review of the training courses introduced in the schools of Ukraine, highlighting the topics, forms, methods of tolerance formation, as well as various aspects of the implementation of the principles of tolerance. Research attention is focused on the effectiveness of the competence approach in education as a key in the process of forming student tolerance and partnership pedagogy as a necessary condition for learning in a modern school.

Parental Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Antibiotics use for Childhood Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Kicukiro District, Rwanda

Parents’ knowledge and expectations towards antibiotics use for children’s Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are contributing factors of antibiotics misuse and the latter leads to the antimicrobial resistance. Thus, this study aimed at assessing parents’ knowledge, attitudes and practices on antibiotics use for childhood URTIs in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire for data collection from a sample size of 384 parents of under 12 years of age children attending selected Health Centers in Kicukiro District. (SPPS) version 21 was used for data analysis; Chi-square test and regression analysis were used to examine the association between dependent and independent variables. The study findings indicated that 88.5% of parents were female, 39.6% aged from 25 to 34 years, 81.8% were married, 42.2% completed secondary education, 50% had 2 to 4 children and 57% were in economic class 2. Only 23.2% of parents had high level of knowledge of antibiotics; 40.1% had positive attitudes and 62% had poor practices towards antibiotics use for childhood URTIs. Employed parents with increased level of education, in higher economic position demonstrated good practices towards antibiotics use. Parents’ high level of knowledge and positive attitudes regarding antibiotics use had also good practices on antibiotics with AOR=13.371, 95% CI= [3.604-49.617], p<0.001, and AOR=0.309, 95% CI=[0.96-0.489], p<0.001 respectively, compared to their corresponding counterparts. In conclusion, majority of parents in Kicukiro District had low level of knowledge of antibiotic use, negative attitudes towards antibiotic use and poor practices towards antibiotics utilization for childhood URTIs. Factors associated with good parental practices towards ABs use for children’s URTIs include having 5 or more children, higher education, employment, high economic class, high knowledge of antibiotics and positive attitudes towards ABs use. Health education for parents should be urgently done to reduce antibiotics misuse by raising awareness on their indications of antibiotics, side effects and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Keywords: Antibiotics, Attitudes and Knowledge, Children, Misuse, Parents, Kicukiro District, Rwanda

The Educational Impact of Al-Azhar University in South Western Nigeria: A Case Study of Arabic-Islamic Schools in Yorubaland

Pursuing education in Arab countries generates a controversy among indigenous and home-made scholars in Nigeria. Some believe that it is enough to pursue religious education within the country, while some others uphold the standpoint that Muslim students should pursue their studies in Arab countries like Al-Azhar. Hence, there is a lot of confusion and controversy about the impact of Al-Azhar University in Nigeria. However, this study aims to investigate the impact of Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt on Arabic-Islamic schools in the Yorubaland, Nigeria. This is done through investigation of its curriculum, scholarship, and sending of Al-Azhar's delegates to teach in Arabic-Islamic schools in Yorubaland, Nigeria. It discusses Islamic religious affairs and the role played by the Nigerian Muslim scholars in general and in the South Western Nigeria in particular. Furthermore, it addresses the argument bothering on the need to pursue religious education within and outside the country. This study also examines the difference between Al-Azhar educational system and the Nigerian Arabic- Islamic educational system and investigates the need for continuation or otherwise of Al-Azhar’s venture in the Nigerian Arabic- Islamic Schools. This study is both historical and analytical in nature. It used data gathered via primary and secondary sources and utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods. Findings from this study revealed the suitability of Al-Azhar educational system for Nigeria. It also showed the continuous need to pursue Al-Azhar education by Nigerians. The need to introduce some Western courses into Al-Azhar educational curriculum to facilitate easy fitting of the graduates into Nigerian educational system also emanated from this study. The study recommends the completion of secondary education in Nigeria by intending Nigerians seeking Al-Azhar education in order to facilitate their usefulness in the Nigerian western-oriented educational system upon their return.

Association of Depressive Symptoms in Late Adolescence and School Dropout

The present study investigated the association between symptoms of depression in late adolescence and completion of upper secondary school, taking symptoms of ADHD and conduct disorder, and parental education into account. The study is based on the youth@hordaland-survey, conducted in Western Norway in 2012. A total of 9157 adolescents (aged 16–19 years, 53% girls) consented to participation and registry linkage and comprised the sample of the present study. Symptoms of depression, ADHD, and conduct disorder were based on adolescent self-report. Information on parental education, grade point average (GPA), and upper secondary school completion was retrieved from the National Education Database. In the sample, 14.8% had not completed upper secondary education within 5 years. Symptoms of depression were associated with higher odds of failure to graduate within 5 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.50). The association was attenuated but remained significant when adjusting for symptoms of ADHD, conduct disorder, and parental education. Adolescents reporting high levels of both depression and conduct disorder had the highest odds of dropout (AOR = 4.15). GPA partially mediated the association between symptoms of depression and dropout. The results show a consistent, but small association between symptoms of depression in late adolescence and failure to complete upper secondary education within five years. Given the high rate of depressive symptoms in the adolescent population, it is important to identify protective factors that promote school functioning and graduation for adolescents experiencing such symptoms.