School-based Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Gender-inclined Young Age Glycosuria: Contribution to Late Age Chronic Renal Diseases, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Chronic kidney diseases (CKD), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the recent worldwide late age chronic conditions that could be a consequence of renal glycosuria during childhood. This study aimed at determining the extent of glycosuria in secondary school students to obtain information that could be predictive of the situation in late age life of Tanzanians living in Mkuranga District. This was school-based cross-sectional study that was conducted in assenting and consenting 800 students from July to October 2019 in Mkuranga district, Pwani-Tanzania. Socio-demographic information was collected using well-structured questionnaires while weight and height were measured using beam balance and tape measure, respectively. Dipstick strip was used to determine urine glucose on clean catch mid-stream urine collected specimens. From a total of 800 enrolled students, 0.6% (5/800) had glycosuria from whom 80% were males and 20% (1/5) were females (p = 0.37). The proportion of glycosuric males was 4 folds higher than that found in females. While height, body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip circumference ratio were associated with renal glycosuria (p < 0.05), other factors showed no association (p > 0.05). Despite the low proportion (0.6%) of glycosuria in this study, the contribution of young age renal glycosuria to old age CKD, T2DM and CVDs cannot be ruled out with males being more prone than females. Thus, it signals for consideration of regular screening for glycosuria in the school health programmes as an intervention strategy to prevent potential late age chronic disease complications.

Unhealthy lifestyles and clusters status among 3637 adolescents aged 11–23 years: a school-based cross-sectional study in China

BackgroundUnhealthy lifestyles are risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and tend to be clustered, with a trajectory that extends from adolescence to adulthood. This study investigated the association of diets, tobacco, alcohol, physical activity (PA), screen time (ST) and sleep duration (SD) in a total of six lifestyles, separately and as cumulative lifestyle scores, with sociodemographic characteristics among school-aged adolescents in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou.MethodsIn the aggregate, 3,637 adolescents aged 11–23 years were included in the study. The questionnaire collected data on socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyles. Healthy and unhealthy lifestyles were identified and scored, depending on the individual score (0 and 1 for healthy and unhealthy lifestyles respectively), with a total score between 0 and 6. Based on the sum of the dichotomous scores, the number of unhealthy lifestyles was calculated and divided into three clusters (0–1, 2–3, 4–6). Chi-square test was used to analyze the group difference of lifestyles and demographic characteristics, and multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the associations between demographic characteristics and the clustering status of unhealthy lifestyles.ResultsAmong all participants, the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles was: 86.4% for diet, 14.5% for alcohol, 6.0% for tobacco, 72.2% for PA, 42.3% for ST and 63.9% for SD. Students who were in university, female, lived in country (OR = 1.725, 95% CI: 1.241–2.398), had low number of close friends (1–2: OR = 2.110, 95% CI: 1.428–3.117; 3–5: OR = 1.601, 95% CI: 1.168–2.195), and had moderate family income (OR = 1.771, 95% CI: 1.208–2.596) were more likely to develop unhealthy lifestyles. In total, unhealthy lifestyles remain highly prevalent among Chinese adolescents.ConclusionIn the future, the establishment of an effective public health policy may improve the lifestyle profile of adolescents. Based on the lifestyle characteristics of different populations reported in our findings, lifestyle optimization can be more efficiently integrated into the daily lives of adolescents. Moreover, it is essential to conduct well-designed prospective studies on adolescents.

Magnitude and influencing factors of work-related low back pain among high school teachers in West Arsi zone, Southwest Ethiopia: evidenced from multicentred cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain and its associated factors among high school teachers in the West Arsi zone, Southwest Ethiopia.DesignA school-based cross-sectional study was...

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS AMONG ADOLESCENTS: SCHOOL-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN KATHMANDU CITY OF NEPAL

Background: Social media are comprised of websites and software applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. Inappropriate use of social media may lead to negative psychological effects. This study was designed to assess the psychological effects of social media among adolescent students of Grade 9 and 10 in Kathmandu city of Nepal Methods: A cross-sectional school-based study was done among randomly sampled adolescent students (10-19 yrs) of Grade 9 and 10. Total 318 sample size derived using the formula: n=z²pq/e2. Social Media Addiction Scale Student Form and Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire were self-administered data collection tools. The purpose of the study was explained to respondents. Ethical approval was obtained through the Ethical Review Board of Nepal Health Research Council. Data were analyzed on Scientific Package for Social Science version-20. Results: About sixty-two percent of the adolescents had their cell phones and 88.1 percent had internet facilities in their houses. Forty-six percent of adolescents were possibly addicted to social media and 68.2 percent were probably depressed. Out of depressed adolescents, 64.4 percent of them had possibility of social media addiction. A significant association was observed between adolescents with their cell phone and social media addiction (p=0.037); social media addiction and depression (p &lt;0.001). Conclusions: Adolescents with their cell phones are associated with social media addiction and social media addiction is associated with depression, suggesting an urgent need to develop policies and programs to mitigate the negative psychological effects social media addiction.

Prevalence of Obesity among Students in Private and Public high Schools in Sulaimani City

Background: There is an increasing concern about obesity among children and adolescents worldwide as they constitute 20% of the world population. Several predisposing factors are contributing to the obesity that can be monitored, particularly healthy diet and physical activities. Addressing those factors among children and adolescents lead to decreasing health related conditions.&#x0D; Objective: To investigate the prevalence rate of obesity, sociodemographic, dietary habits, lifestyle and knowledge factors among adolescents attending private and public schools in Sulaimani city, Iraq.&#x0D; Patients and Methods: Through a school-based cross-sectional study from October 2021 to April 2022, a total of 576 students in high schools located in Sulaimani city, Kurdistan Region, Iraq were studied. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on students’ sociodemographic characteristics, physical activities, dietary habits and knowledge. Body mass index was measured based on WHO Growth Reference for 5 to 19 years of age.&#x0D; Results: The obesity prevalence rate in private schools (36.11%) was higher than public schools (31.6%) (P=0.5890) however, the difference was not statistically significant. The majority of students in private schools exercised more frequently and for a longer duration; however, they ate more red meat, less dairy produce and had a higher fast food intake.&#x0D; Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity is slightly higher among students in private schools than the students in public schools.

Prevalence of Obesity among Students in Private and Public high Schools in Sulaimani City

Background: There is an increasing concern about obesity among children and adolescents worldwide as they constitute 20% of the world population. Several predisposing factors are contributing to the obesity that can be monitored, particularly healthy diet and physical activities. Addressing those factors among children and adolescents lead to decreasing health related conditions. Objective: To investigate the prevalence rate of obesity, sociodemographic, dietary habits, lifestyle and knowledge factors among adolescents attending private and public schools in Sulaimani city, Iraq. Patients and Methods: Through a school-based cross-sectional study from October 2021 to April 2022, a total of 576 students in high schools located in Sulaimani city, Kurdistan Region, Iraq were studied. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on students’ sociodemographic characteristics, physical activities, dietary habits and knowledge. Body mass index was measured based on WHO Growth Reference for 5 to 19 years of age. Results: The obesity prevalence rate in private schools (36.11%) was higher than public schools (31.6%) (P=0.5890) however, the difference was not statistically significant. The majority of students in private schools exercised more frequently and for a longer duration; however, they ate more red meat, less dairy produce and had a higher fast food intake. Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity is slightly higher among students in private schools than the students in public schools. Keywords: Obesity, private, public, high schools, Sulaimani city

Health profile of primary school students: a cross sectional study among urban and rural areas of eastern Haryana

Background: Healthy children are the foundation for a healthy nation and nation’s future depends on the status of the children. School Health Program aims to strengthen health promotion and disease prevention intervention. Objective was to assess the health status of primary school students in urban and rural areas of Panipat, Haryana. Methods: This school based cross sectional study was conducted in the urban and rural field practice areas of community medicine department, NCMCH, Panipat during February-March 2023. Convenience sampling was adopted to select primary schools from 1st to 5th standard. A semi-structured proforma was used to record information regarding anthropometric measurements, physical examination, clinical findings etc. Results: Total 261 primary school students were examined. Most common morbidity identified was ENT problems (ear wax, ear discharge) in both urban (80%) and rural (50%) students. Poor personal hygiene was observed in 1/5th students. Skin problems, refractory errors, micronutrient deficiency and respiratory problems were also identified. Difference between the nutritional status in urban and rural students was found to be statistically significant. Conclusions: The common health problems found in children such as ear discharge, anaemia, poor personal hygiene and undernutrition can be addressed with implementation of school health programme in effective way.

Socioeconomic status, lifestyle characteristics and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among Greece adolescents

ObjectiveThe study aims to assess the relationship between socioeconomic status, lifestyle characteristics and adherence to the Mediterranean diet within a representative sample of secondary school children from Attica, Greece. Research methods & proceduresIn this cross-sectional school-based study, 2088 adolescents aged 12–18 from different socioeconomic status areas of Attica in Greece have been recruited. The study occurred in May-December 2021 when schools reopened due to COVID-19 closure. Socioeconomic status was determined using Family Affluence Scale (FAS) III questionnaire. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED test) was used to assess the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The empirical investigation was based on bivariate analysis following chi-square tests and multivariate approaches employing Generalized Ridge Regression models and Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition techniques. ResultsA very low percentage of 9.1% of the adolescents had optimal adherence to the Mediterranean diet, while 57.9% and 33% had moderate and low adherence, respectively. Boys, younger adolescents, adolescents from two parents' families, with higher maternal education and socioeconomic status had higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Additionally, healthier lifestyle with more studying, efficient night sleep, frequent physical activity, going out, and having hobbies were positively associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. On the contrary, more screen viewing was related negatively. ConclusionsSeveral demographic, lifestyle, and socioeconomic characteristics significantly affect adherence to the Mediterranean diet. In particular, findings showed that higher socioeconomic status and a healthier lifestyle are associated with optimal adherence. Greek adolescents move away from the traditional Mediterranean Diet.

Association between dairy products consumption and the prevalences of combined prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Brazilian adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

The association between dairy products consumption in adults and the likelihood of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been described, but more information on the adolescent population is needed. This nationally representative, cross-sectional school-based study aimed to describe the consumption of dairy products and their subtypes and to evaluate their association with prediabetes and T2DM in adolescents. The Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) includes adolescents aged 12-17 years. Dairy products consumption was evaluated by 24-h food recall. Associations with fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin resistance, as measured by homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), were evaluated by multivariate linear regression. Poisson regression was also used to assess the association between dairy products consumption and the combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic, nutritional, behavioural and anthropometrics. The final sample analysed consisted of 35614 adolescents. Total intake of dairy products was inversely associated with fasting blood glucose levels after adjusting for all covariates (β = -0·452, 95 % CI -0·899, -0·005). The associations were stronger for overweight and obese adolescents. Findings were similar for full-fat dairy products and yogurt. Higher consumption of low-fat dairy products and cheese were associated with a 46 % (prevalence ratio, PR 1·46, 95 % CI 1·18, 1·80) and 33 % (PR 1·33, 95 % CI 1·14, 1·57) higher combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM, respectively. The total consumption of dairy products and full-fat dairy products was associated with a lower combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM, while the consumption of cheese and low-fat dairy products was associated with higher combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM in Brazilian adolescents.

Prevalence and associated factors of eating disorder symptoms in adolescents: a cross-sectional school-based study

PurposeTo estimate the prevalence of eating disorder symptoms and associated factors in adolescents between 14 and 17 years old.MethodsThe data were obtained from a cross-sectional school-based study with 782 adolescents from public schools in Caxias do Sul, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2016. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was used to investigate eating disorder symptoms. The chi-square test and Poisson regression with robust variance were performed to estimate the prevalence ratios and associations between the outcome and the variables of interest.ResultsThe prevalence of eating disorder symptoms was around 56.9% among adolescents and more prevalent in females. A significant association was found between eating disorders and female gender, mothers who did not study or had an incomplete elementary school, and body image dissatisfaction. To adolescents dissatisfied with being overweight, the prevalence was more than three times higher than that observed among those who did not report such dissatisfaction.ConclusionThe presence of eating disorder symptoms was associated with female gender, maternal education, and body image dissatisfaction. The results show the need to identify early signs and symptoms related to changes in eating behavior and non-acceptance of their bodies in a population especially concerned with their physical appearance.

Assessment of menstrual hygiene management knowledge, practice, and associated factors among girls in Boset District, Ethiopia: a school-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundAdolescent girls, particularly in lower socioeconomic settings, lack adequate knowledge of menstrual hygiene management and have subpar hygiene habits. Likewise, the factors related to it have not been well addressed, and schoolgirls are facing a range of challenges. To develop effective intervention approaches, a context-specific assessment of menstrual hygiene practices is useful. Thus, this study aimed to assess menstrual hygiene management knowledge, practice, and associated factors among girls in the Boset district, Ethiopia.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Boset district secondary schools among 629 randomly selected girls using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-administered, structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epi-info version 7 and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to model the association between dependent and independent variables. An adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to measure the strength of the association, and a p-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.ResultOf the total study participants, 51.2% (95% CI: 46.6–55.8%) had an appropriate practice of menstrual hygiene and 57.9% (95% CI: 53.3–62.5%) had good knowledge status on menstrual hygiene management. Being an urban resident (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.20–2.80), having a mother with a secondary and above educational level (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.07–5.57), earning regular pocket money (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.45–3.313), and discussing menstrual issues with parents and friends (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI: 2.327–5.727) were associated with good practice of menstrual hygiene.ConclusionIn this study, nearly half of the school girls had good practice and knowledge of menstrual hygiene management. Educating mothers and promoting discussion about menstrual hygiene management issues, especially in rural areas, should be priority actions.

Prevalence of childhood obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and its role in daytime sleepiness in Syria: a large-scale school-based cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1029 children and adolescents aged 6-15 years attending elementary and secondary schools in Damascus, Syria. The questions involved 19 sleep problems items using the children sleep habits questionnaire, and 4 sleep disorder items (loud snoring, having snorts or gasps, breathing pauses, daytime sleepiness). Total sleep time (TST) was determined by sleep habits. Severe possible OSAS (p-OSAS) was addressed as having all OSA symptoms "frequently", and mild p-OSAS was defined as having any of the symptoms "sometimes". Severe and mild daytime sleepiness were rated as being very sleepy during the day "frequently", and "sometimes", respectively. Logistic regression was applied to predict risk factors of severe and mild daytime sleepiness. The prevalence of p-OSAS was 22.2%, of them 15.8% were mild, and 6.3% were severe. p-OSAS was more recognized in males 15.2% children (P<0.05). Most p-OSAS children sleep less than 6h of TST; however; the mean TST was significantly lower at the secondary school level (P≤0.001). Predicted risk factors for severe and mild daytime sleepiness were students' grade level (P<0.05), severe and mild p-OSAS (P≤0.001), and TST less than 6h (P≤0.001). A significant number of children have p-OSAS, affecting daytime sleepiness in school age. Physicians should consider loud snoring, and breathing pauses as marked symptoms of severe daytime sleepiness. Moreover, raising parents awareness about OSAS and daytime sleepiness is essential to ensure early access to primary care.

Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices and Associated Factors among Primary Second Cycle Female Students in Boset District of East Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

<i>Background</i>: In adolescents who experienced menstruation for the first time, menstrual hygiene management is constrained by practical, social, economic, and cultural factors such as the expense of commercial sanitary pads, lack of water and latrine facilities, lack of private rooms for changing sanitary pads, and limited education about the facts of menstrual hygiene. Therefore the Objective of this study is to menstrual hygiene management practices and associated factors among primary second-cycle female students in Boset district of east Shoa zone, Oromia regional state, central Ethiopia from March 28, 2022, to April 28, 2022. Methods: School-based cross-sectional study was conducted by multistage random sampling technique among 629 female students from the Primary second cycle. Data were collected using Self-administered pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaires. The data were coded, checked for completeness, entered into Epi-Info-7, and then exported to SPSS Version 22 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression with Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% CI was calculated, and p-values <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. <i>Results</i>: The overall proportion of good menstrual hygiene management practices account for 51.2% (95% CI: 47.4–55.3). This study found that: being urban residence [AOR]: 1.84, 95% CI: (1.20, 2.80)], secondary and above the educational status of mothers [AOR]: 3.399, 95% CI: (2.07,5.57)], receiving pocket money for modes [AOR]: 2.19, 95% CI: (1.45,3.313)], freely discussing menstruation with parents [AOR]: 3.65, 95% CI: (2.327,5.727)], learning in school about menstrual hygiene [AOR]: 3.12, 95% CI: (2.096,4.628)], presence of water supply in school compound [AOR]: 1.71, 95% CI: (1.15,2.53)] and presence of functional toilets and hand washing facilities [AOR]: 1.789, 95% CI: (1.17,2.73] were significant predictors of Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices. Conclusion: In this study, the practice of good menstrual hygiene management among primary second-cycle school girls was low. Factors independently influencing menstrual hygiene management practices were girls’ place of residence, mothers’ educational status, pocket money, discussions with parents, water supplies, functional toilets, and hand washing facilities. Hence students’ parents should give pocket money and freely discuss with their female students and also government and other stakeholders should take action to improve and sustain water supply, functional toilets, and hand washing facilities for schools.

Selected micronutrient status of school-aged children at risk of Schistosoma haematobium infection in suburban communities of Nigeria.

The parasite Schistosoma haematobium causes urogenital schistosomiasis, a chronic infectious disease that occurs mainly among school-age children. The prevalence of S. haematobium infection and level of intensity relative to age, gender and status of selected serum micronutrients among school-age children were investigated in suburban communities in Bekwarra, Nigeria. This cross-sectional school-based study randomly recruited 353 children aged between 4 and 16 years from five elementary schools between June 2019 and December 2019. We gathered socio-demographic data about each child using a semi-structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected for micronutrient analysis and urine samples were collected for assessment of S. haematobium infection. A total of 57 (16.15%) school-age children were infected with S. haematobium. Girls (n = 34; 9.63%) were more frequently infected than boys (n = 23; 6.52%). Infection was most frequent among children aged 8-11 years (n = 32; 23.19%) and was significantly associated with age (p = 0.022) and gender (p < 0.001). Serum levels of iron, calcium, copper and zinc among infected children were significantly lower than those of non-infected children. Intensity of infection was negatively associated with iron (r = -0.21), calcium (r = -0.24), copper (r = -0.61; p < 0.001) and zinc (r = -0.41; p < 0.002). This study showed that S. haematobium infection adversely impacted the micronutrient status of school-age children in suburban Nigeria. Measures to lower the prevalence of schistosomiasis among school-age children, including efficient drug distribution, education campaigns and community engagement, are necessary. This research emphasises the significance of implementing infection prevention and control interventions to mitigate the transmission and prevalence of schistosomiasis among school age children.

Sleep pattern and sleep disorders in school-going children aged 6-12 years and its association with screen time: a cross-sectional study from South Kerala during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Poor sleep quality in school children can negatively impact their neurocognitive abilities and academic achievement. Increased screen time was shown to interfere with children’s sleep habits and disrupts their sleep pattern. This study aimed to understand the sleep patterns and sleep disorders in school children and the influence of screen time on sleep in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional observational school-based study was done on 443 children aged 6-12 years. Data was collected through parent filled online questionnaire having a proforma and child sleep habit questionnaire (CSHQ), a validated questionnaire to assess sleep disorders in children Results: Out of 443 children studied, the average sleep duration of the study population was 9:06 hours ±42:18 min and, 34.3% of the children slept less than 9 hours per day. The prevalence of sleep disorders was found to be 76.52%. Significant screen time after 8 PM was observed in 65.9% and 62.2 % of children had a total screen time of more than 2 hours. Increased screen time after 8 PM, delayed bedtime and wake-up time in children and also contributed to sleep disorders. Bedtime resistance and daytime sleepiness were more commonly observed in children with increased screen time. Conclusions: Sleep disorders in children are more predominant than sleep deprivation. Increased screen time before bed was found to alter sleep patterns in children and increases bedtime resistance, daytime sleepiness, and sleep disorders.

Self-esteem levels in school-going adolescents across the slums of Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional analysis

IntroductionFor individuals to live their lives and integrate into society, self-esteem is an essential feeling. Self-esteem development depends on the environment in which children are nurtured. Assessment techniques using questionnaires include Rosenberg's self-esteem scale.ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the self-esteem of school-going adolescents in slum areas.MethodologyThis school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three understudied slum areas of Karachi, Pakistan. A standardized scale, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES), and a pre-tested demographic scale was used to assess the impact of gender, weight, academic performance, tuition, and parent's education level along with parent's strictness on the self-esteem of the understudied population of adolescents aged between 11 and 19 years included in the study. Parent consent was obtained before visiting the schools.FindingsAs per the collected data on self-esteem, among 539 school-going adolescents, 232 (43%) were male and 307 (57%) were female. Most students, 324 (60%), were in the 14–16 age range. Parents' education status and strictness towards their children, academic performance, and adolescent body mass index (BMI) influenced self-esteem levels.ConclusionThe study found that age, parent's education, parent's strictness, BMI, and academic performance were linked to the levels of self-esteem in the target population regardless of gender. Children's surroundings play an imperative role in developing lower or higher self-esteem in children. Assessing adolescent's self-esteem can be a useful way to build strong self-confident youngster and also beneficial to treatment for those with psychosomatic complaints in their growing age.

Investigation of ocular biometry in 4– to 9-year-old Chinese children

PurposeTo investigate the distribution and changes in ocular biometry in 4-to to 9-year-old Chinese children and to compare the differences between age and genders in these parameters.MethodsThis was a school-based cross-sectional study. A total of 1,528 Chinese children, aged 4–9 years, from one primary school and 12 kindergartens, were included in the study. Axial length, corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth, and corneal diameter were measured for each child.ResultsAL and anterior chamber depth gradually increased with age in both genders. No significant changes in corneal curvature or corneal diameter were detected at different ages in either genders group. The mean ALs of males and females were 22.94 ± 0.80 mm and 22.38 ± 0.79 mm, respectively. The mean corneal curvatures of males and females were 43.05 ± 1.37 D and 43.75 ± 1.48 D, respectively. The mean anterior chamber depth of males and females were 3.47 ± 0.24 mm and 3.38 ± 0.25 mm, respectively. The mean corneal diameter of males and females were 12.08 ± 0.43 mm and 11.94 ± 0.44 mm, respectively. Females had consistently shorter ALs, shorter anterior chamber depth, smaller corneal diameter, and steeper corneal curvatures than males at any age.ConclusionsBoys had larger dimensions than girls for all ocular parameters except corneal curvature (flatter). Boys and girls showed similar trends for all parameters. Axial length and anterior chamber depth increased from 4 to 9 years of age, whereas corneal diameter and curvature did not change with age in either genders.

Burden and factors associated with onchocerciasis transmission among school-aged children after more than 20 years of Community Directed Treatment with Ivermectin in Ulanga district, Tanzania: A school-based cross-sectional study.

Onchocerciasis transmission in the Ulanga District of Morogoro-Tanzania is still ongoing despite more than 20 years of Community Directed Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI) in the area. Even though surveys conducted over the years in the area have revealed a decrease in the prevalence of onchocerciasis, the prevalence of comorbidities suggested to be associated with this filarial infection, as epilepsy, is rising in endemic regions. This fact suggests continued transmission of Onchocerca volvulus and emphasizes the need for the evaluation of factors associated with it among school aged children. Therefore, this study determined the current burden of onchocerciasis in children aged 6 to 12 years and factors associated with continued transmission despite more than 20 years of CDTI in Ulanga District, Morogoro Region-Tanzania. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 children aged 6 to 12 years in Ulanga District. Participants were tested using the OV-16 IgG4 Rapid Test. An interview-administered questionnaire was used to assess disease-associated symptoms, knowledge of onchocerciasis, and factors associated with continued transmission of the disease among participants. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression were performed during data analysis. The prevalence of onchocerciasis was 19.6% (53/270), with boys being more infected; prevalence increased with increasing age groups and was higher in rural areas. Sex (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.13-4.28), age group of 11-12 years (AOR = 31.45, 95% CI: 2.73-362.27), and not taking ivermectin (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.53-6.58) were the only significant factors identified to be associated with the transmission of onchocerciasis in this study. The high prevalence of onchocerciasis among school age children in Ulanga district suggests continued transmission in the area. Therefore, a need to integrate CDTI with health education on the importance of ivermectin uptake.

A school-based cross-sectional study to understand the public health measures needed to improve the emotional and mental wellbeing of young carers aged 12 to 14 years

The emotional and mental wellbeing of young carers is known to be poorer than their peers. Data from a large cross-sectional school survey of 7,477 12 to 14 year olds (72 per cent response rate) living in Cornwall, South West of England, were analysed to assess whether existing school-based interventions support the wellbeing of young carers. Outcome measures were derived from the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Young carers experienced greater emotional and mental wellbeing problems than their peers. Being eligible for free school meals did not attenuate these higher needs, indicating that broader support other than financial measures are needed, such as education, health and care plans which were associated with higher mental wellbeing among young carers. Early community and school-based interventions that consider the complex needs of young carers, especially emotional wellbeing, are needed.

Prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension and its associated factors among children attending high schools in a rural panchayath of Kerala

Abstract CONTEXT: Hypertension (HTN) in childhood and adolescence causes premature atherosclerosis and early cardiovascular disease. Although asymptomatic, they may have target organ damage. In 2017, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated the Clinical Practice Guideline for screening and managing high blood pressure (BP) in children and adolescents. However, no published studies from India have utilized this updated criterion for pediatric HTN. The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced many children to spend long hours indoors, with increased exposure to digital devices and decreased physical activity. Hence, this study was done to assess the prevalence of HTN among children and to find associated risk factors. AIMS: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of elevated BP and HTN among children attending high schools of a rural panchayath in Kerala, to evaluate the anthropometric and epidemiological factors associated with elevated BP among them, and to find the prevalence of obesity among these children. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a school-based cross-sectional study conducted among students attending high schools in Ambalappuzha North panchayat of Alappuzha, Kerala. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted over 9 months from November 2022 to July 2023. Consent was requested from parents of all children (N = 847) studying in high schools. Children who provided assent and met the inclusion–exclusion criteria were enrolled (N = 576). Data were collected using a pre-validated semi-structured questionnaire. Children were interviewed about their lifestyle, including physical activity, sleep, diet, and exposure to smoking. Height and weight were recorded, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. BP was measured using a digital oscillometric apparatus (OMRON HEM 7143T1A). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16 software. RESULTS: The study population comprised 345 boys and 231 girls. Elevated BP affected 12.3%, while stage I HTN affected 0.7% of the screened children. Additionally, 16% of the screened children were overweight, 8% were obese, and 7.5% were undernourished. The prevalence of abnormal BP (elevated BP + HTN) was 10.3% among children with normal BMI, 18.47% among overweight. and 26.08% among obese children. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated BP, HTN, obesity, and overweight are prevalent among adolescent children in Ambalappuzha North Panchayath, a rural coastal area. High BMI correlates with elevated BP and HTN and should be the focus of interventions.