Female School Children Research Articles

Assessment of anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents: Italian validation of the short version of the spence children's anxiety scale for parents.

The assessment of anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents requires a valid and reliable single instrument able to detect various anxiety symptoms early and systematically collect data from other informant such as parents. The present study aimed to test the one-factor structure of the SCAS-P-8 and to examine its psychometric properties and invariance across sex and age in an Italian sample of 769 parents of children and adolescents aged 3-18years (50.8% females). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the one-factor structure of the SCAS-P-8, which showed good reliability and invariance by sex and age. When examining mean differences by sex and age, results showed that female schoolchildren had higher anxiety scores than males and other age groups. A strong correlation with emotional problems demonstrated convergent validity, while discriminant validity resulted from the weak correlations with externalizing symptoms and relationship problems with peers. Overall, findings support the SCAS-P-8 as a valid brief instrument to assess anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents for clinical and research purposes and demonstrate its invariance across sex and age.

Identification of Bacterial Composition of the Nostrils of Primary School Children; Case Study of FUDMA Staff School, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State

The nasal microbiome consists of a diverse community of microorganisms, with bacteria which are essential for maintaining nasal and respiratory health. This research work aimed at identifying the bacterial composition of the nostrils of primary school-aged children at Federal University Dustin-Ma; staff School, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina, Nigeria. Sterile swab sticks were used to collect 25 samples of each male and female primary school children enrolled at FUDMA Staff School. The samples were then transported to the Department of Microbiology of FUDMA for analysis. Standard laboratory techniques were used for the isolation and identification of the organisms. Results revealed that all samples collected had three main bacterial species which include: Staphylococcus spp. 46(92%), Streptococcus spp. 37(74%), and Corynebacterium spp. 7(14%). Demographic factors like age and gender slightly affect bacterial composition. Children aged 8-10 had the highest bacterial colony counts, likely due to differences in personal hygiene, with males showing a slightly higher bacterial presence. Children exposed to smoke and household pets had higher colony counts of 103 and 96CFU/ml respectively than those not exposed. Additionally, the sources of drinking water all showed different profiles, well water had the highest mean colony count of 98CFU/ml and Borehole water had the lowest mean colony count of 66CFU/ml. The research highlights the importance of understanding the bacterial composition of the nasal microbiome in children. Hence, there is a need to create proper awareness among the general populace on the effects of the factors that influence the nascent nasal microbiome of nostrils among primary school children.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Incidence and Predictors of Self-Reported Dental Anxiety among Nigerian Public Primary Schoolchildren

Abstract Objective The presence of dental anxiety in Nigerian public primary schools may be one of the main obstacles preventing schoolchildren from effectively utilizing dental care services. The main objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the incidence and factors associated with self-reported dental anxiety among Nigerian public primary school children. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional, observational design was employed to examine 434 primary schoolchildren (aged 6–9 years) from selected schools in Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria. Data collection was conducted using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, which includes 5-point Likert responses, five questions, and demonstrates good internal consistency. Results The findings indicate that there was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of dental anxiety between male and female schoolchildren (p = 0.374). In total, 1.9, 8.7, 10.1, 36.4, and 42.9% of the schoolchildren reported experiencing no dental anxiety, mild, moderate, extreme, and severe levels of dental anxiety, respectively. Furthermore, the results reveal that 2.1% of the variance in children's dental anxiety scores could be accounted for by factors such as gender, age, socioeconomic status, and parental education. However, the influence of gender (B = 0.183; p = 0.060; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.008 to 0.374), age (B = –0.128; p = 0.187; 95% CI: –0.318 to 0.062), socioeconomic status (B = –0.067; p = 0.124; 95% CI: –0.152 to 0.018), and parental education (B = –0.045; p = 0.420; 95% CI: –0.154 to 0.064) on schoolchildren's dental anxiety was not significant.Male and female schoolchildren did not have significantly different dental anxiety levels. Gender, age, socioeconomic status, or parent education level did not significantly predict the dental anxiety among schoolchildren. Conclusion School-based interventions need to be targeted to reduce dental anxiety among male and female primary schoolchildren in the study area. Clinicians should consider providing interventions to manage dental anxiety in children with moderate to severe levels of anxiety.

Glancing at School Nutrition Programs from the Perspective of Students: A Case Study of Primary Schools in Eastern Nepal

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Developing nutritional awareness is paramount for school children as it significantly influences their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards nutrition, safeguarding them from deficiencies and malnutrition. Schools play a pivotal role in shaping children’s nutritional understanding, fostering positive attitudes, and cultivating healthy practices. Focusing on nutrition-related KAP can instill the right behaviors early on, paving the way for a healthier lifestyle. This approach not only enhances the well-being of children but also lays the foundation for a lifelong commitment to good nutrition, ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future.
 
 AIM/OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to compare the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) among male and female school children and assess association of school models/types with KAP in Halesi Tuwachung Municipality of Khotang district, Nepal.
 
 METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey in the field site in Eastern Nepal involved 187 school children drawn from four distinct educational institutions, collectively encompassing students enrolled in grades 4, 5, and 6. The data collection utilized a purposive sampling method to enhance the relevance and specificity, thereby ensuring the comprehensiveness and validity of the research findings. 
 
 RESULTS: The research findings indicated that private institutions, namely YouMe School and Halesi Pathshala (Note 1), displayed notably higher average knowledge scores than public schools such as Shree Mahendradaya Secondary School and Shree Durchhim Secondary School. Furthermore, it was observed that female school students exhibited lower knowledge scores than their male counterparts. Regarding attitudes, no significant disparities were identified between school types, but, on average, female students demonstrated lower attitudes than their male counterparts. Regarding practices, the study revealed that female students tended to exhibit lower levels than their male counterparts.
 
 CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated notable differences in Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) concerning nutrition among children enrolled in schools with diverse educational models or types. This research offered valuable insights into how the educational environment across different school settings could influence the nutritional KAP of young students.

Exploring the Impact of Matching E-Training Material to Arabic Dyslexia Type on Learners’ Reading Performance, Satisfaction and Behaviour

Abstract Dyslexia is a reading difficulty that can be found everywhere, regardless of a person’s ethnicity or race. The manifestation of dyslexia depends on the structure and orthography of a language. There is a lack of research into Arabic dyslexia, particularly the benefits of adaptive learning in this area. The study presented in this paper aimed to understand the impact on learners’ reading performance, satisfaction and behaviour when matching e-training material with learner attributes. The focus is on learners with short vowel dyslexia. The study was undertaken with 22 female primary school children in Saudi Arabia, all of whom were native Arabic speakers. These children were divided into two groups: a matched group (which included learners with short vowel dyslexia) and a mismatched group (which included learners with vowel dyslexia). An e-training system ‘DysTypeTrain2’ was designed and developed to support the study. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were collected from (i) pre- and post-test results to calculate the improvement in reading performance and (ii) learner satisfaction scores. The qualitative data were collected from observations of learners’ behaviour. It was found that the learners’ reading performance and satisfaction improved in both experimental conditions (short vowel dyslexia group and vowel dyslexia group), regardless of their Arabic dyslexia type, indicating that the system was effective and the learning process was improved. Further, the learners were happy and excited about the system.

Self-reported dental pain in Mexican schoolchildren: a national ecological study.

The objective of this study was to quantify the prevalence of and identify the factors associated with dental pain among elementary- and middle-school students in Mexico. An ecological study was carried out with data from the 2008 National School-based Student-Health Survey. Information on dental pain from schoolchildren (aged 5 to 16 years) was collected from public schools across the 32 states of Mexico. In the original study, a questionnaire was used to explore various factors that affect the oral and dental health status of schoolchildren. The outcome variable was the prevalence rate (for dental pain) reported at state level. Various contextual socioeconomic variables were included, in addition to dental caries. Analyses were performed using Stata software. 52.9% of interviewees were girls; 26.9% of male and female schoolchildren in Mexico experienced gum or dental pain during the period analyzed (95% Confidence Interval = 26.02, 27.77%); according to the Spearman correlation results, self-reported dental pain was unrelated (p > 0.05) to the socioeconomic and sociodemographic variables that make up the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Human Development (HDI), as well as the marginalization and the Gini indices. However, the estimated percentages of self-reported dental pain and caries were positively correlated in the elementary- (r = 0.8958, p < 0.0001), middle-school (r = 0.8958, p < 0.0001) and total populations (r = 0.8542, p < 0.0001). Prevalence of self-reported dental pain was 28%, or about one in three, of the Mexican children and adolescents in the study sample. The state-level sociodemographic and socioeconomic risk indicators were not associated with the prevalence of dental pain. Self-reported caries was positively correlated with self-reported dental pain.

Examining the Impact of Puberty on Primary Headache Disorders in Female Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction and aim Headaches are one of the most prevalent childhood disorders. Primary and secondary headaches are the two types of headaches affecting kids and teenagers. The three most typical primary headache forms are tension-type headaches (TTH), migraine, and cluster headaches. This study sought to determine the relationship between puberty and types of headaches. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 18 to July 31, among female schoolchildren aged between eight and 15 years in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Respondents were recruited through face-to-face interviews. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized, mainly consisting of demographic data and questions related to diagnosing and managing the impact of puberty in girls on the prevalence of primary headache disorder. Results In total, 481 female schoolchildren were interviewed, mostly between 13 and 15 years old (65.9%). Last year prevalence of headaches was 65.5%, with a significant difference among those who lived in Dhahran (p=0.001) and those with a family history of headaches (p<0.001). The most common type of headache was frequent TTH (16.4%) and chronic TTH (16%). Chronic TTH (p<0.001), frequent TTH (p<0.001), and migraine without aura (p=0.005) were significantly more common among the older age groups. Conclusion There was a high prevalence of headaches among female schoolchildren, with frequent TTH and chronicTTH being the most common. Furthermore, increasing age was associated with an increasing risk for chronic TTH, frequent TTH, and migraine headaches without aura. More epidemiological studies are necessary to determine the underlying causes of headaches among schoolchildren.

Prevalence of Obesity in Female Schoolchildren, Risk Factors, and Relation to Lifestylein Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Prevalence of Obesity in Female Schoolchildren, Risk Factors, and Relation to Lifestylein Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Effect of yoga on cognitive functions and anxiety among female school children with low academic performance: A randomized control trial

BackgroundTo achieve better academic performance, students should improve their cognitive faculties and overcome anxiety. Therefore, the present research was conducted to assess the effect of yoga on the cognitive functions of female adolescents with low academic performance. MethodsThe present study is a randomized control trial (RCT). Eighty-nine female students in the age range of 12–14 years were randomly assigned into two groups [yoga (n = 45); physical exercise (n = 44)] at a school setting. Both groups were assessed before and after on Raven's standard progressive matrices (RSPM), Corsi Block Tapping Test (CBTT), Six Letter Cancellation Test (SLCT), Digit Letter Substitution Test (DLST), Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC). ResultsFindings of the present study showed significant (p < .05) differences in scores of forward CBTT, SWCT, and SLCT in group × time interaction. Both the groups showed significant (p < .05) improvement in SLCT, backward scores of CBTT, and STAIC-T. All outcomes measured were significantly (p < .05) improved in the yoga group except STAIC-S. ConclusionYoga improves general intelligence, visuospatial working memory, and attention, as well as reduces the anxiety of students with low academic performance. Similarly, physical exercise was also found to be improving visuospatial working memory, sustained attention, and reduce trait anxiety. However, the finding of the present study indicated yoga to be more effective compared to physical exercise in regards to students' fluid intelligence and executive function. Improvement in general intelligence, visuospatial working memory, and attention is expected to positively influence students’ academic performance.

Skeleto-dental features among a sample of Saudi female children compared to British standards: A cephalometric study.

This cross-sectional observational retrospective study aimed at assessing the cephalometric skeleto-dental features of class I, II, and III skeletal relationship of Saudi female school children sample and comparing the results to the established British Caucasian cephalometric standards. The sample consisted of 205 retrospective lateral cephalometric radiographs of female school children. The age range of the subjects were between 10 and 13 years old with a mean age of 11 ± 1 years. Several cephalometric and constructed points were identified. Angular, linear, and proportional measurements were obtained and analyzed. The skeleto-dental features of class II and class III were compared to class I of this sample and then compared with the established British Caucasian population. Different angular, linear, and proportional variables were investigated. Descriptive statistics and Student's t-test were used for data analysis. The distribution of the skeletal relationship revealed that 68.3% of the sample showed class I relationship, 16.1% class II, and 15.6% class III. The result indicates significant differences among the different classes. A greater tendency towards class II facial pattern and more convex profile among Saudis were detected in the present study compared to Caucasians. Furthermore, The dento-alveolar relationship results showed more bi-maxillary protrusion among Saudi females compared to the British Caucasians. The results of the study can serve as a base-line for future investigations in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the results obtained can also be of great value in distinguishing the various skeleto-dental features in the different skeletal classes among the Saudi females, and in the clinical diagnosis and treatment planning.

Influencing Factors of the Back Care-related Behavior Among Female Schoolchildren: A Structural Equation Modeling

Background: Back pain is one of the most important public health problems that is on the rise among the schoolchildren’s population. The aim of this study was to determine cognitive factors related to back care-related behavior based on the social cognitive theory (SCT) among female schoolchildren. Methods: A cross-sectional study was directed among 5th-grade female students through a convenience method. Structured questionnaire data were collected from 610 students attending public elementary schools in Tehran, Iran from October 2018 to March 2019. The initial model was formulated based on the SCT. Based on these data, the hypothesized model was confirmed via a structural equation modeling analysis using SPSS (version 24.0) and LISREL (version 8.80). Results: The skills (r=0.73, t-value=13.42), self-efficacy (r=0.87, t-value=15.51), and expectation beliefs (r=0.61, t-value=6.68) were verified as key cognitive factors that cause a back behavior. Finally, various indicators such as comparative fit index, normed fit index, and root mean squared error of approximation demonstrated the fitness of the models (P&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: The results showed that those schoolchildren having more self-efficacy, skills, and expectation beliefs are more likely to do proper back behavior. In this regard, school-based back pain prevention interventions should further focus on predefine key cognitive factors that consider the potential change strategies.

Infection of Plasmodium falciparum and helminths among school children in communities in Southern and Northern Ghana

BackgroundInfections of Plasmodium species, Schistosoma species and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) inflict a significant burden on children mostly in deprived communities in Ghana. Despite the deployment of malaria vector control and the annual Mass Drug Administration by National Control Programmes, these infections still pose major public health concerns in Ghana. Some remote communities which are hard-to-reach are not covered by MDA campaigns which is a major challenge to meeting elimination targets. Adequate data is necessary for formulating policies and strengthening interventions to mitigate transmission. This study assessed the infection burden of Plasmodium, Schistosoma species and STH infections among school children in communities in Southern and Northern Ghana.MethodSchool children living in communities in Southern (Ada Foah, Pediatorkope, Tuanikope) and Northern (Kpalsogu) Ghana were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. A total of 493 (241 males and 252 females) school children aged (2–15 years) were enrolled in the study. Stool samples were collected to screen for Schistosoma mansoni and STH infections using the formol-ether concentration technique and urine samples were also collected to screen for S. haematobium using the routine urine examination method. Plasmodium parasitaemia was determined from thick and thin finger-prick blood samples.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of P. falciparum, S. mansoni, S. haematobium, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections were 17.2% (95%CI 12.8–19.7), 22.6% (95%CI 25.2–32.7), 1.6% (95%CI 0.89–5.2), 1.2% (95%CI 0.78–4.8) and 1.2% (95%CI 0.78–4.8) respectively. Plasmodium falciparum infection was generally widespread in all the study sites with Ada Foah recording the highest prevalence (35.3%) and Kpalsogu recording the lowest (5.8%). Schistosoma mansoni was present in only two Southern communities with Tuanikope recording the highest prevalence of 70.3% as against 51.5% recorded in Pediatorkope. A total of 4.5% (95% CI 2.82–10.8) of the children were co-infected with P. falciparum, Schistosoma species and STHs. This occurred only in the Southern communities; of which combination of P. falciparum and S. mansoni were predominant (1.4%).ConclusionA relatively low burden of parasites co-infection among children only in the Southern communities was detected. However, there were a high prevalence of single infections of P. falciparum and S. mansoni in those communities. Control measures for the helminths needs to be restarted in the island communities with a high burden of S. mansoni infections and that of Plasmodium needs to be scaled up in Ada Foah where P. falciparum infections were high.

Sealant Utilization and its Influence on Caries Reduction in First Permanent Molars in Saudi Female School Children

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the utilization of fissure sealants and their influence on caries reduction in first permanent molars (FPMs) among 6-9 years old female schoolchildren in Dammam, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: First to fourth grade female children from public schools in Dammam participated in this cross-sectional study. Dental caries and fissure sealants in FPMs were examined clinically using the World Health Organization guidelines. In addition, the parents of the participants responded to a self-reported questionnaire. Results: The study analyzed the data of 449 children. Almost 44.3% of the participants had at least one FPM affected with caries. There were 8.7% of the participants who had fissure sealants in at least one FPM, and out of these, only 2.2% had four FPMs filled with sealants. A significantly greater proportion of participants with sealed FPMs had no caries than the lower proportion of participants without sealants who had caries (P=&lt;0.05). The use of sealants increased significantly from first grade (10.3%) to second grade (30.8%), third grade (38.5%), and fourth grade (20.5%) (P=0.006). High monthly family income (P= 0.047) and having insurance (P=0.017) were significantly associated with increased sealant application. Nearly 21.9% of participants’ parents were aware of caries protective effects of dental sealants. Conclusion: The application of sealants was significantly associated with reduced caries in FPMs. Class year, monthly family income, and insurance were significantly associated with having sealants. Caries prevention programs for children should incorporate sealant application.

Superficial temperature distribution patterns before and after physical activity in school children are indicative for personalized exercise coaching and disease prevention

BackgroundThermoregulation is highly individual and predictive for potentially cascading pathologies. Altered and deficient thermoregulation is considered an important diagnostic indicator which can be of great clinical utility for specialized screening programs and individualized prediction and prevention of severe pathologies triggered early in life.Working hypothesisIndividual thermoregulation can be objectively assessed by thermovision camera before and after exercises in school children stratified by age and gender that may be of great clinical utility for personalized training early in life in the framework of 3P medicine.Study designIn this study, 60 female and male primary school children were exposed to physical exercises in the form of 45-min general fitness training. The subjects under examination were stratified by age: group 1 (7-year-olds), group 2 (9-year-olds), and group 3 (12-year-olds). Superficial body temperature patterns were measured by means of thermovision camera before and immediately after exercises, as well as after the 15-min recovery time. Temperature patterns were analyzed in 12 areas of the body front and back, covering trunk and upper and lower limbs.ResultsThe obtained results revealed an individual and age-depended difference in response of the body to exercises. The first measurement prior to exercise (measurement 1) revealed no statistically significant differences in the mean surface temperature of all analyzed areas between 7- and 9-year-old children. Further, 7- and 9-year-old children did not differ significantly in the mean temperature recorded in the trunk compared to the 12-year-old children. However, in 12-year-old children, statistically significant higher values of the mean temperature of the upper and lower limbs, were observed compared to the group of 7-year-olds and significantly higher values of the mean temperature of the lower limbs compared to the group of 9-year-olds. Immediately after exercises (measurement 2), a statistically significant decrease in the temperature was noted in all groups and in all areas of the body. The greatest temperature change was observed in 12-year-olds, while the least one was measured in the youngest subjects. The statistically significant relation between the average trunk temperature of 7-year-old and 12-year-old children was observed: lower values of the mean temperature of the front and back of the trunk were noted in the group of 12-year-old children compared to the group of 7-year-olds. A significantly lower average temperature of the back of the trunk compared to the youngest group was also recorded in 9-year-old children. The study performed after the 15-min recovery time (measurement 3) showed an increase in the average temperature of all analyzed areas. In all subjects, the mean temperature recorded in measurement 3 did not differ significantly from the initial ones (measurement 1, prior to exercises). Only the mean temperature of the trunk back of 12-year-old children was significantly lower after the rest period compared to the initial examination. In all groups, the temperatures after exercises followed by a 15-min recovery returned to the initial ones, except of the trunk backs of 12-year-old children, where the temperature was lower than before exercises.Conclusions and expert recommendations in the framework of 3PMThermovision analysis is an effective tool to assess individual thermoregulation and to stratify school children for personalized exercise coaching. Body exercise-based disease prevention early in life is effective when tailored to the person: multi-parametric guidance for prescribing exercises individually is needed. Contextually, proposed individualized training approach should be adapted to the age-dependent particularities and individual thermoregulation.

Examining the Relationship between Obesity and Memory Function in Female School Children of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesThe surge in the prevalence of childhood obesity has drawn attention to its impact on executive and cognitive functions. The adverse correlation between an increase in body weight and a fall in brain health is well reported in the literature. The study was done to examine the relationship between obesity and memory function in female school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. MethodsThe participants of this study (8 to 12 years) were recruited from schools in Riyadh. The memory function test was done using a digit span memory model and a recall test was conducted using the lecture-recall technique. The data obtained was subjected to descriptive analysis and the impact of obesity on memory was interpreted using multiple and stepwise linear regression analysis (SPSS-IBM 23). ResultsA total of 611 female school children (average age, 10.3 ± 1.1 years) were included in this study. Around 57% of them were in the healthy weight category. The percentage of failures for students in the memory function test and the recall test were 15% and 11%, respectively. It is noted that with every increase in the BMI category (from underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obese), there was a decrease in working memory scores. The least decreased prediction of the score was found in the working memory food category. Tahfeez had a positive impact on working memory. In four of the five tests, an increase in age by one year had a positive impact, except for the recall test. Similarly, a change in school had a negative impact on recall tests. ConclusionOverall, a greater level of memory function deficit was noted in obese children. Also, obese children tend to remember food items more accurately, and there is a positive role for memorizing practice in functional memory.

10-Measurement of Visual Discrimination Ability among Government Elementary School Children Age 4-8

This study was carried out to measure the visual discrimination ability of govt. elementary school children in District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The main objectives of study were: (i) to measure visual discrimination ability among elementary school children aged 4-8 years, (ii) to compare visual discrimination ability of rural and urban government elementary school children age 4-8, (iii) to compare visual discrimination ability of male and female Government elementary school children age 4-8 years. For this purpose null hypothesis were developed, (i) there was no significant difference in visual discrimination of age group 4-8 years, (ii) there was no significant difference in rural and urban government school children age 4-8 years, (iii) there was no significant difference in male and female government school children age 4-8 years. Three hundred and twenty students of government elementary schools were taken as sample of the study. An empirical research design was used to conduct the study. For collection of data, worksheets were developed and data were analyzed statistically through SPSS by applying mean, percentage, median, and t-test to get the results of the study. It was observed that visual discrimination ability increased with age, it was highest at age group 7-8 years. The research will be beneficial for elementary school children, teachers, curriculum planners, and future researchers

Profile of stress among a group of female school children in their early adolescence in the Galle educational zone; a descriptive cross sectional study

Introduction: Age ranging from 11 to 14 years is regarded as early adolescence. Females are p vulnerable to experience stress with rapid physical, psychological, cognitive and social changes accompanied in adolescence. Stress experienced in adolescence is linked with a range of adverse physical and psychological consequences. The study aimed to determine the level of stress and factors contributing to stress among female adolescents in the Galle educational zone, Sri Lanka. Methods: A school based cross - sectional study was conducted on female adolescents (11 - 14 years, n = 218). A self-administered socio-demographic questionnaire and psychosocial adversity scale were used to assess socioeconomic status and psychosocial adversities respectively. The Body Mass Index (BMI), waist hip ratio (WHR), waist height ratio (WHtR) and fat percentage (FM%) were calculated to assess the nutritional status. Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ), which measures 9 dimensions of stress, was used to assess stress. Results: Normal nutritional status was observed in 118 (54.1%) while 65 (29.8%) and 35(16.1%) adolescents were underweight and overweight respectively. A majority of adolescents (n = 158, 72.9%) were experiencing stress. An increased stress levels were observed for the domains of school attendance (n = 203, 93.1%), future uncertainty (n = 202, 92.7%), school performance (n = 185, 84.9%), emerging responsibility (n = 186, 85.3%), and conflict of school/leisure time (n = 178, 81.7%). Conclusions: Most adolescents considered future uncertainty and school attendance as the greatest stress inducing factors. Urgent measures to decrease stress levels amongst these adolescents need to be implemented.

Sex Differences in the Relationships between Forms of Peer Victimization and Reactive and Proactive Aggression in Schoolchildren.

The original study investigated sex differences in the relationships between multiple forms of peer victimization (physical victimization, verbal victimization, and social exclusion) and subtypes of aggression (reactive aggression and proactive aggression) in schoolchildren. A self-report questionnaire assessing levels of peer victimization and aggression was administered to 3790 schoolchildren (1916 males and 1874 females) aged 11 to 17 (M = 13.19; SD = 1.17) from 10 middle schools in Hong Kong. The pure effect of each subtype of aggression were evaluated by statistically controlling for another subtype of aggression in analyses. Furthermore, participants were classified as non-aggressors, reactive aggressors, proactive aggressors, and reactive–proactive aggressors to investigate their differences in specific forms of peer victimization. Data were analyzed by hierarchical linear regression and ANOVA. The results showed: (1) Sex significantly moderated the relationship between specific forms of peer victimization and subtypes of aggression; (2) In males, reactive aggression was positively predicted by verbal victimization; proactive aggression was positively predicted by physical victimization and social exclusion, and negatively predicted by verbal victimization; (3) In females, reactive aggression was positively predicted by physical victimization and social exclusion; proactive aggression was negatively predicted by social exclusion; and (4) Reactive–proactive aggressors reported more physical victimization than other types of aggressors. The findings have significant implications for distinctive functions of reactive and proactive aggression and the need to develop differentiated interventions for male and female schoolchildren.

The Prevalence and Etiology of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization among Female School Children

Background: Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental defect affecting teeth. The prevalence of MIH and its clinical implications form a challenge for patients and dentists. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of MIH among female school children in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 7- to 9-year-old school girls from the public and private sectors. Invitations to participate in the study were sent to the parents of 1,000 randomly selected children, along with questionnaire and consent form. All included children were examined by two dentists who had been previously calibrated in the assessment of MIH (K=0.9), which was diagnosed according to the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry 2003 criteria. Data analysis was done using SPSS V.22.0 and various statistical tests were conducted to determine significant differences at P&lt;0.05. Results: A total of 711 children participated in this study, with a response rate of 82.2%. The prevalence rates of MIH and Molar Hypomineralization (MH) were 20.96% and 26.58%, respectively. The most common form of MIH was the mild form (87.24%), while 18 children (12.08%) were diagnosed with the moderate form. A single child (0.67%) was diagnosed with the severe form. No statistically significant associations were found between MIH/MH and prenatal, perinatal or postnatal factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of MIH in school girls in Makkah was 20.96%. Despite its high prevalence, the severity of MIH was relatively mild. The etiology of MIH remains unclear and warrants further investigation in future studies.

Skeleto-dental features among a sample of Saudi female children compared to North American standards: A cephalometric study.

This cross-sectional observational retrospective study aimed at assessing the cephalometric skeleto-dental features of class I, II, and III skeletal relationships of Saudi female school children samples and comparing the results to the established North American Caucasian cephalometric standards. The sample consisted of 205 retrospective lateral cephalometric radiographs of female school children. The age range of the subjects was between 10 and 13 years with a mean age of 11 ± 1 years. Several cephalometric and constructed points were identified. Angular, linear, and proportional measurements were obtained and analyzed. The skeleto-dental features of class II and class III were compared to class I of this sample then compared with the established North American Caucasian population. Different angular, linear, and proportional variables were investigated. Descriptive statistics and student t-test were used for data analysis. The distribution of the skeletal relationship revealed that 68.3% of the sample showed class I relationship, 16.1% class II, and 15.6% class III. The result indicates significant differences between the different classes. A greater tendency towards class II facial pattern and more convex profile among Saudis were detected in the present study compared to Caucasians. Furthermore, The dentoalveolar relationship results showed more Bi-maxillary protrusion among Saudi females compared to the North American Caucasians. The results obtained can be of great value in distinguishing the various skeleto-dental features in the different skeletal classes among the Saudi females and in the clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. Furthermore, the results of the study can also serve as a base-line for future investigations in Saudi Arabia.