First Year Of Junior High School Research Articles

Parental Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Helicobacter Pylori Screening in Adolescents: A School-Based Questionnaire Study Among Guardians of Junior High School Students in Yokosuka City, Japan

PurposeHelicobacter pylori (HP) infection, a risk factor for gastric cancer, is prevalent in Japan. Consequently, some municipalities across Japan are implementing HP screening and treatment programs for adolescents. However, little is known about parents’ attitudes and awareness regarding HP screening for their children. This study aimed to elucidate parental perspectives on HP screening for their children and identify the factors influencing these attitudes.MethodsThis study focused on the parents of first-year junior high school students in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, where an HP screening and treatment program had been implemented for adolescents. The survey questionnaire was distributed among parents in all 23 public junior high schools in Yokosuka City.ResultsAmong the 618 respondents, 86.4% supported HP screening for their children. Regression analysis identified sufficient knowledge about HP (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 5.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.10–16.03) and being in their 40s (aOR = 2.25; 95% CI, 1.35–3.77) as significant factors influencing supportive attitudes. For parents favoring the screening, common reasons included perceiving it as a promising opportunity (53.2%) and considering the test necessary (44.0%). In contrast, those who opposed screening frequently cited it as unnecessary (66.7%) or believed that their children did not have HP.ConclusionsA significant proportion of parents in Yokosuka City, Japan, demonstrated a good understanding of HP and expressed a high level of interest in HP screening for their children. Further investigation of parents’ attitudes is essential for the effective implementation of adolescent HP screening programs.

Relationship between Anxiety and Problematic Smartphone Use in First-Year Junior High School Students: Moderated Mediation Effects of Physical Activity and School Adjustment.

Despite previous research identifying anxiety as a risk factor for problematic smartphone use among students, the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying the relationship between the two aforementioned variables are poorly understood. This study aims to explore the relationship between anxiety and problematic smartphone use among first-year junior high school students, together with the mediating effects of school adjustment and the moderating effects of physical activity on the mentioned relationship. This study was conducted using a Web-based self-report questionnaire survey with data collected from 445 first-year junior high school students in Jinan City, Shandong Province. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed using the PROCESS macro in SPSS. The results showed that anxiety predicted problematic smartphone use not only directly but also indirectly via school adjustment. School adjustment played a partial mediating role in the relationship between anxiety and problematic smartphone use. Physical activity also played a moderating role in the relationship between anxiety and school adjustment. school adjustment and physical activity may be important variables in the relationship between anxiety and problematic smartphone use.

HUBUNGAN DUKUNGAN SOSIAL ORANGTUA DAN ADVERSITY QUOTIENT DENGAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR PADA SISWA KELAS 7 SMP NEGERI 1 BATURETNO

The transition from elementary school to junior high school is a challenge for students, especially first-year students. First-year students need to have high learning motivation to be able to answer current academic and non-academic challenges. Learning motivation is influenced by intrinsic factors which come from inside and extrinsic factors from the social environment. The research aims to determine the relationship between parental social support and adversity quotient with learning motivation, both partial and simultaneous. The population is seventh-grade students of SMP Negeri 1 Baturetno. We used total population sampling. The subjects involved in this study were all first-year junior high school students, totaling 255 people. Data collection used the Parents' Social Support Scale (12 items, α = 0.893), Adversity Quotient Scale (16 items, α = 0.895), and Learning Motivation Scale (11 items, α = 0.891). Data were analyzed by multiple regression analysis. The results showed that there was a relationship between parental social support and adversity quotient with learning motivation, both partial and simultaneous. Parental social support and adversity quotient have an effect of 61.6% on students' learning motivation. This research has implications for the urgency of the role of the family in supporting student success at school. Families, especially parents, need to be in a social environment that supports and forges student resilience to develop motivation to learn.

Development of a teacher-delivered transdiagnostic universal prevention program for adolescents and examining its usability by teachers

Various mental problems and disorders may start to occur and develop during adolescence. Therefore, appropriate preventive interventions are required. This study aimed to develop a teacher-delivered transdiagnostic universal prevention program for adolescents and examine its usability in educational settings. A new 12-session program for adolescents was created based on the Unified Universal Prevention Program for Diverse Disorders (Up2-D2); it was delivered by teachers for children based on cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) and positive psychology interventions (PPI). The new program for adolescents, “Up2-D2 Plus,” was developed through three phases. In phase 1, researchers who have expertise in CBT and/or PPI developed a preliminary version of the Up2-D2 Plus. In phase 2, the preliminary version of the program was implemented in junior and senior high schools, post which, feedback was obtained from both teachers and students. In phase 3, eight teachers of first-year students (i.e., seventh grade) in junior high schools implemented the Up2-D2 Plus or the Up2-D2. Usability data was obtained from the teachers who implemented the adolescent version (n = 5) and the child version (n = 3). The results of the Mann-Whitney U test showed that the Up2-D2 Plus had lower satisfaction, understanding, and several usability than the original Up2-D2. This indicates that the adolescent version of the program may have room for improvement when implemented for first-year junior high school students aged 12 and 13 years. Further research is thus needed to conduct usability assessments by students themselves and to implement the program for higher age groups of adolescents.

Association between sleep habits and behavioral problems in early adolescence: a descriptive study

BackgroundSleep habits are related to children's behavior, emotions, and cognitive functioning. A strong relationship exists between sleep habits and behavioral problems. However, precisely which sleep habits are associated with behavioral problems remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between sleep habits and behavioral problems in early adolescence.MethodsThis study used data from a larger longitudinal research, specifically, data from the year 2021. First-year junior high school students (12–14 years) in Japan were surveyed; their parents (N = 1288) completed a parent-report questionnaire. The main survey items were subject attributes, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).ResultsOf the 652 valid responses received, 604 individuals who met the eligibility criteria (no developmental disability in the child and completion of all survey items) were included in the analysis. To examine the relationship between sleep habits and behavioral problems, logistic regression analysis using the inverse weighted method with propensity score was conducted with sleep habits (sleep quality, time to fall asleep, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep difficulty, use of sleeping pills, difficulty waking during the day, and sleep disturbances) as explanatory variables and behavioral problems (overall difficulty in SDQ) as objective variables. The propensity score was calculated by employing the logistic regression using the inverse weighted method based on propensity scores. Propensity scores were calculated based on gender, family structure, household income, and parental educational background. The results showed that behavioral problems tended to be significantly higher in the group at risk for sleep quality, sleep difficulties, daytime arousal difficulties, and sleep disturbances than in the group with no risk.ConclusionThe results suggest that deterioration in sleep quality, sleep difficulties, daytime arousal difficulties, and sleep disturbances may increase the risk of behavioral problems in adolescents.

Attitude of junior high school students towards the study of science in Ghanaian schools: the case of first-year students in the Cape Coast metropolis

ABSTRACT Attitude of students towards studying science is essential in their pursuit of academic success and development of interest to pursue science-related professions. The study investigated factors that affect attitudes of first-year Junior High School students toward the study of science in the Cape Coast Metropolis of the Central Region of Ghana. The standardised Revised Simpson-Troost Attitude Questionnaire (STAQ-R) was used to measure the attitudes of 162 students in seven basic schools. The results showed significant differences exist among ages of students in the same class (mixed-age enrolment) on overall attitudes toward the study of science. Also, teachers and classroom activities (motivating science class), self-directed efforts, family background, students’ interest and peer influence significantly contribute toward students’ attitudes toward the study of science. Gender does not significantly affect students’ attitudes toward the study of science. Overall, the participants possessed, on average, a positive attitude towards the study of science. Public education on gender equality in the study of science and the need for change in some socio-cultural practices that affect education might be yielding good results. School authorities and parents should continue to create the enabling environment that will help develop appropriate attitudes of students (wards) toward the study of science.

A Self-Worth Perspective of Japanese First-Year Junior High School Students’ Attitudes Towards Studying English

A Self-Worth Perspective of Japanese First-Year Junior High School Students’ Attitudes Towards Studying English

Development of 3D Physics Learning Media using Augmented Reality for First-year Junior High School Students

This study aims to produce 3D physics learning media in Indonesian first-year Junior High Schools (SMP/MTs) using Augmented Reality (AR). This research development uses the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluate) model. The development stage was carried out at the Physics Education Laboratory of the FKIP University of Riau and the implementation stage was carried out on 30 first-year students of SMPN 30 Pekanbaru. The 3D learning media validation sheet instrument by using AR consists of four assessment aspects, namely; (1) design aspects, (2) pedagogical aspects, (3) content aspects, and (4) technical aspects. Validation was carried out by six validators consisting of 2 material experts, 2 media experts, and 2 physics teachers. The results of six-validator assessment provide an average for each aspect as follows; (1) the design aspect has an average of 4.43 which is categorized as very valid, (2) the pedagogical aspect has an average of 4.42 very valid categories, (3) the content aspect has an average of 4.38 very valid categories, and (4) the technical aspect has an average of 4.51 which is also categorized as very valid. Overall the average validity for the four aspects of the assessment is 4.43 very valid categories. After the 3D physics learning media was developed, it was then declared feasible by the experts, the implementation phase of 3D physics learning media or small-scale trials on students was carried out to see the students' responses to 3D physics learning media. The student response test was carried out using a student response questionnaire containing 10 statements consisting of 6 aspects of assessment. The results of the students' responses at the implementation stage showed that 67% of the 30 students thought that 3D learning media using AR was very good for use in the learning process. Then 33% of 30 students think that 3D learning media using AR is good for use in the learning process. Certainly the 3D physics learning media product is suitable for use in the physics learning process in Junior High Schools.

Investigation and Countermeasure Research on the Learning Adaptability of the First-Year Junior High Freshman

Learning adaptability refers to the ability tendency of students to adjust themselves to overcome various difficulties and achieve better learning results in the learning process, which has a direct impact on students’ learning enthusiasm and academic performance. In order to objectively reflect the characteristics and current situation of the learning adaptability development of the first-year junior high freshmen under the “new curriculum reform”, the study used student questionnaire and teacher questionnaire to conduct two rounds of one-year investigation on the learning adaptability of 329 freshmen from the aspects of learning attitude and habit, learning ability, learning method, etc. In addition, to ensure the objectivity of the results, the relevant conclusions were verified by using the class rank and grade rank of students’ monthly examination results. Two rounds of surveys shown that there is a significant correlation between the gender of students, the family background of students and the self-assessment results of learning adaptability of the freshmen of the first-year junior high school. In addition, the self-assessment results of students’ learning adaptability are strongly influenced by their subjectivity and class rank. In school education, schools and teachers should pay more attention to the “middling” group of students, and strengthen the attention to the psychological health of students who are lower in the quality class, especially to the cultivation of their self-confidence and self-management ability.

Comparative viewing (first-year junior high school students) of Mukai Junkichi’s Shadow (In the Suzhou Sky) and Cezanne’s View of Auvers-sur-Oise with art appreciation capabilities and the working of physical sensations/ability to grasp tactile materiality in mind

Comparative viewing (first-year junior high school students) of Mukai Junkichi’s Shadow (In the Suzhou Sky) and Cezanne’s View of Auvers-sur-Oise with art appreciation capabilities and the working of physical sensations/ability to grasp tactile materiality in mind

Academic Achievement, Obesity And Low Fitness In Japanese Adolescents

It has been shown that aerobic capacity is related to reading and arithmetic ability in children and that acute exercise enhances cognitive function. Also, childhood obesity has been reported to have a negative influence on cognitive function and academic achievement. However, there is no reports examined the influence of physical and physiological factors such as childhood obesity and low physical fitness on academic achievement in Japanese schoolchildren. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether obesity and physical fitness are related to academic achievement in Japanese first-year junior high school students (equal to 7th graders in the U.S.). METHODS: The data of 421 students (male, n = 222; female, n = 199; age = 12.4 ± 0.4 yrs) in Hokkaido Prefecture were analyzed. Academic achievement was assessed by the total grade points of 8 school subjects (GP8; each subject was assigned 1 to 5 points) not including physical education. Comprehensive physical fitness was evaluated by the total score of 8 fitness tests including a 20-m shuttle run. Socioeconomic and behavioral confounders including mother’s education, household income and cram school utilization were used as covariates. RESULTS: The GP8 of students with a body mass index (BMI) over 25 was significantly lower than that of students with a BMI under 25 or under 18 (25.3 ± 5.5 vs. 28.7 ± 5.5 vs. 28.7 ± 6.1 points, respectively; p<0.05). Comprehensive physical fitness and 20-m shuttle run test scores were correlated with GP8 in male students (r = 0.352 and r = 0.361, respectively). In female students, only the 20-m shuttle run test score was correlated with GP8 (r =0.158). After adjusting for the confounders, comprehensive physical fitness score was found to be a significant factor for determinants of GP8 in male students (β = 0.327), but not in female students. Obesity status was a factor for GP8 in female students (β = -0.218), but not in male students. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that obesity and low physical fitness could have a negative effect on academic achievement in Japanese junior high school students.

At-risk and problem gambling among adolescents: a convenience sample of first-year junior high school students in Finland.

BackgroundAdolescent gambling and substance use are viewed as a public health concern internationally. The early onset age of gambling is a known risk factor for developing gambling problems later in life. The aims of this study are: to evaluate the internal consistency reliability, factorial validity and classification accuracy of the Finnish version of DSM-IV-Multiple Response-Juvenile (DSM-IV-MR-J) criteria measuring at-risk/problem gambling (ARPG); to examine gender differences in gambling participation, ARPG and substance use among first-year junior high school students; and to investigate the association of gambling and gaming (video game playing) participation, substance use and social variables with ARPG.MethodsThis study examined 988 adolescents (mean age 13.4 years) at 11 public schools in Finland between October-December 2013. The response rate was 91.6%. Chi-squared test and binary logistic regression analysis were used.Results‘Illegal acts’ was the most endorsed and sensitive, but the least specific criteria identifying ARPG. During the past year, 51.6% of the respondents had gambled, 7.9% were identified as at-risk/problem gamblers (DSM-IV-MR-J score ≥ 2), 8.0% had smoked and 8.9% had been drinking for intoxication, and the first three were significantly more common among boys than girls. The odds ratio of being a male past-year at-risk/problem gambler was 2.27, 5.78 for gambling often or sometimes, 2.42 for video game playing weekly or more often and 6.23 for having peer gamblers.ConclusionsOverall, the Finnish version of the DSM-IV-MR-J had acceptable internal consistency reliability and factorial validity. None of the DSM-IV-MR-J criteria were accurate enough to screen ARPG per se. ARPG past-year prevalence was relatively high with males gambling more than females. ARPG was as common as drinking alcohol for intoxication and smoking. Peer gambling was strongly associated with ARPG. Efficient strategies to minimise the risks of gambling problems, tools for prevention and identification of ARPG among the underage are needed.

English Language Instruction for Elementary and First-Year Junior High School Students Based on Phoneme and Phonology Awareness

English Language Instruction for Elementary and First-Year Junior High School Students Based on Phoneme and Phonology Awareness

The Well-Being of Junior High School Students in Taiwan in Relation to Familial Socioeconomic Status, School Life Adjustment, and Deviant Behavior

This study explores the influence that familial socioeconomic status, school life adjustment, and deviant behavior have on the well-being of junior high school students. The participants were 1886 first-year junior high school students recruited using the Taiwan Education Panel Survey (TEPS). The findings of this study indicated that a) the well-being of male students exceeded that of female students; b) significant interaction effects were exhibited between familial socioeconomic status and school life adjustment, and higher familial socioeconomic status and higher school life adjustment with higher well-being; and c) deviant behavior was related to lower well-being.

Mean Hemoglobin Levels in Venous Blood Samples and Prevalence of Anemia in Japanese Elementary and Junior High School Students

Screening for anemia has been performed in schools in Japan for over 30 years. The long-term effect of the nuclear power plant disaster on the prevalence of anemia in school age children is unknown. This research was performed to evaluate the prevalence of anemia in school age children and to determine grade-level and gender-related reference hemoglobin (Hb) levels prior to the nuclear disaster. Data for this research were obtained from results of screening for anemia obtained by venous blood sampling in schools in 2002. Mean Hb levels were calculated for each grade level (elementary school grades 1-6 and junior high school years 1-3) and according to gender, and the prevalence of anemia was determined. In our research, Tokyo Health Service Association guidelines were used to determine reference Hb levels for anemia. We demonstrated that Hb levels in boys increased with age during childhood and adolescence (from 13.1 ± 0.7 g/dL in 7 year olds to 14.9 ± 1.1 g/dL in 15 year olds); in girls, Hb levels peaked at menarche (13.7 ± 0.8 g/dL in 12 year olds), decreasing slightly thereafter (13.4 ± 1.1 g/dL in 15 year olds). The prevalence of anemia was 0.26% in elementary school boys, 0.27% in elementary school girls, and 1.21% in junior high school boys. The prevalence of anemia in second- and third-year junior high school girls was lower than that in first-year junior high school girls. Among all junior high school girls, 5.73% had mild anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia is the commonest type of anemia in high school girls, secondary to the relative lack of iron due to menstruation, the growth spurt and exercise. Appropriate dietary therapy and treatment of anemia, together with education about the dietary prevention of anemia, are important to reduce the prevalence of anemia in high school students. When complete blood counts are performed in regions thought to be affected by the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster, our report can serve as a reference during evaluation of Hb levels.

Heart Disease Screening of Schoolchildren in Taiwan

To evaluate the sensitivity of a heart disease screening program for schoolchildren. Prospective cohort study. Taitung County, Taiwan. All first- and fourth-grade elementary school students and first-year junior high school students screened between September 1, 2005, and June 30, 2007. Intervention A 2-level heart disease screening program was undertaken. Level 1 screening included a history questionnaire and phonocardiography and electrocardiography. Level 2 screening consisted of examination by a pediatric cardiologist of all children who had abnormal findings on level 1 screening. A control group comprised children whose level 1 screening results were normal. Children with abnormalities on level 2 screening were referred for a detailed cardiac evaluation. Previously unsuspected heart diseases. Of 25 816 children undergoing the level 1 screening program, 5330 had positive findings, of whom 5235 underwent level 2 screening, along with 1104 children in the control group. The pediatric cardiologist referred 780 children to the hospital for full evaluation, including 18 controls and 114 patients with a previous diagnosis of heart disease. A total of 292 children, including 2 controls, had evidence of heart disease, which was previously unsuspected in 178 (61.0%). Excluding children with a previous diagnosis of heart disease, the sensitivity of the screening program was 82.6%. The specificity and the positive predictive value were 98.3% and 28.6%, respectively. The 2-level heart disease screening program has good sensitivity and detects asymptomatic but potentially life-threatening heart disease in some children.

映像情報の提示方法の違いが運動経過の把握に与える影響：器械運動の技を観察対象として

The purpose of the study was to elucidate the extent to which observers are able to grasp objective movement processes, while observing a visual presentation of movement using a horizontal bar. We presented movements to third-year elementary school students and first-year junior high school students using two presentation methods, specifically sequential photographs and video clips, and subsequently asked the subjects to reenact the movement processes using paper dolls. The following results were obtained.1. Mean scores for the task were significantly higher in the third-year elementary school students than in the first-year junior high school students. This suggests that the ability to understand movement processes improves with age.2. Among third-year elementary school students, mean scores for the task were significantly higher for students who were shown video clips than for those shown sequential photographs, whereas no significant differences were observed among first-year junior high school students. This suggests that video clips are a more effective presentation method for early elementary school students.3. Mean scores for movements with complex movement structures were low for both presentation methods. Further consideration about presentation of complex movements may be necessary.4. Experience of playing sports in elementary school was identified as a factor influencing mean scores for the task. Students who had experience of sports and watching movements while playing sports were thought to be more capable of understanding movement processes even when watching them for the first time.

Lifestyle at 3 years of age and quality of life (QOL) in first-year junior high school students in Japan: results of the Toyama Birth Cohort Study

The aim of this study was to determine whether some effects of childhood lifestyles at 3 years of age are associated with quality of life (QOL) in first-year junior high school students (JHSS). Lifestyles including sleep, physical activity and dietary habits of 9,674 3-year-old children were obtained by questionnaire between 1992 and 1994. Assessments were undertaken with the Dartmouth Primary Care Co-operative Project charts in 9,574 first-year JHSS in 2002. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between lifestyle in early childhood and QOL in first-year JHSS for the follow-up subjects. After adjusting for demographic and familial factors at baseline, the results showed that later bedtime [odds ratio (OR) = 1.17, P = 0.043], later waking time (OR = 1.19, P = 0.039), short sleep duration (OR = 1.15, P = 0.061), physical inactivity (OR = 1.48, P = 0.022), skipping breakfast (OR = 1.56, P = 0.003), irregular snacks (OR = 1.43, P < 0.001), and frequent instant noodle consumption (OR = 1.49, P = 0.007) in early childhood increased the risk of poor QOL in first-year JHSS. The relationships were reinforced by a significant linear trend for almost all factors considered at baseline to QOL in first-year JHSS. Early childhood lifestyle factors, especially dietary habits, at 3 years of age have significant effects on QOL in first-year JHSS. This suggests that interventions as early as 3 years of age should be considered.

Epidemic study of pet allergy in Wakayama Prefecture

In Japan, the number of households who have pets has gradually increased, together with the number of people who have pet allergies. Many reports exist on pollen and mite allergy, but few on pet allergy. We conducted an epidemic study in 531 first-year junior high school students in Wakayama prefecture in 1999. Questionnaires covered allergy and measurement of total IgE antibody using CAP system (Pharmacia Co. Ltd.) and specific IgE antibody using MAST26 system (Hitachi chemical Co. Ltd.). Of 306 students having pets, 11 were allergic to dogs, 11 to cats, 8 to both, and 1 to rabbits. Clinical symptoms were various. No differences in symptoms were observed among allergens. Serum total IgE tended to increase in students who suffered from pet allergies. Positive rates of specific IgE antibodies were high in mites and Japanese cedar pollen (36.7% for mites and 37.0% for Japanese cedar pollen), and also in dogs and cats (15.4% for dogs and 18.2% for cats). Specific dog and cat IgE antibodies increased significantly (p = 0.033 for dog and for p < 0.0001 cat), but no significant correlation was found between the positive specific IgE antibody and history of pet keeping.

Long-term consequences of Kawasaki disease among first-year junior high school students.

To determine whether height, weight, and electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities differ at the age of 13 years between adolescents with and without Kawasaki disease (KD) (also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome). A population-based cohort study. School community and public health service. Data from the nationwide surveys of KD in Japan were linked with those of junior high school cardiac screening in Tochigi Prefecture between April 1, 1986, and June 30, 1998 (except data for 1988 and 1994). Using this database, students with KD and students without KD in the first year of junior high school were compared. Height, weight, and ECG abnormalities. Eight hundred sixty students (486 adolescent boys and 374 adolescent girls) with KD and 308 729 students (158 193 adolescent boys and 150 536 adolescent girls) without KD were located. There was no difference in average height and weight between the students with and without KD (using the P values for a t test of the means). The proportion of abnormal ECG findings was 10% and 3% among those with and without KD, respectively. Even at age 13 years, the proportion of abnormal ECG findings was about 3 times higher among adolescents with KD (using a chi(2) test of the difference in 2 binomial proportions).