First-year Schoolchildren Research Articles

THE DYNAMICS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLCHILDREN’S VALUE-MEANING ORIENTATION

Modern economic, cultural, political and social-psychological changes in Ukrainian society, European integration and the national revival are evidence of transformational processes that cause changes in the hierarchy of values and influence young people’s value orientations. Thus, the study of modern primary schoolchildren’s value-meaning orientations is important for psychological science and pedagogical practice. The article purpose is to analyze the implemented empirical study on the hierarchy and dynamics of value-meaning orientations in the primary school age. The article describes the methodology for studying the value- meaning sphere and the essence of the concepts of “values” and “value orientations”. The value- meaning sphere is the core of a personality; it covers an individual’s value orientations and personal meanings. Value orientations are a form of inclusion of social values ​​into an individual activities and behavior; they are formed on the basis of interiorization of the society values ​​. The following methods were used in our empirical study: “Three desires” for first-year schoolchildren (L. Bozovic), “Flower - seven-colors” for second-year schoolchildren (I. Vitkovskaya) and “Unfinished sentences” for third-forth-year schoolchildren (J. Nuttin). The sample consisted of 217 primary schoolchildren in rural areas. Statistical analysis of the obtained ata was carried out using SPSS (v. 25.0). To compare the studied different classes, the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Kruskal-Wallis test (H-test) were used. The hierarchy and dynamics of value orientations at primary school were studied. The upper part in the Table of Value Ranks included: material, hedonistic, nature ​​and altruistic values for first-year schoolchildren; material, family, hedonistic and altruistic values for second-year schoolchildren; altruistic, material, ego-values ​​and values ​​of learning for third-year schoolchildren; altruistic, affiliate ​​and learning values for forth-year schoolchildren. The lower part in the Table of Value Ranks included: existential, affiliate, civic, aesthetic values for first-year schoolchildren; ego-, future profession, civic and aesthetic values for second-year schoolchildren; nature, profession, civic and aesthetic values for third-year schoolchildren; profession, nature, civil and aesthetic values for forth-year schoolchildren. The statistical criteria used in the study found that the value orientations changed depending on primary schoolchildren’s age. Values, which rank increased significantly with age, were: altruistic, existential, civic, affiliate, ego- ​​and learning values. With age, ranks of such values as family, nature, profession, and hedonistic values ​​decreases statistically. The rank of material values ​​somewhat decreases with age, while the rank of aesthetic values ​​remains unchanged throughout the primary school age. They occupy the lower part in the Table of Value Ranks, which, in our opinion, indirectly indicates insufficient attention to aesthetic education, both at school and in family. Thus, the results of our research allow us to assert that primary schoolchildren’s value-semantic orientations change as for their priority ​​during primary school education. These changes are consistent with the patterns of mental development of children at this age and with the changes occurring with the approach of adolescence. Further studies on schoolchildren’s value-meaning sphere are seen in the study of the influence of the locus of control and gender characteristics on its formation, as well as the influence of family education and the media.

Backpack weight and back pain reduction: effect of an intervention in adolescents.

To assess if an educational intervention is effective to reduce backpack weight and back pain in schoolchildren. We designed an intervention study in schoolchildren aged between 12 and 16 years aimed to reduce the weight of backpacks and back pain. The intervention was multifaceted, including an educational intervention with practical examples, advising on performing sports, postural habits, leaflets, stickers, and so on. The comparison group did not receive any intervention. A total of 1668 schoolchildren took part in the study. We observed a high prevalence of carrying heavy backpacks, with 66-80% of schoolchildren carrying backpacks surpassing 10% of their body weight. Back pain prevalence was 30%. We observed that the intervention was significant in reducing the backpack weight in first-year schoolchildren but not in second-year. The intervention was also significant in reducing back pain in third-year schoolchildren but only in girls. This study shows that an inexpensive intervention directed to reduce the backpack weight and back pain might have a positive effect in schoolchildren.

Impact of binocular vision impairments on reading skills in first-year schoolchildren with high visual acuity

The aim of this study was to investigate the state of binocular vision in first-year schoolchildren with high binocular visual acuity. The results have shown that only 5.1% of these children had normal binocular vision, whereas 25.7% of them had moderate impairments, and 67.9% had severe plus moderate impairments in binocular vision. Significant intergroup differences between schoolchildren with learning difficulties in reading and children with normal reading have been detected in the mean indicators for the distance of near-point of convergence (p < 0.001) and the visual behavior symptoms that confirmed binocular dysfunctions (p < 0.002).

Increase in the number of tuberculosis cases treated following tuberculin skin testing in first-year schoolchildren in Madagascar.

BackgroundTuberculosis continues to cause unacceptably high levels of disease and death worldwide. Active preventive strategies are required to improve tuberculosis control and to increase the number of cases treated in developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of the tuberculin skin test (TST) in first-year schoolchildren as a means of increasing the number of tuberculosis cases detected through the screening of close contacts.MethodsAll members of the households of 90 schoolchildren assigned to three groups on the basis of TST category (≤5 mm, [5–15)mm, ≥15 mm) were screened for sputum smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis. The percentage detection of tuberculosis in close contacts was compared between TST categories.ResultsWe identified 433 close contacts of the 90 schoolchildren, who were then evaluated for tuberculosis. We identified 11 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis among the close contacts (7 already on treatment and 4 previously undiagnosed): 0 in TST category ≤5 mm, 3 in TST category [5–15) mm and 8 in TST category ≥15 mm). This approach increased the detection of tuberculosis cases by a factor of 1.6 in first-year schoolchildren of the TST ≥5 mm group.ConclusionTST in first-year schoolchildren is a potentially effective method for improving the detection of tuberculosis in close contacts.

The characteristics and risk factors of maladaptation and neuropsychiatric disorders in first-year schoolchildren

The characteristics and risk factors of maladaptation and neuropsychiatric disorders in first-year schoolchildren

Study and implementation of urogenital schistosomiasis elimination in Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba islands) using an integrated multidisciplinary approach

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is a parasitic infection that continues to be a major public health problem in many developing countries being responsible for an estimated burden of at least 1.4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Africa alone. Importantly, morbidity due to schistosomiasis has been greatly reduced in some parts of the world, including Zanzibar. The Zanzibar government is now committed to eliminate urogenital schistosomiasis. Over the next 3–5 years, the whole at-risk population will be administered praziquantel (40 mg/kg) biannually. Additionally, snail control and behaviour change interventions will be implemented in selected communities and the outcomes and impact measured in a randomized intervention trial.Methods/DesignIn this 5-year research study, on both Unguja and Pemba islands, urogenital schistosomiasis will be assessed in 45 communities with urine filtration and reagent strips in 4,500 schoolchildren aged 9–12 years annually, and in 4,500 first-year schoolchildren and 2,250 adults in years 1 and 5. Additionally, from first-year schoolchildren, a finger-prick blood sample will be collected and examined for Schistosoma haematobium infection biomarkers. Changes in prevalence and infection intensity will be assessed annually. Among the 45 communities, 15 were randomized for biannual snail control with niclosamide, in concordance with preventive chemotherapy campaigns. The reduction of Bulinus globosus snail populations and S. haematobium-infected snails will be investigated. In 15 other communities, interventions triggering behaviour change have been designed and will be implemented in collaboration with the community. A change in knowledge, attitudes and practices will be assessed annually through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with schoolchildren, teachers, parents and community leaders. In all 45 communities, changes in the health system, water and sanitation infrastructure will be annually tracked by standardized questionnaire-interviews with community leaders. Additional issues potentially impacting on study outcomes and all incurring costs will be recordedand monitored longitudinally.DiscussionElimination of schistosomiasis has become a priority on the agenda of the Zanzibar government and the international community. Our study will contribute to identifying what, in addition to preventive chemotherapy, needs to be done to prevent, control, and ultimately eliminate schistosomiasis, and to draw lessons for current and future schistosomiasis elimination programmes in Africa and elsewhere.Trial registrationISRCTN48837681

Estatura de padres e hijos chilenos de diferente etnia y vulnerabilidad social

Objective. To analyze and compare the heights of firstyear school children and their parents, according to ethnic background and socioeconomic status. Material and methods. This is a cross-sectional study of indigenous and non-indigenous school children and their parents, belonging to three levels of social vulnerability: very high (poverty), medium, and very low. An indigenous school child was defined as any child having all four parental surnames of Mapuche origin; non-indigenous were those having Hispanic parental surname. Height was compared using Z scores, using WHO nutritional change reference values. Statistical analysis consisted in comparing differences of mean heights between parents and their children. Differences were assessed using Scheffe’s method. Results. Improvement in socioeconomic conditions was associated with increasing mean parental height (p<0.001), except for indigenous mothers, who showed no height increase. Fathers from highly impoverished counties were 4 cm shorter than those living in very low vulnerability areas; height differences reached 2 cm among mothers (p<0.001). Indigenous school children showed a positive height gradient with improving socioeconomic conditions (p<0.001). This was not observed among non-indigenous children. When comparing parental height with children’s height, children had a better height/age ratio than their parents (p<0.01). This was specially evident among indigenous school children, who had on average 1.4 Z scores more than their parents. Conclusions. The upward height gradient related to improved social conditions, and the bet

Physical Movement and Memory for Music

This article is concerned with the role of kinaesthesis and bodily movement in promoting musical memory. Seventy-two first-year secondary school children were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. They were then asked to listen to short extracts of music ranging from jazz through western classical to the Indian tradition, with a view to conveying to a deaf child the import of the music. Results indicated that a kinaestheic strategy significantly affected achievement on an unexpected recognition test taken one week later.

How Teachers Perceive First-Year Schoolchildren: Sex and Ethnic Differences

A survey was conducted on the categories considered relevant by teachers when judging first-year schoolchildren. Six rating scales were derived and applied to 180 English children in a multi-racial urban area, yielding data on perceived differences between ethnic groups and between boys and girls. Changes occurring during the school year were recorded, and the structure of the scales was analysed using `repertory grid' techniques. Results suggest that the rating technique developed gives reliable and sensitive measures, but that teachers' judgements are highly global; two-thirds of the total variance in them was accounted for by a single Principal Component. Sex differences diminished over the first year, but ethnic ones did not, while ethnic differences in a school for educationally subnormal children were the reverse of those found in normal schools.

The Use of the Electro-Acoustic Impedance Bridge in the Assessment of Middle Ear Function

A Madsen ZO 70 electro-acoustic bridge has been employed to examine the middle ear function of approximately one thousand children in two Primary and Infant Schools. One school was located in a predominantly residential area of a seaside town, and the other in an industrial region close to the centre of a city. By studying the variation in the prevalence of middle ear disorders in the two regions, it was hoped to indicate whether atmospheric pollution plays a part in their development.The middle ear pressure and compliance are two of the factors which were measured. Reduced middle ear pressure is seen to be common in first-year schoolchildren, diminishing with increasing age. Fluid in the middle ear is also common in infant schoolchildren, frequently associated with infected and swollen adenoid tissue.The part played by reduced middle ear pressures in the production of fluid is under investigation. Children exhibiting markedly reduced pressures are being studied over a period of time to determine what pro...