School Going Research Articles

Prevalence of Dysphonia Among School Going Children in Dakshina Kannada District in Karnataka

ObjectiveVoice disorders among children are quite common, probably due to the excessive and phonotraumatic voice use patterns. Global prevalence falls between 1.4% and 53.2%; however, no such prevalence studies are available in Indian literature. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of perceptual dysphonia among school going children in the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka, India. Study DesignCross sectional study. MethodA total of 3005 school going children aged between 6 and 17 were recruited through voice screening camps conducted across 16 schools through cluster sampling. They were screened using an auditory perception tool—consensus auditory perceptual evaluation of voice (CAPE-V) and adapted The Quick Screen for Voice protocol. ResultsThe prevalence of perceptual dysphonia was estimated to be 6.92% based on clinician rated CAPE-V ratings and The Quick Screen for Voice protocol. The measures of vocal tasks carried out as part of the protocol were grouped based on the age of the children. ConclusionThe estimated prevalence highlighted the need for future epidemiological studies. Findings from such epidemiological studies will enable early identification, assessment, and treatment planning for pediatric voice disorders.

An epidemiological study on menstrual knowledge among school going adolescent girls of 9th-12th standard of northwestern Punjab: a government private school comparison

An epidemiological study on menstrual knowledge among school going adolescent girls of 9th-12th standard of northwestern Punjab: a government private school comparison

An Observational Study for Correlation of Trunk Extensor Muscle Endurance in Different Body Mass Index Among School Going Children of Surat City

An Observational Study for Correlation of Trunk Extensor Muscle Endurance in Different Body Mass Index Among School Going Children of Surat City

Socio-Demographic and Clinical Profile of COVID-19 in Children

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a global pandemic. Infection by COVID-19 in children is not so common but gradually the numbers of children affected with COVID-19 are increasing day by day. Covid-19 has spread around Bangladesh and children are also being infected with comparatively fewer symptoms and lower case-fatality rates. To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hospitalized children with COVID-19. Materials and methods: This cross sectional observational study was conducted among 154 COVID-19 children who were admitted in COVID-19 dedicated Chattagram Maa Shishu O General Hospital, Chattagram from 15 April 2020 to 21 August 2022. Their signs, symptoms, sex, age distribution, laboratory results and familial contact were analyzed. Results: Among 154 children total RT-PCR positive cases were 82 (52%) and suspected cases were 72 (47%). Among positive casesmale-female ratio was 1.78:1. Most of the children (64%) were in school going age (6-18 years).70% children were from urban area and 30% from rural area. Most of the children (78%) came from middle and upper middle socioeconomic group and 22% from lower socioeconomic group. About 74% children were affected from family member.Main symptoms of the children were cough (72%), and fever (62%), fever with cough (56%) and diarrhoea (26%). About 58% of the children had additional symptoms including sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue, headache, body ache, vomiting, abdominal pain, 32 patient came with shortness of breath. 7 patients had comorbidities. Among those 1 with CKD, 1 CP, 2 TB and 3 patients had asthma. Total 6 patients were died, 2 patients from positive cases and 4 patients from suspected cases. Among those 1 was CP child. About 14% patients showed lymphopenia, 14% showed leucopenia, 38% patient had neutropenia. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and serum ferritin were high in only 52% and 38% cases respectively. There were 30% patients who had normal Chest X-Ray and 12% had bilateral consolidation and 58% had patchy opacities. Conclusion: The clinical manifestations in children are variable. However, fever and cough have mostly been profiled. Though the severe condition is rarely reported in children compared with adults, life-threatening complications, and death associated with COVID-19 disease have been documented. But it is evident that they may play a role in transmission of disease. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.22 (2); July 2023; Page 14-17

Prevalence of urinary abnormalities in asymptomatic school going children by dipstick method.

To determine the prevalence of urinary abnormalities in asymptomatic school children. This observational study was conducted at King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital Lahore. Children of 5-15 year of age from Central Model School, Lower Mall, Lahore were included from March to May, 2022. Children having prior renal or systemic disease, on steroids and menstruating girls at the time of urinalysis were excluded. In first screening, children's urine was collected in clean 20mL vessel and examined using urinary dipstick. Children with aberrant results were re-screened after two weeks. Out of total 1600 children, majority were male 1416(88.5%) with mean age 11.92±2.47 years. Urinary abnormalities were observed in 278(17.38%) children on first screening and 86(5.38%) on second screening. Isolated proteinuria was present in 131(8.19%) children on first screening and 26(1.62%) on second screening. Isolated hematuria was present in 100(6.50%) on first screening and 33(2.06%) on second screening. Isolated pyuria was present in 24(1.50%) on first screening and 14(0.88%) on second screening. Combined proteinuria and hematuria were present in 10(0.62%) on first screening and two (0.12%) on second screening. Combined proteinuria and pyuria were present in three (0.19%) on first screening and three (0.19%) on second screening. Combined hematuria and pyuria were present in nine (0.56%) on first screening and five (0.31%) on second screening. Combined proteinuria, hematuria and pyuria was present in one (0.06%) on first screening and three (0.19%) on second screening. Urine screening is necessary for early detection and management of kidney diseases. Marked number of children was found having urinary abnormalities. Asymptomatic proteinuria was the most common finding reflecting underlying kidney pathology going undiagnosed.

A Study To Evaluate The Effect Of Back Pack Load On Weight Bearing, Among School Children, Using Digital Weighing Machine

Background and objective: The impact of musculoskeletal diseases is widespread among student population and may affect any age group. Some conditions often last from adolescence into adulthood. Notably, most of the studies assessed the weight distribution over the foot using force plates and other posturography units. To identify the effect of backpack loads and the carrying patterns of the students on the weight-bearing of the children using digital weighing machines. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done on 150 school going children aged 10 to 14 years.The asymmetric weight distribution of foot was checked using a digital weighing machine in 3 patterns; backpack weight on the right shoulder, backpack weight on the left shoulder and backpack weight on both the shoulders. Results: Statistically significant differences were noted between the weight bearing of the normal standing when compared to the standing either with a shoulder bag on the right side or on the left side. Also, significant differences were noted between the weight bearing of normal standing weight and standing with shoulder bag on both sides. (P< 0.001) Conclusion: When carrying a load bilaterally or unilaterally, the result shows a statistical variation when compared to vertical standing with no weight. Musculoskeletal changes may be suspected in the future if proper awareness programs are not implemented in schools and at home. Additionally, the relevant authority’s lack of awareness about the ideal bag weight was a noted disadvantage. Backpacks with additional horizontal straps can reduce these stresses; modification of bag weight, as well as activities such as core muscle strengthening, can be some of the precautionary measures that can be incorporated into the school curriculum beginning from the primary school itself.

Anaemia prevalence, its determinants and profile of micronutrient status among rural school adolescent girls aged 14-19 years: a cross-sectional study in Nagpur district, Maharashtra, India.

The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of anaemia among 14-19 years school going girls, risk factors for it and profile of micronutrient status among rural girls from western state of India. Using a cross-sectional design, we obtained information on socio-demography, menstruation, dietary habits, knowledge and daily consumption of the government recommended iron and folic acid (IFA) tablets, and anthropometry. Blood was collected to assess Hb, red blood cell indices, serumFe, folate and vitamin B12 levels. Nagpur district, Maharashtra, India. A total of 221 girls aged 14-19 years studying in twenty-four government institutes included. 57 % girls were anaemic, 84 % had deficiency of one or more micronutrients and 60 % were malnourished based on body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of Fe, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency was 37·7 %, 69·8 % and 1·4 %, respectively. Among anaemic girls, Fe and vitamin B12 deficiency was observed in 45·5 % and 67·5 %, respectively, v. among non-anaemic girls it was 27 % and 73 %, respectively. Fe deficiency was a predictor of anaemia and its severity. Girls residing in non-nuclear family were more likely to have anaemia. The consumption of daily non-vegetarian food and green leafy vegetables was 3 % and 3·6 %, respectively. Only 9 % consumed IFA tablets in the past 2 weeks. Anaemia is common in adolescent girls, particularly associated with Fe and vitamin B12 deficiency. There is need to reconsider the approach to prevention of anaemia in adolescent girls, particularly before they become pregnant.

Factors Associated with Effectiveness of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Secondary Schools in Luanshya District, Zambia

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of sexuality education policy in secondary schools. Methodology: Its school based cross-sectional study which was conducted among secondary school teachers and secondary school going pupils in an urban area of Luanshya district. A self-administered semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Students were to answer one option unless specified otherwise. Open-ended questions were given wherever description of answers was required. The questions were framed in English. Completed questionnaires were compiled and entered into Epi data and analyzed using Stata 12. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency tables, percentages and correlation tests were also be used. Findings: This study allowed for a better understanding of the teachers’ and pupils’ attitude, knowledge levels, curriculum appropriateness and cultural influence towards provision of sexuality education in secondary schools. Majority of respondent had positive attitude towards the provision of sexuality education and generally majority of respondents had low knowledge levels on sexuality education. Furthermore, most respondent indicated that culture has negative influence towards provision of sexuality education and majority of respondents indicated that the curriculum was appropriate for the delivery of sexuality education. Each school has a different outlook and direction on the subject of sexual education programs; therefore, it is crucial to understand what, where, and why it is being offered. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Teachers need training in sexuality education in order to overcome their anxieties about sexuality education and rid them of any negative cultural beliefs they may have regarding sexuality education. In addition, the government should organize trainings and workshops for teachers intermittently to improve their teaching skills in sensitive areas like adolescent sexual health. Lastly Sexuality education should start in primary schools.

Impact of Customized oral health education module among Visual, Hearing impaired and Normal healthy children in Central India: A Longitudinal study.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the oral hygiene status of visual impaired, hearing impaired and normal healthy school going children in the age group of 5-18 years and to assess the impact of customized oral health education module on their oral hygiene status.

Prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases among school going children

Prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases among school going children

BASIC EDUCATION: THE MOST CHALLENGING OF THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (MDGs) IN NIGERIA

Basic or primary education is the foundation upon which all other levels of western education are built. It is considered basic as it is the first level of education a child receives before proceeding to the next level of education. In Nigeria, this type of education has been made a nine-year free and compulsory for all the school going age children with six years of primary and three years of junior secondary schools. Coincidently, it is the second goal of the Millennium Development Goals for development adopted by the United Nations in the year 2000. This paper examines the importance of basic education in achieving the Millennium Goals for development in Nigeria. The country has a robust and well-articulated policy on education but the major issue has been implementing the policy for desired progress in the education system. Problems such as indiscipline, inadequate access to schools, poor funding have been found to be affecting the provision of qualitative and accessible education in Nigeria. This is in addition to other internal and external challenges faced by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies responsible for the provision and monitoring of the system. The paper therefore recommends collective efforts by all stake holders in ensuring provision of quality education for all citizens through appropriate funding and effective supervision for achieved millennium goals for overall Nigeria’s development.

Oral Health Status of School-Going Children Aged 12-15 Years in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu- A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction and Aim: Oral health can have dire consequences on the physiological and psychosocial aspects of a child’s well-being. The prevalence of oral diseases among children varies with region and population subgroups. It is necessary to assess the oral health of children as this epidemiological data will serve as the foundation for developing appropriate preventive and treatment strategies. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the oral health status of school going children aged 12-15 years in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, India. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted among 842 children aged 12-15 years who were chosen following a multistage random sampling technique. The oral health status of the children was assessed using Oral Hygiene Index- Simplified (OHI-S), Loe and Silness' Gingival Index (GI), Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index in permanent teeth, and the presence or absence of fluorosis & oral premalignant lesions (OPML). The recorded data was then subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of gingivitis in the population was 53.4%. The highest mean DMFT was seen among males aged 12-13 years (3.20 +/- 3.102) and the least mean DMFT was seen among females aged 14-15 years (2.76 +/-2.67). 1.3% of the population had tobacco pouch keratosis and 10.8% of the population exhibited dental fluorosis. Conclusion: This study has established that the children of Tiruvallur exhibit poor oral health status. Data from this study can serve as a valuable contributor to the development of oral health initiatives with the ultimate goal being improvement in oral health.

Spirometric Values of Healthy School Children in Three Rural Schools of Bangladesh

Background: The prevalence of asthma in Bangladesh is about 7%. The spirometric values in healthy children were obtained in a single urban school more than a decade ago. No rural data is available till date. The objective of this study is to determine the spirometric values of healthy school going children in three rural schools of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from July 2019 to June 2020 among 300 healthy children among both boys and girls aged 11 to 15 years in three rural schools. Among 350 approached students 332 students responded to the study, 18 students did not meet inclusion criteria and 14 students could not follow spirometry procedure. Informed written consent was taken from guardians. History regarding socio-demographic profile, passive smoking, concurrent or past respiratory illness and medication were taken and weight, height and BMI were measured of the children. Spirometry was done with spirometer and reports were generated by software installed in a laptop. Results: Boys showed higher FVC, FEV1 and PEFR but lower FEV1/FVC ratio than those of girls. Regression equations for lung function values were determined for boys and girls considering height as independent variable. Conclusions: Spirometric indices were higher in boys than those of girls and they tended to increase with height, except FEV1/FVC ratio that was higher in girls with a negative correlation with height. BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2023; VOL 47 (1) : 17-23

Physiological and psychological influences shaping children\'s future growth and mental health: An analytical study of attitudes towards sports in school going children

Physiological and psychological influences shaping children\'s future growth and mental health: An analytical study of attitudes towards sports in school going children

Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial to Reduce Susceptibility to Tobacco Use Among School Going Adolescents in a South-Indian District—(Project TEACH)

Background: Adolescents are susceptible to using tobacco because of early exposure to tobacco through family members, easy access, or peer pressure. School-based educational programs are crucial for raising awareness of the harms of tobacco, thus preventing its uptake among adolescents. Studies conducted recently have recognized the need to bring change and reinforce ongoing school-based anti-tobacco education programs. Our study protocol aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a revised school-based anti-tobacco education on susceptibility to tobacco use among school-going adolescents. Method: Project TEACH (Tobacco Education and Awareness for Creating Healthier Adolescents) is an educational intervention that will comprise an animated video on the effects of tobacco on physical and mental health, along with dispelling myths about tobacco, which will be delivered along with a standard education program. The control group will only receive the standard school-based anti-tobacco education program. It will be conducted among students between 6th to 10th grade, with a sample size of 3,310 students. Results: Bivariate relations between the main socio-demographic characteristics and susceptibility to tobacco use will be tested using Pearson or Spearman’s correlation coefficients. For multivariable analyses, the binary logistic regression analysis is used to establish a risk model to correlate the socio-demographic factors with susceptibility to tobacco use and awareness of the harms of tobacco. Conclusion: Project TEACH aims to provide a sustainable school-based anti-tobacco education intervention. It will help test the effectiveness of the revised intervention, which could be incorporated into the current school education program being conducted in the district.

Physical properties, nutritional profile, and consumer acceptability of gluten-free breakfast flakes from cassava flour

Driven by the increasing demand for gluten-free and affordable breakfast options, this study investigated the potential of cassava flour, as a primary ingredient and gluten-free alternative, for producing extruded breakfast flakes. Cassava flakes were prepared using a twin-screw extruder at a constant screw speed of 35 rpm, constant cutter speed of 21.2 rpm and barrel temperatures of 81 °C, 93 °C, and 89 °C in the first, second, and third zones, respectively. The physical properties, nutritional profile, and consumer acceptability of the cassava flakes were compared to a commercially available breakfast cereal. Cassava flakes exhibited significantly different (p < 0.05) physical properties. They had a higher WSI (57.6 %) but lower values of bulk density (0.3 g/cm3), WAI (2.3 g g-1), and color value (yellow orange ±1.73). Cassava flakes had lower fat (0.3 %), protein (6.6 %), and dietary fiber (1.8 %) compared to the commercial product, except for ash (2.3 %), moisture (6.0 %), carbohydrates (89.0 %), and energy (384.7 Kcal/100 g). Despite these differences, cassava flakes met the UNBS requirements for breakfast cereals. Additionally, the cassava flakes’ nutritional adequacy for school going children and adolescents was assessed by determining their %contribution to RDA per serving (30 g cassava flakes + 100 g milk). Their contribution to the RDAs of school going children was minimal with only the contribution of carbohydrates for all age groups and the contribution of protein for 4–8 years aged children meeting recommendations due to the low protein, fat and fiber content. It is, therefore, important to consider reformulation of the cassava flakes and incorporation of other ingredients to improve their protein, fiber, and energy content. Overall, cassava flakes were acceptable with good functionality, but the acceptability can further be enhanced through optimization of the sensory and nutritional qualities.

LEVEL OF STRESS LEVELS AMONG THE SCHOOL GOING STUDENTS AND COPING MECHANISMS: A CASE STUDY AT SELECTED SIX DIFFERENT SCHOOLS

Stress is the state of worry or mental situation caused due to the situations that everyone faces in everyday life, sometimes it seems to be minor, however, shows an unidentified impact. The present generation is witnessing the stress as a part of life and unavoidable. The main objective of this study was to study and understand the stress levels of the current generation students, particularly, school going students, as they will become the roots of the future. This study was also aimed at studying the relationship between stress and coping strategies adopted by the students and propose appropriate stress coping mechanisms, with respect to the schools visited. The results suggest that there is a need for the schools to operate hybrid-counseling centers for the students apart from their parents support to provide necessary support in effectively handling the stressful conditions. The results further suggest that the teachers employ information and communication technology (ICT) tools to instill conceptual learning, ultimately aiming to minimize stress in the academics. Furthermore, it is also suggested that the schools should encourage the students and make it mandatory to implement yoga techniques, which would instill self-controlling techniques, discipline and help in combating the stressful conditions.

Menstrual health and hygiene practices of adolescent girls attending school in rural parts of South India and its effect on school attendance in the year 2020: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Menstruation is a normal and natural process that occurs during a female’s reproductive years, misperceptions surrounding menstruation, which can negatively impact the mental, emotional, and physical health of adolescent girls, as well as their academic performance. Our objective was to describe the menstruation practises among rural school going adolescent girls and its effect on school attendance. Materials and Methods: In the present descriptive and cross-sectional study included 495 students from government and government-aided schools a total of 7 schools. Results: Almost 90% of the girls had regular periods, 59% of these girls’ attained menarche at the age of 13 – 15 years. Out of these students 9% of them skip school frequently during menstrual period due to pain, 3% skip school due to excessive bleeding, and the rest skip school during this period either due to parent’s beliefs (1%) or because they think the sanitation facility at their school is not adequate (0.2%). Conclusion: The mean age of menarche in our study was 12.6, on an average the girls had 35 days of periods, with 5 days of menses, close to 99% of the girls used sanitary pads but most of them did not obtain it from schools, and 13% of girls had been absent often during their menstrual period. Keywords: age of menarche, reproductive health, menstrual health, menstrual hygiene, school going adolescent girls

A Cross-sectional Analytical Study to Assess the Risk Factors Associated with Menstrual Hygiene among School Going Adolescent Girls in an Aspirational District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India

A Cross-sectional Analytical Study to Assess the Risk Factors Associated with Menstrual Hygiene among School Going Adolescent Girls in an Aspirational District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India

A study of spectacle compliance in school going children of rural areas of south Gujarat

A study of spectacle compliance in school going children of rural areas of south Gujarat