Habits Of Schoolchildren Research Articles

Comparative Characteristics of Eating Behavior, Habits, and Patterns of Normal and Overweight Children, Including Obese Children

Introduction: One of the reasons for the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults, and especially children and adolescents, is eating habits and eating behavior, which are formed by the rules of nutrition established in the family. Purpose of the Study: Conduct a comparative assessment of the nature of nutrition and eating habits of overweight schoolchildren, including obesity, and those with normal body weight to justify the development of measures aimed at preventing the formation of overweight and alimentary-related diseases. Materials and Methods: The materials for the study were the data of a survey of 2029 schoolchildren aged 7-17. The survey program included questions reflecting knowledge of the principles of healthy eating and adherence to its principles in family and school meals, the structure and mode of eating were studied. Statistical analysis was carried out using STATISTICA 10 and Microsoft Excel application packages. Parametric methods of analysis were used. Differences were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. Results: A high frequency of adherence to the consumption of high-calorie foods was established, which is typical both for respondents with overweight and obesity, and with normal body weight. In the group of children with overweight and obesity, a higher frequency of food intake was revealed both on weekends and on school days 75.4% versus 65.6% and in the group with normal body weight, respectively, 73.4% versus 60.8% (p≤0.05), which is largely due to the greater proportion of children in this group who eat according to the main diet at school (73.2% versus 59.3%, p≤0.05), as well as attending the canteen in addition to the main nutrition (78.6% vs. 14.3%, (p≤0.05), more often buying main meat and fish dishes (6.7% vs. 4.8%), cereals (1.8% vs. 7%), sausages or wieners (4.0% vs. 1.1%), less often - fruits (2.7% vs. 3.4%), which increases the energy value of the diet compared to children with normal body weight. Conclusion: The study made it possible to identify violations of eating behavior and eating habits in schoolchildren with different BMI indicators, which pose additional risks of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren. Habits in the group of children with overweight, which are the source of the formation of risk factors for diseases associated with overweight and obesity, as well as the peculiarities of eating habits in the group of children with normal body weight. The data obtained require the need to develop preventive measures aimed at creating positive motivation in children to reduce the consumption of critically important nutrients, develop healthy eating habits, and consume food that is balanced with regard to actual energy consumption and physiological need for food and biologically valuable substances.

Evaluation of Oral Health Status and Dietary Habits in School Children among age 12-14 years; A Cross-Sectional Study

The prevalence of dental caries among Pakistani schoolchildren is rising. Current epidemiological statistics are required to determine treatment needs. These numbers are not presently accessible for elementary school students. Objectives: To assess the Oral health status of secondary school children 12 – 14 years through DMFT index and to determine the relationship between dietary habits and Dental caries of secondary school children aged 12 – 14 years via questionnaire. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through interviews and clinical examinations in three Secondary schools of children based in Lahore. Number of participants were 398 children aged 12 to 14 years, encompassing both males and females. Oral health status and Dietary habits were evaluated through DMFT Index and Self-administered WHO Approved Questionnaire. Correlation of Demographic variables and Dietary habits of participants with High DMFT was observed. Results: The DMFT percentage was found to be 76% among 398 participants, indicating a significant burden of dental carries in our population. The Correlation between poor dietary habits and Dental caries was established through Chi square test. A statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) was noted among Dental caries and high sugary intake. No significant relation was observed among other variables and Dental Caries. Conclusions: Unsatisfactory Oral health status and poor food habits among school- aged youngsters. It calls for urgent action to improve oral health status and promote healthier dietary choices, seeking to minimize tooth decay frequency while improving general dental hygiene.

Eating Behavior and Factors of Metabolic Health in Primary Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greek Children.

Childhood obesity has been associated with altered blood lipids and bad eating habits. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic health markers in regard to weight status and dietary habits in schoolchildren. In 134 children (6-11 years), we conducted: (1) Anthropometry, namely z-score BMI (z-BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and body composition analysis. (2) Measurements of handgrip strength (HGS), resting metabolic rate (RMR) and VO2max. (3) Quantification of blood lipids and antioxidant vitamins A, E, C. (4) Eating breakfast assessment. About 35% of children were overweight/obese. The z-BMI positively correlated with WHtR (r = 0.637, p < 0.001), and adversely correlated with fat-free mass (r = -0.728, p < 0.001) and vitamin E (r = -0.286, p < 0.001). RMR and VO2max were greater in normal weight children compared to those with overweight/obesity (p < 0.001). HGS did not differ between these groups, but was negatively correlated with dyslipidemia as shown by TG/HDL-C ratio (r = -0.224, p = 0.037). According to regression analysis, eating breakfast routinely at home was positively associated with RMR and adversely associated with z-BMI. Hence, regular breakfast consumption at home may improve RMR in kids. Cardiorespiratory fitness and physical strength are key modulators of metabolic health in Greek children added to a social determinant of health i.e., eating breakfast at home.

Perceptions of food environments in the school and at home during Covid-19: An online cross-sectional study of parents, teachers and experts from Latin America.

The high prevalence of overweight and obesity in children from Latin America (LA) have been related to obesogenic food environments. Besides, the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic should also be considered. The objective of this research was to describe and compare the perceptions of parents, teachers, and experts in LA of food environments at home and school that favor healthy habits in schoolchildren in pre Covid-19 stage and during the pandemic. This study used a survey self-reporting regarding conditions at home and the school favoring healthy habits, for three profiles: parents, primary school teachers, and experts. A fisher exact test was used to establish the difference between the response categories between countries and profiles. Logistic regression models were used to determine the probability of response in the levels of importance adjusted for sex and nationality. Information from 954 questionnaires was reported: 48.4% experts, 32.0% teachers, and 19.6% parents. There were differences in the perception of food environments at school between profiles (p<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression models, experts and teachers were 20% more likely to give greater importance to elements of the food environment at school compared to parents (p<0.001). Our findings showed that parents were less likely to perceive important elements of the school food environment compared to experts and teachers. Interventions are required to improve healthy eating environments that consider children's interpersonal mediators.

Patterns in Oral Hygiene and Dietary Habits in School Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

To assess oral hygiene and dietary patterns in school children participating in a school-based preventive oral health program during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, an anonymous questionnaire exploring oral hygiene and dietary patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic was completed by parents of school children. Data were compared among different schools, school years, and between genders using nonparametric tests. Associations among further nominal and categorical variables related to oral hygiene and dietary habits were also assessed using the chi-square test. Only 26% (n = 32) of parents reported that their children brushed their teeth the recommended amount of twice or more per day during the pandemic. In addition, 17.2% of the parents reported less brushing than before the pandemic. A total of 40 parents (32.8%) reported that their child consumed unhealthy beverages once a day or more. Comparison between genders revealed that male participants were drinking significantly unhealthier than female (p = 0.038). Sugary foods were consumed once a day or more by 63.1% of children. No significant differences were found between public and church schools. Significant direct associations were found between changes in dietary habits and brushing frequency (p = 0.017), between parental concern regarding the interruption of the school program and decreased brushing frequency (p = 0.005), and negative changes in dietary habits (p = 0.013). Within the limitations of this study, the present significant findings observed during the pandemic support the importance of school programs in promoting oral hygiene and healthy dietary habits of children. Agius A-M, Gatt G, Cortes ARG, et al. Patterns in Oral Hygiene and Dietary Habits in School Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):205-210.

Effects of a postural education program on backpack use habits in schoolchildren: The PEPE Study

Effects of a postural education program on backpack use habits in schoolchildren: The PEPE Study

Navike u ishrani dece - istraživanje ponašanja u vezi sa zdravljem kod dece školskog uzrasta u Republici Srbiji 2017. godine

Introduction. Childhood nutritional habits may have a tremendous influence on long-term health. Nutritional habits developed during childhood may turn into a lifetime habit. Missed meals, skipping breakfast, and increased intake of sweets are related to overweight and obesity. We aimed to research nutritional habits in schoolchildren in Serbia. Method. We used the data from the research "Health-related habits in schoolchildren in Serbia in 2017". We used the standardized international protocol of the World Health Organization for data gathering. We polled 3.933 participants, aged 11, 13, and 15. Results. The habit of having breakfast, on schooldays days, shows statistically significant difference around re-gions, for ages 11 (p = 0,001) and 13 (p = 0,000). At the age of 11 (p = 0,046), the majority of children have breakfast on weekends in Belgrade (92,7%). When fruit consumption is concerned, the regions statistically significantly differ for the age 11 (p = 0,006). The greatest consumption of fruit is found in the region of Vojvodina (37,4%). In Belgrade, 5% of children never eat vegetables. At the age of 15, there is a statistically significant difference (p = 0,046) in vegetable consumption. Most vegetables are consumed in South and East Serbia (25,5%), and Sumadija and West Serbia (27,4%). There is a statistically significant difference (p=0,016), at the age of eleven, in sweets consumption, among regions. There are the least children who never consumed sweets (1,8%) in Vojvodina. Conclusion. Based on analyzed data, we concluded that children aged eleven, thirteen, and fifteen, in the Republic of Serbia, don't eat quite healthy. The results may be useful for the promotion of health-educational programs, which, in turn, may lead to behavioral changes.

Preliminary Effectiveness of a Strategy to Promote Healthy Lifestyle Habits in Schoolchildren.

Purpose: To measure the preliminary effectiveness of a strategy to promote healthy lifestyle habits in schoolchildren, aged 6 to 12 years, living in the Andean region of Colombia, 2018–2021. Design and Methods: This is a Nursing Methodological Research, developed in phases: (1) Context and schoolchildren characterization; (2) Strategy design guided by the Whittemore and Grey criteria and the Bronfenbrenner ecological conceptual model; (3) Strategy validation with 11 experts; (4) Trial to evaluate preliminary effectiveness. We applied the strategy in seven different schools with the educational community including 955 schoolchildren between 6 and 12 years of age, 551 parents, 130 teachers and 7 members of the food staff. Results: Our health promotion strategy “Prosalud” has five components: citizenship feeding and nutrition, physical activity, and rest; environment protection, and directing one’s own life. It includes all the participants of the educational community. Conclusions: According to experts, the health promotion strategy “Prosalud” is valid to help promoting healthy lifestyle habits among schoolchildren. This strategy demonstrates its preliminary effectiveness in a group of school children from 6 to 12 years of age, their parents, teachers, and school food staff, in the Andean region of Colombia.

Relationship of vitamin D intake and sun exposure with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D in schoolchildren with obesity

The obesity worldwide has produced an increase in obesity-related diseases and can be associated with low concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D. Also obesity and low physical activity can decrease sun exposure, so the aim was to correlate vitamin D intake with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels and to assess sun exposure habits in schoolchildren with obesity. Materials and methods. A correlational study was performed from January 2017 to January 2018 on 103 children between 6-12 years of age, with a body mass index ≥+2SD for age and sex, according to the World Health Organization. Blood samples were taken to determine the serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D, a nutritional survey to determine the vitamin D intake and a sun exposure questionnaire were applied. A Spearman correlation coefficient analysis was performed. Results. Forty-seven percent of the children were girls. The median years of age was 10. The median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels were 35.5 ng/mL, 74.8% had sufficient levels, 25.2% had insufficient levels. The median vitamin D intake was 214.7IU in boys and 231.9IU in girls. Regarding sun exposure, most of the children had excessive levels of sun exposure and inadequate sun protection practices. A positive correlation between vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D was identified only in boys (rho=0.276, p=0.041). Conclusion. A positive correlation between vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels was found in obese boys and excessive levels of sun exposure with inadequate sun protection practices in boys and girls.

Is it possible to improve healthy food habits in schoolchildren? A cross cultural study among Spain and Poland

Healthy eating patterns in childhood promote optimal childhood health, growth and intellectual development. In this context, effective educational programmes to promote healthy eating habits during childhood are needed specially in countries where childreńs overweight and obesity are becoming a serious problem. The main aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a full healthy eating intervention programme focused on the improvement of healthy habits of children from two European countries (Poland and Spain). For achieving this objective, a new web app named “¿Cómo como yo?” (How do I eat?) especially designed for school-aged children was used for collecting the data and for making recommendations of healthy eating habits after the questionnaires were completed. Although 407 Polish and Spanish primary school pupils completed the intervention, after data curation, 339 of them were included in the study. Our results showed that the educational intervention was useful to decrease food neophobia in children and to increase some healthy habits. The success of the healthy eating intervention programme was related to childreńs food neophobia score. The results allowed us to describe country-related differences in food neophobia, food acceptability, food habits and healthy knowledge. Finally, the healthy eating intervention programme has proved that a change in children eating behaviour is possible. In fact, our findings have implications for formulating several recommendations for educational programmes in different EU countries.

Influence of physical activity and postural habits in schoolchildren with scoliosis

BackgroundScoliosis is considered one of the main musculoskeletal changes in childhood, and is characterized by three-dimensional changes in the spine. Schoolchildren is a group who are directly exposed to this condition because they go through a rapid growth phase in adolescence, added to other external factors such as school environment and daily living habits such as little physical activity. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with scoliosis in schoolchildren.MethodsAn observational, retrospective case control study with a quantitative approach was carried out in the city of Santa Cruz/RN. The presence of scoliosis was assessed using the Adams test and physical activity by the Daily Physical Activity Index (IPAQ) and by a questionnaire on competitive sports practice, in addition to a questionnaire on postural habits in childhood and adolescence. Conditional multiple logistic regression was performed for statistical analysis, and the adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) and the respective confidence intervals (95%) of the outcome variable were estimated.ResultsA total of 156 schoolchildren participated in the study, with an average age of 13.9 years, with 55.1% being female and 44.9% male, attending between the 6th grade of elementary school and the 3rd year of high school. Furthermore, 42.9% of these participants were considered irregularly active and only 33.3% practiced physical activity on a regular basis. After bivariate analysis and conditional logistic regression, little physical activity was shown to be a risk factor for scoliosis (p = 0.041; OR: 2.81; 95% CI: 1.04–7.57), while the postural habits evaluated in this study did not show a statistical association with scoliosis.ConclusionLow practice of physical activity and schoolchildren being classified as irregularly active were considered as risk factors for scoliosis, however postural habits do not seem to be associated with this condition.

EXPLORATION OF FACTORS OF FORMATION OF FOOD HABITS AND MODERN TENDENCIES OF SCHOOL FOOD AT CHILDREN OF DIFFERENT AGE

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; All over the world, the number of people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is increasing every year. Digestive diseases are also not the last place in the struc- ture of causes of death. One of the main causes of gastrointestinal pathology is irrational, unhealthy diet, the foundations of which are often laid in childhood. Education at school is a change in diet, the child›s independence in choosing food. At school age, certain food choices are gradually fixed in the eating habit and determine the formation of the health of children and adults. The aim of the study was to investigate the factors that play a leading role in the formation of eating habits in schoolchildren of different ages, and the attitude of schoolchildren to nutrition in sec- ondary schools in Kyiv. At the research took part 267 students of secondary schools in Kyiv, 214 of them - are younger students (8-11 years), and 53 - older students (12-17 years). Two questionnaires presented to students in grades 3-4 and grades 5-11, certain questions allowed us to assess the impact on food choices of factors such as family eating habits, friends› opinions, advertising, and personal beliefs. Also, the answers to certain questions were grouped in such a way as to assess the trends in school nutrition and the readiness of the student›s family to follow the rules of healthy eating with the child. The criterion for exclusion from the study was the presence of diseases that require any dietary restrictions. The results of the study: according to the survey, 42-47% of young children have the greatest influence on the forma- tion of eating habits of family eating habits and their own beliefs, while for most older children (75.5%) the influence of family eating habits pre- vails. Among 267 students who are in school for an average of about 6-8 hours, have a full meal 178 (66%), almost a third use the service «ready school lunches», 32% bring food from home, 1/3 of children in schools consume only fruit and water. Of the 208 students who ate lunch at school at least once, 63% of children thought it was delicious, but 37.4% said that lunch was cold and did not allow them to eat it with pleasure. Only 13% of children noted that lunches were not tasty. The majority of young children (82%) believe that their parents will support them in choosing healthy food, compared to 47.1% of high school students. These results can be used by teachers to understand the main points of influence on the formation of healthy eating skills in children, and questionnaires can be used to assess school nutrition and to assess the dominant factors in the formation of eating habits in an individual child.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Cross-Country Comparison of School Neighborhood Food Environments in Houston, Texas and Guadalajara, Mexico.

Studies in the U.S. and Mexico have observed the clustering of food resources around schools, which may promote the use of these resources. Our study characterized and compared school neighborhood food environments in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and Houston, Texas, and examined socioeconomic disparities in food resource availability across school neighborhoods. We used the Goods and Services Inventory to document the frequency and type of resources within each school neighborhood. School neighborhoods in Guadalajara had significantly more food resources than those in Houston. We found that convenience stores and table service restaurants were the most prevalent food resources in school neighborhoods in both cities. Guadalajara school neighborhoods had a higher prevalence of supermarkets and grocery stores than Houston. Low-income school neighborhoods in Guadalajara with poorly educated residents had significantly more food carts than high-income neighborhoods with more educated residents. In Houston, we found significantly more fast food restaurants and convenience stores in school neighborhoods with more educated residents than school neighborhoods with less educated residents. The influence of food resources within school neighborhoods on the dietary habits of schoolchildren should be further explored in both the U.S. and Mexico. The characterization of school neighborhood food environments can inform policymakers, city planners, and school officials who seek to implement policies to create healthier food environments.

Metabolic syndrome, physical activity and eating habits in school children of the south of Mexico City

Childhood obesity has increased in recent years, due mainly to the intake of a hypercaloric diet and decreased physical activity. Obese children are more likely to have metabolic syndrome (MS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MS in obese (Ob), overweight (OW) and at risk of overweight (ROW) children, as well as its association with eating habits and physical activity (PA). Anthropometric measurements were made in schoolchildren in Mexico City to detect these conditions. Biochemical tests were made for the diagnosis of MS. A 24-hour dietary anamnesis on food consumption and a physical activity questionnaire were applied. We analyzed the results from 70 children, average age of 11.11 years (± 9 months); 54% were boys and 46% girls. Forty nine percent were at ROW, 43% OW and 8%Ob. Of this sample, 69% had a waist circumference above the 85th percentile. The highest prevalence of altered biochemical parameters were triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol. MS was present in 33% of schoolchildren and risk of MS in 27%. More than half of the children (57%) reported performing PA, of this group only 15% performed PA according to the WHO and presented a lower prevalence of MS, but was not statistically significant. No association was found between reported food consumption and MS. A considerable number of school children (mainly males) presented metabolic alterations, which was also related to a low level of PA. Therefore, it is important to apply preventive health measures from an early age. Resumen.La obesidad infantil ha incrementado en los últimos años, principalmente por aumento en la dieta hipercalórica y disminución de la actividad física (AF). Los niños que presentan obesidad son más propensos a padecer síndrome metabólico (SM). El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar la prevalencia de SM en niños con riesgo de sobrepeso (RSP), sobrepeso (SP) y obesidad (Ob), así como su asociación con hábitos alimentarios y AF. Se realizaron medidas antropométricas para detectar RSP, SP y Ob; y pruebas bioquímicas para el diagnóstico de SM en escolares de la Ciudad de México. Se aplicó un recordatorio de 24 h sobre consumo de alimentos y un cuestionario de AF. Se analizaron resultados de 70 niños, con una edad de 11,11 años ± 9 meses, 54% fueron hombres y 46% mujeres. El 49% presentó RSP, el 43% SP, el 8% Ob (sólo hombres) y 69% circunferencia de cintura por arriba del percentil 85th. La mayor prevalencia de parámetros bioquímicos alterados fueron triglicéridos y HDL-c. El 33% de los escolares presentó SM y el 27% riesgo de SM. El 57% reportó realizar AF, de este grupo, sólo el 15% lo realizó de acuerdo a la OMS y fueron los que presentaron menor prevalencia de SM, sin diferencia estadística. No se encontró asociación entre el consumo de alimentos y el SM. Un número considerable de los escolares (principalmente hombres) presentó alteraciones metabólicas, lo que también se relacionó con inactividad física. Por lo tanto, es importante aplicar medidas preventivas de salud desde edades tempranas

Oral Malocclusion and Its Relation to Nutritive and Non-nutritive Habits in School Children

Oral habits are customs acquired by the repetition of a series of events that serve to calm an emotional need. Early diagnosis of these anomalous habits is crucial to the early prevention or correction of malocclusions. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of malocclusion in school and its possible relationship with the nutritive and non-nutritive habits. Design: Cross- sectional study on 113 school children with ages between 3 and 8 years old. Surveys were carried out from parents related to nutritional habits and non-nutritive. Results: The prevalence of children with malocclusion class II is 34.5%, followed by overjet (33.6%), cross bite (10.6%), open bite (9.7%) and the habits of lip interposition (15%), lingual habit (11.5%) and oral breath (7.1%). There is a statistically significant relationship (p˂0, 05) between the habit of snoring at night with the overjet (p = 0, 001), also with class II molar (p = 0.037) and with oral breath (p = 0.016). Finally, there is a statistically significant relationship between prolonged bottle habit (p = 0.047) with the posterior crossbite. Conclusions: The habits of nutritive and non-nutritive sucking in the early stages of the childhood, may be a risk factor for the development of class II molar, increased overjet and posterior crossbite malocclusion.

Pengaruh Media Pendidikan Gizi (Komik) terhadap Peningkatan Pengetahuan dan Perubahan Berat Badan pada Anak Sekolah Dasar dengan Obesitas

School age is a time when children experience rapid growth. At this age of physical activity continues to increase such as play, exercise. Wrong eating habits in schoolchildren can lead to serious nutritional problems, such as obesity. Eating behavior such as consumption of junk food and fried is associated with the occurrence of obesity in school children. This study was to determine the effect of nutritional education media (comic) to increase knowledge and weight loss in elementary school children with obesity in the city of Bandar Lampung. This study included experiment research with quasi-experiment design study, conducted in Bandar Lampung City Elementary School. Subjects in the case were obese primary school children who received nutritional media (comic) intervention. The number of subjects consisted of 31 cases and 31 controls. The variables observed included weight changes and changes in knowledge of data. Data analysis was done by independent t-test and pair t-test. There was the influence of nutrition media intervention (comic) to the score of knowledge was shown with p-value=0,001. Where the increase of knowledge score only in the treatment group that was from 10,96+1,99 to 13,38+1,68. While nutrition media intervention (comic) did not give effect to changes in obese child weight shown with a p-value that is 0,491 for treatment group and 0,725 for the control group. The nutritional media (comic) interventions can improve the knowledge score of obese primary school children but have no effect on changes in child weight. The intervention should be done more than 2 weeks to see directly effect of nutritional media (comic) intervention on weight change, we should involve the professional in making comics and experiment on the use of comics as a material of intervention to the same population.

Nutritional Intervention Based on Ludic Activities: Effect on Eating Habits and Nutritional Status of Brazilian Schoolchildren

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a nutritional intervention on eating habits and nutritional status of schoolchildren. It is a non-controlled intervention study with children from the 4th grade of elementary of nine public schools of a Brazilian metropolis. Five workshops based on healthy eating habits were performed using ludic activities. Eating habits (food frequency questionnaire) and anthropometry (weight and height) were evaluated before and after the intervention. Nutritional status was obtained by Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-age. McNemar test was performed with 5% significance. We evaluated 613 students with a median age of 9.4 (8.6-11.9) years. After the nutritional intervention, we observed a reduction in the consumption of chips, cookies, candy, artificial juice and soft drinks (p0.05). The intervention had a positive effect on eating habits of schoolchildren which might contribute to future changes on nutritional status.

Milk: Bioactive Components and Role in Human Nutrition

In the current Special Issue, numerous and different aspects related to milk, an important component of a well-balanced diet, are presented.[...]

Adaptación y validación de instrumento para evaluar habilidades psicosociales y hábitos saludables en escolares

Objetivo: Adaptar y validar un instrumento de evaluación sobre habilidades psicosociales para la vida y hábitos saludables en escolares de una localidad de Bogotá, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: El estudio, transversal cuantitativo con enfoque empírico analítico no experimental, evaluó respuestas de escolares de 3° y 4° primaria con el instrumento adaptado y reconstruido para establecer calidad técnica de ítems, confiabilidad y validez del mismo. El instrumento (18 de habilidades psicosociales y 19 de hábitos saludables, más 4 ítems de identificación) fue de auto diligenciamiento con opción de respuesta dicotómica de Sí, No. Tuvo prueba de validez aparente con escolares de otras instituciones pares y prueba en 32 colegios públicos y fue analizada mediante el modelo de Rasch. Resultados: En total participaron 1.066 escolares. Los ítems de los dos constructos mostraron buen ajuste al modelo de Rasch, unidimensionalidad y medidas de confiabilidad y separación por encima de los valores recomendados; no hubo funcionamiento diferencial del ítem por sexo. Conclusión: El instrumento de 37 ítems presentó buenas propiedades de validez, confiabilidad y ajuste a Rasch, aunque no tiene suficientes ítems de alto nivel de dificultad, lo cual se podrá corregir en futuras aplicaciones.

A Study of Social Networking Usage Habits of School Children

The availability of high speed internet services and smart phones in India has made it very easy for people to access information online and use different features of internet handily. Along with youth of the country, the elderly and the young have also been targeted by many advertisements of telecom companies offering internet services. The smart phone advertisements also involve all age group people. Hence, it is quite probable that the services of social networking are also used by all. This research is conducted keeping in focus the social networking services (SNS) and their usage by school children. In this paper, the researcher has tried to find out usage habits of school children with respect to usage of SNS. An attempt has been made to see if there is any change in level of exposure to SNS and usage habits for children of different age groups. Descriptive research design has been adopted. Personal interviews were done by interviewers with the help of predesigned questionnaires.