Illiterate Parents Research Articles

Effect of education and socio-economic status on parenting among pre-school and school going children

Background: Parenting is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Parenting is a complex activity that includes much specific behavior that works individually or together to influence child’s outcomes.Methods: It is prospective observational study carried out in the Department of Pediatrics, Shyam Shah Medical College and associated Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India during the period from July 2008 to June 2010. Parents were interviewed with predesigned proforma. Parenting was graded in to three grades (1, 2 and 3) according to the performance of parents in various aspects of parenting.Results: In this study, 60 parents had 155 children constituting 2.5 children per family and male to female ratio was 1.18:1. We observed that literate parents performed well in all aspects of parenting (i.e. behavioral, physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, nutritional), but illiterate parents could not score on these points especially in spiritual and nutritional aspects. 33% graduate parents fulfilled the criteria for grade 3 parenting in nutritional aspects, 55% intermediate passed parents in nutritional aspects were in grade 3, whereas there were more than 50% parents in behavioral, physical and emotional aspects who had education level up to primary class.Conclusions: Educational status of parents has a positive impact on almost all aspects of parenting and the educational status of mothers appeared to be even more influential. Socioeconomic status of parents and residential area have a great influence on all aspects of parenting.

Decomposition of passive smoking inequality in Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V Study

To investigate the socioeconomic inequality in passive smoking in Iranian children and adolescents. Through a multistage random cluster sampling method, a representative sample of 14,400 school students, aged 6-18 years, were enrolled from urban and rural areas of 30 provinces of Iran. Using a non-linear principal component analysis (NLPCA), the correlated variables were summarized as socioeconomic status (SES). Normalized concentration index (NCI) was used to measure inequality in passive smoking at national and regional SES levels. We decomposed total socioeconomic inequality in passive smoking into explanatory variables to identify the main contributors of inequality in passive smoking in the population studied. Data of 12,327 students and parents were complete for the current study. The response rate was 85.6% (50.9% boys, 71.2% urban residents). About 44% of Iranian students were exposed to passive smoking. The NCI for passive smoking at a national level was - 0.043 (95% confidence interval - 0.035, - 0.012), indicating that passive smoking was more concentrated among poorer children and adolescents. This inequality was statistically significant at a national level and in all regions except for regions with lower middle- and lowest SES levels. Considering the decomposition analysis, the household SES (63%), mothers' educational level (37%), fathers' educational level (29%), and school type (18%) made the largest positive contribution to inequality in passive smoking of children and adolescents. Passive smoking was distributed unequally among Iranian children and adolescents; it was more concentrated among socioeconomically disadvantaged families. Public health policies attentions should be given to reduce passive smoking among low SES children and adolescents living with illiterate or low-educated parents.

Determinants of menstrual hygiene among school going adolescent girls in urban areas of Hyderabad

Background: The word adolescent is derived from the Latin word “adolescere”, which means to grow into maturity. The adolescent girls get debarred due to various social misconceptions, lack of privacy, illiteracy of parents, especially mother, low socioeconomic conditions, and lack of proper health awareness and education about this sensitive issue which ultimately results this age group into vulnerability to reproductive tract infections, which can be reduced by improving the knowledge about the menstrual hygiene.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among school going adolescent girls during the month of November 2018. Data was collected using a questionnaire which includes socio-demographic variables and menstrual hygiene practices. Sample size of the study was 69 students. The assessment of knowledge was done as good knowledge (score: >5/10) poor knowledge (score <5/10). The of data and the. All the data collected was entered and analysed with MS excel software 2007.Results: 28.1% girls were aware of menstruation prior to attainment of menarche.. Major source of information about menstruation is mother (53.6%). More than 80% of adolescent girls are using sanitary pads as an absorbent. Lack of disposal facility and lack of water supply are reasons for school absenteeism.Conclusions: In this study the knowledge of menstruation hygiene among the study population is significantly associated with mother’s education and occupation.

Prevalence and factors associated with warts in primary school children in Tema District, Sohag Governorate, Egypt

BackgroundWarts are one of the most common, persistent, and frustrating cutaneous problems encountered in dermatology clinical practice especially in younger generations.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of warts in primary school children in Tema District, Sohag, Egypt, and to determine possible factors associated with transmission.Participants and methodsA school-based cross-sectional (prevalence) study was carried out during the academic year 2015–2016 in six primary schools in Tema District, Sohag Governorate, Egypt. A total of 1045 students were examined. Data was collected using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire which was taken home by the student to be completed by his/her caregiver.ResultsAmong 1045 examined school students, 108 students were diagnosed as having warts with a prevalence rate of 10.3%. Common wart was the most common type among students (49.0%) followed by plantar and plane warts (24.1%, each) while genital wart was the least one (2.8%). There was no significant sex or age difference. The prevalence of warts was significantly higher among students from public schools, rural areas, and big families; students with lower paternal education level; and students who were sharing shoes, walking barefoot, having contact with house pets, or exposed to water channels.ConclusionWarts, especially the common variant, are highly prevalent in primary school children. The significant factors associated with the development of warts in these children were big family size and sharing shoes. Other significant associated factors included living in rural areas, attending public schools, illiterate parents, fathers with manual work, and swimming in water canals.

Children with post-rheumatic valvulopathies in natural history: Five years follow-up

Rheumatic heart disease is the most important sequelae of acute rheumatic fever, which is caused by group A streptococci and usually presents in childhood, affecting 5 to 14 years old although it can strike people up to the age of 30. In poor and developing nations, it remains a major cause of morbidity and premature death, imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems with limited budgets. The aim of the study was to investigate the pattern of lesions, the mortality and the challenges in five years follow-up in children with post rheumatic valvulopathies in natural history in the Cardiac Centre Shisong. This retrospective analysis included 270 patients aged between 5 and 16 years old having post rheumatic valvulopathies from July 2008 through July 2013. Data from patients’ records, two-dimensional echocardiographic studies, electrocardiogram were reviewed. Patients aged between 5 and 16 years old with a mean age of 12.4 ± 4.5 years. Female gender was representing 63% (n = 170) of the population. In 95 patients surgical correction could not be performed. Mitral regurgitation was the commonest echocardiographic diagnosis present in 61,5%, n = 164 patients; 38.5%, n = 103 patients had aortic regurgitation. Clinically, complications of the disease included congestive heart failure (n = 229, 85%), growth retardation (n = 162, 60%), sudden death (n = 27, 10%). Mortality in two years was 35%, (P ≤ 0.05, 95% CI = 2.5–6.5), in five years was 65% (P≤0.05, 93% CI = 2.7–7.21). The challenges faced are patients’ negligence and poor discipline, wrong beliefs, poverty. Post-rheumatic mitral valve regurgitation is the pathology the most encountered. Pulmonary hypertension is the most common echocardiographic complication of the disease. Five years mortality is very high in our setting. Due to financial limitation and illiteracy of parents, the follow-up of patients is difficult.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in preschool children of district Dir Lower Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Pakistan

Abstract Iron deficiency anemia is a serious public health problem affecting psychological and physical development, behavior and work performance. Infants, preschool children, school age children and women of child bearing age are at greatest risk of developing iron deficiency anemia. A total of 500 preschool were analyzed from various areas of the sample district for the presence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The overall incidence of anemia in preschool children was 43.2%. The prevalence of anemia was 43.6% in females and 42.8% in males. A high percentage of anemia was observed in children of 1-2 years age (50.4%) followed by children of 3-4 years age (42.2%). The incidence of anemia in preschool children was 55.4% in lower class, 37.8% in middle class and 32.3% in upper class. Out of 216 anemic preschool children 110 male and 106 female children possessed anemia. Among male children 22.6% possess mild anemia, 20.3% have moderate anemia and 7.8% were severely anemic while among female children, 20.8% are mild anemic, 18.9% were moderately anemic and 9.2% were severely anemic. A highest prevalence of anemia exists in children of illiterate parents followed by children of Matric, Bachelor and Master level parents. The incidence of anemia is 57.5%, 44.6%, 37.2% and 34.1% in children of illiterate, Matriculate, Bachelor and Master Level parents respectively. Low parental education, low socioeconomic status of the parents and poverty are the major contributing factors for iron deficiency anemia (IDA).The aim of the present survey was to find out the Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and its association with the children’s gender and parental socioeconomic and educational status in preschool children of district Dir lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Keywords: IDA; Parental education; Psychological development; Socioeconomic status http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.700157

A study of risk factors for acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTI) in children aged 1 month to 5 years attending to a tertiary care hospital, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in under-five children in developing countries with nearly 156 million new episodes each year, of which India accounts for a bulk of 43 million. According to Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG) latest estimates for 2010, pneumonia was responsible for 0.397 million of total estimated 1.682 million under-5 deaths in India. Objective: The present study was undertaken to study the various risk factors of Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTI) in children aged 1 month to 5 years. Methods: In the present study100 ALRTI cases belong to the age group of 1 month to 5 years fulfilling WHO criteria for pneumonia who were attended to the department of Pediatrics, ASRAM Medical College from August 2017 to August 2018 were evaluated for risk factors after obtaining parental consent. Results: Parental illiteracy (p=0.000*), overcrowding (p=0.0000*), incomplete immunization (p=0.0000*), lack of exclusive breast feeding (p=0.0004*), low birth weight (p=0.000*), use ofbiomass fuels for lighting (p=0.0002*), mud/ cowdung flooring (p=0.0088*) were identified as potential risk factors for severe ALRTI. Conclusion: The present study has identified various socio-demographic, nutritional and environmental risk factors for ALRTI which can be tackled by effective health education of the community and effective training of peripheral health personnel.

Factors affecting quality of life in children and adolescents with thalassemia in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Objectives:To assess the health related quality of life (HRQoL) in Iraqi Kurd children and adolescents with thalassemia, and identify the factors that affect it.Methods:In the period between May and June 2018, 100 thalassemic patients and 100 healthy subjects between the ages of 6-18 years were enrolled. The patients included 73 with thalassemia major (TM) and 27 with intermedia (TI). Patients were clinically re-evaluated, and the pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 was administered by both child and parent reports.Results:The mean HRQoL score of thalassemic patients was significantly lower than that of healthy subjects, with lowest scores in physical functioning. Furthermore, the mean HRQoL of TM was significantly lower than that of TI subgroup. Significantly lower mean HRQoL scores were seen in those taking ≥6 transfusions/year, with hepatitis C infection, with illiterate parents, and those on oral iron chelation. Pearson correlation revealed that HRQoL was negatively associated with age, frequency of transfusions, and serum ferritin, but positively correlated with age at starting transfusion and age at diagnosis. Only age and serum ferritin remained significant by multivariate analysis.Conclusion:This study shows that among Iraqi Kurds with thalassemia, the disease has a significant negative impact on quality of life, with age and serum ferritin being identified as independent predictors. Psychosocial, educational, and patient-centered management programs may be needed to improve HRQoL in this disease.

Prevalence of Female Circumcision among Young Women in Beni-Suef, Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Female circumcision (FC) is a deeply rooted practice in Egypt with deblitating physical and psychological consequences. During the past 2decades there have been sincere efforts to reduce this practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of circumcision. Cross-sectional study. Beni-Suef City, Egypt. Young women (12-25years of age). A survey was given to 3353 young women residing in Beni-Suef City. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included information about the sociodemographic characteristics of participants, their gynecological data, exposure to FC, and complaints associated with menses during the previous year. Prevalence of FC in rural areas in Beni Suef. Of the 3353 interviewed women, 1846 (55%) were circumcised. Women residing in rural areas, married women, and those who had illiterate parents were more likely to have experienced circumcision. Students were less likely to be circumcised (P<.05). The circumcised girls reported shorter menstrual cycles and dysuria with menses (P<.05). Dysmenorrhea, generalized aching, and nervousness were the most common complaints associated with menses in both groups, with no statistically significant differences (P>.05). FC is highly prevalent in rural areas in Beni-Suef, however, compared with previous reports it seems that the rates of circumcision have decreased markedly. Despite this decrease, the practice of female genital mutilation is still highly prevalent, suggesting that future research and intervention will be needed to eliminate this practice.

Study of clinical profile of acute lower respiratory tract infection in children aged 2 months to 5 years

Background: Acute respiratory infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in under-five chil-dren in developing countries. Hence, the present study was undertaken to study the various risk factors, clinical profile and outcome of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) in children aged 2 months to 5 years. To study the risk factors associated with ALRI in these children. To ascertain the association of the various cultural practices prevalent in this area with ALRI.Methods: 100 ALRI cases fulfilling WHO criteria for pneumonia, in the age group of 2 months to 5 years were evaluated for potential risk factors, clinical profile and outcome as per a predesigned proforma in a rural medical college.Results: Socio-demographic risk factors like parental illiteracy, overcrowding, partial immunization and low socioeconomic status were potential risk factors; similarly, nutritional risk factors like early and late weaning, anemia, and malnutrition were associated with ALRI. Significant environmental risk factors were the use of biomass fuels, inadequate ventilation at home, and lack of separate kitchen.Conclusions: The present study has identified various socio-demographic, nutritional and environmental risk factors for ALRI which can be tackled by effective health education of the community and effective training of peripheral health personnel.

Impact of Counselling on Academic Achievements of Low Grade Commerce Students

Thai-society puts enormous efforts and emphasis on levels of academic achievements of their children. Parents are showing very keen interest on their children education and to graduate their children from one of the prestigious instates of Thailand. Whether it is a government university or private university or college, but they want to be their children in position to compete with other Thia-students and international students. In Thailand, educational institutes are competing each other to offer their best educational programmes with academic excellence. In order to pursue their commerce degrees with academic excellence, in this process most of the institutes has the tendency to focus on the who are excel and how to make them perfect and competitive. The purpose of the study is to provide counselling and determine the impact of counselling on academic achievements of low grade commerce students. Results of the study revealed that there were no significant developments in physical, family relations, inferiority. There were significant differences in mental and social discomforts, learning capacity, unhappiness, extraversion and thirst towards study (p < 0.001) whereas no significant variance was found in physical conditions (P= 0.166) after the counselling. high achievers had learning capacity than the low achievers in commerce (P<0.002). Illiterate parents and lack of knowledge and negative thoughts about education all together were sneak in to the children’s education. On the other hand, socio-economic condition of parents, single parent culture and substandard relationship with their kids are also lacerating and influencing the academic achievements of undergraduates.

STREET CHILDREN IN INDIA: A STUDY ON THEIR ACCESS TO HEALTH AND EDUCATION

Street life is a challenge for survival, even for adults, and is yet more difficult for children. They live within the city but are unable to take advantage of the comforts of urban life. This study focused primarily on access to health and education in street children from 6 to 18 years old in the Indian metropolises of Mumbai and Kolkata. The study also aimed to assess the role of social work interventions in ensuring the rights of street children. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies was used. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 100 children. Data were collected on a one-to-one basis through semi-structured interview schedules and by non-participant observation. Findings revealed that extreme poverty was the primary cause for the increasing numbers of street children. Lack of awareness among illiterate parents regarding educational opportunities kept most children away from school attendance. Factors such as lack of an educational ambience at home made it difficult for the children to work on their lessons outside the premises of the institution. It was evident that those living with their parents had better access to health care facilities than did those living on their own; however, nongovernmental organizations made significant efforts to redress this imbalance, setting up health check-up camps at regular intervals. Although exposure to harsh reality at an early age had resulted in a premature loss of innocence in most, making them sometimes difficult to work with, the nongovernmental organizations were striving to ensure child participation and the growth of individual identity. The interventionists therefore focused on developing a rights-based approach, rather than a charitable one.

Risk factors for malnutrition among preschool children in rural Karnataka: a case-control study

BackgroundThe prevalence of malnutrition among children in developing countries is very high. As a step towards reducing the prevalence of malnutrition, there is a need to identify the important determinants of malnutrition in the specific population so that preventive and control measures can be implemented.The objective of the study is to determine the risk factors for malnutrition among preschool children in Rural Karnataka, South India.MethodsA case-control study was carried out among preschool children, aged between three to six years, attending the Anganwadi centers and their mothers’ in Udupi district of Karnataka, India. A total of 570 children (190 cases and 380 controls) were selected by multistage cluster sampling technique. A semi-structured risk factors questionnaire was used to identify the risk factors for malnutrition among children.ResultsThe majority (45.8 and 45.5%) of the children in the study were in the age group of 3.0 to 4.0 years in case and control groups respectively. There was a slight preponderance of illiterate parents among cases in comparison to the controls. Largely, 87.4% of the children belonged to poor socio-economic status in the case groups compared to 82.4% in the control group. After adjusting for the confounders, underweight was significantly associated with socio-economic status of the parents (aOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.96), birth weight < 2000 g (aOR: 25, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.59), recurrent diarrhoea (aOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.56, 4.83), recurrent cold and cough (aOR: 3.88, 95% CI: 1.96, 7.67), worm infestation (aOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.19, 3.38) and prelacteal feed given (aOR: 3.64, 95% CI: 2.27, 5.86).ConclusionParental education, childhood illness, short birth interval, open defecation, type of weaning and complimentary food given to children were some of the significant determinants of underweight that were found in the study. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns alleviating food habits and taboos and promoting birth spacing is the need of the hour for preventing the occurrence of undernutrition among preschool children.

Family Determinants of Transition from. Primary to Secondary Schools in Mbooni - East District, Makueni County, Kenya.

Makueni County is affected by low transition rates, poor participation and completion rates. Access to secondary education in Mbooni-East district is also poor. The government of Kenya set a target of transition rate of 70% from primary to secondary schools from the current rate of 47%, and this is not achieved yet. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the family determinants of transition from primary to secondary schools in Mbooni-East district. Specifically this study sought to attain the following objectives: to establish the relationship between educational level of parents with transitions; determine the influence of parental income and transition; describe how the sibling position influenced transition and establish the measures which could be taken to enhance transition in the district. The results of this research were to generate useful information which would be used by educational planners and educational administrators to maintain efficient transitions in the district. Classical liberalism theory was used for the study. Descriptive survey research design was also used for this research as it was the most used method for collecting information on people’s attitudes, opinions, habits or any of the variety of educational or social issues. The study was conducted in secondary schools, in Kalawa division, Mbooni-East district, Makueni County. The target population was head teachers; Parents Teachers Association’s representatives (PTA’s) and all boys and girls in form one, in Kalawa division in the sampled schools. Probability sampling technique (systematic or interval sampling) was used because it removed the possibility of investigator bias. A sampling interval (k) and a random start were used to choose the sample. Research instruments were questionnaires for the head teachers, PTA’s and form ones and interview schedules for the PTA and the form ones in the division. Validity was done to check the accuracy of various skills and reliability done to determine the degree of coefficient of the theoretical concept. Piloting was done to check the accuracy of the research instruments. The questionnaires were filled and interview conducted in presence of the researcher at various different times. The data collected from the specific schools were analyzed through descriptive statistics. These are measures of central tendency such as the mean and percentages. The dependent variable was transition and the independent variables were parental level of education, parental income and sibling position on transition in Mbooni-East district. The findings showed a 45.6 percent of fathers’ who had reached form four and had a mean transition of 2.8 transition. Mothers’ who earned Kenya shillings 7500 formed 12.8 percent and a mean transition of 3.47. The results showed that transition was high to educated parents and low to illiterate parents, the sibling position favoured by transition were fifth borns who formed 20 percent and a mean transition of 2.8. Therefore, education is very necessary for the parents in order for them to educate their children; too, earning is also important for the parents in order to get money to educate their children. Lastly, every child should have equal opportunities to access secondary education, regardless of sibling position. Some measures which could be used to enhance transition in the district included building new schools and improving the existing ones, reduction of school fees and then government’s effort to sensitize the parents on the need and importance of supporting transition to all secondary schools in order to improve access to education in the district. Article visualizations:

Factors influencing acceptance of optional vaccines in children

Introduction: Immunization has been one of the most significant, cost-effective and stimulatory public health intervention. Vaccines are among the most effective preventive health measures in reducing child mortality, morbidity, and disability. With the rapid growth of big cities, an impending threat of outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases always exists. It is due to the high population density, continuous influx of a new pool of infective agents with the immigrating population and poor coverage of primary immunization. Vaccinations are best ways to end the serious effects of certain diseases. Methods: A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to elicit the information like the knowledge of parents on optional vaccines, various socio-demographic factors, about the immunization status and reasons for vaccinating and not vaccinating the child. The method used for the determination of the vaccination status was the vaccination card and the recall method. Results: Of the total 400 children, 3% are fully immunized and 14% are unimmunized. Majority of parents has the knowledge about Typhoid vaccine. Over all vaccination rate was decreased with subsequent doses. Common reasons for vaccination are healthy child, prevents disease, disability and increase life expectancy. Most parents say lack of knowledge is the reason for not vaccinating the child. Most unimmunized children belong to families with ≥4 children, rural background, illiterate parents and low socioeconomic status. Conclusions: Study noticed significant association of parental education, socioeconomic status, rural background, number of children in the family and gender discrimination along with unawareness of the parents as main reasons for low immunization coverage.

Magnitude and factors contributing school absenteeism among adolescents of Ujjain city

Background: School absenteeism is prevalent in Madhya Pradesh and other states of India. Various psychosocial, domestic, and health-related factors have been implicated for absenteeism. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the magnitude of school absenteeism and its contributing factors among adolescent students of Ujjain city. Methods: An observational study was conducted in government schools of Ujjain district. Students studying in 6th–8th standard between 11 and 14 years were interviewedusing a predesigned questionnaire. The factors reported for school absenteeism were recorded. Results: A total of 1250 students were studying in the 6th, 7th, and 8th standard. Of these, 434 (34.7%) students had significant absenteeism &gt;2 days/month. Frequent absenteeism (Group A, absenteeism &gt;4 days per month) occurred in 388 (89.4%) and rest were infrequent absentees (Group B, absenteeism ?4 days per month). Analysis of sociodemographic factors revealed significant influence of lower socioeconomic status (A=43.1% and B=28.2%; p=0.03), maternal illiteracy (A=19.3% and B=6.5%; p=0.004), paternal illiteracy (A=12.6% and B=0), rural background (A=23.2% and B=6.5%; p=0.031), and unskilled and semiskilled profession of the father (A=30.9% and B=8.6%; p=0.001) on frequent absenteeism. Helping the mother in the kitchen was the only social factor responsible for the significant absenteeism (A=44.0% and B=26.1%; p=0.02). Watching television (TV) was also reported as a cause of frequent absenteeism. Medical morbidities and school-related factors did not influence significant absenteeism. Conclusion: School absenteeism has a high prevalence in government schools of Ujjain district. Lower socioeconomic status, parental illiteracy, rural background, unskilled occupation, helping the mother in the kitchen, and watching TV resulted in frequent absenteeism.

Cooperation Between Migrant Parents and Teachers in School: A Resource?

Even smaller Western countries receive immigrants from remote areas with poorer living conditions. As stated in the U.N. Child Convention, immigrant children should be given equal opportunities in education. Parents are always interested in their children’s future, and education may gain from stronger cooperation between school and parents. Some research shows that even illiterate parents may support their children’s training in a second language (Cummins, 1986/2001, p. 665). Dialogues between teachers and parents promote mutualunderstanding and increase parents’ knowledge of school and society. This might make the parents trust society more, enhance their acculturation and reduce future intergenerational conflicts (Portes &amp; Rumbaut, 2001). A professional teacher needs cultural knowledge and understanding in order to give her/his students an education adapted to their needs. Migrant students especially should feel that there is coherence in their education, because culturalconflicts sap their energy and may also cause identity problems and lead to lack of motivation. For teachers it is important that education policy provides for equal opportunities. Norway has an inclusive policy concerning immigrant children. The students have language support to a certain degree both in their mother tongue and in Norwegian when needed. Parents and schools are obliged to cooperate in education, and some support is therefore given totranslation. Cooperation is required by conferences and meetings. There are gains for all parties in cooperation between school and migrant parents, but it is difficult to develop mutual cultural understanding for all students and equal opportunities for migrant students. This requires a clear school policy, the means to implement it, and teacher competence. It takes a process to learn how to cooperate and give adequate support. The Norwegian policy shows a will to cooperation, but the implementation of the policy can still be improved.

Parent’s Commitment is the Gateway to a Child’s Academic Success

The author sought for information about parents of predominantly illiterate communities in relation to their perceptions and involvement toward their children’s academic performance and success, but found very little literature. However, the literature reviewed showed that success in school among children of all family types or background depend on commitment and deliberate efforts on the part of parents to inculcate discipline and good study habits in their children. The startling numbers of illiterate parents in the world today, necessitate efforts to get them involved in their children’s academic performance. The literature reviewed revealed that illiterate parents are capable of supporting their children to succeed in school by: establishing high expectations for their children; communicating with teachers when they have a question or concern; insisting on good attendance; providing a quiet time and place in their home for study; insisting that their students accept responsibility for their learning and conduct. In addition, parents should attend school meetings and events; discuss school activities at home and; be a source of guidance and counseling for their children that may lead them to achieve their aspirations. In this regard, no parent should be left behind. All should be encouraged to get involved in the success of their children’s education. This material hopes to be relevant to parents, teachers, school administrators, and other stakeholders of education, who have the mandate to build human capital in the society.

District Level Analysis of Routine Immunization in Haryana State: Implications for Mission Indradhanush under Universal Immunization Programme.

Background:The immunization coverage in India is far away from satisfactory with full immunization coverage being only 62% at national level. Targeting the intensive efforts to poor performing areas and addressing the determinants of nonimmunization and dropouts offers a quick solution. In this paper, we assess the inter-district variations in Haryana state, and the association of social determinants with partial and no immunization.Methodology:This analysis is based on data collected as part of a large household survey undertaken in the state of Haryana to measure the extent of Universal Health Coverage. A multistage stratified random sampling design was used to select primary sampling units (i.e., subcenters), villages, and households. A total of 11,594 mothers with a child between 12 and 23 months were interviewed on receipt of immunization services. Determinants of nonimmunization and partial immunization were assessed using multiple logistic regression.Results:About 21% of children aged 12–23 months were partially immunized, while 4.3% children aged 12–23 months had received “no immunization.” While the coverage of full immunization was 74.7% at the state level, it varied from 95% in best performing district to 38% in poorest performing district. Odds of a partially immunized child were significantly higher in urban area (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1–1.38), among Muslim household (OR = 3.52; 95% CI = 3.03–4.11), children of illiterate parents (OR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.22–2.05), and poorest quintile (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.36–1.89).Conclusions:Wide interdistrict variations call for a need to consider changes in resource allocation and strengthening of the government initiatives to improve routine immunization in these districts.

Epidemiological and gynecological correlates with female genital mutilation among Beni-Suef University students; cross sectional study

Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of FGM/C among university students in Beni-Suef, Egypt and detect the possible socio-demographic and gynaecological associations. Study design A cross-sectional study had been conducted on 1723 females attending all faculties of Beni-Suef University (n = 28) and representing all academic years were selected using a multi-stage random sampling to participate in this study. By the beginning of the second term of the academic year 2016/2017, students were interviewed using a questionnaire included questions about the socio-demographic charcteristics, gynecological history, exposure to FGM/C and its justifications, sources of knowledge about FGM/C, gynecological manifestations associated with menstrual flow during the past 12 months and the pain relief methods they used during the same period. Results Slightly less than half of our students (47.3%) were circumcised. Students residing in rural areas and those with illiterate parents were more likely to experience FGM/C (p Conclusions FGM/C is less prevalent among the university girls in Beni-Suef. Residential, parental level of education, religious and traditional issues are among the most potential risk factors for FGM/C.