Middle Level Education Research Articles

Correlation between self-reported gingival bleeding and type 2 diabetes mellitus in aged ≥18 years adults in China

Objective: To understand the correlation between self-reported gingival bleeding and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adults in China. Methods: The database of China' s 2010 Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance (CCDRFS) survey among people aged ≥18 years was used to analyze the demographic characteristics of subjects with self-reporting gingival bleeding and the prevalence of major chronic diseases among adults. Correlation and interaction analyses were conducted on the relationships between frequent gingival bleeding and T2DM, hypertension and dyslipidemia, and interaction of age and gingival bleeding, age and hypertension, age and dyslipidemia, age and gender on the prevalence of T2DM. Results: Among 93 647 adults surveyed, 87.4% were in Han ethnic group. The incidence of frequent gingival bleeding was higher in females (63.6%) than in males (36.4%). The incidence of frequent gingival bleeding was highest (30.1%) in adults with middle school education level. Among the adults aged 45-60 years, 12.8%(2 839/22 179) had T2MD but no gingival bleeding, 15.6% (163/1 044) had both frequent gingival bleeding and T2DM, frequent gingival bleeding was correlated with T2DM (OR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.08-1.54) and the interaction with age had influence on T2DM (P<0.005). In males, frequent gingival bleeding was correlated with T2DM (OR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.08-1.56, P=0.005). In hypertension group, frequent gingival bleeding was correlated with T2DM (OR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.07-1.46), and interaction of hypertension and gingival bleeding had influence on T2DM (P<0.05). Conclusions: The positive correlation between frequent gingival bleeding and T2DM was observed in adults surveyed, and the interaction of age and hypertension had influence on prevalence of T2DM. Frequent gingival bleeding was correlated with T2DM in males either.

Abstract P141: Biological and Socioeconomic Determinants of Dysglycaemia in Canadian Youth

Background: Population-based rates of prediabetes or dysglycaemia (i.e. elevated A1C) among low-risk youth are not well described. Moreover, the biological and socioeconomic determinants of an elevated A1C in youth remain poorly understood. Methods: Youth aged 6-19 years who participated in the first (2007-2009) or second (2009-2011) cycles of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) were included in our analyses. The primary outcome, dysglycaemia was defined using A1C guidelines established by the American Diabetes Association (ADA: 5.7%-6.4%) and Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA: 6.0%-6.4%). Various biological and socioeconomic determinants were compared between healthy and dysglycaemic youth using two sample t-tests and χ 2 tests (Table 1). Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios for dysglycaemia. Age stratified regression was performed to adjust for physical activity. All analyses were unweighted. Results: Of the 3449 youth studied, 785 (22.8%) and 179 (5.2%) displayed dysglycaemia according to ADA and CDA definitions, respectively. Youth with dysglycaemia (ADA definition) were more likely to be male (55.4 v 50.6%, p=0.02), non-white (24.8 v 14.6%, p&lt;0.001) and obese (16.2 v 10.8%, p&lt;0.001). Dysglycaemia in youth was more common in those living in households with middle income adequacy (32.6 v 26.8%, p=0.006) and lower levels of parental education (high school or less, 15 vs 11.4%, p=0.007). Similar associations were found using CDA definition. In the adjusted logistic regression model (age ≥12y), significant predictors were age, race, income adequacy, geographic region, obesity (OR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.08-2.35) and physical activity (monthly frequency of activity longer than 15 minutes, OR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99). Conclusion: Nearly 1 of every 5 youth in Canada are at risk for type 2 diabetes, based on early elevated A1C. Elevated A1C in youth is associated with social determinants of health and some lifestyle factors and both should be addressed in prevention efforts.

Enticing teacher candidates to the middle

Most teacher candidates enter education programs as elementary or secondary teachers, despite the call for uniquely prepared middle grades teachers and despite the fact that nearly one-third of teaching jobs available are in grades 5–8 schools. This article describes a middle level education course required by candidates at all licensure levels, as well as a mixed methods study conducted to assess the impact of the course on education students’ desire to teach early adolescents. Quantitative results suggested the significance of the course field placement in the candidates having had meaningful interactions with early adolescents, as well as the impact of the course on participants’ perspectives on their own middle level experiences. In qualitative results, positive themes that emerged from written rationales for teaching preference were the developmental age of the student and self-interest; the negative themes were developmental age of the student and preference for younger students. Course factors that most influenced candidates toward or away from middle level teaching were teaching advisory and exploratory lessons and participating in a field experience. Though most teacher candidates overlook the possibility of middle grades teaching, this study offers hope that participation in a thoughtfully designed middle level education course can influence candidates toward work with young adolescents.

ТАБІР ІНТЕРНОВАНИХ ВІЙСЬК УНР У ПИКУЛИЧАХ (ПОЛЬЩА) (СІЧЕНЬ — ЛЮТИЙ 1921 р.): УМОВИ ПЕРЕБУВАННЯ ТА МОРАЛЬНИЙ СТАН ВОЯЦТВА

У статті проаналізовано умови перебування та моральний стан інтернованого українського вояцтва у таборі Пукуличі (Польща). Доведено, що побут вояків-українців був позначений значними труднощами, що було зумовлено перенаселеністю табору, нестачею дров для обігріву бараків, неефективністю роботи санітарно-гігієнічних закладів, вкрай неякісним харчуванням та іншими обмеженнями. Все це призводило до суттєвого збільшення рівня захворюваності в таборі, але завдяки добре налагодженій медичній допомозі поширення інфекційних хвороб вдавалось швидко локалізувати. Але все це в комплексі призводило до деморалізації тих вояків-українців, які не мали стійких національно-державницьких переконань. У цих умовах величезного значення набували заходи старших військових начальників та співробітників культурно-освітніх відділів зі зміцнення морального духу інтернованих. З цією метою у таборі було організовано проведення загальних та спеціальних викладів, у середовищі козацтва ініційовано процес ліквідації неграмотності та малограмотності. Цій же меті слугувало відкриття бібліотеки і читальні на 50-60 осіб. Заходами видавничої секції у таборі було продовжено видання літературно-наукового місячника «Запорожець», у старшинському бараку поширювався сатиричний журнал «Жало». Для всіх бажаючих у таборі для вояцтва були створені умови для занять спортом та різними колективними іграми. У вільний від служби час таборяни відвідували таборовий театр, в якому заходами акторів-аматорів готувались вистави п’єс українських драматургів. Єднала таборян й українська пісня у виконанні самодіяльних таборових хорів.

Government Decentralization Program in Indonesia

Without much preparation, Indonesia, in 2000, at a stroke replaced the previous system of centralized government and development planning with a wide range of decentralization programs. The reforms gave greater authority, political power, and financial resources directly to regencies and municipalities, bypassing the provinces. The powers transferred include those of executing a wide range of responsibilities in the areas of health, primary and middle-level education, public works, environment, communication, transport, agriculture, manufacturing, and other economic sectors. At the same time, the government replaced the antiquated cash-based, single-entry system of public finance with a modern double-entry accounting system that uses a single treasury account; is performance based; and has transparent management of the public treasury, tight expenditure and financial controls with performance indicators, computerized reporting, and a tightly scheduled auditing system. On the positive side, unlike in many developing and transition countries, the decentralization program in Indonesia has not caused major political or economic problems. However, the decentralization program was ill prepared and not carried out in a logical order for two reasons. First, the capacity of subnational governments to produce public and private goods, increase productivity and employment, and promote economic growth in their jurisdictions, was not increased. Because of the long tradition of centralization, local government never built the capacity to carry out economic planning and undertake initiatives to promote local economic growth. Before the reform, the local governments had mainly functioned as implementing agencies of national policies and programs. Second, the number of good financial managers, as required by the new laws of public treasury and auditing, was also limited and needed to be trained. The rising revenues of local governments do not follow their increasing government functions to promote economic development that could potentially cause fiscal imbalances.

Characteristics of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation for paediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrests: A national observational study from 2012 to 2014

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the associations between the provision of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) and both the relationship of bystanders with paediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) victims and the community educational level. MethodsThis observational study was conducted using the Korean national OHCA registry of paediatric OHCAs (<19years old) between 2012 and 2014. The main factor was the relationship between the bystander and the OHCA victim. The primary endpoint was the provision of BCPR. The association between BCPR provision and community educational level was also examined. Multivariable logistic regression and interaction analyses were performed to determine whether community educational level affected BCPR provision. ResultsAmong the 1477 enrolled patients, 725 (49.1%) received BCPR. Family members provided BCPR in 458 (57.4%) cases. The adjusted odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (AORs, 95% CIs) for the provision of BCPR by family members or first responders compared with strangers were 1.75 (1.31–2.34) and 8.90 (5.00–15.84). The AORs for BCPR provision in communities with the middle and lowest educational levels compared with the highest were 0.70 (0.53–0.92) and 1.11 (0.79–1.55). The interaction analysis showed that the AORs of family members or first responders providing BCPR compared with strangers were 1.32 (0.79–2.19) and 5.90 (1.98–17.63), 1.98 (1.31–2.98) and 10.88 (4.20–28.16), and 1.87 (1.18–2.96) and 9.89 (3.88–25.21) in communities with the lowest, middle and highest educational levels, respectively. ConclusionIn paediatric OHCA cases, family members were more likely than strangers to perform BCPR except in communities with the lowest educational level.

A Cross-sectional Survey of HIV Transmission and Behavior among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Different Areas of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.

BackgroundLittle research has been conducted on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic and the sexual intercourse habits of men who have sex with men (MSM) in crowded places, both locally and abroad. This study conducted a survey of MSM in different locales of Inner Mongolia to provide a reference for developing strategies or measures to prevent and control HIV among this understudied population.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of men aged 18 years and older at different venues popular among MSM in Inner Mongolia. Between April and July 2012, MSM volunteered to participate in this study, receive HIV/syphilis testing, and complete a questionnaire about their behavior. A total of 1611 MSM participated. Participants signed a voluntary informed consent form, completed an anonymous questionnaire and were tested for HIV and syphilis antibodies.ResultsOf the 1611 MSM surveyed, 6.83 and 23.65 % had HIV and syphilis, respectively, and the co-infection rate was 3.17 %. Sociodemographic factors such as age, culture, marital status, knowledge of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) transmission, and peer education significantly differed between venues (P < 0.01). MSM who were under 22 years, 23–35 years, and over 36 years primarily contacted their potential partners online, at bars/other (streetwalkers), and at public baths/parks, respectively. MSM partners found in bars, in public baths, in parks and online were primarily high school students and technical secondary school students. MSM who were streetwalkers or cross-dressing male sex workers primarily had junior middle school education levels or below. Married MSM primarily had intercourse in public baths and parks, and MSM who had intercourse in public baths and parks also reported the greatest proportions of intercourse with women (39.1 and 35.0 %, respectively). Furthermore, MSM who had intercourse in parks reported having the most anal sex with same-sex partners and unprotected intercourse in the past 6 months. Unprotected intercourse with women in the past 6 months was also common among MSM who met partners in bathhouses or online. MSM were most likely to have anal sex with other men in public baths. MSM who had intercourse in bars were the least likely to have used a condom with female partners in the past 6 months. The culture of the MSM who had frequent intercourse with streetwalkers and cross-dressing male sex workers did not predict behavior.ConclusionThis study indicated that AIDS-related risky behaviors as well as HIV and syphilis infection were associated with the different locations frequented by MSM. When developing intervention strategies for AIDS, it is better to conduct targeted health education and behavioral interventions at bars/online for MSM aged 23–35 years and at public baths/parks for MSM over 36 years. Additionally, the current survey showed that information on AIDS/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) must be popularized to reach streetwalkers and cross-dressing male sex workers, whose mobility limits their attainment of higher levels of health education.

Changes in the prevalence of cigarette smoking and quitting smoking determinants in adult inhabitants of rural areas in Poland between 2003 and 2012

ObjectivesWe investigate trends in the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults at all ages in two time points 9 years apart in two neighbouring rural populations and examine social and respiratory health determinants of quitting smoking. Study designRepeated cross-sectional study. MethodsTwo cross-sectional surveys were conducted in the same rural area of lower Silesia in Poland in 2003 and 2012. A total of 1328 (91% of adult eligible individuals) in 2003 and 1449 (92% of eligible) in 2012 adult inhabitants were surveyed, 908 people (560 villagers and 348 town inhabitants) participated in both surveys. Participants completed a questionnaire on smoking behaviour, education level and respiratory diseases. ResultsCurrent smoking was higher in the villages than the town, among men than women and those with a middle level of education. The prevalence of current smokers decreased over time, although this decline was much more pronounced in the town than in the villages (30.2% vs 23% and 35.5% vs 33.7%, respectively). Men were more likely to stop smoking than women both in villages and in town. The prevalence of current smokers among village women even increased between the two surveys from 27.6% to 29.3%. Respiratory diseases did not influence quitting smoking. ConclusionsThe degree of decreasing trend in smoking prevalence varied considerably within neighbouring populations. It was mainly seen in the town and among younger people. Men and those better educated were more willing to quit smoking. The discrepancies between two close rural populations indicates the need for an individual approach when designing programs of tobacco control.

Impacts of low socioeconomic status and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure on lung function among a community-based Chinese population

Lung function is related to socioeconomic status (SES) and exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, joint effect of SES and exposure to PAHs on lung function has been largely unknown. We aimed to investigate joint effects of SES and urinary OH-PAHs levels on lung function parameters. This study included 2739 Wuhan participants from the baseline survey of the Wuhan-Zhuhai (WHZH) Cohort Study (n=3053). They completed the questionnaire, physical examination and provided blood and urine samples. Twelve urinary monohydroxy-PAHs metabolites (OH-PAHs) and lung function were measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and digital spirometers, respectively. Individuals with low educational levels and low or high levels of urinary ΣOH-PAHs had a 3.5% (95% CI: −5.4, −1.6%) or 4.2% (95% CI: −6.1, −2.3%) reduction in the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1s to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), respectively, and those with middle levels of education and high levels of urinary ΣOH-PAHs had a 2.1% (95% CI: −5.4, −1.6%) reduction in the FEV1/FVC ratio, rather than those with high levels of education and low levels of urinary ΣOH-PAHs. Individuals with low levels of education had a −3.0% (95% CI: −4.4, −1.6%) reduction in FEV1/FVC compared with individuals with high levels of education. Urinary OH-PAHs levels were marginally negatively related to FEV1 in all participants (p=0.073). The results indicated that there was a prominent effect of low levels of education and higher exposure to PAHs on lung function decline, indicating that it is a necessary to take measures to promote the education level and reduce exposure to environmental PAHs.

The developmentally responsive middle school: Meeting the needs of all students

While This We Believe (NMSA, 2010b) certainly advocates for a rigorous, challenging academic environment for middle grades students, it also strongly suggests the education of young adolescents includes three additional “essential attributes” (p. 14). A middle school education should be developmentally responsive, empowering, and equitable. Nagel Middle School, in Cincinnati, Ohio, has discovered a way to fully embrace what makes middle level education unique—a deep understanding of the developmental spectrum of its students; attention to professional behaviors and dispositions of its teachers; the creation of supportive organizational structures; and the development of healthy relationships among students, staff, teachers, and administration. Using the lens of the Core of Effective Middle Level Practices, this article provides a portrait of Nagel Middle School as it educates the whole, young adolescent child within the context of today’s educational climate. Though not a blueprint for others to follow, this portrait can serve as an inspiration to other middle schools who desire to reaffirm their commitment to a developmentally responsive education for their students.

Ecological Park Falls of Rio Bonito: Percepções da frequência de visita

The Ecological Park “Falls of Rio Bonito” is the unique ecological park located in Lavras region. This park has as purpose the regional fauna flora and water resources protection, environmental education, recreation and scientific research. However, the frequency of this park is decreasing over the time. Due to its great importance for Lavras, especially for eco-environmental aspects, a survey was conducted in order to identify city inhabitants impressions related to this area. The survey used structured questionnaires with direct questions. Four hundred people of all Lavras neighborhood were interviewed randomly. The park is visited most by the people who has middle-level education, family income greater than R$ 2,100.00 (minimum salary based on R$678.00). The most prominent attractions in the visitors’ view are the nature elements (waterfall: 27.76%, and tracks: 21.35 %). A part of the visitors (28.11%) had visited only once the park, and they alleged that the main reason why they did not return is constraints (41.8%). Among the respondents, 22% have heard about the park, but never visited it, due to constrains (45.5%) and lack of opportunity (17%). Only 7.75% of the respondents did not have knowledge about the park. The Park Falls of Rio Bonito has been sparsely attended due to the lack of ecological activities, constraints, the distant location and the park entrance fee.

Social support plays a role in the attitude that people have towards taking an active role in medical decision-making.

BackgroundThere is a growing emphasis towards including patients in medical decision-making. However, not all patients are actively involved in such decisions. Research has so far focused mainly on the influence of patient characteristics on preferences for active involvement. However, it can be argued that a patient’s social context has to be taken into account as well, because social norms and resources affect behaviour. This study aims to examine the role of social resources, in the form of the availability of informational and emotional support, on the attitude towards taking an active role in medical decision-making.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to members of the Dutch Health Care Consumer Panel (response 70 %; n = 1300) in June 2013. A regression model was then used to estimate the relation between medical and lay informational support and emotional support and the attitude towards taking an active role in medical decision-making.ResultsAvailability of emotional support is positively related to the attitude towards taking an active role in medical decision-making only in people with a low level of education, not in persons with a middle and high level of education. The latter have a more positive attitude towards taking an active role in medical decision-making, irrespective of the level of emotional support available. People with better access to medical informational support have a more positive attitude towards taking an active role in medical decision-making; but no significant association was found for lay informational support.ConclusionsThis study shows that social resources are associated with the attitude towards taking an active role in medical decision-making. Strategies aimed at increasing patient involvement have to address this.

The genetic architecture of body mass index from infancy to adulthood modified by parental education.

A higher prevalence of obesity in lower socioeconomic classes is common in Western societies. This study examined the role of gene-environment interactions in the association between parental education and body mass index (BMI) from infancy to the onset of adulthood. Parentally reported BMI from 1 to 13 and self-reported BMI from 14 to 20 years of age were collected in 16,646 complete Dutch twin pairs and analyzed by genetic twin modeling. At 7 to 8 years of age, children whose parents had middle or low educational levels had more excess weight than the children of more highly educated parents, and the difference increased until 18 to 20 years of age. The major part of the BMI variation was explained by additive genetic factors (a(2) = 0.55-0.85), but environmental factors common for co-twins also played a significant role, especially from 3 to 7-8 years of age (c(2) = 0.15-0.29). The genetic variation in BMI was higher in children whose parents had middle or low educational levels compared with children whose parents had a high educational level. The interaction between genetic factors and the childhood social environment may contribute to the formation of socioeconomic differences in obesity.

Association between body mass index and prevalence of multimorbidity: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo explore the prevalence of multimorbidity in Serbia according to sex and body mass index (BMI) categories, and to examine the association between BMI and multimorbidity. In addition, this study examined the relationships between the main demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population (age, settlement, education) and multimorbidity. Study designSecondary analysis of data from the 2013 Serbian National Health Survey. MethodsThis study analyzed data from 13,103 participants aged ≥20 years with BMI data. The associations between BMI, age, education and multimorbidity were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. ResultsThe overall prevalence of multimorbidity was higher than the overall prevalence of a single disease (26.9% vs 20.7%). The proportion of participants who reported two or more chronic diseases increased with each BMI category in both sexes, reaching the highest values in obese category III. Odds ratios (ORs) for the prevalence in all morbidity groups increased gradually with BMI category, and the highest OR values were found in obese category III. Males of obese category III were seven times more likely to have multimorbidity [OR 7.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.2–12.6] than males of normal weight, whereas females of obese category III were nine and a half times more likely to have multimorbidity (OR 9.5, 95% CI 4.0–22.4) than females of normal weight. In the multivariable analysis, age (both sexes), low and middle level of education (males), and rural settlement and low level of education (females) were found to be predictors of multimorbidity. ConclusionsThis study found positive associations between obesity and multimorbidity and between overweight and multimorbidity. Recognizing these associations is of great importance from both clinical and public health perspectives because this could lead to an integrated approach for patients.

Repositioning Business Education Programme for Peaceful Co-Existence and National Development of Nigeria

Nigeria since independence has been facing a lot of problems. These problems cut across economic, social, political, cultural and moral spheres. Thus, political instability, religious and community conflicts, crisis, economic underdevelopment, cultural misdirection, poverty, moral decadence and many other vices become the order of the day. It was for these reasons that the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Policy on Education (2004) institutionalized the teaching of Business Education subjects at the lower, middle and upper Basic Education levels, with the hope that if properly taught at these levels, Business Education subjects will help to develop in the youth, the desired knowledge, attitudes, values, skills and competences that will make them to be useful and effective members of their society. It is believed that Business Education will help the youths to acquire social and civic literacy that will promote and bring about peaceful co-existence and national development in Nigeria. This paper therefore seeks to address how Business Education programme can be repositioned to be highly effective in providing quality skilled-type education that will bring about peaceful co-existence and national development in Nigeria.

Risk factors of Schistosoma japonicum infection in Xingzi County

To explore the risk factors of Schistosoma japonicum infection in the residents in Xingzi County, Jiangxi Province. Six administrative villages from different areas were randomly selected by the cluster sampling method as the study sites in Xingzi Country in 2013, and all the residents aged 5 years or above were investigated epidemiologically, and the schistosome infection was surveyed by Kato-Katz technique. The risk factors of schistosomiasis were analyzed by using the Chi-square test analysis and multivariate Logistic regression model. In 2013, there were 2 050 residents received the stool examination and 146 persons were positive, the schistosome infection rate was 7.1%. The Chi-square test showed that gender, age, occupation and education level were associated with the population infection rate (χ2 = 26.485、16.836、25.700、 90.805, all P < 0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression mode showed that the probability of schistosomiasis for the male was 3.041 times as much as that for the female; the probability of schistosomiasis for the illiteracy and primary education level crowd was 8.870 times as much as that for the college degree or above crowed; the probability of schistosomiasis for the junior middle school education level crowd was 5.598 times as much as that for the college degree or above crowed; the probability of schistosomiasis for the high school education level crowd was 2.995 times as much as that for the college degree or above crowed; the probability of infection of fishermen was the highest, which was 3.053 times as much as that for the other professional crowds. The risk factors of schistosome infection mainly include gender, occupation and the education level. We should strengthen the health education of schistosomiasis control, protection against the infested water contact, and so on.

Strategije suočavanja i emocionalne regulacije u odrasloj dobi: specifičnosti s obzirom na dob, spol i razinu obrazovanja

In the study, the use of coping and emotion regulation (ER) strategies is compared in 194 adults aged between 20 and 65 years, regarding their age (emerging, young or middle adulthood), gender and level of education. There are almost no significant differences in the use of coping and ER strategies in adults regarding age. Women use certain ER strategies (e.g., attentional deployment) more than men, but there is no difference between the two groups in the use of coping strategies. Adults with a low level of education use more confrontive coping and distracting in comparison with adults with a high level of education, while the escape- -avoiding coping strategy is used more by adults with low and middle levels of education than those with a high level of education. Regarding ER, adults with a low level of education use more cognitive reappraisal of importance than both groups with a higher educational level, whereas they use suppression and substances only more than adults with a high level of education. Correlations between coping and ER strategies are mostly non-significant, suggesting that coping and ER are distinct processes in adulthood.

Obesity continues to increase in the majority of the population in mid-Sweden-a 12-year follow-up.

The aim was to investigate trends in the prevalence of obesity by age and level of education in the general population in mid-Sweden from year 2000 to 2012. A postal questionnaire was sent to a random population sample aged 25-74 years in years 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012. The overall response rates were 67%, 65%, 60% and 53%, respectively, and the study included 29 017, 27 385, 25 910 and 24 152 respondents, respectively. Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) was based on self-reported weight and height. The age-standardized prevalence of obesity increased from 13% to 17% in women and from 12% to 17% in men between 2000 and 2012. Obesity increased in all age groups from 2000 to 2008 and continued to increase among the middle aged (45-64 years) between 2008 and 2012. The socioeconomic gradient in obesity changed during the study period since the absolute increase in obesity was steepest at the middle educational level. In 2012, the prevalence of obesity was almost twice as high at both middle and low educational levels compared with high educational level. The 'true' prevalence of adult obesity, corrected for self-reported weight and height, was around 20% in 2012 for both men and women. In the majority, among the middle-aged and those with secondary education, the prevalence of obesity continued to increase even between 2008 and 2012.

Analysis of an Animal-Assisted Reading Intervention for Young Adolescents with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities

Teaching students to enjoy reading is important in middle level education; however, middle school students with emotional behavioral disabilities (EBD) frequently struggle with reading skills and frequently display motivational deficits during reading instruction. The purpose of this study was to examine if the presence/absence of a classroom pet dog impacted reading skills in four fifth-grade students with EBD. An alternating treatment design was used to assess the fluency, comprehension, and level of motivation in four students when using a reading intervention package during a dog present (dog and researcher) and a dog absent condition (researcher only). All participants improved reading performance during intervention conditions compared to baseline. Improvements in reading measures were observed across participants in both treatment conditions compared to baseline. Differences in motivation levels were reported in three participants who indicated they enjoyed the dog present condition while the fourth enjoyed both treatment conditions equally. Implications of the potential role of middle level educators pairing themselves with animals during academic interventions for middle school students and other areas for future research in the area of animal-assisted learning are discussed.

Migraine in Assiut Governorate, Egypt: epidemiology, risk factors, comorbid conditions and predictors of change from episodic to chronic migraine

Objectives: Headache is one of the most common complaints in medicine. Epidemiological and population-based studies reported that migraine has a variable prevalence worldwide. This study was done to estimate the prevalence of migraine across various age groups in Assiut district, Egypt.Methods: This is a door-to-door study. It included 4700 randomly selected individuals.Results: Headache was reported in 1668 subjects (35.49%), of them, 87.65% (n = 1462) had primary headaches. Migraine prevalence was 10.51% with female-to-male ratio of 2.4:1 particularly in ages of 20–40 years. The mean age of patients was 31.46 ± 13.39 years and age at onset was 24.16 ± 12.10 years. Nearly, 63.5% had frequent attacks, 65.2% of the attacks were severe enough to stop daily activities and lasted for >1 day in 32.5% of females compared to 40.7% and 14.5% for males. Chronic or daily migraine was more in females (35.3% versus 20.7% for males). Approximately, 5.6% had chronic migraine and 1.2% had daily migraine from the start, while 24.2% had transformation from episodic to chronic migraine within 6.1 ± 4.4 years. Migraine was prevalent among those with middle educational levels and labor workers. The duration of migraine attacks was found to reduce with age but the chronic/daily migraine increased with age. Hypertension, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression were common comorbidities with migraine.Conclusions: We believe that the work done in this study is informative as it determined the actual prevalence of migraine across various age groups and the important predictors of change in the severity, duration, and frequency of migraine in our locality.