Prevalence In Schoolchildren Research Articles

Dental fear and caries prevalence in schoolchildren with hearing impairment in Greece.

There have been limited reports on hearing impaired (HI) children's oral health, but no data on their dental fear. The aim of this study was to assess dental fear and caries prevalence in HI children and adolescents. Upon ethical approval, all elementary and junior/senior high schools for the HI in Greece were invited to participate in the study. Students were asked to fill in the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS). High school students additionally answered the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Both questionnaires were translated into sign language by the same licensed interpreter. Caries prevalence was evaluated by dmfs/DMFS indices. Statistics by SPSS Statistics 28 (IBM) included parametric and non-parametric tests (significance at p ≤ 0.05). 33 elementary and 53 junior/senior high school students (mean age = 10.89 ± 2.63 and 16.23 ± 1.33years, respectively) participated in the study. Means of CFSS-DS were 24.1 ± 9.9 and 26.9 ± 10.5, respectively. Mean MDAS (high school students) was 11.3 ± 4.7. Mean dmfs was 2.5 ± 5.2 for elementary and mean DMFS was 3.5 ± 5.4 for elementary and 7.3 ± 9.0 for high school students, higher than similar-age general population. Dental fear was not significantly associated to age, gender, severity of hearing impairment (HI) or caries prevalence. HI children present similar dental fear values, but higher caries prevalence compared to similar-age Greek hearing population.

Community-wide versus school-based targeted deworming for soil-transmitted helminth control in school-aged children in Vietnam: the CoDe-STH cluster-randomised controlled trial

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection control programs typically consist of school-based preventive chemotherapy (PC) targeted to school-aged children. STH reservoirs in untreated community members contribute to ongoing transmission in children. The CoDe-STH (Community Deworming against STH) trial, conducted in Dak Lak province, Vietnam, between October 2019 and November 2020, aimed to determine whether community-wide mass drug administration (MDA) is more effective than school-based targeted PC in reducing STH prevalence and intensity in children. In this two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial, 64 primary schools were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either school-based targeted PC ("school arm") or community-wide MDA ("community arm"). A single dose of albendazole 400mg was used for deworming. The primary outcome was hookworm prevalence in schoolchildren, measured using quantitative real-time PCR. We also measured infection intensity for Necator americanus only, using qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) values converted into eggs per gram of faeces (EPG). Analysis was by intention to treat. The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000309189). The analysis included 4955 children in the school arm and 5093 children in the community arm. N.americanus was the dominant STH species. The relative reduction in hookworm prevalence was not significantly different between the school arm (30.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 20.5-36.9) and the community arm (34.6%, 95% CI 19.9-49.4). Due to lower baseline prevalence than expected, the study was underpowered to detect a difference in prevalence reduction between the study arms. The community arm showed significantly greater relative reduction in N.americanus infection intensity (56.0%, 95% CI 39.9-72.1) compared to the school arm (3.4%, 95% CI-24.7 to 31.4). The community arm also showed greater relative reduction in prevalence of moderate-to-heavy intensity (≥2000 EPG) N.americanus infections (81.1%; 95% CI 69.7-92.6) compared to the school arm (39.0%, 95% CI 13.7-64.2). Although no impact was seen on overall prevalence, community-wide MDA was more effective in lowering N.americanus infection intensity in schoolchildren compared to school-based targeted PC, measured 12 months after one round of albendazole deworming with high coverage. National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia (APP1139561).

Population Based Study and Global Estimates of Hearing Impairment in Schoolchildren

Hearing impairments in schoolchildren affects learning and communication. Reliable data on hearing loss prevalence in this group are necessary for planning the audiological care. Aim. To compare data from a population based study of the hearing loss prevalence in schoolchildren and estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study in the Republic of Yemen. Materials and methods. Data extraction was performed from the GBD database on the prevalence of bilateral hearing loss >20 dB among children aged 5–9 years in the Republic of Yemen. A two stage study of hearing loss prevalence among primary school students aged 6–9 years in Sana’a, Republic of Yemen, in a sample of 2200 children using screening audiometry at 20 dB at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz is school settings, followed by tonal threshold audiometry and tympanometry in a specialized clinic. Hearing loss was assessed as unilateral or bilateral when hearing thresholds were higher than 25 dB. Results. According to GBD estimates, bilateral hearing impairment in this population is 2.2%, including 1.4% of mild degree. According to the results of a Yemenian population study, mild and moderate hearing impairment was detected in 10.6%, of which 6.8% – unilateral, 3.8% – bilateral hearing loss. There were no cases of severe or profound hearing loss. The prevalence of otitis media with effusion was 6%, chronic suppurative otitis media – 1.8%, sensorineural hearing loss – 1.6%. Conclusion. Bilateral hearing impairments occur in 2.2–3.8% of primary school students, with unilateral impairments the prevalence is up to 10.6%. Of these, at least 65% have conductive hearing loss due to pathology of the middle ear. The data obtained will improve the efficiency of ear and hearing care for schoolchildren.

Multivariable Projections of Caries-Free Prevalence and the Associated Factors from 2019 to 2030 among Schoolchildren Aged 6, 12 and 16-Year-Old in Malaysia.

This study identified caries-free associated factors and conducted multivariable projections of the caries-free prevalence until 2030 among six-, 12-, and 16-year-old schoolchildren in Malaysia. It was a secondary data analysis of caries-free prevalence and potential associated factors obtained from the Health Information Management System (HIMS), Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), and Food Balance Sheets (FBS). Multiple linear regression and regression with ARMA errors were employed to determine the associated factors and predict the caries-free prevalence from 2019 or 2020 until 2030 for the six-, 12-, and 16-year-old groups, respectively. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and household income, sugar consumption, and water fluoridation were significantly associated with caries-free status, with the most impactful in all age groups being water fluoridation. With the projected values of the associated factors, the caries-free prevalence in schoolchildren of all age groups in Malaysia is predicted to increase in the next decade. Similar to the past decade, the prevalence trend will remain the highest among the 12-year-olds and the lowest among six-year-olds. Caries-free prevalence was predicted to increase by 9.10%, 15.52%, and 15.10% in the six-, 12-, and 16-year-old groups, respectively. The prevalence multiplied the highest at four times greater than in the past ten years among 16-year-olds, compared with less than 2% in the six- and 12-year-old groups. In conclusion, by factoring in economic factors, sugar consumption, water fluoridation, and age groups, the caries-free prevalence of schoolchildren in Malaysia is projected to increase at different rates in the next decade until 2030. Thus, strategic oral health plans to recognise effective promotion programmes and strengthen others for each age group are crucial.

National and regional prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in primary and secondary school children in England: the School Infection Survey, a national open cohort study, November 2021SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in school children

SARS-CoV-2 infection rates are likely to be underestimated in children because of asymptomatic or mild infections. We aim to estimate national and regional prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in primary (4-11 years old) and secondary (11-18 years old) school children between 10 November and 10 December 2021. Cross-sectional surveillance in England using two-stage sampling, firstly stratifying into regions and selecting local authorities, then selecting schools according to a stratified sample within selected local authorities. Participants were sampled using a novel oral fluid-validated assay for SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid IgG antibodies. 4980 students from 117 state-funded schools (2706 from 83 primary schools, 2274 from 34 secondary schools) provided a valid sample. After weighting for age, sex, and ethnicity, and adjusting for assay accuracy, the national prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in primary school students, who were all unvaccinated, was 40.1% (95%CI37.3-43.0). Antibody prevalence increased with age (p<0.001) and washigher in urban than rural schools (p=0.01). In secondary school students, the adjusted, weighted national prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 82.4% (95%CI79.5-85.1); including 71.5% (95%CI65.7-76.8) in unvaccinated and 97.5% (95% CI96.1-98.5) in vaccinated students. Antibody prevalence increased with age (p<0.001), and was not significantly different in urban versus rural students (p=0.1). In November 2021, using a validated oral fluid assay, national SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was estimated to be 40.1% in primary school students and 82.4% in secondary school students. In unvaccinated children, this was approximately threefold higher than confirmed infections highlighting the importance of seroprevalence studies to estimate prior exposure. Deidentified study data are available for access by accredited researchers in the ONS Secure Research Service (SRS) for accredited research purposes under part 5, chapter 5 of the Digital Economy Act 2017. For further information about accreditation, contact Research.support@ons.gov.uk or visit the SRS website.

Epidemiology and risk factors for myopia development

AbstractMyopia due to high prevalence in recent years gained importance in epidemiological studies. It is estimated that 1.4 billion people were myopic in 2000, and it has been predicted that by 2050 the number will reach 4.8 billion. It is known that children with early onset and/or rapid progression are at risk of complications associated with high myopia in the future, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataract, optic disk changes and maculopathy.The myopia prevalence ranges from 0.7% in Saudi Arabia to 65.5% in the Haidian district of Beijing; with the highest prevalence in schoolchildren in East Asia and Singapore, urban areas of China, Taiwan and South Korea. In Europe the prevalence rates reached 42.7% in a 10–19‐year French cohort. Interestingly, the majority of the studies reporting on myopia prevalence with non‐cycloplegic measurements compared with cycloplegic measurements reported much higher prevalence rates.The major risk factors for myopia onset and progression include parental myopia, ethnic differences, less time outdoors, increased near work and reading distance less than 30 cm, population density and socioeconomic status.

A prospective cohort study of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in three sites of Western Kenya

BackgroundMalaria in western Kenya is currently characterized by sustained high Plasmodial transmission and infection resurgence, despite positive responses in some areas following intensified malaria control interventions since 2006. This study aimed to evaluate long-term changes in malaria transmission profiles and to assess patterns of asymptomatic malaria infections in school children aged 5–15 years at three sites in western Kenya with heterogeneous malaria transmission and simultaneous malaria control interventions.MethodsThe study was conducted from 2018 to 2019 and is based on data taken every third year from 2005 to 2014 during a longitudinal parasitological and mosquito adult surveillance and malaria control programme that was initiated in 2002 in the villages of Kombewa, Iguhu, and Marani. Plasmodium spp. infections were determined using microscopy. Mosquito samples were identified to species and host blood meal source and sporozoite infections were assayed using polymerase chain reaction.ResultsPlasmodium falciparum was the only malaria parasite evaluated during this study (2018–2019). Asymptomatic malaria parasite prevalence in school children decreased in all sites from 2005 to 2008. However, since 2011, parasite prevalence has resurged by > 40% in Kombewa and Marani. Malaria vector densities showed similar reductions from 2005 to 2008 in all sites, rose steadily until 2014, and decreased again. Overall, Kombewa had a higher risk of infection compared to Iguhu (χ2 = 552.52, df = 1, P < 0.0001) and Marani (χ2 = 1127.99, df = 1, P < 0.0001). There was a significant difference in probability of non-infection during malaria episodes (log-rank test, χ2 = 617.59, df = 2, P < 0.0001) in the study sites, with Kombewa having the least median time of non-infection during malaria episodes. Gender bias toward males in infection was observed (χ2 = 27.17, df = 1, P < 0.0001). The annual entomological inoculation rates were 5.12, 3.65, and 0.50 infective bites/person/year at Kombewa, Iguhu, and Marani, respectively, during 2018 to 2019.ConclusionsMalaria prevalence in western Kenya remains high and has resurged in some sites despite continuous intervention efforts. Targeting malaria interventions to those with asymptomatic infections who serve as human reservoirs might decrease malaria transmission and prevent resurgences. Longitudinal monitoring enables detection of changes in parasitological and entomological profiles and provides core baseline data for the evaluation of vector interventions and guidance for future planning of malaria control.Graphical abstract

Prevalence of hearing loss in schoolchildren: populational study and global estimates

Introduction. Hearing impairments in schoolchildren affects learning and communication. Reliable data on hearing loss prevalence in this group are necessary for planning the audiological care.Aim. To compare data from a population-based study of the hearing loss prevalence in schoolchildren and estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study in the Republic of Yemen.Materials and methods. Data extraction was performed from the GBD database on the prevalence of bilateral hearing loss &gt;20 dB among children aged 5–9 years in the Republic of Yemen. A two-stage study of hearing loss prevalence among primary school students aged 6–9 years in Sana’a, Republic of Yemen, in a sample of 2200 children using screening audiometry at 20 dB at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz is school settings, followed by tonal threshold audiometry and tympanometry in a specialized clinic. Hearing loss was assessed as unilateral or bilateral when hearing thresholds were higher than 25 dB.Results. According to GBD estimates, bilateral hearing impairment in this population is 2.2%, including 1.4% of mild degree. According to the results of a Yemenian population study, mild and moderate hearing impairment was detected in 10.6%, of which 6.8% – unilateral, 3.8% – bilateral hearing loss. There were no cases of severe or profound hearing loss. The prevalence of otitis media with effusion was 6%, chronic suppurative otitis media – 1.8%, sensorineural hearing loss – 1.6%.Conclusion. Bilateral hearing impairments occur in 2.2–3.8% of primary school students, with unilateral impairments the prevalence is up to 10.6%. Of these, at least 65% have conductive hearing loss due to pathology of the middle ear. The data obtained will improve the efficiency of ear and hearing care for schoolchildren.

Dental fear in school children and young adults attending public dental health care: prevalence and relationship to gender, oral disease and dental treatment; trends over 40\xa0years

PurposeTo study prevalence of dental fear and the relationship to gender, oral disease and dental treatment between 1973 and 2013 in school children and young adults attending public dental health care.MethodsEvery ten years from 1973 to 2013 random samples of about 100 individuals in each of the age groups 10, 15 and 20 years took part in a repeated cross-sectional study based on clinical parameters and a questionnaire. Dental fear was estimated by the question: “What do you feel at the prospect of an appointment with a dentist?”. 75–99% of the samples answered the question. Agreement to at least one of the alternative answers: ill at ease, frightened and sick defined dental fear. Frightened and/or sick indicated severe dental fear. The prevalence of caries, gingivitis and number of filled tooth surfaces were calculated. Chi-square tests were used to show differences in proportions between groups and linear regression to show trends over time.ResultsPrevalence of dental fear declined in all age groups over time. In the 20-year olds dental fear was found in 29% of the sample and severe dental fear in 12% of girls and 5% of boys in 2013. Individuals with dental fear had higher mean caries prevalence and number of filled tooth surfaces compared with individuals without dental fear.ConclusionsThis 40-year time trend study showed a reduction in dental fear prevalence in school children and young adults offered regular public dental health care based on prevention and a psychological approach. The prevalence of dental fear was still high in 2013 despite a significant decline in caries during the study period. Further improvements in the psychological approach when treating children are thus needed.

Risk of Human Exposure to the Intestinal Schistosome, Schistosoma mansoni, across Seasons along the Senegal River

Background: Schistosomiasis is an emerging disease associated with changes to the environment that have increased human contact rates with disease-causing parasites, flatworms that are released from freshwater snails. For example, schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in Northern Senegal, where prevalence in schoolchildren often reaches 90%. Aim: This study focuses on the impact of seasonality on the risk of human exposure (RHE) to Schistosoma mansoni, defined as the total number of cercariae (the free-living life stage that infects humans) shed from all Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails collected at a site using standardized methods. We focus on RHE because it is rarely quantified and a recent study demonstrated that snails stop shedding cercariae when snail densities increase and thus per capita snail resources become limited [2], suggesting that densities of snails might not be directly proportional to RHE to schistosomes. Method: We sampled four water access points in three villages every other week during the early (Dry1) and later dry seasons (Dry2) and the rainy season, quantifying the abundance of infected and non-infected snail intermediate hosts, cercariae released per infected snail, and water chemistry. We used simple and multiple linear regressions to assess how seasonality and environmental parameters affect non-infected and infected snail abundance and RHE. Results: Although RHE was found across all seasons, the abundance of infected and non-infected snail intermediate hosts and cercariae, as well as prevalence (23.71%), were all highest in the rainy season. In the rainy season, RHE was positively associated with the density of snail hosts and their periphyton food resource. Conclusion: Although previous studies have examined the influence of seasonality on snail densities, few studies have explored the effects of seasonality on cercarial densities, which is the primary source of infection to humans. Our study demonstrates that cercarial densities are greater in the rainy season than in the early or late dry seasons. Given that cercarial densities directly pose risk of infection to humans, unlike non-infected or infected snails, these finding should help to inform decision making and schistosomiasis control efforts in West Africa.

Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage in school children

Purpose. To investigate the serotype distribution, clonal structure and antimicrobial resistance of pneumococci isolated from schoolchildren.Materials and methods. During the period from 2012 to 2018 we examined 498 healthy school children aged 6 to 17 years. Oropharyngeal swab was taken from each child for culture, after that all S. pneumoniae strains were genotyped for serotype and ST-type deduction (PCR and sequencing, respectively). Antimicrobial resistance was also determined.Results. Pneumococcal culture was positive in 10.6 % of children. S. pneumoniae isolates belonged to seven serogroups and seven serotypes. Serogroup 6 and serotype 19F strains (15.1% each), and serogroup 9 strains (13.2%) were the most prevalent. S. pneumoniae33FA/37 and 3 (9.4 and 5.7%), serogroups 15 and 18 (7.6 and 5.7%), and 10A serotype (3.8%) were determined at a lower frequency. 20 detected ST-types belonged to 14 clonal complexes (CCs); CC156, CC447, and CC320 were predominant. 1.9% of isolates were penicillin-resistant; 13.2% – macrolide-, clindamycin-, and tetracycline-resistant. S. pneumoniae antibiotic resistant strains belonged to multidrug-resistant CCs 320, 315, and 156.Conclusion. S. pneumoniae prevalence in school children is not high. Pneumococcal population is characterized by serotype and clonal diversity including ‘invasive’ serotypes and genotypes. Most of strains are susceptible to antimicrobials.

The Provision of Carrot Catfish Dumplings Affects the Weight of Elementary School Students with Low Nutritional Status

BACKGROUND: A good nutritional status will improve health for average growth and physical development, and intelligence. The prevalence of schoolchildren (5–12 years) with malnutrition status based on brachial fat area is 11.2%, and the number of elementary schoolchildren with malnutrition status in Cibereum village is 107 students. The government has a School Child Supplement Program to meet schoolchildren’s dietary needs. It is necessary to have additional food for schoolchildren to improve their nutritional status, especially for students with low nutritional quality. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of carrot catfish dumplings on the bodyweight of elementary school students with poor nutritional status as a form of supplementary food for schoolchildren. METHODS: Researchers conducted this study in January 2020 at Elementary Schools at the Cibereum Health Center (SDN Cibeureum 5, Cibeureum 7, and Cibereum Mandiri 2) with a sample of 25 people. The research design used is quasi-experimental using one-group pretest-posttest and statistical tests using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The research test results showed that carrot catfish dumplings affected elementary school students’ body weight with low nutritional status. CONCLUSION: Carrot catfish dumplings can increase students’ energy intake and protein intake so that there is an increase in the average body weight of the sample by 0.55 kg. Suggestions for further research to conduct a similar study using a control group as the comparison group.

Metropolitan children's physical fitness: The relationship between overweight and obesity prevalence, socioeconomic status, urban green space access, and physical activity

Children’s access to green spaces in urban areas is highly associated with their physical and psychological wellbeing. In the last two decades, children’s access to urban outdoors has reduced, and concerns about children’s physical health have increased. The number of overweight and obese children has considerably risen from both developing and developed countries. Turkey is a developing country, where studies about childhood obesity and its relationship with access and use to urban green spaces are limited.Therefore, this study first investigates the relationship between children’s visits to urban green spaces and age, gender, proximity, quality and physical health; Second, it also investigates obesity prevalence in school children (aged six to eighteen) and identifies the relationship between physical fitness and availability of green spaces close to children’s living arrangements, visits to green spaces, regular physical activity in green spaces and socioeconomic status (SES). This study includes 2668 student from 24 state schools in 4 different districts of Istanbul. In each region, two schools from each education level (primary, secondary and high school) were retrieved. Physical fitness indicators (weight and height) were measured, and children were asked to take part in questionnaires about their green space use.This study identified that children were more likely to visit green areas, if they were existed within proximity to their homes and quality of urban green spaces was an essential factor for visits. Visiting green spaces were significantly correlated with age, and younger children were more likely to visit compared to older children. A quarter of children (25.67 %) were overweight or obese. Gender [0.82; p=0.038), and age [Age<10 was 2.06; p= 0.000 and Age 10−14 was 1.93; p = 0.000) were statistically significant variables for overweight and obesity. It was identified that odds of children who lived in gated communities, being overweight or obese were 29 % [1.29; p=0,048] higher then children living in traditional neighbourhoods. Children visiting urban green spaces for physical activity were 29 % [0.71; p=0.032) less likely to be under the risk of being overweight or obese. The study identified obesity prevalence is higher in younger children, which might indicate a growing number of overweight and obese children and needs monitoring in the future.

The Association between Childhood Myopia Prevalence and Environmental Factors in China: A Metaregression Analysis

Background. Myopia prevalence varies across the country among schoolchildren in China. Recently, environmental factors have been shown to be important in myopia development and progression. Given China’s geographical diversity with variable environmental factors, we investigated whether environmental factors could explain the regional variations in myopia in mainland China. Methods. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Chinese Science Periodical Databases for studies with reports of myopia prevalence in schoolchildren in mainland China from the years 1979 to 2019. Data on environmental factors (annual sunshine hours, temperature, and population density) were obtained from past records. A random-effect univariate metaregression analysis was used to investigate the association between the environmental factors and myopia prevalence and to determine the proportion of variation in regional myopia prevalence that can be attributed to each factor. Results. Forty-nine eligible studies were identified that included 666,864 schoolchildren aged 6 to 20 years. The pooled estimate of myopia prevalence was 32.88% (95% confidence interval: 26.69–39.08%). Univariate metaregression analysis indicated that annual sunshine hours (27.97% of variance), annual temperature (24.66%), and population density (7.06%) significantly contributed to regional myopia prevalence variation (eachp&lt;0.05), while seasonal variation in sunshine hours (1.54%,p=0.604) was not a significant predictor of myopia prevalence. However, only annual sunshine hours was significantly associated with myopia prevalence in the multivariate metaregression model. Conclusion. Myopia prevalence in children was higher in regions with low sunshine hours, and annual sunshine hours was significantly associated with regional variation in myopia prevalence in mainland China.

The age-specific incidence of hospitalized paediatric malaria in Uganda

BackgroundUnderstanding the relationship between malaria infection risk and disease outcomes represents a fundamental component of morbidity and mortality burden estimations. Contemporary data on severe malaria risks among populations of different parasite exposures are scarce. Using surveillance data, we compared rates of paediatric malaria hospitalisation in areas of varying parasite exposure levels.MethodsSurveillance data at five public hospitals; Jinja, Mubende, Kabale, Tororo, and Apac were assembled among admissions aged 1 month to 14 years between 2017 and 2018. The address of each admission was used to define a local catchment population where national census data was used to define person-year-exposure to risk. Within each catchment, historical infection prevalence was assembled from previously published data and current infection prevalence defined using 33 population-based school surveys among 3400 children. Poisson regression was used to compute the overall and site-specific incidences with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsBoth current and historical Plasmodium falciparum prevalence varied across the five sites. Current prevalence ranged from < 1% in Kabale to 54% in Apac. Overall, the malaria admission incidence rate (IR) was 7.3 per 1000 person years among children aged 1 month to 14 years of age (95% CI: 7.0, 7.7). The lowest rate was described at Kabale (IR = 0.3; 95 CI: 0.1, 0.6) and highest at Apac (IR = 20.3; 95 CI: 18.9, 21.8). There was a correlation between IR across the five sites and the current parasite prevalence in school children, though findings were not statistically significant. Across all sites, except Kabale, malaria admissions were concentrated among young children, 74% were under 5 years. The median age of malaria admissions at Kabale hospital was 40 months (IQR 20, 72), and at Apac hospital was 36 months (IQR 18, 69). Overall, severe anaemia (7.6%) was the most common presentation and unconsciousness (1.8%) the least common.ConclusionMalaria hospitalisation rates remain high in Uganda particularly among young children. The incidence of hospitalized malaria in different locations in Uganda appears to be influenced by past parasite exposure, immune acquisition, and current risks of infection. Interruption of transmission through vector control could influence age-specific severe malaria risk.

Hábitos alimenticios y su relación con parámetros físico-saludables

Las políticas de salud pública deben promover los hábitos alimenticios como línea de investigación para conocer su prevalencia en escolares. Los objetivos de la presente investigación se centran en conocer los hábitos alimenticios; I) acudir una vez o más a la semana a un centro de comida rápida (fast food), II) tomar golosinas y/o caramelos varias veces al día, que pueden presentar los jóvenes estudiantes de Educación Obligatoria, y relacionar dichas conductas con el índice de masa corporal, el nivel de actividad física y la calidad de la dieta global. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con 512 escolares de 8-17 años. El estado nutricional se calculó a través del índice de masa corporal. Los hábitos alimenticios se obtuvieron a través de dos ítems del cuestionario KIDMED y, la actividad física se estimó utilizando los cuestionarios IPAQ-C e IPAQ-A. Conforme se avanza en el sistema educativo se observa un incremento en la asistencia a un centro fast food de manera semanal. No obstante, los escolares de Bachillerato son los que menos consumo de golosinas o dulces presentan. Se concluye que los escolares en etapas de educación obligatoria tienen un elevado consumo de comida fast food y golosinas o dulces los cuales se correlacionan con una peor calidad de la dieta (p &lt; 0,001). Desde el contexto escolar se debe fomentar el desarrollo de competencias que contribuyan a la mejora de la salud del escolar.

Sub-national stratification of malaria risk in mainland Tanzania: a simplified assembly of survey and routine data

BackgroundRecent malaria control efforts in mainland Tanzania have led to progressive changes in the prevalence of malaria infection in children, from 18.1% (2008) to 7.3% (2017). As the landscape of malaria transmission changes, a sub-national stratification becomes crucial for optimized cost-effective implementation of interventions. This paper describes the processes, data and outputs of the approach used to produce a simplified, pragmatic malaria risk stratification of 184 councils in mainland Tanzania.MethodsAssemblies of annual parasite incidence and fever test positivity rate for the period 2016–2017 as well as confirmed malaria incidence and malaria positivity in pregnant women for the period 2015–2017 were obtained from routine district health information software. In addition, parasite prevalence in school children (PfPR5to16) were obtained from the two latest biennial council representative school malaria parasitaemia surveys, 2014–2015 and 2017. The PfPR5to16 served as a guide to set appropriate cut-offs for the other indicators. For each indicator, the maximum value from the past 3 years was used to allocate councils to one of four risk groups: very low (< 1%PfPR5to16), low (1− < 5%PfPR5to16), moderate (5− < 30%PfPR5to16) and high (≥ 30%PfPR5to16). Scores were assigned to each risk group per indicator per council and the total score was used to determine the overall risk strata of all councils.ResultsOut of 184 councils, 28 were in the very low stratum (12% of the population), 34 in the low stratum (28% of population), 49 in the moderate stratum (23% of population) and 73 in the high stratum (37% of population). Geographically, most of the councils in the low and very low strata were situated in the central corridor running from the north-east to south-west parts of the country, whilst the areas in the moderate to high strata were situated in the north-west and south-east regions.ConclusionA stratification approach based on multiple routine and survey malaria information was developed. This pragmatic approach can be rapidly reproduced without the use of sophisticated statistical methods, hence, lies within the scope of national malaria programmes across Africa.

Asthma prevalence and the impact of nutritional status on prescribed asthma medications in children

Introduction. Asthma and obesity are the most common chronic health disorders in children. Although heredity plays a significant role in their development, environmental factors and early exposure have contributed to the increasing incidence of both disorders in recent decades. The aim of the study was to estimate asthma prevalence in schoolchildren in Indjija, Srem District, Serbia, and to investigate differences in nutritional status of children with asthma as well as differences between their nutritional status and prescribed asthma medications. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Primary Health Center in Indjija. Of all the medical records of children aged 6 - 14 years, a cohort of children with asthma was formed. The retrospective study evaluated their nutritional status and the prescribed asthma medications. Results. The prevalence of asthma in children aged 6 - 14 was 6.9%. Children with asthma were significantly more overweight and obese (40.5%) than children without asthma. Boys accounted for 63.7% of children with asthma, with a statistically significant gender difference. Abnormal nutritional status was found in 44.3% of children with asthma and boys with asthma were significantly more obese (23%) compared to girls (7.8%). Overweight and obese children with asthma were not prescribed significantly more medications to relieve asthma symptoms than normal-weight children. Conclusion. The prevalence of asthma among schoolchildren in Indjija was 6.9%. Children with asthma were more likely to be overweight and obese than children without asthma, whereas boys with asthma were significantly more obese than girls. No significant differences were found between their nutritional status and prescribed asthma medications.

Risk factors associated with myopia in schoolchildren in Ireland

AimTo examine the demographic and social factors associated with myopia in schoolchildren in Ireland.MethodsThirty-seven schools participated, representing a mix of urban and rural schools and schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged and...

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization in Colombia: Prevalence, Severity and Associated Risk Factors.

Aim: To determine prevalence, severity, and risk factors associated with Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in schoolchildren between 6 and 15 years of age in Medellin, Colombia. Study design: We conducted a retrospective observational study including 1.075 children born and residing in Medellin, Colombia. A structured questionnaire addressing gestational period and first three years of child's life was administered to biological mothers. Two calibrated examiners established MIH diagnosis following the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry criteria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and linear regression with a 5% significance. Results: Study population was predominantly male (70.7%), average age was 9.3±1.9 years. Prevalence of MIH was 11,2%. The majority of defects (85%) were mild. MIH was associated with alterations during last gestational trimester, type of childbirth and respiratory problems. Conclusion. MIH prevalence in schoolchildren between 6 and 15 years of age was 11.2%, being mild defects more frequently found. MIH was associated with different factors during pregnancy and the first three years of life.