Prevalence Of School-aged Children Research Articles

Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-aged children in pastoralist communities of Kenya: A cross-sectional study.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, the National School Based Deworming Program (NSBDP) was launched in 2012 with a goal of reducing STH prevalence in school-aged children (SAC) to <1%, however monitoring and evaluation results have consistently showed > 20% prevalence in Narok County. We conducted a study to investigate factors associated with STH infections among SAC in Narok County. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 SAC from five schools in Trans Mara West sub-county, Narok County. The sub-county was selected because it had participating schools within the NSBDP with a high prevalence of STH infection. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Stool samples collected from participants were examined for STH eggs using Kato-Katz technique. An open data kit questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographics, household, and STH knowledge information from 139 of the 514 SAC. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data, prevalence and mean intensity of infections were calculated, and logistic regression used to determine factors associated with STH infections. The overall prevalence of any STH infection was 24.6% (95%CI: 21.1-28.6). Trichuris trichiura 14.4% (95%CI: 11.7-17.8), Ascaris lumbricoides 12.5% (95%CI: 9.9-15.7) and hookworm 0%. From multivariable analysis the only factors significantly associated with increased risk of STH infection were, children attending Karda and Nkarano schools with aOR = 5.29 (95%CI: 1.45-19.24); p = 0.011 and aOR = 4.53 (95%CI: 1.29-15.97); p = 0.019 respectively. For A. lumbricoides, children attending Nkarano School were associated with a significant risk of infection with aOR = 7.81 (95%CI: 1.81-33.63); p = 0.006. Despite the ongoing work of NSBDP, the STH prevalence is still ≥ 20% in Trans Mara West sub-county Narok County, among SAC. This underscores the need for continued annual MDA. Additionally, if possible, drug combinations may effectively manage T. trichiura, the region's most common helminth. The study found a correlation between children attending specific schools and STH infection risk, suggesting the importance of health education and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices holistically both in schools and associated catchment areas that can act as STH reservoirs to alleviate the burden of STH.

Spatial variation and clustering of anaemia prevalence in school-aged children in Western Kenya.

Anaemia surveillance has overlooked school-aged children (SAC), hence information on this age group is scarce. This study examined the spatial variation of anaemia prevalence among SAC (5-14 years) in western Kenya, a region associated with high malaria infection rates. A total of 8051 SAC were examined from 82 schools across eight counties in Western Kenya in February 2022. Haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were assessed at the school and village level and anaemia defined as Hb<11.5g/dl for age 5-11yrs and Hb <12.0g/dl for 12-14yrs after adjusting for altitude. Moran's I analysis was used to measure spatial autocorrelation, and local clusters of anaemia were mapped using spatial scan statistics and local indices of spatial association (LISA). The prevalence of anaemia among SAC was 27.8%. The spatial variation of anaemia was non-random, with Global Moran's I 0.2 (p-value < 0.002). Two significant anaemia cluster windows were identified: Cluster 1 (LLR = 38.9, RR = 1.4, prevalence = 32.0%) and cluster 2 (LLR = 23.6, RR = 1.6, prevalence = 45.5%) at schools and cluster 1 (LLR = 41.3, RR = 1.4, prevalence = 33.3%) and cluster 2 (LLR = 24.5, RR = 1.6, prevalence = 36.8%) at villages. Additionally, LISA analysis identified ten school catchments as anaemia hotspots corresponding geographically to SatScan clusters. Anaemia in the SAC is a public health problem in the Western region of Kenya with some localised areas presenting greater risk relative to others. Increasing coverage of interventions, geographically targeting the prevention of anaemia in the SAC, including malaria, is required to alleviate the burden among children attending school in Western Kenya.

Goiter prevalence and iodine deficiency disorder among school-age children (6-12 years) in district Ganderbal of Kashmir valley.

Iodine deficiency is a major cause of brain damage in childhood which can be prevented. Dietary deficiency of iodine is mainly responsible for iodine deficiency. This study was done to determine the prevalence of goiter among school-aged group of 6-12 years in district Ganderbal. This was a cross-sectional study done among children of 6-12 years in district Ganderbal. Out of 2700 children examined, Grade 1 goiter was found in 90 (3.3%) children and Grade 2 goiter was found in 6 (0.3%) with a total goiter rate (sum of grade first and grade second) of 3.6%. On analyzing the urine samples, about 19.1% of the children had mild to moderate iodine deficiency. The study showed mild goiter prevalence in school-aged children of 6-12 years in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley. Continuous periodic surveys to assess the magnitude of the iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) should be undertaken to ensure that we achieve sustainable elimination of IDD in India.

Trends of overweight and obesity prevalence in school-aged children among Henan Province from 2000 to 2019.

Overweight and obesity are harmful to human health. However, the latest trends of Chinese childhood overweight and obesity prevalence are not available. The aim of this study was to examine the trends from 2000 to 2019 among students in China. We analyzed data of 66,072 students in the Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health from 2000 to 2019. Overweight and obesity were defined based on the standard formulated by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF standard), the World Health Organization (WHO standard), and the Working Group on Obesity in China (WGOC standard), respectively. The χ2-test was used to test the trends of overweight and obesity prevalence and logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the prevalence odds ratios of boys vs. girls and urban vs. rural areas. The prevalence of obesity/overweight and obesity combined was 6.03/23.58% (IOTF standard), 10.56/25.88% (WGOC standard) and 10.75/29.69% (WHO standard) in 2019. From 2000 to 2019, according to the WGOC standard, the prevalence increased from 2.51 to 10.56% for obesity and increased from 9.81 to 25.88% for overweight and obesity combined (P for trend < 0.001). Obesity/overweight and obesity were greater problems in boys than girls and urban than rural areas, but urban-rural differences decreased over time. Overweight and obesity prevalence increased significantly in children and adolescents in China from 2000 to 2019. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in rural areas may contribute to a large percentage of children with overweight and obesity.

The optimal cut-off value of non-cycloplegic autorefraction for diagnosing myopia in school-aged children.

To determine the optimal cut-off value of non-cycloplegic autorefraction for diagnosing myopia and estimating myopia prevalence in school-aged children. Retrospective case-control study. Based on age and sex, case-control data were extracted from the medical records of children who underwent autorefraction before and after instillation of 1% cyclopentolate eye drops. We regarded a spherical equivalent (SEQ) of -0.50 D or less found by cycloplegic autorefraction as myopia and determined the optimal cut-off value of non-cycloplegic autorefraction for diagnosing myopia using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and diagnostic performance (DP) plots. Of a total of 232 children (mean age 8.2 [range: 6-12] years, 126 boys [54.3%]), 116 (50.0%) had myopia. In this cohort, the optimal cut-off SEQ for diagnosing myopia was -0.75 D with a sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 95.7%. However, the DP-plots indicated that the cut-off value significantly varied with prevalence of myopia: -1.31 D, -0.81 D, and -0.65 D for the prevalence of 30%, 50%, and 80%, respectively.For non-cycloplegic autorefraction, we found greater accommodation in children aged 6 years and hyperopic eyes (p < 0.001). When diagnosing myopia using non-cycloplegic autorefraction alone with a theoretical cut-off SEQ of -0.50 D, the prevalence of myopia will be overestimated, and we need to set the cut-off value lower (more myopic) especially in younger children with low prevalence.

Myopia prevalence in school-aged children in Garki District of Abuja, Nigeria

Background: Prevalence of myopia is increasing globally, hence it poses a significant public health risk due to the association of high myopia with debilitating eye disorders.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of myopia in school children.Setting: The study was conducted in primary and secondary schools in Garki district, Abuja, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional, multistage, random sampling involving 1028 school children (aged 5–14 years), comprising 484 boys (47.1%) and 544 girls (52.9%), was conducted. Examination performed included visual acuities, pen torch and ophthalmoscopy examination of the anterior and posterior segments, retinoscopy under cycloplegia and subjective refraction.Results: The prevalence of myopia (−0.50 dioptre [D] or more) in this study was 3.5%. Approximately 3.4% of the children had mild myopia (−0.50 to −3.00 D), 0.1% had moderate myopia (−3.25 D to −6.00 D) and none had high myopia. Myopia ranged from −0.50 D to −4.25 D. The mean spherical equivalent for myopia (right eye) was −1.11 D. The prevalence of hyperopia, astigmatism and amblyopia was 5.8%, 1.9% and 0.7%, respectively. Overall, the prevalence of refractive error was 11.2%.Conclusion: The prevalence of myopia is relatively low in a sample of school children in Garki district of Abuja, Nigeria. However, the majority of myopic children in this study without spectacles (88.9%) are a cause for concern, which could reflect the low usage of refractive error services among school children in the district.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Back Pain in Children and Adolescents from the Region of Murcia (Spain): ISQUIOS Programme.

Puberty is a vulnerable period for musculoskeletal disorders due to the existence of a wide inter-individual variation in growth and development. The main objective of the present study was to describe the prevalence of back pain (BP) in the past year and month in school-aged children according to sex, age, maturity status, body mass index (BMI) and pain characteristics. This study involved 513 students aged between 9 and 16 years. Anthropometric measures were recorded to calculate the maturity stage of the students using a regression equation comprising measures for age, body mass, body height, sitting height and leg length. An ad hoc questionnaire composed of eight questions was used to describe BP prevalence in school-aged children. The results showed that the prevalence of BP in school-aged children was observed in 35.1% over the last year (45% boys and 55% girls), and 17.3% (40.4% boys and 59.6% girls, with an association found between female sex and BP) in the last month. The prevalence of back pain in the past year and month was higher the older the students were, or the more pubertal development they had experienced. The prevalence of BP in the last year was also higher in those with overweight or obesity. After adjustment for sex, there was an association between BP and older age and higher BMI in boys and an association between BP and higher pubertal development in girls. In summary, the present study showed that the prevalence of BP was related to the maturity stage and weight of the participants, with different prevalence patterns found according to sex.

The prevalence of refractive error in schoolchildren

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Information on the refractive error prevalence in school-aged children will result in delivering the optimal eye health service to this group. Background Understanding the prevalence of refractive error in school-aged children is crucial to reduce the consequences of uncorrected refractive error. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of refractive error among school-aged children in Shiraz, Iran. Methods In this cross-sectional population-based study, 2001 schoolchildren aged 6–12 years participated. All participants underwent cycloplegic refraction. Spherical equivalent (SE) of −0.50 dioptre or more was considered as myopia, SE of +2.00 dioptre or more as hyperopia, and astigmatism as cylinder power of 0.75 dioptre or more. The difference of 1.00 dioptre or more between two eyes defined as anisometropia. Results The prevalence of myopia was 11.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.2–13.1%), hyperopia 6.7% (95%CI: 5.6–7.9%), and astigmatism 28.9% (95%CI: 26.9–31.0%), out of which 82.1% had with the rule astigmatism. Anisometropia was detected in 4.0% (95%CI: 3.2–5.0%) of children. Astigmatism and anisometropia were significantly higher in boys (p < 0.001, p = 0.03 respectively). The SE decreased significantly with increasing age (p < 0.001) indicating an increase in myopia with age. In addition, the rate of myopic astigmatism increased with age (p < 0.001). Among studied schoolchildren 97.0% could achieve the best-corrected visual acuity of 6/6 and 3.0% could not in the better eye. Conclusion Astigmatism was the most common refractive error among primary school children. The prevalence of myopia was relatively higher than other studies conducted in Iran, and it increased with age. These results may highlight the role of lifestyle changes and increased near work activities on the myopic shift in school-aged children. The findings provide information for screening programmes in school-aged children.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites among school children of Janakpurdham, Nepal

There is considerable variation in the findings over the years of study in the prevalence of school-aged children in different parts of Nepal. Recent progress in the living standards of the citizen may affect the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of different species of gastrointestinal parasites among school children of Janakpurdham, Nepal. A prospective study was carried out by collecting 155 stool samples from 10 randomly selected schools of Janakpurdham. The samples were processed by the formal-ether sedimentation method and then examined microscopically by iodine and wet mount methods. Of the 155 students, 17(10.96%) had one or more parasites. Eight species of parasites were identified during this study, was recorded in 5 pupils representing 3.2% of the study population, followed by 3(1.9%), 2(1.3%), 2(1.3%), 2(1.3%), sp. and each recorded 1(0.6%) respectively. Relatively low prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in school children of Janakpur city still requires more aggressive interventional steps and lifestyle changes.

Diarrhea prevalence in a randomized, controlled prospective trial of point-of-use water filters in homes and schools in the Dominican Republic

BackgroundLack of sustainable access to clean drinking water continues to be an issue of paramount global importance, leading to millions of preventable deaths annually. Best practices for providing sustainable access to clean drinking water, however, remain unclear. Widespread installation of low-cost, in-home, point of use water filtration systems is a promising strategy.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled trial whereby 16 villages were selected and randomly assigned to one of four treatment arms based on the installation location of Sawyer® PointONE™ filters (filter in both home and school; filter in home only; filter in school only; control group). Water samples and self-reported information on diarrhea were collected at multiple times throughout the study.ResultsSelf-reported household prevalence of diarrhea decreased from 25.6 to 9.76% from installation to follow-up (at least 7 days, and up to 200 days post-filter installation). These declines were also observed in diarrhea with economic or educational consequences (diarrhea which led to medical treatment and/or missing school or work) with baseline prevalence of 9.64% declining to 1.57%. Decreases in diarrhea prevalence were observed across age groups. There was no evidence of a loss of efficacy of filters up to 200 days post-filter installation. Installation of filters in schools was not associated with decreases in diarrhea prevalence in school-aged children or family members. Unfiltered water samples both at schools and homes contained potential waterborne bacterial pathogens, dissolved heavy metals and metals associated with particulates. All dissolved metals were detected at levels below World Health Organization action guidelines.ConclusionsThis controlled trial provides strong evidence of the effectiveness of point-of-use, hollow fiber membrane filters at reducing diarrhea from bacterial sources up to 200 days post-installation when installed in homes. No statistically significant reduction in diarrhea was found when filters were installed in schools. Further research is needed in order to explore filter efficacy and utilization after 200 days post-installation.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03972618. Registered 3 June 2019—retrospectively registered.

Improving the care of students with diabetes in rural schools utilizing an online diabetes education program for school personnel.

Diabetes is a critical health issue that impacts over 422 million people worldwide to include more than 500 000 children. Diabetes prevalence is higher in rural areas compared to urban areas and people living with diabetes in rural areas face significant challenges to care. Children with diabetes need appropriate care in the school setting to reduce the risk of short- and long-term complications. The inconsistencies of laws surrounding diabetes care in schools and lack of access to resources has resulted in insufficient training and poor provision of care to students, particularly in rural areas. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of the online diabetes education program Diabetes Care at School: Bridging the Gap on the diabetes knowledge and self-efficacy of school personnel in rural areas to administer care to students with diabetes. A total of 132 participants working in rural school districts throughout South Central Texas completed the program. A pretest-post-test design was used to measure knowledge and self-efficacy before and after completion of the 12-module online diabetes education program for school personnel. Knowledge and confidence to administer care change scores were compared, and user satisfaction with the online program was analyzed. Results of this study showed a significant increase in the knowledge and confidence scores of the participants from pre- to post-test. Although the non-medical school personnel had baseline knowledge and confidence scores that were lower than the school nurses, they had significant change scores, resulting in similar post-test scores. Furthermore, those with no prior diabetes training had significant change in knowledge and confidence, resulting in post-test scores that were almost equivalent to those with prior diabetes training. As the prevalence of school-aged children with diabetes continues to increase, an important finding of this study is that online programs with up-to-date information on diabetes care may enhance the ability of school personnel to include both lay/non-medical individuals and school nurses to effectively manage the care of students with diabetes. With up-to-date diabetic information delivered in a user-friendly and accessible format, more school personnel in rural and remote areas can be trained. Ultimately, ensuring that staff receive adequate training on diabetes and possess the confidence to administer care should improve outcomes for students with diabetes in rural, remote and underserved areas.

Assessment of goitre among primary school children in district Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India

Background: Goiter is one of the most visible manifestations of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) that is caused due to overstimulation of thyroid as an adaptation to Iodine deficiency. IDD is among the major public health threats and important micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 6-12 years school children in district Chamba of Himachal Pradesh from February to June 2019. The sample size of 336 was calculated and a total of 504 children from government schools were enrolled in the study. The assessment of goitre was done clinically by inspection and palpation of thyroid gland.Results: In this study, 504 school aged children of 6-12 yrs from district Chamba with mean age of 9±1.86 years were included. The prevalence of total goitre rate was 16% with mean age of 8.75±1.37 years. The highest prevalence (%) was observed in age of 10 years (28.4%) followed by 8 years and 9 years (25.9 % and 23.5% respectively).Conclusions: This study showed mild goitre prevalence in school aged children of 6-12 years in district Chamba of Himachal Pradesh. There is dire need of periodic survey to assess the magnitude of IDD in future.

Prevalence of overweight, obesity and hypertension among school going children in District Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India: a longitudinal study

Background: India is undergoing a rapid epidemiological transition with increased urbanization and socio-economic development which has resulted in a dramatic change in lifestyle, consisting of physical inactivity, diet rich in fat, sugar and salt coupled with a high level of mental stress. Obesity is one of the most common diseases worldwide and the prevalence in school aged children appears to be increasing. Thus, the present study was planned to establish an association between body mass index (BMI) with hypertension among 10-16 years children.Methods: Present longitudinal study was conducted on 350 children in private schools of District Kanpur and children 12-16yrs of age have included in the study. BMI for age charts was used to assess the obesity and blood pressure was measured by sphygmomanometer and Blood pressure values were compared to the values given by the update of 1987 task force report of the National high blood pressure Education Programme Co-ordinating Committee and children who were found prehypertensive or hypertensive were followed up after 4 weeks duration.Results: In present study the prevalence of overweight and obesity was found 4%,2% respectively. Prevalence of Pre-hypertension and hypertension was found 1.14%, 2.57% respectively and pre-hypertension and hypertension were found more in overweight and obese participants.Conclusions: Prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension is more among overweight and obese children. Overweight and obesity are not only risk factor for hypertension but also other diseases, so health education should regularly give about the obesity and its deleterious effects in later part of life.

Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in a large Italian catchment area: a school-based population study within the ASDEU project.

This study aims to estimate Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) prevalence in school-aged children in the province of Pisa (Italy) using the strategy of the ASD in the European Union (ASDEU) project. A multistage approach was used to identify cases in a community sample (N = 10 138) of 7-9-year-old children attending elementary schools in Pisa - Italy. First, the number of children with a disability certificate was collected from the Local Health Authority and an ASD diagnosis was verified by the ASDEU team. Second, a Teacher Nomination form (TN) to identify children at risk for ASD was filled in by teachers who joined the study and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) was filled in by the parents of children identified as positive by the TN; a comprehensive assessment, which included the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition, was performed for children with positive TN and SCQ⩾9. A total of 81 children who had a disability certificate also had ASD (prevalence: 0.79%, i.e. 1/126). Specifically, 66 children (57 males and nine females; 62% with intellectual disability -ID-) were certified with ASD, whereas another 15 (11 males and four females; 80% with ID) were recognised as having ASD among those certified with another neurodevelopmental disorder. Considering the population of 4417 (children belonging to schools which agreed to participate in the TN/SCQ procedure) and using only the number of children certified with ASD, the prevalence (38 in 4417) was 0.86%, i.e. one in 116. As far as this population is concerned, the prevalence rises to 1% if we consider the eight new cases (six males and two females; no subject had ID) identified among children with no pre-existing diagnoses and to 1.15%, i.e., one in 87, if probabilistic estimation is used. This is the first population-based ASD prevalence study conducted in Italy so far and its results indicate a prevalence of ASD in children aged 7-9 years of about one in 87. This finding may help regional, national and international health planners to improve ASD policies for ASD children and their families in the public healthcare system.

Goiter Survey among School Children (6–12 Years) in Northern Himalayan Region

Background: Deficiency of iodine results in impairment of thyroid hormone synthesis and abnormalities grouped under the heading of “iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs).” Goiter surveys are conducted to estimate the region's iodine status. In view of this, we conducted this goiter survey among school-going children of district Baramulla, Kashmir division, to see the prevalence of IDD. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 6–12 years children in district Baramulla during the month of March and April 2017. The sample size of 2700 was calculated. The assessment of goiter was performed clinically by inspection and palpation of the thyroid gland. Results: In this study, we studied a total of 2700 school children in the age group of 6–12 years from district Baramulla with a mean age of 9 ± 1.86 years. 50.07% were boys. The age distribution prevalence of goiter among school children (6–12 years) in district Baramulla was observed to be 15.29%. The prevalence of Grade 1 goiter was more than twentyfold higher than Grade 2 goiter. The highest prevalence of Grade 1 and 2 goiter was seen among school children of 12 years age (25.19% and 1.81%, respectively). Females have higher prevalence of Grade 1 and Grade 2 goiter (17.58%). The relationship of goiter prevalence with gender and age was statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study showed mild goiter prevalence in school-aged children of 6–12 years in the district Baramulla of Kashmir valley. There is a dire need of periodic surveys to assess the magnitude of the IDD in the future.

Differential effect of mass deworming and targeted deworming for soil-transmitted helminth control in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Soil-transmitted helminth infections are a major global health issue, causing substantial morbidity in the world's poorest populations. Regular delivery of anthelmintic drugs is the mainstay for global soil-transmitted helminth control. Deworming campaigns are often targeted to school-aged children, who are at high risk of soil-transmitted-helminth-associated morbidity. However, findings from modelling studies suggest that deworming campaigns should be expanded community-wide for effective control of soil-transmitted helminth transmission. We aimed to do a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effect of mass (community-wide) and targeted (children only) anthelmintic delivery strategies on soil-transmitted helminth prevalence in school-aged children. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science for articles published on or before Nov 5, 2015, reporting soil-transmitted helminth prevalence before and after distribution of albendazole or mebendazole, either targeted to children or delivered to the whole community. We excluded studies in which drug delivery was restricted to infected individuals or to a subset of the community or school, or if follow-up time was less than 3 months or greater than 18 months after drug delivery. We extracted data on study year, country, drug administration strategy, drug dose, number of deworming rounds, treatment coverage, diagnostic method, follow-up interval, and soil-transmitted helminth prevalence before and after treatment. We used inverse variance weighted generalised linear models, with prevalence reduction as the outcome variable, to examine the effect of mass versus targeted drug administration, as well as baseline prevalence, number of drug doses, and follow-up time. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016026929. Of 10 538 studies identified, 56 studies were eligible for the systematic review and 38 of these were included in meta-analysis. Results of the regression models showed that mass deworming led to a significantly greater reduction in prevalence in children than targeted deworming, for both hookworm (odds ratio 4·6, 95% CI 1·8-11·6; p=0·0020) and Ascaris lumbricoides (16·4, 2·1-125·8; p=0·0092), with no effect seen for Trichuris trichiura. There was significant heterogeneity across studies; for targeted studies I2 was 97% for A lumbricoides and hookworm, and 96% for T trichiura, and for mass studies, I2 was 89% for A lumbricoides, 49% for hookworm, and 66% for T trichiura. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that expanding deworming programmes community-wide is likely to reduce the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths in the high-risk group of school-aged children, which could lead to improved morbidity outcomes. These findings are in support of recent calls for re-evaluation of global soil-transmitted helminth control guidelines. None.

Relationship between personal, maternal, and familial factors with mental health problems in school-aged children in Aceh province, Indonesia.

Recently, mental health problems (MHP) in school-aged children have become a global phenomenon. Yet, the number of children affected remains unclear in Indonesia, and the effects of mental health problems are of concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MHP in school-aged children and its relationship to personal, maternal, and familial factors in Aceh province, Indonesia. Participants were 143 school-aged children with MHP and their mothers. They completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Social Competence Questionnaire, Brief Family Relationship Scale, Parental Stress Scale, Parent's Report Questionnaire, and Indonesian Version of the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Mainly, children were rated to have emotional symptoms by their mothers (37.8%). Factors such as academic competence, family relationships, and maternal parenting stress are related to MHP. Given the high prevalence of school-aged children that have emotional symptoms, child psychiatric mental health nurses should give special attention to assist them during their school years. Moreover, nurses should aim to improve family relationships and reduce maternal parenting stress.

Assessment of global guidelines for preventive chemotherapy against schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis: a cost-effectiveness modelling study

WHO guidelines recommend annual treatment for schistosomiasis or soil-transmitted helminthiasis when prevalence in school-aged children is at or above a threshold of 50% and 20%, respectively. Separate treatment guidelines are used for these two helminthiases, and integrated community-wide treatment is not recommended. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of changing prevalence thresholds and treatment guidelines under an integrated delivery framework. We developed a dynamic, age-structured transmission and cost-effectiveness model that simulates integrated preventive chemotherapy programmes against schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. We assessed a 5-year treatment programme with praziquantel (40 mg/kg per treatment) against schistosomiasis and albendazole (400 mg per treatment) against soil-transmitted helminthiasis at 75% coverage. We defined strategies as highly cost-effective if the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was less than the World Bank classification for a low-income country (gross domestic product of US$1045 per capita). We calculated the prevalence thresholds for cost-effective preventive chemotherapy of various strategies, and estimated treatment needs for sub-Saharan Africa. Annual preventive chemotherapy against schistosomiasis was highly cost-effective in treatment of school-aged children at a prevalence threshold of 5% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 1·7-5·2; current guidelines recommend treatment at 50% prevalence) and for community-wide treatment at a prevalence of 15% (7·3-18·5; current recommendation is unclear, some community treatment recommended at 50% prevalence). Annual preventive chemotherapy against soil-transmitted helminthiasis was highly cost-effective in treatment of school-aged children at a prevalence of 20% (95% UI 5·4-30·5; current guidelines recommend treatment at 20% prevalence) and the entire community at 60% (35·3-85·1; no guidelines available). When both helminthiases were co-endemic, prevalence thresholds using integrated delivery were lower. Using this revised treatment framework, we estimated that treatment needs would be six times higher than WHO guidelines for praziquantel and two times higher for albendazole. An additional 21·3% (95% Bayesian credible interval 20·4-22·2) of the population changed from receiving non-integrated treatment under WHO guidelines to integrated treatment (both praziquantel and albendazole). Country-specific economic differences resulted in heterogeneity around these prevalence thresholds. Annual preventive chemotherapy programmes against schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis are likely to be highly cost-effective at prevalences lower than WHO recommendations. These findings support substantial treatment scale-up, community-wide coverage, integrated treatment in co-endemic settings that yield substantial cost synergies, and country-specific treatment guidelines. Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Mount Sinai Hospital-University Health Network AMO Innovation Fund, and Stanford University Medical Scholars Programme.

PO-1023 Over-prescription Of Adrenaline Auto-injectors In School Age Children?

Anaphylaxis is an acute, potentially life-threatening condition. Referral to specialist allergy services is vital to allow identification of triggers involved. One of the key purposes of these clinics is prescription of rescue medication, which can include adrenaline auto-injectors. Aim We reviewed all patients who attended the Paediatric Allergy Clinic and were supplied with an adrenaline auto-injector over the period of January 2008–December 2013. We aimed to compare this number with the number of children with anaphylaxis care-plans in schools within the Northern Health and Social care trust. Method We reviewed all submissions to the Adrenaline Auto-injector log-book. This is held at the Paediatric Allergy Clinic and completed each time a patient is seen who has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector. Information was obtained from the Public Health nursing team to ascertain the number of children with an anaphylaxis care-plan for school. Results In 2013 there were 49,286 children aged between 5–16 years within the NHSCT; 580 children were identified with an anaphylaxis care-plan held in school. Prevalence of school aged children at risk of anaphylaxis was 1.2%. Only 160 children (from birth to 18 years), with adrenaline auto-injector devices were reviewed at the allergy clinic in 2013, with 157 reviewed in 2012. Between January 2008 and December 2013 there was six fold increase in patients seen at the Paediatric Allergy Clinic. We reviewed a total of 476 submissions to the Adrenaline Auto-injector logbook; 339 new patients and 137 review patients. There were no specific trends identified with regard to gender but there was a majority of patients under 5 yrs. There was a predominance of nut allergy in the new and review patients. Of the 68 new patients identified with an egg allergy 18% had a sole egg allergy, all of who had been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector. Conclusion There is a major shortfall with regard to the total number of children within the Northern HSCT who have been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector and those who are seen at the Paediatric Allergy Clinic. This study has focused future efforts to review each of these patients in a formal paediatric allergy setting.

Prevalence of Food Allergy and the Sensitization Rates of Food Allergens in School-Aged Children in Jeju

Objectives : This study is to survey school-aged children's prevalence of food allergy and to investigate sensitization rates to common food allergens. Methods : The self-administered questionnaire survey and skin prick tests with 12 food allergens were applied to school children in Jeju, Korea. From 3 elementary schools, 1,189 children were enrolled with informed consent. Results : The lifetime prevalence of self-reported food allergy were 10.5%. The period prevalence of self-reported food allergy(last 12 months), the lifetime prevalence of clinician-diagnosed food allergy and the period prevalence of clinician-treated food allergy(last 12 months) were 4.8%, 5.8% and 2.6%, respectively. The sensitization rate to one or more food allergens was 3.7%. Male(4.8%) showed more sensitized than female (2.5%)(p=0.043). Shrimps(1.1%), egg white(0.6%), mussels(0.5%), yolk(0.4%) and milk(0.4%) were commonly sensitized food allergens. The commonly associated allergens in the lifetime prevalence of food allergy include egg white, yolk, tuna, chicken and soybeans. The multivariate analysis revealed that the allergens most significantly related with the lifetime prevalence of food allergy were eggs, showing the risk of food allergy was 10.53 times higher in the cases with sensitization to egg. Conclusion : Compared to those in other regions, the school-aged children in Jeju show no difference in the prevalence of food allergy, but, with a gradual increase in frequency. Among the food allergens, egg is one of the most commonly sensitizing allergen as well as cause of food allergy. Serial epidemiological investigations and customized educational programs concerning food allergy are necessary at school.