Primary School Children In Rural Areas Research Articles

High prevalence of xerophthalmia linked to socio-demographic and nutritional factors among vitamin A-deficient rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a major health issue in developing nations, contributing to preventable childhood blindness. However, there is lack of recent data on xerophthalmia, especially among school-aged children in Malaysia. We hypothesized that xerophthalmia persists among rural schoolchildren in Malaysia and potentially associated with socio-demographic status and malnutrition. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 596 schoolchildren (8-12 years) from ten rural primary schools located in five states across Malaysia. Children meeting the criteria for xerophthalmia assessment included those diagnosed with vitamin A deficiency (VAD) (plasma retinol < 0.70 µmol/L) and marginal VAD (plasma retinol 0.70 to < 1.05 µmol/L). The overall prevalence of xerophthalmia was 48.8%, with the most common ocular sign being conjunctival xerosis (38.9%). The occurrence of xerophthalmia was negatively associated with retinol-binding protein 4 (RPB4) (P=0.003), alpha-carotene (P=0.04), hemoglobin (P=0.004), weight (P=0.02), body mass index (BMI) (P=0.04) and WAZ (weight-for-age z-score) (P=0.04) status. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, a higher risk of xerophthalmia was observed in boys (Adjusted odd ratio [AOR]: 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-2.5) and Orang Asli (OA, indigenous) schoolchildren (AOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3-3.0), while schoolchildren with overweight/obesity status (AOR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8) were associated with a reduced risk of xerophthalmia. The present study unveils a high prevalence of xerophthalmia among vitamin A-deficient primary schoolchildren in rural areas of Malaysia, especially among the indigenous community. The identified socio-demographic and nutritional factors associated to xerophthalmia would facilitate the implementation of more targeted interventions in addressing these issues.

Socio-affective development of primary schoolchildren in rural areas based on the integration of educational agencies

socio-affective development of primary schoolchildren in rural areas based on the integration of educational agencies

THE DYNAMICS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLCHILDREN’S VALUE-MEANING ORIENTATION

Modern economic, cultural, political and social-psychological changes in Ukrainian society, European integration and the national revival are evidence of transformational processes that cause changes in the hierarchy of values and influence young people’s value orientations. Thus, the study of modern primary schoolchildren’s value-meaning orientations is important for psychological science and pedagogical practice. The article purpose is to analyze the implemented empirical study on the hierarchy and dynamics of value-meaning orientations in the primary school age. The article describes the methodology for studying the value- meaning sphere and the essence of the concepts of “values” and “value orientations”. The value- meaning sphere is the core of a personality; it covers an individual’s value orientations and personal meanings. Value orientations are a form of inclusion of social values ​​into an individual activities and behavior; they are formed on the basis of interiorization of the society values ​​. The following methods were used in our empirical study: “Three desires” for first-year schoolchildren (L. Bozovic), “Flower - seven-colors” for second-year schoolchildren (I. Vitkovskaya) and “Unfinished sentences” for third-forth-year schoolchildren (J. Nuttin). The sample consisted of 217 primary schoolchildren in rural areas. Statistical analysis of the obtained ata was carried out using SPSS (v. 25.0). To compare the studied different classes, the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Kruskal-Wallis test (H-test) were used. The hierarchy and dynamics of value orientations at primary school were studied. The upper part in the Table of Value Ranks included: material, hedonistic, nature ​​and altruistic values for first-year schoolchildren; material, family, hedonistic and altruistic values for second-year schoolchildren; altruistic, material, ego-values ​​and values ​​of learning for third-year schoolchildren; altruistic, affiliate ​​and learning values for forth-year schoolchildren. The lower part in the Table of Value Ranks included: existential, affiliate, civic, aesthetic values for first-year schoolchildren; ego-, future profession, civic and aesthetic values for second-year schoolchildren; nature, profession, civic and aesthetic values for third-year schoolchildren; profession, nature, civil and aesthetic values for forth-year schoolchildren. The statistical criteria used in the study found that the value orientations changed depending on primary schoolchildren’s age. Values, which rank increased significantly with age, were: altruistic, existential, civic, affiliate, ego- ​​and learning values. With age, ranks of such values as family, nature, profession, and hedonistic values ​​decreases statistically. The rank of material values ​​somewhat decreases with age, while the rank of aesthetic values ​​remains unchanged throughout the primary school age. They occupy the lower part in the Table of Value Ranks, which, in our opinion, indirectly indicates insufficient attention to aesthetic education, both at school and in family. Thus, the results of our research allow us to assert that primary schoolchildren’s value-semantic orientations change as for their priority ​​during primary school education. These changes are consistent with the patterns of mental development of children at this age and with the changes occurring with the approach of adolescence. Further studies on schoolchildren’s value-meaning sphere are seen in the study of the influence of the locus of control and gender characteristics on its formation, as well as the influence of family education and the media.

Seroprevalence of Toxocara canis infection and associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren in rural Southern Thailand

BackgroundHuman toxocariasis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by a parasite in the genus Toxocara and is transmitted mainly by the accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara canis (dog roundworm) or T. cati (cat roundworm) eggs. Several studies reported that children were the main population at risk for T. canis infection. Currently, no reports on the seroprevalence of T. canis infection in Thailand are available, and its status remains unknown among children who live in rural areas of southern Thailand.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. canis infection and its associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren in rural areas of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand.MethodsA total of 177 schoolchildren between 6 and 13 years of age were recruited between June and July 2019. Serum anti-T. canis IgG antibodies were detected with a commercial ELISA kit. A questionnaire administered by direct interviews was used to collect demographic and behavioral risk factor data.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of T. canis infection was 58.2% (103 of 177). The univariate analysis revealed that schoolchildren who did not practice handwashing before a meal (crude odds ratio (COR) = 3.67, 95% CI 1.93–6.95, P < 0.001), did not practice hand washing after animal contact (COR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.53–5.47, P = 0.001), and drank untreated water (COR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.00–3.48, P = 0.049) had an increased risk of acquiring T. canis infection. However, after adjusting for confounders, only a lack of handwashing before a meal remained a significant risk factor (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.20, 95% CI 1.11–4.34, P = 0.023). Age, sex, owning a dog, and eating fresh vegetables were not significantly associated with T. canis infection in the current study.ConclusionsThis is the first serological investigation of T. canis infection among schoolchildren in Thailand. The high rate of Toxocara seropositivity reflected high levels of exposure to T. canis among schoolchildren in rural areas of southern Thailand. The results also provide baseline data regarding modifiable risk behaviors for effective T. canis infection prevention strategies in southern Thailand, especially strengthening hand washing practices among schoolchildren.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors for hookworm infections among primary schoolchildren in rural areas of Nakhon Si Thammarat, southern Thailand

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common type of infections worldwide and are widely distributed in tropical areas. In rural areas of southern Thailand where most land is used for agriculture, children are at risk of acquiring parasites, especially STHs. Assessing the current situation regarding parasitic infection in these areas is a prerequisite for developing appropriate control measures. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections, the intensity of STH infections and the associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren in Nopphitam District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 299 schoolchildren between 7 and 12 years of age was conducted between January and March 2016. A questionnaire administered by direct interviews was used to collect sociodemographic information and data on associated risk factors. Stool samples were processed using direct wet smears, formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation concentration, and the modified Kato-Katz technique.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among the 299 children was 16% (48 of 299), with 32 children infected with hookworms (10.7%), 10 with Blastocystis hominis (3.3%), seven with Giardia intestinalis (1.6%), one with Enterobius vermicularis (0.3%), and one with Trichuris trichiura (0.3%). The hookworm infection intensity, measured by the median eggs per gram (EPG) of stool, was 1200 EPG (Interquartile range (IQR): 360–3200). Most children had light-intensity hookworm infections, but two had heavy-intensity infections. When participants included in the sample were classified by age, children 10–12 years old demonstrated higher intestinal parasite prevalence than those aged 7–9 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1–4.9, P = 0.030). Inadequate handwashing before meals was statistically associated with hookworm infections (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1–4.8, P = 0.037).ConclusionsThis study highlights that hookworms are the most prevalent STH infection in the study area. Older age group (10–12 years) and inadequate handwashing before meals were statistically associated with hookworm infections. Accordingly, appropriate strategies and education on personal and environmental hygiene should be implemented. Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of mass drug administration in this area should be further investigated.

ASUPAN ENERGI DAN AKTIVITAS FISIK BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN Z-SCORE IMT/U ANAK SEKOLAH DASAR DI DAERAH PERDESAAN

Overweight and obesity can occur at any stages in life, one of them is in primary schoolchildren. Prevalence of overnutrition in schoolchildren rise about 10,85% from 2007 until 2013. This problem not only occurs in urban but also in rural areas. One of the factor is imbalance energy intake and physical activity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between energy intake and physical activity with z-score of BMI for age among primary schoolchildren in rural area of Penebel Tabanan district. This study was an observational analytic with cross sectional design with total 52 schoolchildren. Sample was taken by multistage random sampling. Data was collected by measuring weight and height, 2x24 hours food recall, and PAQ-C. Data was analyzed using Pearson Correlation test. The result showed that there was a correlation between energy intake (p=0.003) and physical activity (p=0.003) with overnutrition. The conclusion of this study is that both intake of energy and physical activity have correlation to z-score of BMI for age in primary schoolchildren in rural area. The school need to provide nutrition education to increase knowledge of student about nutrition and also the guidance to parents regarding limiting the time for watching television and exercise regularly.Keywords: energy intake, overnutrition, physical activity, rural area

Tinea capitis in schoolchildren in a rural area in southern Ethiopia.

Skin diseases, especially tinea capitis, represent some of the most frequent causes of morbidity in developing countries. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalences of fungal infections in schoolchildren in a primary school located in a rural area in southern Ethiopia and to perform an analysis of the risk factors associated with tinea capitis. This school-based, prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2012 in Gambo School, Kore, West Arsi, Oromya Region, Ethiopia. Detailed interviews and dermatological examinations were performed. No laboratory examinations were conducted. A total of 647 students were interviewed and examined. The mean age of these children was 10 years (range: 4-14 years). Of the children examined, 236 had some type of dermatophytosis (prevalence: 36.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 32.8-40.3), which represented the most frequent type of skin problem. The prevalence of dermatophytoses was more common in males than in females (42.2% and 30.5%, respectively; P = 0.002), and among pupils aged 5-7 years (46.9%; P < 0.001). A total of 159 (prevalence: 24.6%, 95% CI 21.3-28.1) children had tinea capitis, 56 (8.7%) had tinea pedis, 50 (7.7%) had tinea corporis, and six (0.9%) had tinea unguium. In multivariate analysis, the risk factors for tinea capitis were: age (odds ratio [OR] 0.75, 95% CI 0.69-0.84; P < 0.001), and male gender (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.69-13.39; P = 0.002). Fungal dermatoses, especially tinea capitis, are common in primary schoolchildren in rural areas of southern Ethiopia, especially in young boys.