Public Children Research Articles

MIH - Impact on public health and children‘s oral health-related quality of life

MIH - Impact on public health and children‘s oral health-related quality of life

Sleep Quality in School-Aged Children: The Role of Environmental Factors and Screen Time

Sleep plays a vital role in the optimal functioning of our body and is crucial for overall well-being. However, many parents are unaware of the negative consequences of sleep deprivation in children. This study examines factors affecting sleep in children and their correlation with screen time. The aim is to evaluate the relationship between screen time and environmental factors impacting sleep quality among school-aged children.A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on children aged 6 to 12 years. Sleep quality was assessed using a 22-item, pre-validated, parent-administered Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Contributing factors, including a screen time questionnaire, were gathered from parents. Children with pre-existing sleep disorders, neurobehavioral disorders, and chronic illnesses were excluded. A CSHQ score above 41 was considered abnormal, indicating a sleep problem. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test with SPSS version 20.0.In this study, 40.3% of children experienced sleep disturbances. The total mean sleep score was 39.56 ± 14.84, with private school children showing greater disruptions (41.78 ± 12.96) compared to public school children (37.14 ± 16.33; p = 0.001). Significant correlations were found between sleep quality, screen time exposure, and environmental factors such as lower socio-economic status, bed sharing, and room sharing.This study highlights that both excessive screen time and adverse environmental conditions negatively impact children's sleep quality. Efforts to increase awareness among parents, educators, and healthcare providers are needed to reduce sleep disturbances.

CHILDREN'S UNDERSTANDING OF ENGLISH VOCABULARY THROUGH VISUAL SEMIOTICS IN THE MUSIC VIDEO OPPOSITES WORD POWER BY PINKFONG YOUTUBE CHANNEL

The lack of English language skills and understanding in Indonesian primary school children is caused by many factors such as, limited teachers, unfamiliarity, unsupportive environment, and various other things. This is a challenge for individuals to learn English and teachers as teachers. In addition to the seriousness of children in learning English, the accuracy of the teacher in choosing the learning methods given to children must also be appropriate. In the current era of digitalization, learning methods through YouTube videos can have an impact on children's knowledge and understanding of English if implemented properly. In this case, learning English can be obtained by listening to videos that apply visual semiotics in it. The application of visual semiotics can be applied in teaching English to children from a video. The form of application can be like in the music video [Opposites Word Power | PINKFONG Songs for Children]. In this music video, explaining the opposite meanings of eight English vocabularies visualized in the form of icons and symbols. This research is descriptive research using a qualitative approach. The data collection conducted by the researchers used random sampling technique with ten public elementary school children aged 8, 9, and 10 years old as respondents. The data collection activities are carried out by asking questions related to knowledge and understanding of vocabulary in the music video to each children after the researchers show the YouTube music video [Opposites Word Power | PINKFONG Songs for Children]. The result of this study is to explain the extent of understanding of English vocabulary by children through visual semiotics displayed in the video. The results show that the icons and symbols displayed in the video mostly help the children understand the meaning of the English vocabulary displayed. This research also proves that visual semiotics is a sign whose meaning is universal so that it can be used as a learning method used by educators in teaching English in public elementary schools in Indonesia.

Breakfast consumption and associated factors and barriers among school-aged children.

Breakfast provides the energy and nutrition we need to function at best, both mentally and physically. It is also plausible to propose that children's general development is impacted when they skip breakfast. To assess the prevalence of breakfast consumption and associated factors and predictors among public primary school children in Debremarkos Town, Northwestern Ethiopia, 2020. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among school-aged children in Debremarkos, Northwest Ethiopia. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 609 study participants. The children's parents were interviewed using a pretested, structured questionnaire. For the rest of the analysis, SPSS version 20 was used. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the factors associated with breakfast consumption. Statistical significance was determined at a p value <0.05. Out of the sampled children, 600 respondents participated in the study, for a response rate of 98.5%. The prevalence of regular breakfast consumption among school-aged children was 67.5%. Higher odds of regular breakfast consumption were found among respondents who were females (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI = 0.118-1.773), those who lived in high-income families (AOR = 7.33, 95% CI = 1.036-8.110), and those who had an educated family (AOR = 13.05, 95% CI = 0.019-13.1). However, lower odds of regular breakfast intake were found among respondents aged 9-12 years (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.369-0.79). Breakfast is a major health concern for school-aged children in Debremarkos city. Breakfast eating is associated with several factors; the most notable factor is being female, having a high income, and having an uneducated family. Therefore, to prevent children from skipping breakfast, stakeholders must move swiftly.

Primary tooth wear in children from different social environments.

Bilingual schools have more hours and high levels of academic demands. Aims: To compare the degree of dental wear and frequency of severe wear facets between children from public rural schools (RG) and children from private bilingual schools in Buenos Aires City (PG). To compare the presence of facets to parents' reports on bruxism and their opinion on the importance to health of bruxism and snoring. Materials and Method: The sample (n=90) consisted of 5- and 10-year-old children. Their parents/guardians were asked to complete a structured questionnaire on bruxism and snoring. Children's degrees of dental wear on primary incisors, canines and molars were identified and recorded. The data were analyzed statistically. Results: The relative risk of wear between PG and RG was 1.82. Bruxism and snoring were reported by 22.9% of the parents/guardians of 5-year-olds and 8.8% of the parents/guardians of 10-year-olds. In 10-year-olds, significant differences were found between RG and PG for canine wear degree 3 (p=0.01). Conclusions: Children from highly demanding schools presented more dental wear. Higher frequency of severe dental wear was observed in primary canines and molars late in the tooth replacement period regardless of whether sleep bruxism was reported. Parents/guardians from different social conditions considered that bruxism and snoring are important to health to similar degrees.

Assessing oral health knowledge among public school children in Saudi Arabian subpopulation

IntroductionOral hygiene is paramount for maintaining optimal oral and physical health, especially among children who are particularly susceptible to dental caries and issues due to dietary habits and inadequate hygiene practices. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of oral health among public school children, analyse their oral hygiene habits, educate parents on the importance of oral health for their children, and implement an oral hygiene educational program in Al-Kharj City, Saudi Arabia.MethodsFour public elementary schools were selected for the study, with a sample size of 200 school-going children participating. A structured questionnaire was used to assess awareness and knowledge of oral health among the participants. SPSS software version 26 was used for data analysis. Multiple regression analysis and correlation tests was employed to explore the relationships between the different variables measured in the study.ResultsThe findings revealed a significant lack of awareness regarding oral health among school children. Oral hygiene habits were found to be inadequate in many participants. Overall, the findings highlight the need for targeted interventions aimed at promoting regular dental visits, addressing dental fear, and fostering positive oral hygiene practices among school-going children to improve oral health outcomes in the studied population.ConclusionThe study highlighted a critical gap in oral health awareness among school children, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. While the oral hygiene educational program has been implemented and future data will shed light on its effectiveness, preliminary observations suggest that such programs could potentially improve oral health outcomes and overall engagement among students.

Knowledge and attitude of traumatic dental injuries in Mongolian schoolteachers

BackgroundTraumatic dental injury (TDI) is a growing public health concern worldwide, and children and adolescents are commonly affected. Because TDI often occurs at school, the response of teachers to these injuries is crucial. However, teachers in various countries have been shown to lack knowledge of effective TDI first-aid response and need an intervention to improve their knowledge. The aim of the study presented here was to ascertain and analyze teachers’ knowledge of and attitude about TDI in Mongolia.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study of full-time teachers in Mongolia was performed using an online questionnaire (compiled from relevant studies) from September 2022 to December 2022. The questionnaire consists of 47 items and among them 14 were used to assess the teacher’s knowledge, and 5 were for attitude towards TDI. The maximum possible score was 14 points and grouped as follows good, moderate, and poor. T-test, ANOVA test (post-hoc) and linear regression analysis were performed.ResultsThe online survey provided quantitative data from 2821 participants: 28% were elementary school teachers, 29% middle school teachers, and 42% high school teachers. Their mean age was 36.7 ± 9 years, and 2433 (86%) were female. The mean score of the TDI knowledge of the teachers was 5.3 ± 2.1 out of 14. The ANOVA test showed that older (p < 0.01) and more experienced teachers (p < 0.01) had higher scores. Teachers in the eastern (5.46 ± 2.2) and southern (5.49 ± 2.2) provinces had higher mean scores than in the other provinces (p < 0.02). Teachers majored in natural sciences (5.4 ± 2.2) had a higher score than those in the social sciences (5.2 ± 2.1) and difference were significant (p < 0.02). The multiple regression model statistically significantly predicted a one-year increase in experience, the TDI score increased 0.034 (95% CI 0.026, 0.043) unit.ConclusionsThe knowledge regarding TDI and effective first-aid response to such injury is low in teachers in Mongolia. However, the teachers’ attitude about TDI was positive and they wanted to learn and improve their knowledge. Therefore, further education and training programs are advised.

Awareness and analysis: concurrent and predictive roles of two morphological processes in early reading comprehension

IntroductionWe examine how awareness and analysis of morphemes contribute to children's reading comprehension and its development. A multidimensional perspective on reading comprehension posits morphological awareness and morphological analysis play distinct roles in reading comprehension. Assuming individual differences in growth in these aspects of morphological processing, their concurrent influences can vary depending on children's reading comprehension abilities, and predictive influences can change as children's reading comprehension abilities improve.MethodThe current longitudinal study examined the concurrent and predictive influences of awareness and analysis on children's reading comprehension from Grades 1 to 3. Data from 171 public school children, with diverse reading comprehension abilities, were collected across five waves and were analyzed using cross-lagged panel structural equation modeling.ResultsResults showed concurrent relationships among morphological awareness, analysis, and reading comprehension in Grades 1 and 2, and morphological analysis having a concurrent relationship with reading comprehension at the end of Grade 3. Morphological awareness in all waves but Wave 3, at the end of Grade 2, predicted subsequent reading comprehension. Morphological analysis did not predict subsequent reading comprehension.DiscussionFindings support the multidimensional conceptualization of awareness and analysis as distinct morphological processes that play early-wave concurrent and across-wave predictive roles in children's reading comprehension development.

Sustainable improvement in upstream and downstream outcomes for intubated patients three years after an airway-based educational intervention in a low-resource pediatric intensive care unit

ObjectiveTo determine whether implementation of an education-based intervention can sustainably improve upstream and downstream outcomes in intubated patients in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in a low-resource country. DesignQuality improvement study comparing airway-related morbidity in two previously studied patient cohorts pre-intervention (Epoch 1) and immediately post-intervention (Epoch 2) with a third cohort thirty-six months post-intervention (Epoch 3). SettingPICU of the largest public children's hospital in El Salvador. Patients147 patients under 18 years requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation (MV) met inclusion criteria in the long-term follow-up period and were consecutively sampled without exclusion (Epoch 3) (compared to 98 previously studied patients in the short-term follow-up period (Epoch 2)). InterventionA low-cost, education-based intervention to close knowledge gaps, improve communication among PICU doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists, and optimize patient outcomes. Measurements and main resultsThe primary outcome measure was change in unplanned extubation (UE) between Epochs 2 and 3. Other outcomes included use of cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETT), rate of elective ETT change and days of MV. The 17 % decrease in UE previously reported for Epoch 2 was sustained in Epoch 3. There was a statistically significant increase in use of cuffed ETT from 35.7 % in Epoch 2–55.1 % in Epoch 3 (p = 0.003, z-score −2.99). There was also a statistically significant mean difference in rate of elective ETT change per 100 MV days from Epoch 2 to Epoch 3 of 1.7 (p = 0.007; 95 % CI 0.15–0.84). There was no change in MV days from Epoch 2 to Epoch 3 (p-value 0.764; 95 % CI -1.48–2.02). Beyond these quantifiable results, many unanticipated practice changes were observed three years after the initial intervention. ConclusionsSustained improvement in upstream and downstream outcomes (UE, cuffed ETT use, elective ETT change) for intubated patients in a low-resource PICU were observed three years after a low-cost, low-touch, education-based intervention.

Public Health and Children’s Subjective Well-Being

In recent years, the study of children's subjective well-being has garnered escalating global attention, with its research themes becoming increasingly diverse. However, this field still lacks a systematic review and analysis. Drawing upon the Web of Science database, this study retrieved 32,112 relevant articles published between 2003 and 2022, focusing on the theme of children's subjective well-being. After rigorous screening, 23,711 publications were ultimately retained for analysis. Utilizing bibliometric methods, this study conducted network visualization analysis across multiple dimensions, including countries, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords, aiming to comprehensively reveal the current research landscape of children's subjective well-being. Furthermore, theme modeling techniques were employed to delve into the patterns of theme evolution, and cluster analysis was conducted to categorize related themes. Through qualitative analysis, this study uncovered the developmental trajectory and future research directions in the field of children's subjective well-being. The findings indicate that, in the realm of children's subjective well-being research, developed countries such as those in Europe, America, and Australia have contributed over 30% of the research efforts, both in terms of publication volume and impact. Among them, the United States holds a leading position. The research themes have gradually evolved from an initial focus on the children themselves to exploring their surrounding environments and further delving into the psychological impacts and well-being of children amidst public health emergencies. Notably, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted scholars to delve deeper into children's well-being, shifting the focus of research from mere exploration of mental health to a more nuanced investigation of psychological impacts. Looking ahead, areas such as public health, psychological impacts, and children's dietary health will emerge as crucial directions for future exploration in the field of children's subjective well-being research, offering significant potential for investigation.

Making a Bad Situation Worse: Current and Potential Unintended Consequences of Juvenile Registration for Sexual Offences.

Within the US, children and adolescents who engage in sexually abusive behavior are often subjected to sex offender registration and notification requirements, which contribute to stigmatization and forfeiture of their civil rights without empirical basis (Lancaster, 2011; Pickett et al., 2023; Zilney & Zilney, 2009). To date, 39 states subject children with adjudicated sexual offenses to sex offender registration requirements, with most recent estimates revealing that approximately 200,000 youth have been placed on sex offender registries within the US and many are now on the registry as adults (Pickett et al., 2020). This severe response-by both members of the public and policymakers-toward children who engage in inappropriate sexual behavior is imposed upon children and adolescents with adjudicated sexual offenses in an effort to meet goals of reducing sexual violence and increasing community safety. Within the current discourse, we review the history of registration and notification practices for adolescents with sexual offenses, describe what registration and notification policies entail, and then present empirical and theoretical evidence of the harmful outcomes associated with implementation of registration and notification requirements for sexual offenses. Thus, the predominant aim of this discourse is to encourage thoughtful and critical examination of registration and notification policies and their iatrogenic impacts.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Incidence and Predictors of Self-Reported Dental Anxiety among Nigerian Public Primary Schoolchildren

Abstract Objective The presence of dental anxiety in Nigerian public primary schools may be one of the main obstacles preventing schoolchildren from effectively utilizing dental care services. The main objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the incidence and factors associated with self-reported dental anxiety among Nigerian public primary school children. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional, observational design was employed to examine 434 primary schoolchildren (aged 6–9 years) from selected schools in Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria. Data collection was conducted using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, which includes 5-point Likert responses, five questions, and demonstrates good internal consistency. Results The findings indicate that there was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of dental anxiety between male and female schoolchildren (p = 0.374). In total, 1.9, 8.7, 10.1, 36.4, and 42.9% of the schoolchildren reported experiencing no dental anxiety, mild, moderate, extreme, and severe levels of dental anxiety, respectively. Furthermore, the results reveal that 2.1% of the variance in children's dental anxiety scores could be accounted for by factors such as gender, age, socioeconomic status, and parental education. However, the influence of gender (B = 0.183; p = 0.060; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.008 to 0.374), age (B = –0.128; p = 0.187; 95% CI: –0.318 to 0.062), socioeconomic status (B = –0.067; p = 0.124; 95% CI: –0.152 to 0.018), and parental education (B = –0.045; p = 0.420; 95% CI: –0.154 to 0.064) on schoolchildren's dental anxiety was not significant.Male and female schoolchildren did not have significantly different dental anxiety levels. Gender, age, socioeconomic status, or parent education level did not significantly predict the dental anxiety among schoolchildren. Conclusion School-based interventions need to be targeted to reduce dental anxiety among male and female primary schoolchildren in the study area. Clinicians should consider providing interventions to manage dental anxiety in children with moderate to severe levels of anxiety.

Fidelity of implementation of national guidelines on malaria diagnosis for children under-five years in Rivers State, Nigeria

BackgroundMalaria is still a disease of global public health importance and children under-five years of age are the most vulnerable to the disease. Nigeria adopted the “test and treat” strategy in the national malaria guidelines as one of the ways to control malaria transmission. The level of adherence to the guidelines is an important indicator for the success or failure of the country’s roadmap to malaria elimination by 2030. This study aimed to assess the fidelity of implementation of the national guidelines on malaria diagnosis for children under-five years and examine its associated moderating factors in health care facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria.MethodsThis was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in Port Harcourt metropolis. Data were collected from 147 public, formal private and informal private health care facilities. The study used a questionnaire developed based on Carroll’s Conceptual Framework for Implementation Fidelity. Frequency, mean and median scores for implementation fidelity and its associated factors were calculated. Associations between fidelity and the measured predictors were examined using Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis test, and multiple linear regression modelling using robust estimation of errors. Regression results are presented in adjusted coefficient (β) and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsThe median (IQR) score fidelity score for all participants was 65% (43.3, 85). Informal private facilities (proprietary patent medicine vendors) had the lowest fidelity scores (47%) compared to formal private (69%) and public health facilities (79%). Intervention complexity had a statistically significant inverse relationship to implementation fidelity (β = − 1.89 [− 3.42, − 0.34]). Increase in participant responsiveness (β = 8.57 [4.83, 12.32]) and the type of malaria test offered at the facility (e.g., RDT vs. no test, β = 16.90 [6.78, 27.03]; microscopy vs. no test, β = 21.88 [13.60, 30.16]) were positively associated with fidelity score.ConclusionsThis study showed that core elements of the “test and treat” strategy, such as testing all suspected cases with approved diagnostic methods before treatment, are still not fully implemented by health facilities. There is a need for strategies to increase fidelity, especially in the informal private health sector, for malaria elimination programme outcomes to be achieved.

Anemia and Associated Factors among Public Elementary School Children in Asella Town, Southeast Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Anemia has a negative impact on school children, including poor physical growth and reduced mental performance. Children show poor attentiveness, behavior, and memory and reduced school performance. There is limited evidence of the magnitude of anemia and associated factors in school-age children in Ethiopia, including the study area. To assess the magnitude of anemia and associated factors among public elementary school children in Asella Town, Southeast Ethiopia, in 2022. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Asella Town from April 5 to May 5, 2022. A total of 442 school children aged 7-14 years were included in the study using the multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a pretested and semistructured questionnaire through a face-to-face interview technique. The hemoglobin concentration was determined by using the HemoCue 301+ analyzer. Anthropometric data and stool examinations were collected from participants. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6, transported, and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out. Adjusted odds ratios along with their 95% confidence interval were used, and a p value of ≤0.05 was used for declaring statistical significance. A total of 435 students with a mean age and standard deviation of 10.77 ± 2.21 years participated in the study. The magnitude of anemia was 78 (17.9%), with a 95% CI (14.3, 21.47). Of the participants, 63 (14.5%) were mild anemic and 15 (3.4%) were moderately anemic. Children whose mothers have no formal education (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.89, 8.21), underweight children (AOR = 3.83, 95% CI: 1.98, 7.40), and parasites in their stool (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.50, 9.20) were significantly associated with anemia in school-age children. Anemia among school-age children was found to be a mild public health problem. Uneducated mothers, intestinal parasite infections, and underweight children were found to be determinants of anemia among school-age children. Health professionals should provide health education for mothers about child-feeding practices and the consumption of dietary sources of iron.

Promoting public playgrounds usage and children's physical activity with sports activities: A quasi-experimental study

This study aimed to evaluate the children's usage and their physical activity levels at playgrounds with (N = 4) and without (N = 4) organized sports activities, following a quasi-experimental study design. Direct observations were used to assess the playground usage and estimate the playground users' age category, sex, and physical activity intensity level. The results indicated that playgrounds with sports activities were associated with 53% more users at the time of the activities. However, this increase was only seen in boys. Furthermore, playgrounds with sport activities were not associated with different physical activity levels in children as compared to children on regular playgrounds.

Implementation of a pediatric trauma registry at a national referral center in Kenya: Utility and concern for sustainability

BackgroundPediatric trauma disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, particularly the pediatric trauma systems, are frequently limited. This study assessed the patterns of pediatric traumatic injuries and treatment at the only free-standing public children's hospital in East Africa as well as the implementation and sustainability of the trauma registry. MethodsA prospective pediatric trauma registry was established at Shoe4Africa Children's Hospital (S4A) in Eldoret, Kenya. All trauma patients over a six-month period were enrolled. Descriptive analyses were completed via SAS 9.4 to uncover patterns of demographics, trauma mechanisms and injuries, as well as outcomes. Implementation was assessed using the RE-AIM framework. ResultsThe 425 patients had a median age of 5.14 years (IQR 2.4, 8.7). Average time to care was 267.5 min (IQR 134.0, 625.0). The most common pediatric trauma mechanisms were falls (32.7 %) and burns (17.7 %), but when stratified by age group, toddlers had a higher risk of sustaining injuries from burns and poisonings. Over half (56.2 %) required an operation during the hospitalization. Overall, implementation of the registry was limited by the clinical burden and inadequate personnel. Sustainability of the registry was limited by finances. ConclusionsThis is the first study to describe the trauma epidemiology from a Kenyan public pediatric hospital. Maintenance of the trauma registry failed due to cost. Streamlining global surgery efforts through implementation science may allow easier development of trauma registries to then identify modifiable risk factors to prevent trauma and long-term outcomes to understand associated disability.

Obesity among adolescent students in private and public schools investigation of awareness: a cross-sectional study

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the obesity awareness of adolescent students in private and public schools.&#x0D; Methods: The research is a quantitative study. The research group for the study consisted of 1393 private and public school students between the ages of 10 and 13 in Kırıkkale province. The first stage included a personal information form including questions about gender, age, BMI, socio-economic status, physical activity for half an hour or more per week, and daily food distribution. In the second stage, the Obesity Awareness Scale developed by Allen (2011) and adapted into Turkish by Kafkas and Özen (2014) was used. The scale consists of 3 sub-dimensions and 20 questions.&#x0D; Results: It was observed that there was a significant difference in the anthropometric characteristics, obesity awareness, nutrition and physical activity, BMI, daily food distribution, and socio-economic status groupings of private and public school children. It was seen that there was a significant difference in all other variables and sub-dimensions except body weight, BMI, and obesity total between girls and boys; there was a significant difference in all other variables except anthropometric characteristics of girls in private and public schools; and there was a significant difference in all other variables except the age variable of boys in private and public schools.&#x0D; Conclusion: The anthropometric characteristics, obesity awareness, nutrition and physical activity, BMI, daily food distribution, and socio-economic status of female and male students in private and public schools were significantly different from each other. In private school students, the highest correlation was found between obesity total and socio-economic status, while the lowest correlation was found between obesity total and the physical activity dimension. In public school students, the highest correlation was found between the obesity dimension and BMI, and the lowest correlation was found between the physical activity dimension and socio-economic status.

Promoting eye health in public school children: an experience report

Eye health is essential for a good quality of life. In this sense, it is feasible to diagnose possible alterations that can occur from birth and to observe vision failures in children's daily activities, such as during lessons at school. The aim of this research is to report on the experience of nursing students in promoting eye health among children in the public school system in the municipality of Parnaíba-PI. This is a descriptive, exploratory study of the experience report type, with a qualitative approach and referring to a university extension project called "Small Visions". In addition, 379 children between the ages of 6 and 12 were tested and 81 were referred to the ophthalmology service. Thus, the children benefited from the application of the Snellen optometric test and the academics gained a differentiated clinical view of the subject.

Bone Health at Stake: Alarming Prevalence and Predictors of Vitamin D Deficiency in Karachi Children.

Background: Vitamin D insufficiency is a major public health problem for Pakistani children. The purpose of this cross-sectional research was to determine the prevalence and possible correlates of vitamin D insufficiency in young children under the age of five living in Karachi, Pakistan.&#x0D; Methods: We analysed data from 400 children aged 0 to 5 years who had vitamin D testing (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D) at a diagnostic laboratory in Karachi between January and December 2022. Participants' vitamin D levels were classified as adequate (≥30 ng/ml) or insufficient (&lt;30 ng/ml). Logistic regression with robust standard errors adjusted for clustering in the laboratory environment.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was disturbingly high at 71.8% (287/400), near national prevalence. Age emerged as a major risk factor, with older children being more likely to be deficient (OR: 1.20 per year increase in age, 95% CI: 1.11-1.30, p 0.001). Winter months increased the incidence of deficit compared to summer (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.21-2.89, p = 0.010). Gender had no significant connection with deficit.&#x0D; Conclusions: Our data show that vitamin D insufficiency is a major problem among children in Karachi. To address this public health concern and protect children's health and development, targeted initiatives encouraging safe sun exposure, diversifying diets with vitamin D-rich foods, and investigating fortified staples or regular supplementation are urgently required.

Challenges in Enhancing Letter-Name Knowledge Acquisition for Public Pre-Primary Children in Shinyanga Region

Letter Name Knowledge is among the most vital emergent literacy skills that predict future reading and writing among pre-primary children, and teachers are central to learning. Much has been researched on the factors influencing letter name acquisition, including the child's characteristics in the home and school environment. Less research has been done on pre-primary teachers’ views on the factors they encounter in enhancing letter name skills in children. This study investigated pre-primary teachers' challenges in enhancing letter-name knowledge among pre-primary learners in the Shinyanga District Council, Shinyanga Region. The study identified challenges pre-primary teachers encounter in enhancing letter-name knowledge. The study also assessed the challenges pre-primary teachers face in enhancing the knowledge of letter names for pre-primary children with the guidance of the Whole-Child Approach. A qualitative approach and phenomenological design were utilised for the study.20 (to the point of saturation) pre-primary teachers were involved in the interview for data collection. The obtained data were analyzed thematically. The findings identified the following challenges: pre-primary children’s use of mother tongue, inadequate teaching and learning facilities and instructional materials, lack of teachers’ professionalism, large class size and instructional burden, children absenteeism and implementation of pre-primary curriculum. In conclusion, the identified challenges influence pre-primary teachers' effectiveness in enhancing letter name knowledge acquisition for public pre-primary children in the Shinyanga region. The study recommends that the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoEST) create a mother tongue policy for pre-primary children for quality, fair and holistic comprehensive curricula provision in rural areas.