Schoolchildren In Birmingham Research Articles

Tracking changes in weight status in primary school children in Birmingham: an analysis of the National Child Measurement Programme – a retrospective cohort study

One-in-four 4–5 years and more than one-in-three 10–11 years have excess weight in England.AimTo identify characteristics associated with (1) having overweight, obesity and severe obesity at 11 years and (2)...

Inclusive relationships, sex and health education: Why the moral panic?

There are an estimated 50,000 LGBT teachers in English schools. In common with all workplaces, under the Equality Act 2010, schools have a responsibility to protect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) teachers from harassment in the workplace. From September 2020, for the first time, schools in England have been required to teach Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) that is inclusive of LGBT relationships. Representatives of faith communities and parents of school children in Birmingham and other major cities have protested outside school gates in opposition to the introduction of LGBT inclusive RSHE. This article explores what is at the heart of the moral panic about the inclusion of LGBT identities in the curriculum. As schools introduce inclusive RSHE, we must consider the impact of protests on LGBT teacher health, well-being and identity. More than half of LGBT teachers have suffered from anxiety or depression linked to their sexual identity and role as a teacher and so supportive and unequivocal support and intervention is needed to ensure schools are safe places, free from hostility, for LGBT teachers, pupils and their families.

Perceptions of dental aesthetics of Class III and anterior open bite malocclusions

To compare perceptions of dental aesthetics of Class III and anterior open bite (AOB) malocclusions between 10- to 11-year-old Birmingham schoolchildren and orthodontists. Thirty-one orthodontists practicing in Birmingham (UK) and 383 school children aged 10-11 years from a random and representative sample of seven primary schools in South Birmingham participated in the study. Participants were asked to assess five anterior photographs of the dentition representing varying degrees of aesthetic impairment of Class III and AOB malocclusions. Perceptions of dental aesthetics were determined using the aesthetic component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Perceptions of dental aesthetics were similar among males and females (P > .05). Both groups allocated the highest median AC score to the photo representing severe Class III malocclusion and the lowest to the photo representing mild Class III and AOB malocclusion. Differences in perceived dental aesthetics were significant for photos representing severe Class III and moderate AOB malocclusions, with orthodontists perceiving greater aesthetic impairment for severe Class III and schoolchildren for moderate AOB, respectively (P < .05). Schoolchildren and orthodontists perceived Class III malocclusions to have greater aesthetic impairment compared to AOB malocclusions. Surprisingly, none of the median AC scores allocated to the five photos were in the "Definite need" for treatment category. The IOTN may not be sensitive to these types of malocclusions. This finding merits further investigation.

The Impact of Cost on the Availability of Fruits and Vegetables in the Homes of Schoolchildren in Birmingham, Alabama

Fruit and vegetable cost is a presumed barrier to intake. We sought to determine whether fruit and vegetable cost and consumers' race and income would predict availability of fruits and vegetables in homes of schoolchildren in the Birmingham, Ala, area. Data on availability of 27 fruit and vegetable items were obtained from homes of 1355 children (32% African American) in the Birmingham area. Fruit and vegetable costs were obtained from the US Department of Agriculture. We used discrete choice analysis with the dependent variable represented as presence or absence of the fruit or vegetable item. Explanatory variables included fruit and vegetable price per serving; child's gender, race, and age; and parent's body mass index and income. Higher cost was inversely related to fruit and vegetable availability. Higher income, African American race, and female gender were positively related to availability. Cost per serving was stratified into 3 categories-low, medium, and high. Relative to low-cost items, only high-cost items decreased the odds of availability significantly. Fruit and vegetable cost does impact availability and has the greatest impact for high-cost items. Although cost was inversely related to availability, African Americans reported higher fruit and vegetable availability than Whites. Additional studies are needed to determine whether food items of lower nutritive value and comparable cost impact availability.

Dental erosion in a group of British 14-year-old, school children. Part III: Influence of oral hygiene practises

Objectives The aims of this study were firstly to describe the dental history and oral hygiene practises in a cluster random sample of 14-year-old children in Birmingham, UK. The second aim was to determine whether the oral hygiene practises are associated with dental erosion. Method A total of 418, 14-year-old schoolchildren from a cluster random sample in Birmingham, UK were assessed for dental erosion (209 males and 209 females). Data on the dental history and oral hygiene practises were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire supplemented by a structured interview. The data were analysed using SPSS with Mann-Whitney U analyses and odds ratios. Results 74% of the teenagers claimed to attend the dentist on a six-monthly basis; 60% brushed their teeth twice a day ie before breakfast and last thing at night, 25% once a day, 12% three times or more a day and 3% less than once a day. It was also found that 28% of the children brushed their teeth after meals; 92% of the children used a manual toothbrush and 56% of them replaced their toothbrush every three-months. The most common technique used by the children was a circular brushing movement; 44% of them used a mouthwash and 40% used other interdental cleaning. Girls brushed their teeth more frequently than boys. Associations were found between dental erosion and brushing teeth last thing at night, after meals, techniques of brushing teeth, and type of toothbrush and frequency of brushing. Conclusion It was concluded that reported oral hygiene practises in teenage schoolchildren in Birmingham, UK complied with generally recommended guidelines. However, there was an association between dental erosion and some of these oral hygiene practises. Advice concerning the impact of some oral hygiene procedures needs to be given to those who are susceptible to dental erosion.

Dental erosion and toothbrushing habits of school children

Objectives The aims of this study were firstly to describe the dental history and oral hygiene practises in a cluster random sample of 14-year-old children in Birmingham UK. The second aim was to determine whether the oral hygiene practises are associated with dental erosion. Method A total of 418, 14-year-old schoolchildren from a cluster random sample in Birmingham, UK were assessed for dental erosion (209 males and 209 females). Data on the dental history and oral hygiene practises were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire supplemented by a structured interview. The data were analysed using SPSS with Mann-Whitney U analyses and odds ratios. Results 74% of the teenagers claimed to attend the dentist on a six-monthly basis; 60% brushed their teeth twice a day ie before breakfast and last thing at night, 25% once a day, 12% three times or more a day and 3% less than once a day. It was also found that 28% of the children brushed their teeth after meals; 92% of the children used a manual toothbrush and 56% of them replaced their toothbrush every three-months. The most common technique used by the children was a circular brushing movement; 44% of them used a mouthwash and 40% used other interdental cleaning. Girls brushed their teeth more frequently than boys. Associations were found between dental erosion and brushing teeth last thing at night, after meals, techniques of brushing teeth, and type of toothbrush and frequency of brushing. Conclusion It was concluded that reported oral hygiene practises in teenage schoolchildren in Birmingham, UK complied with generally recommended guidelines. However, there was an association between dental erosion and some of these oral hygiene practises. Advice concerning the impact of some oral hygiene procedures needs to be given to those who are susceptible to dental erosion.

Dental erosion in a group of British 14-year-old, school children. Part III: Influence of oral hygiene practises.

The aims of this study were firstly to describe the dental history and oral hygiene practises in a cluster random sample of 14-year-old children in Birmingham, UK. The second aim was to determine whether the oral hygiene practises are associated with dental erosion. A total of 418, 14-year-old schoolchildren from a cluster random sample in Birmingham, UK were assessed for dental erosion (209 males and 209 females). Data on the dental history and oral hygiene practises were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire supplemented by a structured interview. The data were analysed using SPSS with Mann-Whitney U analyses and odds ratios. 74% of the teenagers claimed to attend the dentist on a six-monthly basis; 60% brushed their teeth twice a day ie before breakfast and last thing at night, 25% once a day, 12% three times or more a day and 3% less than once a day. It was a so found that 28% of the children brushed their teeth after meals; 92% of the children used a manual toothbrush and 56% of them replaced their toothbrush every three-months. The most common technique used by the children was a circular brushing movement; 44% of them used a mouthwash and 40% used other interdental cleaning. Girls brushed their teeth more frequently than boys. Associations were found between dental erosion and brushing teeth last thing at night, after meals, techniques of brushing teeth, and type of toothbrush and frequency of brushing. It was concluded that reported oral hygiene practises in teenage schoolchildren in Birmingham, UK complied with generally recommended guidelines. However, there was an association between dental erosion and some of these oral hygiene practises. Advice concerning the impact of some oral hygiene procedures needs to be given to those who are susceptible to dental erosion.

Dental erosion in a group of British 14-year-old school children. Part II: Influence of dietary intake.

The aims of the present study were first to investigate the dietary intake pattern of UK teenagers and secondly to determine the relationship, if any, between dental erosion and dietary intake in these children. The study group consisted of a cluster random sample of 14-year-old school children in Birmingham, UK: 418 children were examined from 12 different schools; 209 were male and 209 female. Data on the rate and frequency of consumption of drinks, foods, and fruits were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire supplemented by a structured interview. The data were analysed using SPSS with Chi-square, and Spearman correlation analysis. Over 80% of the teenagers regularly consumed soft drinks but approximately half of these children had a relatively low weekly consumption. However, 13% and 10% respectively had more than 22 intakes per week of cola and other carbonated drinks. Almost a quarter of these 14-year-olds had alcoholic drinks, with significantly more males than females involved (Chi-square P < 0.05) . Girls had a greater intake of fruits. Statistically significant correlations were found between the prevalence of erosion and the consumption of soft drinks, carbonated beverages, alcohol drinks, fresh fruits, Vitamin-C tablets and foodstuffs (Spearman correlation analysis P < 0.05). It was concluded that consumption particularly of soft drinks was high and common in teenage school children in Birmingham, UK. In addition there was a relationship between dental erosion and acidic dietary intake. Further investigation of the erosive potential of these drinks and foods is required.

Influence of diet on dental erosion in 14-year-olds

Objectives The aims of the present study were first to investigate the dietary intake pattern of UK teenagers and secondly to determine the relationship, if any, between dental erosion and dietary intake in these children. Methods The study group consisted of a cluster random sample of 14-year-old school children in Birmingham, UK: 418 children were examined from 12 different schools; 209 were male and 209 female. Data on the rate and frequency of consumption of drinks, foods, and fruits were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire supplemented by a structured interview. The data were analysed using SPSS with Chi-square, and Spearman correlation analysis. Results Over 80% of the teenagers regularly consumed soft drinks but approximately half of these children had a relatively low weekly consumption. However, 13% and 10% respectively had more than 22 intakes per week of cola and other carbonated drinks. Almost a quarter of these 14-year-olds had alcoholic drinks, with significantly more males than females involved (Chi-square P < 0.05) . Girls had a greater intake of fruits. Statistically significant correlations were found between the prevalence of erosion and the consumption of soft drinks, carbonated beverages, alcohol drinks, fresh fruits, Vitamin-C tablets and foodstuffs (Spearman correlation analysis P < 0.05). Conclusion It was concluded that consumption particularly of soft drinks was high and common in teenage school children in Birmingham, UK. In addition there was a relationship between dental erosion and acidic dietary intake. Further investigation of the erosive potential of these drinks and foods is required.

School children's and industrialists' attitudes towards engineering and manufacturing

This paper details research into young people&apos;s and industrialists&apos; perceptions of engineering and manufacturing in the UK. A database was constructed from completed questionnaires which contained information about the attitudes of 1601 Birmingham school children towards engineering and manufacturing, and the attitudes of 108 industrialists and the image they think school children have of engineering and manufacturing. From this research it can be concluded that the pupils had a far more favourable opinion of engineering and manufacturing than they were thought to have by the industrialists.

Nutrition Survey of Schoolchildren in Birmingham; Methods Adopted

Nutrition Survey of Schoolchildren in Birmingham; Methods Adopted

The changing prevalence of asthma in school children.

SummaryA study of the prevalence of asthma in school children in Birmingham which was first carried out in 1956–57 was repeated in 1968–69. There has been an increase in the prevalence of definitely diagnosed asthma from 1.8% to 2.3%, not including an even higher number of children (3.2%) with wheezing. A considerably higher prevalence in boys than in girls was again found both for definite asthma and for wheezing but the tendency to recovery in boys with definite asthma was slight whereas there was a marked recovery in cases of wheezing which almost certainly represented mild asthma.Negro children born in England had a similar prevalence to European children but children born outside England in the West Indies or in Asia had a significantly lower prevalence of asthma and of wheezing for reasons which are not fully understood but which might profitably be considered further. Asian children, however, appeared to retain their low prevalence of asthma even when born in England.

Reliability and Validity of the Bender‐Gestalt Test in a Sample of British School Children

A representative sample of Birmingham school children was given the Bender‐Gestalt test at age 11 + along with cognitive and achievement tests. The Bender‐Gestalt test was scored by four independent judges using the Koppitz (1964) system and the results examined for evidence of its inter‐scorer reliability and its validity. Results indicate that the test can only be used with extreme caution.

Prevalence of symptomless urinary tract disease in Birmingham schoolchildren. I. Pyuria and bacteriuria.

In a pilot project 2,122 schoolchildren were screened for symptomless urinary tract disease by the examination of midstream urine specimens. These were tested for albumin, blood, and glucose with Labstix commercial strips, together with microscopy for abnormal cellular excretion.One case of renal glycosuria was found but none of previously undiagnosed diabetes mellitus. Out of 1,096 boys, 11 (1%) had pyuria-a leucocyte count greater than 10/cu.mm.-but only four showed abnormal counts on retesting. None had urinary tract infection.Out of 1,026 girls, 96 (9.3%) had pyuria initially but 35 were normal on retesting. Of the remaining 61 girls, 59 attended the outpatients department for further investigation, and in 30 vulvitis appeared to be the sole cause. Ten were proved to have significant bacteriuria and six of them showed radiological abnormalities.It is suggested that careful long-term studies are needed to study the economics and the implications of screening on a national scale.

Results of tuberculin testing and radiography of 13-year-old Birmingham School Children from 1954 to 1958

Results of tuberculin testing and radiography of 13-year-old Birmingham School Children from 1954 to 1958

BCG vaccination and tuberculosis in Birmingham: A study of notifications related to vaccination of children before leaving school

BCG vaccination of Birmingham school children has reduced their tuberculosis notification rates by something between 0·5 and 0·7 per thousand per annum. Statistically, the evidence is of such a nature that it cannot be taken as establishing the value of BCG vaccination. Practically, and taken in conjunction with the strictly controlled Medical Research Council Trial, the evidence fully justifies the use of BCG in children about to leave school in Birmingham and similar communities. Financially, the cost BCG vaccination in Birmingham is less (and probably much less) than the estimated cost of dealing with the cases prevented.