School Children In Urban Areas Research Articles

Body Mass Index and Nutritional Intake among Primary School Children in Urban Area, Egypt

Abstract Introduction Primary school children are more vulnerable to malnutrition; underweight or obesity. Continuous nutritional assessment of the vulnerable groups is very important for the evaluation of current health status, besides future planning for prevention and control programs. Aim of the Work To assess the nutritional status and body mass index among primary school children attending primary healthcare centre in 10th of Ramadan city, El Sharqia Governorate, Egypt, and to identify different demographic factors that can affect nutritional status among them. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 randomly selected primary school children. An interview questionnaire was used to collect data including demographic characteristics, family history of obesity, food intake using food frequency formula and the pyramid of food servings. Anthropometric characteristics including weight, height and BMI was estimated. Results The age ranged (6-12) for males and (6-9) for females, the mean was 8.62 and SD was 1.69. The mean height and weight of studied children were 127.33 ± 11.20 cm and 36.23 ± 13.74 kg respectively. Most of them had normal current weight (41.7%) and normal birth weight (86.7%). Overweight and obese represent 8.3% and 16.7% respectively, while underweighted children represent 33.3%. BMI was associated with child age, family opinion in child weight, birth weight and family history of obesity. Most of studied children took sufficient amount of animal protein, while consuming grains & carbohydrates, beans, vegetables, fruits and fats 4-6 times per week. 80.0% consume sweets & processed sugar 4-6 times per week. Consumption of junk foods and soft drinks and juices was high (66.7% for each) 4-6 times per week. Diet was statistically associated with BMI (frequency and standard requirements); overweight and obese children took carbohydrates & grains, soft drinks &juices and junk foods in amounts that above the standard requirements and in higher frequency compared to underweight and normal weight children (≥4 times per week). The consumption of vegetables and fruits was not related to BMI as most of participated children took them at the standard requirement. Conclusion and recommendations The prevalence of malnutrition disorder (underweight and obesity) among primary school children in 10th of Ramadan City is considerable. High BMI was associated with high frequency of eating carbohydrates& grains, soft drinks & juices, fats and junk foods and their daily requirements. Low BMI in underweight children not related to significant type of food as they mainly took their standard requirements in frequency around 4 times per week. Feasible and effective nutritional and educational programs for primary school children must consider child characteristics and eating habits.

Prevalence of intestinal nematodes infection in school children of urban areas of district Lower Dir, Pakistan.

Intestinal parasitism is the main cause of disease all over the world and described as a significant community health problem. The current study intended to find out the occurrence and identification of hazard factors linked with IPIs among 4-12 years aged shool-age children residing in Lower Dir district, Pakistan during 2019 - 2020. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted using a pre-arranged pre-tested survey. Anthropometric data and stool collection were done to obtain the findings. The direct wet mount preparation in saline/iodine/methods was used for stool examination. Data were investigated using the GraphPad Prism 5. A total of 400 children studied (mean age of 8.6±3.6 years) the total incidence rate for the intestinal parasitic disease was established to be 71.75%. Of the 400 children studied, the overall prevalence rate for intestinal parasitic infections was found to 71.75% Ascaris lumbricoides (33.1%), Trichuris trichiura (1.04%), E. vermicularis (1.39%), Hookworm (19.86%) were identified in children living in the study area. We concluded that there is a mass scale campaigns were required to generate alertness about health and sanitation in children and the need for the development of effective poverty control programs because deworming (killing of worm with drugs) alone is not adequate to control parasitic infections.

Assessment of bronchial asthma among school children of urban area of Gujarat: A cross-sectional study

Aim: Current research was performed to evaluate the prevalence and allied aspects of bronchial asthma amongst school children of urban region of Gujarat. Methodology: Current research performed in the urban region of Gujarat, India. Least sample size was established to be 200 patients. A pretested and authenticated questionnaire was intended on the position of the International Study on Allergy and Asthma in childhood questionnaire. Results: Out of 200 children, 32 had account of wheeze several time in the past. Nine out of 200 children had wheezing history in the past one year. Wheezing was significantly connected with allergic rhinitis, relatives, and maternal history of asthma. Conclusions: Asthma amongst school children is a community health dilemma in urban area of Gujarat. Interference on revelation to passive smoking and stipulation of smoke passages may assist in the decrease of trouble of illness at the population level. Keywords: Allergy, Asthma, School children, Smoking.

Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections, Anemia, and Undernutrition Among School-Children in An Elementary School in North Jakarta, Indonesia

The strategy to control soil-transmitted helminth (STH) is through periodic deworming to eliminate infective worms among children. Helminthiasis is known to impair the nutrition and physical status of infected children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and relationship between nutritional status and infection among School-Age Children (SAC) following deworming campaigns in Public Elementary School 6 Cilincing, North Jakarta, Indonesia. This study was a cross-sectional analytical observation on 82 children sampled using the Kato Katz approach during the period of August and November 2019. Nutritional status was determined using the standardized AnthroPlus Software while the Kolmogorov Smirnov test was used to statistically analyze the data. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on hygiene and deworming pill consumption. Results showed that 7.3% of 82 children were infected with at least one of the following STH parasites: Ascaris lumbricoides accounts (n=3, 3.7%), Trichuris trichiura (n=2, 2.4%), and Enterobius vermicularis (n=1, 1.2%). Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin concentration of <8-11.9 g/dL for the age group of 8-13 years old. Of all participants, 10 (12%) were anemic. The proportion of children representing mild and moderate anemia were 4% and 6%, respectively. The prevalence of infection was not associated with anemia and STH infection did not present significant association with undernutrition statusAlmost children practiced hand washing before eating (93.9%). About 96% of children had pit latrines and only 24 children (29.5%) took deworming pills in the last 6 months. Thus, routine anthelminthic treatment for school children in urban areas is necessary.

Prediction model of overweight and obesity in primary school children in urban areas

Background: Overweight and obesity can occur both in children to adulthood. The prevalence of obesity for children aged 5-12 years is still high at 18.8% consisting of 10.8% overweight and obese at 8.8%. The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased in various countries including Indonesia. The results of previous data collection shows that the proportion of fat and obesity is quite high at 34.5%.Methods: This type of research is a cross sectional study because the independent and dependent variables are measured at the same time. The sample was a portion of elementary school children in SD Kramat Pela Kebayoran Baru. Case samples are elementary school children who are overweight and obese (weight/height >1.0 SD) as many as 35 children and the control sample is elementary school children with normal weight/height ≤1.0 SD as many as 35 children.Results: From the results of the analysis of physical activity variables showed that the group of children who are overweight or obese have an average activity lower than normal school children. Odds ratio analysis shows that the risk of being obese or obese is 18.1 times in inactive children compared to active ones (95% CI: 4.60-70.9). Screen time analysis with the incidence of obesity did not show significance.Conclusions: Growth monitoring needs to be pursued regularly so that efforts to control obesity in school children can be done.

Impact of hand washing intervention program on knowledge, attitude and practices about hand hygiene among school children in urban area of Kolhapur city

Background: Good hand hygiene is an important infection control measure as person-to-person contact via hands is a common mode of transmission for gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. There are promising results of proper hand washing for reducing many kinds of diseases. For improvement of knowledge and practice of hand washing, health education intervention is very much fruitful. The objectives of the study were to study knowledge, attitude and practice regarding hand washing among primary school children; to study impact of hand washing intervention program on knowledge, attitude and practices about hand hygiene.Methods: The study was conducted from 1st March 2018 to 30th December 2018 in the government aided primary schools of urban area in Kolhapur. Initially baseline school health check-up was done to study knowledge, attitude and the actual hand washing practices both in school as well as at home among children. Extensive health education programs were conducted to demonstrate correct hand washing technique and importance of hand washing was taught; with involvement of teachers from schools. Data was collected using interview questionnaires. Hand washing facility and availability of water and soap in school was also noted. Teachers were actively involved to motivate students for hand washing with soap before eating and after visiting toilet facility. Follow up visits were done to study parameters like improvement in knowledge, attitude and practices about hand hygiene.Results: After our health education sessions there was significant improvement in knowledge, attitude and practices regarding hand washing among the school children.Conclusions: From our study findings it can be stated that after our health education sessions there was significant improvement in hand washing behaviour among the participants. We tried to sensitize teachers also so that they will motivate children in future.

Prevalence and determinants of dental caries among primary school children in urban area of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu: a cross sectional study

Background: Dental caries is a preventable multi factorial disease which shows increase in prevalence over last five decades in India. In order to reduce its magnitude and for effective prevention and control, the risk factors and distribution should be well known. This study was planned with the objective of assessing the prevalence and determinants of dental caries among primary school children in an Urban area of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India.Methods: This school based cross sectional study was carried out between November 2017 and February 2018 using a sample size of 430 selected from two schools by simple random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire, which were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 and presented using descriptive and analytical statistics.Results: Among the study participants, 52.9% had dental caries. Plaque accumulation was noted in 46.2%. About 74% were taking junk foods daily. About 47.1% children were rinsing their mouth daily and 34.6% were brushing more than once daily. Factors found to be protective against dental caries were high socio economic class and daily mouth rinsing habit. Odds of getting dental caries was more among children with visible dental plaque, daily junk foods intake, brushing once daily and failing to brush after foods.Conclusions: Dental caries is a high prevalent, preventable disease affecting both young and old aged individuals that can be mitigated by health education activities. Proper oral hygiene can prevent dental caries. Hence more importance should be given for oral hygiene and behavioral changes in dietary habits.

The Association between Basal Metabolic Index and Blood Pressure in School Children of Urban Area in Jaipur District

The Association between Basal Metabolic Index and Blood Pressure in School Children of Urban Area in Jaipur District

Effectiveness of first-aid training on school children of urban area of Sambalpur District, Odisha

Effectiveness of first-aid training on school children of urban area of Sambalpur District, Odisha

Nutritional Status, Physical Activity, Sedentary Activity of School Children in Urban area, West Java, Indonesia

The purpose of this research was to analyse nutritional status, physical activity, and sedentary activity in school children in West Java, Indonesia. The study used a cross-sectional design and was conducted from October to December 2016. Samples were taken using simple random sampling technique with a total sample of 300 subjects taken among fifth-grade students in seven elementary schools located in Bandung city, West Java. The data collected in this research were anthropometric data such as physical activity and sedentary activity. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson test. The results showed that 21.7% of school children were overweight, while 19.7% were obese. The results of the subject activity, based on nutritional status category, were not significantly different. All subjects with underweight nutritional status were having light activity (100%), the percentage of subjects with normal nutritional status, overweight, and obese were 71.6%, 75.4%, and 74.6%, respectively. The average duration of underweight subjects performing sedentary activities on holidays was 4.2±3.0 hours, 5.4±2.7 hours for normal subjects, 5.8±2.7 hours for overweight, and 5.4±2.5 hours for obese subjects. The proportion of sedentary activity time on holiday among underweight, normal, overweight, and obese subjects were 17.6±12.4%; 22.3±11%; 24.1±11.3%; and 22.3±10.5%. The sedentary activity of children on holiday was not significantly different, but there was a significant difference between the proportion of sedentary time in a day between groups of nutritional status (p<0.05), i.e., normal children and overweight children. The correlation test results indicated a negative correlation between physical activity and sedentary activity, meaning that higher sedentary activity of subjects both in school time and holiday resulted in lower physical activity (p<0.01). The nutritional status, physical activity, and subject sedentary activity based on nutritional status were not significantly different.

IEUBK Model to Calculate the Lead Concentration in Blood Children of the Environment which Effect by Lead Emission: Empirical Comparisons with Epidemiologic Data: Developing a Human Health Risk Model to Quantify the Risk Posed by Soil Pb

For decades, human health was threaten (especially that of children) by what considered as a potential sources of lead exposure which are: lead-contaminated water, soil, and air. The proposed of the research involve developing an integrated exposure, uptake, and biokinetic (IEUBK) model as a human health risk model to predict the blood lead levels BLL in children. The data set of this project for human health risk posed by Pb contamination in air, water and soil were obtained from previous study achieved in 2014 which carried out on 108 school children (School children in rural areas (n=76 child) and School children in urban areas (n=32child) matched for age. The environmental samples demonstrated that the concentration of lead for air and soil exceeded the international acceptable threshold values. However, the concentration of lead in water was below the threshold value. The BLL value from currently result of IEUBK model was above the agency’s threshold of concern, 10 μg/dL which was documented as children’s BLL lowest level of concern. This predicted values result of BLL was in agreement with actual value of BLL in blood samples of school children for the chosen study. Also, the results of this research confirmed that the high BLL could be attributed to the high lead level in both air and soil of contaminate environment.

Impact of oral conditions on quality of life in schoolchildren in urban area of Cuenca-Ecuador

Objetivos: Determinar Impacto de las Condiciones Orales sobre la Calidad de Vida Relacionada a Salud Bucal (CVRSB) en escolares de dos escuelas urbanas, Cuenca – Ecuador el año 2015. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal, que valoró a 208 escolares de 11 y 12 años, de las escuelas Ezequiel Crespo y Ulises Chacón, de Cuenca, Ecuador. Se determinó un promedio de edad de 11,48 ± 0,501, donde 159 (76,44%) fueron varones y 49 (23,56%) fueron mujeres, se aplicó el instrumento Child Oral Impacts on Daily Performance Index (Child OIDP Index) en español, versión validada en Perú que permite evaluar los impactos de 17 condiciones orales sobre 8 desempeños diarios. Resultados: Las prevalencias de las condiciones orales autopercibidas como problema fueron: posición de dientes (54%) y diente cariado (52%), los impactos en desempeños diarios más afectados fueron: sonreír (38%) y comer (36%). Conclusiones: El Índice Child-OIDP Index promedio global fue de 9,79 ± 7,02, considerado alto.

A study on prevalence of myopia among high school children in an urban area of Shivamogga: a cross sectional study

Background:Blindness is one of the significant social problem in India with uncorrected refractive error as the second major cause accounting for 19.7% of the blindness. Prevalence of myopia in children varies between the countries and it ranges from 7% to 30%. Among all refractive problems myopia is the major cause of disability in children. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and causes of myopia among high school children.Methods:This study was a descriptive Cross sectional study. Present study was conducted among high-school children of 13 - 16 years in an urban area of Shivamogga city of Karnataka state from July- August 2015. With expected frequency of 20%, confidence limit at 5% and confidence level at 95% the total sample size was 246. A pretested questionnaire was used for collection of data. Snellen's chart was used to find out the myopia.Results: The overall prevalence of myopia was found to be 23%. Out of 300 students 16%, 5%, and 1.7% of the students had mild, moderate and sever visual impairment respectively. Conclusions:The prevalence of myopia was higher among high school children in urban area and it was more among girls than the boys. Early diagnosis and correction of the refractive error has to be done to prevent future development of blindness.

Nutritional deficiencies among school children in urban areas of Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Background: The school age period is nutritionally significant because this is the prime time to build up body stores of nutrients in preparation for rapid growth of adolescence. Malnutrition remains the world’s most serious health problem and the single biggest contributor to child mortality, nearly one third of the children in the developing world are either underweight or stunted and more than 30% of the developing world’s population suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. However the data available from urban slums of Hyderabad in this age group is very sparse and hence an attempt has been made to study the same. The objectives were to determine the nutritional status of primary school children and study the factors associated with it.Methods:Study population: Primary school children (6 to 11 years). Study area: primary schools in urban slums of Hyderabad. Study design: a cross sectional study. Sample size: 412 children. Sampling methods: Simple random sampling Data collection: By using pre designed and pre tested and pre coded schedule (interview technique, observation, clinical examination). Analysis: By using Microsoft Excel 2007 and Epi Info 3.5.3.Results: The prevalence of underweight was 28.9%, overweight was 9.2% and obesity was 4.4% . Prevalence of stunted height was found among 21.8%. 5.8% children were suffering from Vitamin’ A’ deficiency, 15.0% were suffering from Vitamin B deficiency, and 15.8% were found to be anemic.Conclusions:The prevalence of underweight, Nutritional deficiencies were found to be significantly higher in children of illiterate parents’ and similarly in unskilled worker fathers’ and unemployed mothers.

Short term memory in obese and non-obese female school children

Background: Obesity affects some vital parts of the brain such as pre-frontal cortex (responsible for short-term memory), hippocampus (responsible for long-term memory) frontal and temporal lobes (required for planning and memory) it damages the tissues of the brain to such an extent that a very less proportion of brain is available for retention of memory. Aim and Objectives: To find out the short-term memory status by visual tasks in obese and non-obese female school children of urban areas. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 subjects in the age group of 9-15 years were taken from the various schools in Kurnool. Among them, 13 subjects are obese (as cases), and 17 subjects are non-obese children (as controls) for this study. The following tests of short-term memory were conducted which are sub tests of Test of Memory and Learning and Weschler’s intelligence scales for children. Visual tasks include the following tests; (1) Alphabetical (letter span) test, (2) numerical (digit span) test, (3) word memorization test, and (4) object recall test. Results: Nonobese children are having a better overall short-term memory than the obese children and also performed better in all the individual visual tasks memory tests. Conclusion: Obesity affects short-term memory in female school children.

The Correlation Between Dietary Habits and Dental Hygiene Practice with Dental Caries Among School Children at Urban Area in Semarang

&lt;p&gt;Dental caries is a major cause of tooth loss in children and young adults. Dental caries have been linked to the situation of underprivileged families, nutritional imbalance, and poor oral hygiene techniques, including lack of tooth brushing or flossing the teeth, and also have a genetic etiology. Dietary habits and dental hygiene practice can result in high caries in school children. This research aimed to reveal the correlation between dietary habits and dental hygiene practice with dental caries among school children in urban area of Semarang. The subjects of this research are the elementary student 7 – 9 years old enrolled in schools located in at urban area in Semarang in 2016 and the mother of a student who became the study sample. Data were statisically analyzed usingbivariate analysis and multivariate analysis. Based on the research result, it can be concluded that: there was no correlation between total carbohydrate intake, refined carbohydrate intake, fiber intake, dental hygiene practice with dental caries, bottle feeding and duration of bottle feeding were assosiated with dental cariest-score. Overall, def-t score in the study was very bad with high median of dental caries score and many children have dental caries t-score more than 6.&lt;/p&gt;

Urban and rural disparity in tobacco use and knowledge about oral cancer among adolescents: An epidemiological survey on 12 and 15-year school going students.

Aims and Objectives:To assess and compare the tobacco use prevalence; to understand and compare attitudes and knowledge related to tobacco use and its health impact among urban and rural students; and to assess urban and rural disparity in the use of tobacco among 12 and 15-year-old adolescents in the urban and rural schools in Chhattisgarh, India.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 12 and 15-year-old and urban and rural school going children in Durg District. Scientifically, based on the data obtained from the pilot study, sample size was calculated. A total of 1000 children were selected to be a part of the study and were interviewed face-to-face using a detailed pretested, close-ended questionnaire. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16.0 (SPSS Pvt. Ltd, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for the statistical analyses.Results:Prevalence of tobacco consumption was 48.8%. Males were involved predominantly in consuming tobacco. The knowledge and attitude was better in the school children of urban areas than the school children of rural areas; more of the urban school children were involved in smoking cigarette. Rural children outnumbered urban children in the smokeless tobacco consumption.Conclusion:Prevalence of tobacco consumption among school children remains high with a wide disparity among urban and rural children. There is an urgent need to have a rural orientation in the National Tobacco Control Program that is currently being developed by the Government of India and giving relevance to the youth.

Nutrition and health status of school children in urban area of Ahmedabad, India: Comparison with Indian Council of Medical Research and body mass index standards.

Background:Identifying the commonly prevailing health and nutritional disorders in school going children is essential to initiate appropriate public health measures.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional prospective study was designed to conduct a detail physical health assessment of children studying in class 1-8 (age- 5-13 years) of 31 schools of Ahmedabad city, India between December 2011 and February 2012. Under the school health program of state government, medical history, height, weight and general physical examination findings, including dental and ophthalmic examination were recorded by qualified medical practitioners. Children with abnormal results were further investigated and treated by the subject experts.Result:Total 28,256 children were screened (boys-15,087 and girls-13,169). Mean weight and height of the children were 27.04 kg and 128.81 cm, respectively. Analysis of nutritional status of the cohort population as compared to body mass index standards revealed that 8319 (29.44%) children were underweight while only 221 (0.78%) children were either overweight or obese. The subgroup analysis of basic nutrition indices in children revealed prevalence of significant malnutrition (based on Indian Council of Medical Research standards) in children below 10 years of age. Commonly prevailing health disorders included worm infestation (42%), upper respiratory tract infection (36.39%), anemia (30.99%) dental caries (25.19%) and refractory errors (10.2%).Conclusions:Malnutrition and related health disorders are commonly prevailing childhood diseases in the urban community and can effectively be addressed by appropriate public health program.

A Study on Assessment of Obesity among High School Children in Urban Area of Eluru, Andhra Pradesh

A Study on Assessment of Obesity among High School Children in Urban Area of Eluru, Andhra Pradesh

Impact of Health Education on the Knowledge and Practice Regarding Personal Hygiene among Primary School Children in Urban Area of Karnataka, India

Introduction: Poor personal hygiene, in combination with insanitary conditions and contaminated water, creates a serious public health threat to school children. Children are not conscious of personal hygiene at school level. For better knowledge health education is needed. Objective: To assess the change on knowledge and practice regarding personal hygiene among primary school children after educational interventions. Material and methods: Out of 7 schools Government Urdu Primary School was selected by Simple Random Sampling. All of students of grade 3 rd , 4 th and 5 th were included. Baseline and end line survey was done in February and September 2013.Health education sessions were conducted once a week for six weeks. Paired t test, Mc Nemar test and proportions were calculated. Ethical clearance and informed consent was obtained. Results: The mean knowledge score of personal hygiene increased from 51.55 to 75.46 which was statistically significant at paired t 13.01, df 19 and p<0.01. The mean practice score of personal hygiene increased from 44.19 to 69.22 which was statistically significant at paired t 7.26, df 8 and p<0.01. Conclusion: There is need of proper health education intervention through framework of schools to the school children, for improvement regarding personal hygiene among them, throughout the nation.