School Going Children In India Research Articles

Do parental resources reduce the gender gap in math for primary school-going children? Evidence from India

ABSTRACT While a large body of evidence suggests that gender inequality in access to primary education has reduced significantly in India, there has been relatively little research on gender gap in learning outcomes, particularly math scores. Using a nationally representative household dataset, this study examines the role of parental resources in explaining gender gap in math scores for primary school-going children in India. We find that male children have significantly higher math scores than their female counterparts. However, this difference decreases with the increase in parental education and household assets. We also find that family investment in education explains a large part of gender gap in math. Overall, our findings provide a new understanding of gender gap in math scores in India. It has important policy implications for minimising gender gap in academic achievement to make school education more gender-inclusive.

Correlation between Nutritional Status and Dental Caries in 3–18-year-old Indian School-going Children: A Cross-sectional Study

Correlation between Nutritional Status and Dental Caries in 3–18-year-old Indian School-going Children: A Cross-sectional Study

English

BACKGROUND Abdominal pain is a common disorder in children and adolescents worldwide with prevalence rate ranging from 20 - 25 % in school-going children in India. It is a frustrating concern to the child, parents and the physician. Even though abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints in children, it poses a diagnostic challenge owing to the variety of underlying causes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the aetiology of abdominal pain associated with significant mesenteric lymphadenopathy in a paediatric population. METHODS This is a hospital based prospective, observational study done in Department of Paediatrics, Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences (MRIMS), Hyderabad. RESULTS Out of the 65 children studied, 30.8 % were of 5 - 8 years age group, 36.9 % were 9 - 12 years age group and 32.3 % were 13 - 15 years age group. In our study, we found 50.8 % were boys and 49.2 % were girls. 20 % of them were having fever, 16.9 % were having cough, 16.9 % were having diarrhoea, 13.8 % were having sore throat, 16.9 % dysuria, and 15.4 % were having constipation. All patients in our study group underwent ultrasound of abdomen. All cases were having significant mesenteric lymphadenopathy (more than 5 mm in short axis with three or more number of lymph nodes). In 53.8 % cases, etiological agent for the mesenteric lymphadenopathy was not proved with our investigations. In the remaining 46.2 % of children, cause of mesenteric lymphadenopathy was proved and 38.5 % were bacterial infections, 6.2 % were viral infections and 1.5 % were parasitic infections. CONCLUSIONS It is important to recognise mesenteric lymphadenitis as a clinical entity in paediatric cases presenting with abdominal pain. They should be evaluated for an etiological agent and if no proven source of infection and etiological agent is found, it can be considered as functional abdominal pain. If we are able to get a proper etiological diagnosis in these cases, we could treat them and we could make huge difference in terms of quality of life. KEYWORDS Abdominal Pain, Mesenteric Lymphadenitis, Ultrasound, Significant Mesenteric Lymphadenopathy

Assessment of Breakfast Consumption on Nutritional Adequacy among School-going Children in India

Background: Children of school going age constitute a highly vulnerable and important group. During their growing period, all the nutrients should be included in their diet. Breakfast provides important nutrients for growing children. Skipping breakfast among school children is erratic. Therefore, the study was undertaken to assess the role of breakfast consumption affecting nutritional adequacy among schoolchildren. Methods: During the period 2015-2016, total of 200 school children in the age group of 10-12 years studying in government and private schools of North Bengaluru, Karnataka were selected through random sampling techniques. The breakfast consumption pattern was assessed using questionnaire. Dietary intake in terms of food and nutrients was assessed through 24 hours recall method. To measure adequacy of nutrient consumption, the obtained data was compared with recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for specific age group. Result: Gender wise segregation revealed that 109 were boys (54.5%) and 91 were girls (45.5%). The breakfast skipping was found more in the children of government school compared to private school (73% vs. 37%). When compared with the breakfast consumers, skippers had lower mean intake of all the nutrients studied. Similar results were observed among girls as in boys. The study provided new information on specific meal pattern i.e., breakfast that may be potential determinant of dietary adequacy and dietary quality.

Increasing Time in Outdoor Environment Could Counteract the Rising Prevalence of Myopia in Indian School-Going Children

Increasing Time in Outdoor Environment Could Counteract the Rising Prevalence of Myopia in Indian School-Going Children

Prevalance of Overweight and Obesity among School Going Children in India - A Narrative Review of Literature

Back ground: Childhood obesity is a common concern to all developed and developing countries. Most ofthe children who are obese continue to be obese in adulthood. With the increasing rates of non communicabledisease striking the general population one of the most common culprits who out stand as a contributingfactor is obesity.Methods: A review of literature on prevalence of childhood obesity in India from 2015 January to 2019December was done using different database strategies such as Google scholar and Pub med.Results: The study findings show in summary the prevalence of obesity in different parts of country.However studies are heterogeneous and hence pooled data was not obtained. Further almost all studiesidentified were school based and age group kept varying in between 5-19 years.Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight and obesity showed an increasing trend in India in comparisonto data collected before 2010 and after 2010.

Correlational Study to Assess the Musculoskeletal Quandry with the Bag Carried by Children Studying at Selected School of Pune

Introduction and objective: The prevalence rate of musculoskeletal pain among Indian school-goingchildren is 55% to 85% in between and the recommended weight is given to school children should beless than 10% of the body weight but children carry bag weight on the body i.e. 15% of the body weight.Hence the main objective of this study was to correlate the weight of the student with bag weight andmusculoskeletal quandry. Methodology: Quantitative approach with non-experimental correlational designused in this study to assess the musculoskeletal quandry with the bag carried by children studying at selectedschool of Pune”. Musculoskeletal pain was assessed with the help of standardized tool which was Modifiedcornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire, Wongs baker pain rating scale. 200 school children wereselected by using Non-probability convenient sampling technique. In this study the data was analysed usingPearson coefficient correlation test, and Fishers’ exact test. Result: The following observation were madefrom the study. The p-values for this test were large for these parameters, which is evident that though thereis a negative correlation of weight of students with Pain frequency (0.490), Discomfort (0.422), Interference(0.432), and Pain (0.486), the correlation is not significant Pearson’s correlation coefficient between theweight of school children and bag weight was 0.12 which is positive. Fisher’s exact test was applied to findthe association and the result shows that the p-value is less than 0.05 it indicates that there is a significantassociation with the musculoskeletal quandry. Conclusion: Hence, the significance of this study indicates ofevidence for the null hypothesis and analysis and results show that there is a negative correlation betweenthe weight of the student with the bag weight.

A qualitative study on dietary habits and nutritional awareness among school children

Introduction: Though poorly documented, older school going children in India are also subject to malnutrition. Children in this age group especially require increased proteins and micronutrients during their growth spurt. Research on their nutritional behaviour and dietary habits is scanty. Objective: To understand knowledge regarding nutrition and dietary habits among secondary school children with the use of qualitative research methods. Materials and Methods: This study involving students of 8th to 10th grades in a school in Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh was done in November 2017. Focus group discussions were conducted by grade and gender. Information obtained was triangulated by key informant interviews (local paediatrician, school teacher) and literature search. The sessions were recorded and transcribed diligently. Emerging themes were identified about knowledge and behaviour. Results: The themes identified were – Knowledge about specific nutrients and balanced diet, Role of diet in preventing disease, Food preferences among school children, Misconceptions about foods, Gender differences in dietary habits, Influence of junk food, Body image and exercise. Knowledge obtained from school curriculum was limited and children were influenced more by cues from family and media. According to one ninth grader “Brown rice is healthy but not at all tasty”. Another boy said “Junk food sometimes gives me a stomach upset, but it is too good to give up” Conclusion: Qualitative research gives an in-depth picture of issues which are difficult to capture. While school children have some insights into nutrition, there are lacunae. A more informative school curriculum would prevent the development of wrong attitudes in children. Keywords: Qualitative, School children, Nutritional awareness, Dietary habits.

Tooth erosion and its relationship with dietary habits in 6-18 year old schoolchildren in bangalore-A cross sectional study

Introduction: Dental erosion is the most common chronic disease in both children and adolescents. It is a progressive, irreversible loss of dental hard tissues by a chemical process. There is a limited literature with regard to the prevalence of dental erosion in school-going children in India. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and severity of dental erosion in school-going children in Bangalore. Aims: To assess tooth erosion and its relationship with dietary habits in 6–18-year-old schoolchildren. Methods and Materials: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangalore, India. A sample of 1000 schoolchildren, aged 6–18 years answered questionnaire containing information about dietary habits, gastric disorders, and oral hygiene and dental erosion was recorded using Modified O'Brien index. Results: Of the 1000 participants, 77 (7.7%) had erosive tooth wear. Frequent consumption of soft drinks and citrus fruit intake were strongly associated with dental erosion (P = 0.001). The posterior surface (5%) was most commonly affected by erosive lesions and milk was considered to be a protective indicator for erosion (P = 0.001). Conclusions: The findings give an inference that a low prevalence on dental erosion but a significant relation exists between diet and dental erosion and there is a need for enhancing awareness about dental erosion among the schoolchildren, their parents and should be recognized and treated early.

Predictors of Pre-operative Anxiety in Indian Children.

To identify the predictors of pre-operative anxiety in school-going children in India. A prospective observational study was done at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Children aged 7-12 y scheduled for elective surgery and their parents were enrolled. Pre-operative anxiety in children and parents was assessed using STAI-C and STAI-P questionnaires respectively. The child's anxiety in pre-op room, at the time of parental separation and induction of anesthesia were assessed using m-YPAS scale. Possible predictors of anxiety under 'individual', 'social' and 'healthcare' domains were analyzed using logistic regression. The quality of mask induction of anesthesia was assessed using Induction Compliance Checklist. Sixty children completed the study successfully. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicted mYPAS score ≥ 30 (observed score) to identify children with high anxiety as identified by STAI-C ≥37 (self-reported score). The incidence of high anxiety escalated from pre-operative time (48%) to the time of parental separation (72%) and increased further at anesthetic induction (95%). Parental anxiety (p = 0.03) and socioeconomic background (p = 0.03) were significant predictors of the child's pre-operative anxiety. The presence of >4 people at induction (p = 0.002), but not pre-operative anxiety, was found significantly more in children with poor quality of mask induction. The incidence of peri-operative anxiety in Indian children is significant. Parental anxiety and socioeconomic background were found significant predictors of high pre-operative anxiety in our set-up.

Interrelation between birth weight, body mass index, insulin resistance, C-Reactive Protein-hs, adiponectin and leptin in children (Age 10 to 20 years)

Background: India is projected to have one of the largest populations of obese children over the next decade. Birth weight reflects maternal nutrition and fetal programming which may be a leading cause of obesity. Adipokines also play an important role in development of obesity, inflammation and insulin resistance. The aim of this study is to evaluate serum adiponectin, leptin in Indian school-going children in the age group of 10–20 years. This study also describes distribution of adipokines concentrations and examines the inter-relationship of adipokines with birth weight, body mass index (BMI), C - reactive protein high sensitive (CRP-hs), and insulin resistance (IR). Methods: A cross-sectional study involves a total of 200 school going children between the age group of 10-20 yrs. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, adiponectin, leptin, CRP-hs, were measured for the school going children and birth weight was recorded.BMI was defined as weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model (HOMA-IR). Results: Children with higher BMI had higher birth weight and insulin. Obese children had lower adiponectin and higher leptin levels suggestive of an inverse association with adipokines. Children with higher BMI had lower glucose. Conclusion: Leptinan indicator of fat mass induces insulin resistance and inflammation. The derangement observed in all related parameters including insulin resistance, leptin, adiponectin and CRP-hs were due to high fat mass. However, the relationship of birth weight and adipokines needs further evaluation.

Acquisition of computer literacy skills through self-organizing systems of learning among children in Bhutan and India

This article describes a study under the Reaching the Unreached component of the Chiphen Rigpel project between the governments of Bhutan and India. This initiative is an attempt to provide computer literacy to children of Bhutan through setting up “hole in the wall” (HiWEL) Playground Learning Station(s) (PLSs). The study described here involves 14 sites (the experimental group), where PLSs are installed, and another 8 sites (the control group) without PLSs, but having similar demographic and socioeconomic profiling as the experimental group. This article compares the acquisition of computer literacy of school-going children in India with those in Bhutan. Results indicate that Bhutanese children have acquired computer literacy on their own and that their level of computer skills acquisition is similar to that of Indian children when the scores are normalized. This study was done over a one-year period, with results reported for eight months. In addition to verifying the earlier Indian results, this article hints at the fact that, irrespective of ethnicity, culture, and country, an identical—and possibly universal—self-organized learning mechanism seems to work with children vis-à-vis the Internet.

Six minutes walk test outcome measures in children

Background: There are limited numbers of studies on 6 MWT in school going children in India. Objectives were to know gender wise outcome measurements for 6 MWT and its correlation with various anthropometric parameters, to make comparison of results between children of various socio-economic groups. Methods: After a randomized selection of schools a total of 500 children belonging to different socioeconomic status and studying in Government and Private Schools aged between 7-12 years were enrolled in the study. At the start, anthropometric measurements and baseline parameters like HR, BP, SPO2, PEFR, level of dyspnea were recorded and then children were made to walk for 6 minutes. After the walk changes in these parameters were taken as outcome measures.Results: The Mean distance walked in 6 minute was 609 ± 166 m. Boys covered more distance than girls. Heart rate increased from a baseline of 82.73 ± 1.63 to a maximum of 104.32 ± 3.11; heart rate recovery occurred (>90%) at 5 min in both the genders. SBP (systolic blood pressure) increased from baseline 109 ± 2.38 to maximum of 121.86 ± 1.75 at the end of the test, with no significant increase in DBP. The 6 minute walk distance correlated well with higher level of dyspnea. No significant change in oxygen saturation was observed during the test.Conclusions: The study provides data on normal values of 6MWT in healthy children, which may help to evaluate functional capacity and thus predict the morbidity risk in future and to know the effects of therapeutic interventions in the diseased children.

Assessment of Dental Caries Spectrum among 11 to 14-Year-Old School Going Children in India.

The quantification of dental caries is usually done by DMFT index but efforts are being made to find an alternative. Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) is a recent, innovative caries assessment tool which can be used in epidemiological surveys. To assess dental caries using CAST index among 11-14-year-old school children in Rohtak city, Haryana, India. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 11-14-year-old children in schools of Rohtak City using multi stage cluster sampling technique. Rohtak city was divided in to nine clusters. In the 2nd stage, one school was randomly selected from each cluster with lottery method. Finally from each selected school, every odd roll number child between age group 11-14 years, were enrolled to reach a sample of 586. Caries was recorded using the CAST index. Each child was clinically examined by a trained examiner using CAST index. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done and Chi-square test was used to find association between caries prevalence and gender. Mann-Whitney U test was used to find any difference of mean DMFT between different age groups. A total of 586 children were examined. Prevalence of dental caries was 28.6%. Highest caries was observed in lower right first molar and lower left first molar (13.8% and 11.6%) respectively. Pulpal involvement in lower molars was found more than the upper molars. CAST index presents a simple hierarchical structure of caries spectrum and is a promising index for epidemiological studies with complex quantifiability.

A study on different forms of intelligence in Indian school-going children.

Introduction:Most definitions of intelligence focus on capabilities that are relevant to scholastic performances. However, there are seven forms of intelligences. There is a lack of data on multiple intelligences in Indian children. Hence, this study was conducted to assess different forms of intelligences in students and compared these diverse intelligences with intelligence quotient (IQ) scores.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional observational study, we recruited 1065 school children between the age of 12 and 16 years from two government and 13 private schools in five towns, six cities, and two villages across India. All the children were administered multiple intelligences questionnaire by Armstrong, consisting of thirty true/false types of questions to assess the intelligences of a child in seven domains including linguistic skills, logical/mathematical abilities, musical skills, spatial intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic skills, intrapersonal intelligence, and interpersonal intelligence. IQ scores were assessed by Ravens Standard Progressive Matrices.Results:We found that different students possessed different forms of intelligences and most students had more than one forms of intelligence. Of seven forms of intelligence, only three forms of intelligence such as logical/mathematical, musical, and spatial were positively correlated with the IQ score.Conclusions:Even in the children with low IQ, many students had other forms of intelligences. The IQ scores correlated with only logical/mathematical, spatial, and musical intelligence. Hence, tapping the intelligences of students can help enhance their learning process. Our curriculum should have an amalgamation of teaching for all kinds of intelligences for maximum productivity.

Assessment and Management of Learning Disability: A Case Report

The performance of school going students is determined by gamut of factors. The traditional view that intelligence is the most potent factor which determines academic performance has been challenged based on research and clinical work. The performance of the school going students is significantly effected by emotional and other non-cognitive factors. These non-cognitive factors include persistence of negative psychological states like depression, anger, excessive anxiety etc. Learning disability is also one of the factors which impairs academic performance of the school going students. The term “learning disability” has emerged from the need to identify and serve the children who continuously fail at school, yet are not intellectually disabled. In 1905, Witmer's case of child with larding problems gave impetus to the discipline of clinical psychology. There has been less focus on learning disability in school going children in India. The school teachers and administrators are less sensitive to these issues in students. Over the last few years, however, there has been an increase awareness of these important issues in schools and other academic set ups. The current paper will highlight the nature of learning disability, its assessment and interventions to work with students with these issues. The paper highlights the importance of trained special educators, mental health counselors and other similar professionals who can work in school set up to help school going children manage learning disability and similar issues. It has implications such students’ academic and emotional well-being.

Caregiver Burden in Learning Disability

Developmental Disorders interrupt normal development in childhood and involve significant handicaps, with onset before 18 years, which affect adaptive, self-help, cognitive and/or social skills. One of the most commonly occurring developmental disorders in normal school going children in India is Specific Learning Disability (3 % to 10%, Arun et al.,2013). The essential feature of Learning Disabilities is the presence of average to above average intelligence with large discrepancies between their abilities and specific areas of difficulty (DSM IV-TR, 2000). Parents play a crucial role in facilitating and maintaining gains in children with developmental disorders. Managing developmental disorders in children affects various aspects of the wellbeing of parents- the primary caregivers. This study focuses on the Quality of Life and Parenting Stress among parents whose children have Learning Disabilities. One hundred parents whose children were diagnosed with Learning Disability were involved in this study. The tools used were the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (1996) and the Parenting Stress Scale by Judy. O. Berry (1995). Comparison with 100 parents whose children were normal was also studied and significant results were obtained. Gender differences in the experience of Quality of Life and Parenting Stress among parents whose children were diagnosed with Learning Disability was also seen. The study also explored the relationship between the Quality of Life and Parenting Stress experienced by parents whose children have Learning Disability. The relationship between the Quality of Life and Parenting Stress experienced by parents whose children are normal was also studied. The results of this study highlight the importance of integrating parental counselling and psycho-education for the effective management of Specific Learning Disability.

Prevalence of Obesity and Its Associated Complications Among Suburban School Children of Navi Mumbai, India

Childhood obesity is a complex, multifactorial, challenging problem that has been escalating at an alarming rate in the western world and also paradoxically in the developing nations like India, due to changes in lifestyle and physical activity attributed to the phenomena of westernization and rapid urbanization. To determine anthropometric measurements of school-going children and estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among them. To assess the dietary habits, lifestyle patterns and prevalence of associated complications in obese children. Cross sectional study. Tertiary care centre. Students from government school in the age group of 5 to 15 years. The anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, dietary history, duration of physical activity, and TV viewing were recorded on a predesigned proforma. Blood investigations were done in overweight and obese children. Prevalence of obesity and associated complications. Prevalence of obesity is 9.3% with male predominance. Prevalence of obesity was higher as per waist hip ratio (WHR) as compared to body mass index (BMI) with strong correlation between WHR and BMI for the measurement of obesity. Obese children had a higher caloric intake, a heavy dinner, and more junk food. No significant association between the duration of physical activity and obesity. Obese children viewed TV for longer periods. Fasting RBS did not have a significant association with obesity, however fasting serum insulin levels may be a more reliable marker. Lipid profile seemed to be significantly deranged in obese and overweight children. Subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with obesity in 10.6% of obese children. CRP was non-reactive in all the children who were obese. Obesity is prevalent in school going children in India. Obese children had a higher caloric intake and sedentary life style. There is increased association of obesity with dyslipidemia and subclinical hypothyroidism.

The effects of regular consumption of a multiple micronutrient fortified milk beverage on the micronutrient status of school children and on their mental and physical performance

Multiple micronutrient deficiencies exist in school going children in India and bridging the gap between nutrient intake and requirements is an effective way to combat the deficiencies. This study aimed to test the effect of a multi-micronutrient fortified malt and cocoa based milk beverage on the micronutrient status, cognition, physical performance and nutritional deficiencies of 7-10 years old south Indian children. A randomized, double blind placebo controlled study design was used with normal healthy children from low to middle income families, aged 7-10 years randomly assigned to receive either a multi-micronutrient fortified or an unfortified milk based control drink. The drinks were provided 6 days/week for 5 months. Assessments included anthropometry, blood biochemistry, physical performance and cognition at baseline and endline. The baseline characteristics of the study groups were similar. The changes in body weight and height were similar between the groups at the end of the study. Levels of vitamin B12, red cell folate and vitamin B2 significantly improved in the intervention group, while vitamin D, selenium and body iron showed no difference. The Hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin levels of the control group decreased at endline, while those in the intervention group maintained their levels. The serum transferrin receptor levels increased in both the groups. The prevalence of iron deficiency and Vitamin B2 deficiency were significantly lower in the intervention group at endline. Overall improvement in cognitive and physical performance was seen in both the groups at endline, with no significant differences between the groups. The micronutrient fortified milk based drink was efficacious in improving the micronutrient status of Vitamin B2, Vitamin B12 and red cell folate and in preventing a decline in Hb level compared to an unfortified milk based drink. It also reduced anemia and the risk of deficiencies of iron, and B12, in apparently healthy children. ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT01415557. Clinical Trial RegistryIndia - REF/2012/12/004332.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of tobacco use and its impact on oral health status of 12 and 15 year-old school children of Chhattisgarh, India.

Tobacco is a leading preventable cause of deaths worldwide; the situation is particularly serious in the developing countries. Tobacco use amongst the children and adolescents is already a pandemic and they are vulnerable targets of tobacco industry. This is also the case in India. 1) Document and monitor the prevalence of tobacco use including smoked, smokeless and other forms of tobacco; 2) Understand studentknowledge and attitudes related to tobacco use and its health impact; 3) Assess the impact of tobacco on the oral health status of school-going children in India. The sample was 1,500 school children of the age group 12-15 years age. A pretested, close ended questionnaire was administered in the form of extensive face to face interview to understand student knowledge, attitudes and behavior related to tobacco use and its health impact and to assess the prevalence of tobacco use including smoked, smokeless and other forms of tobacco. Oral health status was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Frequency distribution, Chi-square tests and Odd's ratio was calculated. Prevalence of tobacco usage amongst the prevalence was 20.4%: 9.2% reported smoking, 15.8% used tobacco in the chewable form and 25.3% children were involved in consuming betel nut/areca nuts. The OR (Odd's ratio) for calculus formation was highest for guthka chewers (OR=14.322), paan masala chewers had the highest odds of developing bleeding on probing when compared to the others. There is an urgent need to launch school-based tobacco prevention programs for community awareness of children and the public, as preventing the initiation of a habit is far easier than stopping it.