School Health Education Programs Research Articles

Level of Students' Knowledge about Pulmonary TB in Elementary Schools X

Tuberculosis (TB) in children is an infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis with symptoms such as prolonged coughing, chest pain, and weight loss, which can interfere with children's health and growth. In terms of education, infected children often have to be absent from school to undergo treatment, which can cause learning delays and academic difficulties. Therefore, it is very important for elementary school children to know about pulmonary TB disease. This study aims to assess elementary school students' knowledge about tuberculosis (TB) and describe the demographic characteristics of the respondents. This type of research is descriptive. The research location is at Elementary School Sampling was carried out using a systematic sampling technique. The data collection instrument is a questionnaire. The results showed that the majority of respondents were aged 10–12 years (80.0%) and a small proportion were aged 6–9 years only (20.0%), the female gender was more numerous, namely (70.0%), while the male gender -men only (30.0%). Analysis of knowledge about TB shows that half of the respondents (50.0%) have poor knowledge, and only (12.5%) have good knowledge. It can be concluded that there is a need for more effective health education programs in schools to increase knowledge about TB among students, so as to reduce the risk of transmission and increase health awareness in the community.

Oral health status and factors associated with oral health of primary school children in Gulu district, northern Uganda

BackgroundGlobally, oral diseases remain a major public health problem. However, there is limited information about the oral health status and factors associated with oral disease among children in Uganda. The aim of this study was to examine the oral health status and factors associated with oral health of primary school children in urban and rural areas of the Gulu district of northern Uganda.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 356 school children aged 11–13 years attending six schools located in urban and rural areas. The children received a clinical oral examination and participated in a questionnaire survey that collected information on sociodemographic and oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices. All data were entered and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp statistical software. Logistic regression analyses examined factors associated with dental caries and gingival bleeding.ResultsOf the 356 children (11–13 years) included, the mean age was 12.2 years, 140 (39.3%) were male and 176 (49.4%) were from urban areas. The proportion of school children with dental caries was 33.6% (n = 119), with the mean decayed, missing due to caries, and filled teeth (DMFT) index of 0.81 (25th percentile = 0; 75th percentile = 1.00). There was no significant difference in caries prevalence between rural and urban children (31.6% versus 35.6%, p = 0.33). Of the children involved in the study, 141(39.8%) had gum bleeding. The mean oral knowledge score was 2.85 ± 1.53 (range, 0–7), while the mean attitude, hygiene practice, frequency of sweets consumption, and oral health related impact scores were 4.25 ± 1.23 (range, 1–6), 5.40 ± 1.81 (range, 0–9), 25.66 ± 4.29 (range 9–54) and 2.1 ± 1.65 (range, 0–6), respectively. Using logistic regression analyses, as oral health knowledge score increased the odds of not having dental caries increased (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.02–1.39).ConclusionThe prevalence of dental caries and gum bleeding of primary school children in Gulu district is high. Children lacked knowledge on causes of oral disease, and behaviour towards oral disease prevention. In addition, oral health knowledge scores were significantly associated with dental caries. Oral health education programs in schools should emphasise providing skills-based education.

Factors Associated with Homosexual Adolescents in South Korea

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to homosexual adolescents in South Korea. Methods: Using statistics from the 12th (2016) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, hierarchical logistic regression analysis was conducted. The study sample comprised 65,528 middle and high school students aged 12 to 18 years. Results: The significant predictors of homosexual intercourse were gender, attempted suicide, bullying at school experience, ever drinking, ever smoking, habitual or purposeful drug use, cohabitation with family, weekly allowance, and mother’s education levels. Conclusions: The results suggest that gender-related interventions should be considered in school health education programs and that sexual health interventions for high-risk groups may be needed, given the factors predicting homosexual intercourse.

The methodology of health education programs in schools—Qualitative study

ObjectiveTo assess strengths and weaknesses of the methodology of health education programs, carried out in the period 2010–2020, in schools in Serbia. DesignQualitative study, a thematic analysis approach. SiteRepresentatives of Public Health institutions, Serbian biggest nongovernmental organization, Youth organization, Ministry of education and municipality. ParticipantsNine professionals working in the field of Public Health and Health education. MethodFocus group gathered nine health and non-health professionals in 2022 year. Focus group was recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed by three research team members. A coding template evolved through the analysis, providing the expansion of key concepts. Themes were, one by one, extracted, encoded, classified as the smallest units and interpretive, thematic analysis was applied. ResultsAlthough the Focus group in our study identified among other advantages, support of Health sector to Educational sector as crucial, it emphasized as well following weaknesses: Analyzed health education programs were implemented insufficiently as a separate process in schools, did not have the image of programs shared and integrated into community; Health education needs of schoolchildren, parents, and teachers should be examined prior the education implementation; Well-educated interdisciplinary educators have to be strengthened and supported; Parents participation is necessity; Standards and good practice guidelines are needed, and those developed through Health Promoting Schools program could be practiced. ConclusionIt is necessary to support cross-curricular competence, where health education should be integrated into all school subjects, and should go far beyond the school, grow into a culture of community life, which will interconnect all stakeholders in strong Public Health network.

Process evaluation of an mHealth-based school education program to reduce salt intake scaling up in China (EduSaltS): a mixed methods study using the RE-AIM framework

BackgroundAn mHealth-based school health education platform (EduSaltS) was promoted in real-world China to reduce salt intake among children and their families. This progress evaluation explores its implementation process and influencing factors using mixed methods.MethodsThe mixed-methods process evaluation employed the RE-AIM framework. Quantitative data were collected from a management website monitoring 54,435 third-grade students across two cities. Questionnaire surveys (n = 27,542) assessed pre- and post-education effectiveness. Mixed-effects models were used to control cluster effects. Qualitative interviews (23 individuals and 8 focus groups) identified program performance, facilitators, and barriers. Findings were triangulated using the RE-AIM framework.ResultsThe program achieved 100% participation among all the third-grade classes of the 208 invited primary schools, with a 97.7% registration rate among all the 54,435 families, indicating high "Reach." Qualitative interviews revealed positive engagement from children and parents through the "small hands leading big hands" strategy. The high completion rate of 84.9% for each health cloud lesson and the significant improvement in salt reduction knowledge and behaviors scores from 75.0 (95%CI: 74.7–75.3) to 80.9 (95%CI: 80.6–81.2) out of 100 demonstrated the "Effect" of EduSaltS. The program's "Adoption" and "Implementation" were supported by attractive materials, reduced workload via auto-delivered lessons/activities and performance evaluation, and high fidelity to recommended activities, with medians 3.0 (IQR: 2.0–8.0)/class and 9.0 (IQR: 5.0–14.0)/school. Stable course completion rates (79.4%-93.4%) over one year indicated promising "Maintenance." Apart from the facilitating features praised by the interviewees, government support was the basis for the scaling up of EduSaltS. Barriers included the lack of smartphone skills among some parents and competing priorities for schools. Unhealthy off-campus environments, such as excessive use of salt in pre-packaged and restaurant foods, also hindered salt reduction efforts. The program's scalability was evident through its integration into existing health education, engagement of local governments and adaptation across various mobile devices.ConclusionsThe mHealth-based school health education program is scalable and effective for public salt reduction in China. Identified barriers and facilitators can inform future health program scale-ups. The program's successful implementation demonstrates its potential for broader application in public health initiatives aimed at reducing dietary salt intake.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INVOLUNTARY ABSENTEEISM AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ALEBTONG DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY .

Background Involuntary student absenteeism in secondary schools is when students have to miss school due to unavoidable circumstances and cannot attend school regularly, despite there being hardship associated with it. The study aims to assess the relationship between involuntary absenteeism and the academic performance of students in secondary schools in the Alebtong district. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted where quantitative data was collected.A sample size of 115 respondents which included 87 students in candidate class (s.4), 24 teachers, and 4 members of the Board of Governors. Results There was also a negative correlation between involuntary absenteeism and academic performance (-0.323**)., there is a decrease of 0.390 units in academic performance. This coefficient is also statistically significant (p < 0.001), indicating that involuntary absenteeism has a negative association with academic performance. The R-squared value of 0.630 suggests that 63% of the variation in academic performance can be accounted for by involuntary absenteeism. On student illnesses, this factor was perceived to have a high impact on involuntary absenteeism and academic performance. The mean response was 4.2 suggesting that respondents disagreed that students often fall ill and get hospitalized, resulting in missed lessons, exams, and assignments. This indicates that respondents believed student illnesses significantly affect academic performance. Conclusion Student illnesses, family emergencies, and inadequate resources have a high impact on involuntary absenteeism and academic performance in secondary schools in the Alebtong district. Heavy rainfall and flooding, teacher strikes, and natural disasters were perceived to have a lower impact. Recommendation Efforts should be made to address and mitigate student illnesses and chronic health conditions. This can include implementing health education programs in schools, providing access to healthcare facilities, and creating a supportive environment for students with health challenges.

Obesity and risk of hypertension in preadolescent urban school children: insights from Pakistan

BackgroundChildhood obesity and hypertension are growing concerns globally, especially in developing countries. This study investigated the association between overall and central obesity at baseline, and prehypertension or hypertension at follow-up among preadolescent school children in urban Karachi, Pakistan.MethodsThis is a sub study with cohort design embedded within a feasibility trial on School Health Education Program in Pakistan (SHEPP) in preadolescents aged 6–11 years, attending two private schools conducted from 2017 to 2019. Hypertension or prehypertension at follow-up were the outcomes and obesity or central obesity at baseline were the exposure variables. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 95th percentile for age, sex, and height. Obesity was defined as body mass index for-age and sex ≥ 95th percentile, whereas central obesity was determined by waist circumference measurements ≥ 85th percentile of age, sex, and height specific cut-offs. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify risk factors for hypertension and prehypertension.ResultsAnalysis was conducted for 908 participants, evenly distributed with 454 boys and 454 girls. Hypertension was observed in 19.8% of the preadolescents, with rates of 18.5% in boys and 21.0% in girls. Prehypertension was found in 16.8% of preadolescents, with 18% among boys and 16% among girls. Additionally, 12.8% of preadolescents were classified as obese and 29.8% had central obesity. Obesity at baseline was associated with hypertension at followup (OR 8.7, 95% CI 3.5, 20.4) in the final model after adjusting for age, gender, physical activity, sedentary behavior, fruits, vegetable intake and hypertension at baseline. Central obesity at baseline also yielded high odds, with prehypertension (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4, 2.8) and hypertension (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.9, 3.9) at follow up in the final model.ConclusionThis study highlights a concerning prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension among preadolescent school-going children. Obesity and central obesity at baseline emerged as significant predictive factors for hypertension or prehypertension at followup within this cohort. The findings emphasize the urgency of implementing comprehensive school health education programs aimed at early detection and effective management of hypertension during childhood and adolescence in school settings.

Investigating Determinants Affecting the Adoption of Contemporary Contraceptive Methods: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Adolescent Utilization in the Nabdan District, Upper East Region, Ghana

Introduction: Promoting the use of contraception among adolescents is essential to improving their sexual and reproductive health. Teenage pregnancies are becoming more common, and the Nabdam area continues to have low rates of use of contemporary contraceptive methods. These facts highlight the urgent need to address the needs of adolescents concerning their sexual and reproductive health. This study aims to investigate the factors impacting the Upper East Region of Ghana's Nabdam District's adoption of contemporary contraceptive methods.
 Methods: 261 older teenage girls from the Nabdam district, ages 15 to 19, were included in the study, which used a quantitative technique and a descriptive cross-sectional design. Respondents were chosen using a multiphase sample technique, and data were collected over the course of 10 working days using a standardized survey form. STATA Version 14 was utilized for data analysis. A significance criterion of p < 0.05 was applied to bivariate and logistic regression models to investigate any correlations between independent factors and outcome variables.
 Results: 52.1% of respondents said they have had their first sexual experience before turning 20. The oldest stated age at first sex was 19 years old, while the youngest was 10 years old. Additionally, 97.8% of respondents reported learning about contemporary contraception via a variety of sources, such as peers, instructors, health professionals, and radio media. Even with this knowledge, 48.7% of respondents thought using a contraceptive technique would provide 100% protection against getting pregnant, while 73.6% of respondents had never used any kind of birth control. Age (p< 0.001), educational attainment (p< 0.001), marital status (p< 0.001), peer influence (p< 0.001), place of residence (p< 0.001), religious affiliation (p< 0.018), consent from a sexual partner (p< 0.001), positive attitudes from healthcare providers (p < 0.001), and the availability of contraceptives (p < 0.001) were discovered to be linked to the usage of modern contraceptives.
 Conclusion: Although a sizable percentage of respondents showed awareness of contemporary contraceptive methods, low modern contraceptive usage was significantly correlated with several factors, including age, marital status, educational attainment, peer influence, partner consent, and the unfavorable attitudes of healthcare professionals. To tackle this problem, a community-based strategy emphasizing the advancement of enabling elements and the removal of obstacles is required. The Ghana Health Service could enhance its School Health Education Program (SHEP) by increasing informational sessions, organizing theatrical productions and debates, and recruiting peer educators as invaluable resources to share experiences and instruct their peers on sexuality, reproductive health issues, and the use of modern contraceptives

Assessing Oral Health Literacy Levels among Children and Caregivers, Evaluating the Effectiveness of Oral Health Education Programs in Schools and Community Settings, and Identifying Areas for Improvement

Abstract Background: Oral health literacy among children and caregivers is crucial for promoting preventive dental care and reducing oral diseases. Effective oral health education programs play a vital role in enhancing oral health literacy and behaviors. Objective: This study aims to assess oral health literacy levels among children and caregivers, evaluate the effectiveness of oral health education programs in school and community settings, and identify areas for program improvement. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 500 participants including children aged 6–12 years and their caregivers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and program evaluation forms to assess knowledge, awareness, and program satisfaction. Results: Findings indicate varying levels of oral health literacy among children, with older children demonstrating higher knowledge and awareness compared to younger counterparts. The oral health education program received high satisfaction ratings, particularly for educational materials and interactive sessions, though areas for improvement such as practical demonstrations and parental involvement were identified. Conclusion: Effective oral health education programs are essential for improving oral health literacy among children and caregivers. Tailored educational strategies, enhanced practical demonstrations, and increased parental engagement are recommended to optimize program effectiveness and promote lifelong oral health behaviors.

Process evaluation of the Greek nationwide school health education program

Abstract Background Schools can play a significant role in promoting health of the school community. Process evaluation is always needed to gain valuable insights on how next health promotion interventions could be improved. In Greece, the first effort to organize health education interventions in the schools at national level, was in 2019 by the Ministry of Health. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the process of a national school health education program in Greece. Methods The health education interventions took place during school year 2019-2020. They included the following themes: oral health, healthy eating, mental health, sexual health, bullying, and online safety. Multidisciplinary teams co-developed all health education material. A representative sample of teachers and health professionals filled in the structured questionnaires developed for the current study, after their informed consent. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS statistical software (version 22.0). Results Most teachers evaluated as excellent (83.6%) the cooperation with the school principal and the health education coordinator (77.6%), while the general satisfaction from the intervention was evaluated as excellent by 69.8% of them. In addition, most of the health professionals (90.7%) perceived as excellent the cooperation with the health education coordinator and the other health professionals (86.3%) as well as the cooperation with the school principal (87%). Conclusions Even though this was the first effort in Greece to organize school health education interventions at a national level, the results of the process evaluation have been positive. Therefore, the Greek Ministry of Health has adopted this program which is implemented until today. Key messages • Process evaluation of school health education interventions is important to improve future initiatives. • Centrally organized school health education interventions may be the key for their success.

Exploring the evolution of physical education and school health research: A bibliometric analysis

Physical education and school health have received more attention in recent years due to the growing concern over sedentary lifestyles and the rising prevalence of obesity and other health problems among children and adolescents. As a result, there has been an increase in the study on this topic, making it crucial to assess publishing trends and identify critical areas of concentration. This study aimed to map the school physical education and health literature between 2013 and 2022. VOSviewer was used to analyse 1,427 article documents. This study indicated that 2019 was the peak year for publications, with 183 documents. This result signifies increased interest and investment in this field’s study. This publication’s rise implies that researchers, institutions, and funding agencies prioritise physical education and school health research to encourage healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases in children and adolescents. The subject area “Medicine” was the most focused on physical education and school health studies, with 1,229 documents. The BMC Public Health journal published the most articles, with 165 documents. Lubans, D.R., from the University of Newcastle, Australia, was the most prolific author with 32 documents. The keyword “physical activity” was the most used in cluster 1, with 450 occurrences and a total link strength of 678. This study’s results guide the most recent references in physical education and school health to guide future research appropriately. Future research may investigate using technology and digital media to encourage physical activity and healthy lives. In addition, future research may identify methods for incorporating school health and physical education programmes.

Oral health status treatment needs among 12 years old children living in orphanages and parental homes in Bangalore city: a cross sectional study

Background: Enjoying good oral health includes more than just having healthy teeth. Many children have inadequate oral and general health because of active and uncontrolled caries. In orphans the oral hygiene practices are usually neglected which may affect various aspects of life, including function, appearance, interpersonal relationships and even career opportunities. Aim of study was to assess oral health status, treatment needs among 12 years old children living in orphanages and compare with that of children living in parental homes and attending government school. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional comparative study was carried out among 460 twelve year old children living in orphanages and parental home. Oral health status and treatment needs was assessed using the World health Organization’s oral health assessment (tooth surface) form for children- 2013. Proportion was calculated using chi-square test and T-test. Results: Present study found mean decayed surface, mean missing surface and mean filled surface was higher in orphanage children (4.57±3.9), (0.17±0.91) and (3.2±0.37) and as compared to school children i.e. (3.88±3.91), (0.16±0.370) and (2.3±0.14). 68.7% school children required prompt treatment (including scaling) 24.3% required immediate treatment due to pain or infection of dental and oral origin, 5.7% required preventive or routine treatment. Conclusions: The study highlighted untreated caries, less filled component and high missing component among orphanage children compared to school children. There is need for dental care, primary prevention such as oral health education programmes in schools.

Pattern of Tooth Extraction and Use of Space Maintainers in Paediatric Dental Patients in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja

The primary dentition is essential in the maintenance of normal occlusion in the permanent dentition. Both dentitions enhance aesthetic, speech and are functional in nature. Early loss of the primary dentition necessitates the placement of space maintainers. This study determined the pattern of tooth extraction of patients attending the paediatric dental clinic in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja and the use of space maintainers. A retrospective study carried out using the dental records of patients who attended the Paediatric dental clinic, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20 (IBM, New York). The prevalence of tooth extraction was 49.8% among a population of 410 subjects with a total of 353 extracted teeth. The male to female ratio was 1:1.37. Majority (58.3%) of the subjects had only one tooth extracted. The commonest reason for extraction was retained primary teeth (35.8%). The commonest arch and segment of extraction was the mandible (56.1%) and the anterior teeth (51.0%). The commonest tooth extracted was upper right primary central incisor (7.6%). The most common space maintainer was band and loop. Retained teeth was the most common reason for tooth extraction followed by sequelae of dental caries, caries and trauma. This highlights the need for implementation of oral health prevention policies with regards to the use of fluoride, fissure sealants, silver diamine fluoride increased awareness of safety protocols to mitigate traumatic injuries and introduction of dental health education programs in schools and community.

School Health Education Program in Pakistan (SHEPP): findings from a feasibility trial in pre-adolescent school children from a lower middle-income country

BackgroundThe school environment plays an essential role in promoting health education and physical activity for children and adolescents. We aim to assess the feasibility of threefold health education program in children and its potential efficacy on physical activity and diet and cardiometabolic risk factors including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.MethodsThe SHEPP was a parallel group feasibility intervention trial conducted in two schools over 23 months. All children aged 9–11 years enrolled in the schools were included. The SHEPP intervention comprised of health education on healthy lifestyle and physical activity sessions for children, training of teachers, and awareness sessions for parents conducted over 10 months. One school received the intervention of SHEPP while the other school continued routine activity. The primary outcome was the feasibility of SHEPP in terms of recruitment, retention, and treatment fidelity. Secondary outcomes were physical activity levels, dietary intake (of fruits and vegetables), and cardiometabolic risk factors (blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference (WC)).ResultsA total of 1280 preadolescent children were assessed for eligibility and 1191 were found eligible. The overall recruitment n (%) was 982/1191(82.5%) with 505(51.4) from SHEPP intervention school and 477(48.6) in routine activity school. The overall retention rate n (%) at 10-month follow-up was 912/982(92.8), with 465/505(92) in SHEPP intervention school and 447/477(93.7) in routine activity school. In treatment fidelity, 132/144(92) %). Physical activity sessions and all (100%) health education sessions were conducted for each of the twelve classes. Mean (SD) Seven-day Physical activity increased by 134 (196) min in the SHEPP intervention school v 29.8(177) in the routine activity school (P value < 0.001) from baseline to follow-up. Overall, there was an increase in vegetable intake (> 3 serving /day) in SHEPP intervention school of 5.5 to 21.4% from baseline to follow-up compared to 7.5 to 14.9% in routine activity school. The mean change (SD) in systolic blood pressure was 1.3(12) mmHg, 2.2(19.0) mm Hg in in diastolic blood pressure, − 0.09(5.4) kg/m2 in BMI and 6.2 cm in waist circumference in the intervention arm versus − 3.4(11.1) mm Hg in SBP, − 4.3(9.9) mm Hg in DBP, − 0.04((4.6) kg/m2 in BMI, and 3.8 cm in WC in the control arm.ConclusionWe found that intervention using SHEPP is feasible in schools and may help children to adopt a healthy lifestyle as they age by increasing physical activity. However, the potentially beneficial effect on diet, MI, and BP needs further exploration and a longer follow-up, more specifically at the juncture of teenage and adulthood.Trial registrationNCT03303287.

Influence of age and education on breast cancer awareness and knowledge among women in South Western Nigeria.

The rising incidence of breast cancer (BC) in sub-Saharan Africa is aggravated by poor prognosis. Health education and several screening methods, including breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast-examination (CBE) and mammography, have been advanced to achieve early detection and reduction in its mortality rate. This study evaluated the level of awareness and knowledge of BC and BSE amongst female students and staff of six educational institutions in Ota, Southwest Nigeria. The participants, consisting of 917 (80.79%) students and 218 (19.21%) staff, aged between 13 and 60 years, were selected using a stratified random sampling technique and categorized into age groups [adolescents (13-19 years), young adults (21-40 years) and middle-aged adults (41-60 years)] and levels of education. Data was collected via questionnaires and analysed using Epi-info software and SPSS version 20. Frequencies, percentages, regression and correlation co-efficient were calculated and used to determine the levels of association between age groups and levels of education. Mean age of the participants was 21 ± 1.7 years; over 75% were adolescents. BC and BSE awareness was 94.80% and 65.11% respectively, with 7 (0.62%) having BC. The major sources of BC and BSE information were television, health workers and internet. The average BC knowledge score of the participants was 4.06 (40.57%); it was highest among young adults, 4.31 (43.07%), and least among the adolescents, 3.88 (38.78%). The same trend was observed for BSE practice among the age groups. There was a direct relationship between BC knowledge and levels of education; the postgraduates had the highest BC knowledge score of 4.49 (44.89%) while the secondary students had the least score of 3.82 (38.12%). Similar trend was observed for BSE practice and the levels of education. Paucity of BSE knowledge largely accounted for the low BSE practice among the adolescents and secondary students. The huge gap in BC knowledge and BSE practice underscores the need for a structured health education and screening programmes in Nigerian schools to enhance prevention and early detection of BC and other ailments. BSE is free, easy to perform, and able to detect BC at earlier stage. The practice should be encouraged alongside mammography to reduce the burden and mortality rate of BC in Nigeria.

Level of knowledge on the effect of fast foods on health among young hypertensive patients in Bangladesh

Young people make up a sizable share of the global population, and most of them reside in developing nations. They consume too much fast food and obesity at a young age is becoming a worldwide epidemic, putting them at risk for nutritional issues from a physiological as well as psychological perspective. Eating fast food has several negative effects on health. Bangladesh's circumstance is not any different. Thus, this study was conducted to identify the level of knowledge on the effect of fast foods on health among young hypertensive patients in Bangladesh. In a tertiary-level cardiology hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 150 young (20 to 35 years old) hypertension patients participated in a descriptive-type cross-sectional study from November to December 2022. Every stage of the study protected the respondents' anonymity, and participants were made aware that they could withdraw from the program at any point while data was being collected. In total, 25.3 percent of respondents had a good knowledge of the impact of fast food on health, compared to 46.0 percent who had moderate knowledge. It was also found that respondents' knowledge level was substantially correlated with their level of education, occupation, and monthly household income. Given this, various measures should be implemented, such as the implementation of health education programs in communities, schools, and universities, to increase the level of public awareness of the effects of fast food on health.

Proposal for a school health education program: healthy eating at school

Introduction: Childhood obesity is one of the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases in our country, and according to the 2019 ALADINO study, it affects 17.3% of Spanish children. The World Health Organization establishes that this problem is fundamentally due to a lifestyle based on a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits, which are in turn related to an increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods. It is affirmed that interventions on nutrition and physical activity in the school environment imply improvements in the change of these habits in the child population, in addition to interventions on their closest environment, such as their relatives. Objective: To develop an educational program that allows establishing a healthy and balanced diet in children in the 6th grade of primary school, through basic knowledge about nutrition. Methodology: The target population will include both students enrolled in the 6th grade of primary school and their families and teaching staff of the center. A total of 6 training sessions, theoretical and practical, will be held on healthy eating and physical activity for students, and 1 session for families and teaching staff of the center. Conclusions: With the application of the program, positive changes are expected to be achieved both in the improvement of health-related habits and in the acquisition of knowledge about healthy eating.

Risk Profile of Keratoconus among Secondary School Students in the West Region of Cameroon.

This study determined the risk factors of keratoconus (KC) among secondary school students in the West Region of Cameroon. A stratified, random sampling technique was used to select the 3015 secondary school students, 8 years and older, within the West Region of Cameroon. Selected school students completed the validated Keratoconus Risk Investigative Survey (KRIS) and a structured demographic questionnaire to determine the risk profile of KC. Descriptive analysis, logistic regression and p-values were used to provide an overview of the demographic findings and the risk factors of KC. Estimates were made as the proportion of affected school students and presented with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the association between KC and the independent predictors that were found significant in the univariate analysis. The ages of the majority (93.2%) of students ranged from eight years to 18 years (mean = 13.18 ± years) and were mostly female (59.7%). Gender (OR 2.024, p < 0.001), eye rubbing (OR 3.615, p < 0.001), exposure to sunlight (OR 2.735, p < 0.001), blood relations with KC (OR 41.819, p < 0.001) and allergic experience (OR 1.070, p < 0.001) were considered. Eye rubbing was the most significant risk factor of keratoconus followed by refractive error, allergic experiences and sunlight exposure. These findings support the evidence that the etiology of KC is multifactorial, with eye rubbing being the most significant factor in this cohort. There is a need to address eye rubbing among students to minimize the risk of KC. Furthermore, 34.46% of students in Cameroon were at risk of developing KC. Hence the risk profile is that one engages in eye rubbing, has a family member with KC, spends more than eight hours per week in the sun and is prone to allergies. It will therefore be prudent for these risk factors for keratoconus to be included in the school health education programs.

Socio-cultural factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and menstrual hygiene practices among Junior High School adolescent girls in the Kpando district of Ghana: A mixed method study

BackgroundGood menstrual hygiene practice is critical to the health of adolescent girls and women. In Ghanaian public schools, the School Health Education Program which includes menstrual health education has been instituted to equip adolescents with knowledge on menstruation and its related good hygiene practices. However, in most communities, menstruation is scarcely discussed openly due to mostly negative social and religious beliefs about menstruation. In this study, we examined socio-cultural factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and menstrual hygiene practices among Junior High School adolescent girls in the Kpando Municipality of Ghana.Materials and methodsA mixed method approach was employed with 480 respondents. A survey was conducted among 390 adolescent girls using interviewer-administered questionnaires to collect data on knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene practices. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) using a discussion guide were conducted among 90 respondents in groups of 9 members. The FGD was used to collect data on socio-cultural beliefs and practices regarding menstruation. Descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data respectively.ResultsMost (80%) of the study participants had good knowledge of menstruation. Also, most (82%) of the participants practiced good menstrual hygiene. Attending a public (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.12–0.48, p<0.001) and rural (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.21–0.75, p<0.01) school was significantly associated with reduced odds of practicing good menstrual hygiene. Good knowledge of menstruation was associated with increased odds of good hygiene practices (AOR = 4.31, 95% CI = 2.39–7.90, p<0.001). Qualitative results showed that teachers provided adolescents with more detailed biological information on menstruation than key informants (family members) did at menarche. However, both teachers and family members spoke positively of menstruation to adolescent girls. Social and religious beliefs indicate that menstruation is evil and unclean. Such beliefs influenced community members’ attitudes towards adolescent girls and led to practices such as isolating menstruating girls and limiting their ability to interact and participate in certain community and religious activities.ConclusionDespite the prominence of negative social and religious beliefs about menstruation, good menstrual hygiene practice was high among study participants. Knowledge of menstruation; place of residents; and type of school were the major factors associated with good menstrual hygiene practice. It is therefore, necessary to intensify the School Health Education Program in both rural and urban public and intensively involve private schools as well to ensure equal access to accurate information on menstruation and good menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls.

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards hepatitis B infection among high school students in Asante Mampong, Ghana.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious global public health problem, with significant morbidity and mortality from acute and chronic complications. Increasing awareness and improving knowledge of HBV helps reduce the risk of the disease. Although many studies have been conducted on HBV in Ghana, few have focused on examining knowledge, attitude and preventive practices among adolescents towards the disease. The objective of this study was to assess HBV knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among adolescents in high schools in the Asante Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 398 adolescents from six senior high schools within the Asante Mampong Municipality. Data was collected using a 30-item structured questionnaire. Each item had two response options: "Yes" and "No". A scoring system was generated and respondents were given a score on each item answered. A positive response to an item was scored 1 point and a negative response was scored 0. Scores were then summed up and averaged to give the mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores. The majority of the respondents were male (60%), between 15 and 17 years (45%), Christian (93%) and in their first year of study. The adolescents had basic knowledge, positive attitude, and poor practices towards HBV. There was no significant relationship between the demographic variables of the respondents and KAP mean scores. There is the need to introduce health education and awareness programs in schools within the Asante Mampong Municipality to improve students' level of knowledge of HBV. Countrywide studies examining KAP towards HBV infection among adolescents are also warranted.