School Health Program Research Articles

Clinicoepidemiological Profile of Otorhinolaryngological Diseases among Patients Aged 5-15 YearsA Retrospective Study

Introduction: Ear, nose and throat diseases are some of the common causes of absenteeism among the school going children and can contribute to various co-morbidities. The most common among the Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) diseases in school going children is hearing impairment due to ear wax or different types of otitis media which can be prevented with early detection and intervention. Upper respiratory tract infections also predispose a child to complications such as tonsillitis, sinusitis along with otitis media that can lead to morbidities like hearing impairment and learning disability. Aim: To determine the prevalence of ear, nose and throat diseases among the school going children and their clinicoepidemiological profile. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care centre, Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, Upper Assam, India during the period of January 2019 to December 2019. Study included all the 1525 children within age group of 5-15 years attending the ENT Outpatient Department (OPD). Data was obtained from the outdoor register and the history sheets. Data collected was age, sex, religion and distribution of diseases according to site. Number of children having ear, nose, throat or neck diseases were calculated using Microsoft Excel software 2013, version 15.0. Results: Majority of the cases studied were found to be in the age group of 5-10 years (54.1%). ENT diseases were more common in boys (54.2%) than in girls (45.8%). Diseases of the ear (55.9%) were most common, followed by oral cavity and throat (19.3%), nose and Paranasal Sinus (PNS) (18.2%) and neck (6.6%). The most common diseases in ear were Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) and presence of earwax, while sinusitis and allergic rhinitis were more prevalent in diseases of nose and PNS. Pharyngitis and tonsillitis were more commonly found among the diseases of oral cavity and throat. Conclusion: These diseases are a major burden in the school going children resulting in their absence from school, low academic and extracurricular performance and other outdoor activities. Keeping an eye on this aspect, a structured and systematic school health program can be designed in collaboration with state health system, so that it can be properly followed up and needed treatment can be initiated with the help of state government cost.

Status of school health programs in Asia: National policy and implementation.

BackgroundThe WHO's Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework is based on an understanding of the reciprocal relationship between health and education, and the need to take a holistic approach to health promotion in schools. We aim to clarify the degree to which the HPS framework is reflected in the national policies of eight target countries and the issues surrounding its successful implementation.MethodsDate were collected through two expert workshops with participants from eight Asian countries: Cambodia, China, Japan, Korea, Lao PDR, Nepal, the Philippines, and Thailand. In the first workshop, data collected on national policy were mapped against the HPS framework. From this, key issues were identified, and follow‐up data collection was conducted in each country for a second workshop.ResultsWe identified a policy shift toward the HPS framework in six out of the eight countries. Neither Japan nor Korea had changed their national policy frameworks to reflect an HPS approach; however, in the latter, model programs had been introduced at a local level. We identified various barriers to successful implementation, especially in relation to mental health and wellbeing.ConclusionGiven the recent shift toward the HPS approach in six out of the eight countries in this study, there is a need to conduct research to assess the impact of this framework on the health and wellbeing of students and school staff. At the same time, we call for more dialog in the context of Japan to explore the possible benefits of introducing the HPS framework into schools.

Conforto Acústico: um caminho possível para a Saúde dos Profissionais a exercer em escolas

Introduction Tree planting reduces noise pollution and consequently improve the quality of life, however, in Brazil there is little research on this topic, mainly related to the quantification and classification of vegetation in the health of workers. It is understood that the correct planning of afforestation at school is essential, as it makes the place attractive, with functional and aesthetic quality, adequate landscaping and favorable acoustic conditions. Thus, acoustic comfort can favor the teaching process, as it minimizes the educator's vocal effort. Given these considerations, this work exposes the need to obtain acoustic comfort in a school located in the central area of a city in the interior of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Objective To measure the sound pressure levels in three environments in the school yard of a central school in a city in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil; verify the existence of arboreal masses in the school yard and near the school under study and to find out if the tree mass contributes to the acoustic comfort of the school yard under study. Methodology The measurement of sound pressure levels was carried out in the school yard in October 2019, at 9:30 am within the three established points. The measurement followed ANSI S12.60 recommendations, using Instrutherm DEC-5050 sound meter equipment and compared with NBR 10.151 and NBR 10.152 Standards. At the three determined points, 30 measurements were performed at each point, spaced 10 seconds each, at each point, according to the manual for measurement and calculation of acoustic conditions. Measurements were taken at 1.2 m above ground and 1.5 m from walls. Results The school does not comply with NBR 10152, with sound pressure levels up to 88.9 dB (A), with regard to acoustic comfort, compromising the occupational health and quality of life of educators and the learning process of students. The lack of arboreal mass can significantly contribute to noise pollution and compensatory considerations of mitigating proposals in future studies to solve the acoustic problems that affect the lives of educators and students. Conclusion Environmental noise in the school yard is above acceptable limits, impacting acoustic quality and comfort, which can contribute to a process of auditory effort, which impairs the teaching process and quality of life, interfering with the health of educators and students. Therefore, it is essential to search for solutions to improve the acoustic quality of the environment, with a favorable acoustic landscape. The arboreal mass shows promise for acoustic comfort in the school environment, providing better health conditions for educators and students. Therefore, it is suggested as future studies: Propose the type of material for the architectural space so that the place has less noise; improve the positioning of the afforestation present at the site and Implement afforestation project as needed by the site. Keywords: Acoustic comfort, Trees, Schoolyard, School Health Program, Occupational Health.

Using evaluative frameworks to examine the implementation outcomes of a cognitive behavioral therapy program for autistic students with anxiety within public school settings.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to treat anxiety symptoms in autistic youth, but it is difficult for families to access cognitive behavioral therapy in the community. Training school providers to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy may help autistic youth and their families to access these programs. Unfortunately, we do not know how cognitive behavioral therapy programs can be delivered by school providers and how these programs help the autistic students who access them. This study addressed this gap and was part of a larger study that looked at the effectiveness of Facing Your Fears-School-Based in 25 public schools. The study goals were to understand whether Facing Your Fears-School-Based helped students and the factors that made it easy or difficult to deliver Facing Your Fears-School-Based in schools. Thirty providers participated in interviews guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. Participants shared information that fell into several major categories that included (1) delivering Facing Your Fears-School-Based to many different students; (2) the positive impact of Facing Your Fears-School-Based on students' school participation; and (3) plans to continue using Facing Your Fears-School-Based. School providers also shared that Facing Your Fears-School-Based was easy to use for non-mental health providers and reported adapting Facing Your Fears-School-Based to meet student needs. The results of this study suggest that Facing Your Fears-School-Based may help autistic students and highlight the importance of using mental health programs in schools that are flexible, able to be adapted, and that are able to be used by many different types of school providers.

Methicillin-resistant staphylococci among school children in Mariental, Namibia

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics, while some strains are multi-drug resistant and may produce disease-causing toxins. Drug resistant strains are often responsible for chronic, persistent and recurrent infections, which pose a challenge for healthcare practitioners. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of nasal MRSA and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) among school children in the Mariental community, southern Namibia. This was a cross-sectional study in the Mariental District. Nasal specimens (swabs) were collected from 272 randomly selected learners aged 6–14 years attending school in the area during the months of March, September and October 2016. Isolation and identification of staphylococci were performed using standard microbiological methods. Methicillin-resistant isolates were identified by their resistance towards cefoxitin (30 µg) using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay. Enterotoxin production among multi-drug resistant MRSA isolates was detected with a SET-RPLA toxin detection kit. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus was isolated from 48 (17.6%) learners and MRCoNS from only seven (2.6%). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus colonization was significantly higher (P = 0.003) in the age group 11–14 years than in the group 6–10 years. Among the 433 staphylococcal isolates screened for cefoxitin resistance, 51 (11.8%) were MRSA and seven (1.6%) were MRCoNS. From the 51 MRSA isolates, 22 (43.1%) were multi-drug resistant of which six were enterotoxigenic. This is the first report on MRSA and MRCoNS among school children in Namibia. The presence of multi-drug resistant and potentially virulent staphylococci among school children in Mariental, Namibia, is of concern. Self-infection by these bacteria poses various health risks for the children. It is recommended that school health programmes improve current hygiene practices. Frequent handwashing can prevent staphylococcal disease and spread of resistant strains among learners and the wider community.

Primary School Pupils as Health Educators

An evaluation study of primary school pupils involved in health activities was carried out. The study showed that pupils can be used effectively as agents for transmitting health information.
 Through a well designed school health program the use of primary school pupils will help improve deficiencies in the quantitiy and quality of existing public health education activities.

Description of School Health Program in SDI Oesapa Kecil I Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara


 
 
 School Health Program (UKS) is the main channel for health education in schools to improve the ability to live healthily, and subsequently from healthy living behaviors, which will result in the optimal health status of students. At the time in October 2019, the implementation of UKS at SDI Oesapa Kecil I was not fully following the standards of a healthy school. This study aimed to determine the description of health education, health services, and the development of a healthy school environment in the healthy school model at SDI Oesapa Kecil I. This is a descriptive study and was carried out at SDI Oesapa Kecil I, Oesapa Barat. The research population is teachers and students in classes V and VI. This study used a probability sampling technique, namely proportionate stratified random sampling. Sample size is 71 people. The results showed not all routine activities of the school health program in the health education section were carried out, such as the use of health literacy hours, nutritious breakfast together and students brushing teeth together at school. The program for the health services section of this school also was not carried out all routine activities, such as the absence of reports on the results of health screening and periodic examinations from the health center to the school or from school to parents or guardians.
 
 

School Nursing for the Novice: How Do I Begin?

Obtaining a position as a school nurse is an exciting career opportunity, but the reality of a new position in a new specialty area can quickly lead to anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. Your first thoughts might be "Can I really do this job?" and "Where and how do I begin?" The answer to these questions will depend on your situation-are you a nurse hired for a previously established school nurse position or are you the first nurse at your school, charged with initiating a school health program? The purpose of this article is to offer guidance for the novice school nurse in establishing a school health program and school nurse office, as well as to encourage and provide direction for the development of your school nursing practice.

Comprehensive evaluation of Salud Escolar a health school program in Mexico: Rationale, design and methods

The prevalence of obesity and overweight in Mexican children and adolescents is high (greater than 30%) and lifestyle behaviors are far from achieving health recommendations. Salud Escolar is a complex cross-sectoral multi-level policy-based program in Mexico aiming to support schoolchildren healthy behaviors. We describe the rationale, design and methods for the comprehensive evaluation of Salud Escolar during its first phase of implementation. Using a mixed-methods approach and the logic model of Salud Escolar as a guide, a comprehensive evaluation involving 3 types of evaluations was designed: 1) A design evaluation before program implementation, to determine the consistency between the design of Salud Escolar and the problem to be addressed (i.e., childhood obesity), 2) An implementation evaluation to assess potential execution bottlenecks, and 3) An outcomes evaluation, to measure short-term (i.e., knowledge, attitudes and practices related to healthy eating, drinking plain water and doing regular physical activity) and intermediate outcomes (i.e., fruit and vegetable intake, water consumption and daily moderate to vigorous physical activity). This evaluation will provide essential knowledge about program design and implementation processes, which are vital for drawing robust conclusions about the effectiveness of the program. Results and lessons learned from this comprehensive evaluation will provide evidence to improve Salud Escolar program and facilitate its upscaling process and may provide relevant information for school-based programs in other places sharing socio-contextual conditions.

A cluster-randomized trial comparing two SWITCH implementation support strategies for school wellness intervention effectiveness

BackgroundThe School Wellness Integration Targeting Child Health (SWITCH) intervention has demonstrated feasibility as an implementation approach to help schools facilitate changes in students’ physical activity (PA), sedentary screen time (SST), and dietary intake (DI). This study evaluated the comparative effectiveness of enhanced (individualized) implementation and standard (group-based) implementation. MethodsTwenty-two Iowa elementary schools participated, with each receiving standardized training (wellness conference and webinars). Schools were matched within region and randomized to receive either individualized or group implementation support. The PA, SST, and DI outcomes of 1097 students were assessed at pre- and post-intervention periods using the Youth Activity Profile. Linear mixed models evaluated differential change in outcomes by condition, for comparative effectiveness, and by gender. ResultsBoth implementation conditions led to significant improvements in PA and SST over time (p < 0.01), but DI did not improve commensurately (p value range: 0.02‒0.05). There were no differential changes between the group and individualized conditions for PA (p = 0.51), SST (p = 0.19), or DI (p = 0.73). There were no differential effects by gender (i.e., non-significant condition-by-gender interactions) for PA (pfor interaction = 0.86), SST (pfor interaction = 0.46), or DI (pfor interaction = 0.15). Effect sizes for both conditions equated to approximately 6 min more PA per day and approximately 3 min less sedentary time. ConclusionThe observed lack of difference in outcomes suggests that group implementation of SWITCH is equally effective as individualized implementation for building capacity in school wellness programming. Similarly, the lack of interaction by gender suggests that SWITCH can be beneficial for both boys and girls. Additional research is needed to understand the school-level factors that influence implementation (and outcomes) of SWITCH.

Status of Public Primary Schools: Safety, Health Service Provision and Environmental Health Facilities in Sokoto Metropolis, Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Provision of security, health services and environmental health facilities in schools is crucial in achieving the overall goals of the School Health Programme (SHP) because of their implications in all the areas of school health and plays an important role in the safety of school community and in retention and learning outcomes of students. We aimed to determine the status of public primary schools with respect to safety, health service provision and environmental health facilities in Sokoto metropolis, Northwestern Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: We conducted a cross sectional descriptive study among 40 public primary schools by multistage sampling technique. We collected data with an observation checklist using an electronic Open Data Kit (ODK) and analysed for descriptive statistics using SPSS version 23.&#x0D; Results: The majority of schools had no security fence 21 (52.5%). Security/ safety teams were present in about a third 15 (37.5%) of the schools. None of the schools had a fire alarm. However, fire extinguisher was available in only 3 (7.5%) of the schools. Health room or sick bay 16 (40.0%) and health register 14 (35.0%) were available in less than half of the schools. Health personnel 3 (7.5%) and school ambulance or school bus 3 (7.5%) were available in only a few schools. First aid box was available in most, 38 (95.0%) of the schools. However, less than half, 17 (40.0%) of the schools had Iodine in their first aid boxes. Presence of handwashing facilities with soap was observed in only 3 (7.5%) of schools. All the schools use open dumping as means of refuse disposal; however, dustbin for refuse collection in classes was observed only in about a third, 15 (37.5%) of the schools. Traditional pit latrine was the most predominant toilet type 27 (67.5%) in schools.&#x0D; Conclusion: Resources concerning safety, health service provision and environmental health facilities were found to be grossly inadequate in most of the schools observed. Government agencies involved in school administration should collaborate with other stakeholder’s in ensuring the provision of adequate resources for school health program.

Effect of Educational Program on Menstrual Health: An Intervention Study among School Girls in Sudan

Background: The necessity to educate schoolgirls regarding menstruation and appropriate menstrual hygienic practices by using a suitable program especially in schools. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an education program on secondary school girls’ menstrual health in Khartoum, Sudan. Methods: This study was quasi-experimental (one group pre/posttest). The study was conducted on secondary-school girls, Khartoum, Sudan, from July to August 2018. The school consists of 11 classes for the three levels, the first level 4 classes, second-year 3 classes, and third year 4 classes and the total number is 400 students. One class was chosen randomly from each level (three classes involved). Non- probability sampling technique, a convenient sample of 60 secondary school students was included in the study (20 from each class) 50 students completed the study, and 10 students withdrew. The data were collected by using a validated questionnaire, which consists of three parts, part one is socio-demographic data of the students, part two is student’s knowledge about menstruation, and part three student’s hygienic practices during menstruation. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20, and appropriate tests were applied. Results: The overall schoolgirls’ knowledge was significantly improved from 25% to 76.14% after the intervention and the key source of information was their mothers followed by teachers. The hygienic practice was insignificantly improved from 27% to 39.4% after the intervention. Conclusion: This study concludes that menstrual health education for schoolgirls has significantly improved the knowledge and hygienic practice on menstrual health. Recommendation: It is recommended to conduct further research with a more representative sample that could show the appropriate effect. Consequently, the outcome of this study is a part of the school health program and a base for further interventions at this age group.

Perspective: Opportunities and Scope for Expanded Deworming Programs for Soil-Transmitted Helminths in India

The current deworming strategy for soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) focuses on pre-school and school-aged children and women in the reproductive age to eliminate morbidity. However, mathematical modeling and meta-analysis show that STH could be eliminated if the entire population, including adults, were treated. The Government of India (GOI) has been deworming children through various maternal and child health programs and school health programs. One of the largest initiatives is the school-based biannual deworming program for children aged 1-19 years in the ‘National Deworming Day’ since 2015. Women of the reproductive age have the opportunity to get dewormed under the Anemia Free India program. Adult men and women have the opportunity to receive Albendazole in the lymphatic filariasis (LF) endemic districts. The gaps in deworming are women above the age of 49 and adult men above 19 years, living in non-LF endemic areas. Understanding gaps in deworming will help plan policy changes and program strategies for STH elimination in India, which has 21% of the global STH burden, as well as in other STH endemic countries.

Implementation of adolescent health programs at public schools and religion-based schools in Indonesia.

Background: Adolescents are a vulnerable group who have great curiosity and need access to various adolescent health information. Therefore, the government has implemented a strategy through the implementation of Youth Care Health Services (YCHS). However, some of the stakeholders and youth have limited access to YCHS especially the ones delivered in schools setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation of adolescent health programs in schools especially public schools and religion-based schools.Design and methods: This study was an analytic observational quantitative study by using a cross-sectional design. This study was conducted in public schools and religion-based schools in North Surabaya Indonesia. The sample in this study consisted of 100 students through a simple random sampling technique.Results: There was a difference in the level of knowledge of adolescent reproductive health between public schools and religion- based schools (p=0.047). Student’s attitudes (p=0.000) and environmental influences (p=0.000) both related with reproductive health contents. However, there was no difference in adolescent’s attitudes about adolescent reproductive health programs (p=0.90) and adolescent’s exposure to adolescent reproductive health policies (p=0.196).Conclusion: The implementation of adolescent health programs in two types of schools (public and religion-based) were different. Adolescents should have the same rights to obtain knowledge about adolescent health as the prelude for forming a positive attitude. Therefore, stakeholders need to conduct regular monitoring and evaluation on the implementation of standardized adolescent health programs in all types of schools. Significance for public health Adolescents are the nation's next-generation in which the rapid development of technology can cause various problems for their health especially reproductive health which is one of the major challenges for public health among adolescent. One of health programs conducted by stakeholder in Indonesia is YCHS. This program was designed to improve adolescent health through school approach. Nevertheless, there are some problems in the implementation such as unequal access to get information of adolescents health between public schools and religion based schools, the lack of stakeholders support, and the lack of students’ involvement in health adolescents programs. Through this study, we will find how the implementation and the effect of YCHS program regarding adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes, and the exposure about the policy of adolescent health. So, it can contributes to the public health.

School Health Services (SHS): A need in the context of Pakistan

School Health Services (SHS) are school health programs that promote health in school children. The value of SHS is recognized globally and practices around SHS vary with different regions. Its positive outcomes are already acknowledged by high-income countries, where education ministries are typically involved in cultivating comprehensive School Health Services. Low-income countries remain hesitant to implement SHS, due to various constraints. In Pakistan, SHS have been introduced and restructured several times, but never comprehensively executed. Private schools in Pakistan offer better health programs than public schools but none of the schools follow standardized school health guidelines. This paper aims to analyze the role of SHS in Pakistan and provide several recommendations regarding the establishment of SHS in local schools. The proposed suggestions revolve around establishing model clinics in schools, which would be central to subsequent school-based health programs in Pakistan. If properly designed and equipped, school clinics can support a wide range of health outcomes, from emergency first aid care, to immunizations, to health education. The involvement of ministries and national authorities is encouraged for smooth delivery of SHS and compliance with public health guidelines.

The Youth Aware of Mental Health program in Australian Secondary Schools: 3- and 6-month outcomes

ObjectiveThe evidence base for suicide prevention programs in Australian schools is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a universal, mental health promotion and suicide prevention program—Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM)—on suicidal ideation, mental health, and help-seeking in Australian secondary school students from baseline to post-intervention and 6-month follow up.MethodsUsing a single-arm design, the YAM program was delivered to Year 9 students (13–16 years) in secondary schools located within four regions across New South Wales, Australia. A structured self-report questionnaire using validated scales was administered at each time point. Linear mixed-effects modelling was used to examine differences in suicidal ideation scores across time, while accounting for random effects of individual schools.ResultsSuicidal ideation reduced significantly from baseline to post, and from baseline to follow-up (p < 0.001). Depression severity declined (p < 0.001) and help-seeking intentions increased (p < 0.001) at post-intervention and 6- months following the intervention period. No suicide deaths were reported for any study participants.ConclusionThe current findings provide preliminary evidence that the YAM program is a promising preventive intervention for Australian schools, particularly for reducing suicidal ideation, depression and increasing help-seeking intentions in young people. The implementation of YAM in a large number of schools across New South Wales demonstrates the feasibility, and acceptability by schools, of implementing this program at scale.Trial registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12619000338167. Registered 5 March 2019—Retrospectively registered, http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=376989&isReview=true.

Health risk behaviours among adolescents in Argentina: trends between 2007, 2012 and 2018 national cross-sectional school surveys

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess trends of various health risk behaviours among adolescents across three different surveys in Argentina.MethodsData from 115,697 adolescents (mean age:14.6 years, SD=1.2) that participated in three cross-sectional national school surveys in 2007, 2012 and 2018 were analysed. In all, 27 health risk behaviours were assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. Significance of a linear trend was tested by treating study year as categorical variable in logistic regression analyses, adjusted by age group and food insecurity for boys and girls separatelyResultsAmong both sexes, four health risk behaviours (current cigarette use, passive smoking, trouble from alcohol use, and physically attacked) significantly reduced from 2007 to 2018. Among boys five health risk behaviours (experience of hunger, parental tobacco use, current alcohol use, involvement in physical fighting, and multiple sexual partners), and among girls, inadequate physical activity significantly reduced over time. Among both sexes, the prevalence of four health risk behaviours (overweight/obesity, obesity, leisure-time sedentary behaviour and insufficient fruit intake) significantly increased among both sexes, and among girls ten health risk behaviours (not walking/biking to school, current other tobacco use, bullying victimisation, lifetime drunkenness, having no close friends, suicide plan, suicidal ideation, worry-induced sleep disturbance, loneliness, and ever sexual intercourse) significantly increased over time.ConclusionNine health risk behaviours among boys and five health risk behaviours among girls decreased, and four health risk behaviours among boys and 14 health compromising behaviours among girls increased over a period of 11 years. School health programmes for adolescents should be strengthened in Argentina.

Diabetes screening among School Teachers: Exploring the Ignored Dimension of School Health Program

Abstract Introduction The rising prevalence of diabetes is a serious public health concern globally, with its complications and associated health expenditures. The school teachers have chronic stress, predisposing them to many chronic diseases. The aim of this survey was to assess the prevalence and the predisposing factors influencing diabetes among secondary school teachers. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out on a three-stage randomized sample of 258 secondary school teachers of 12 public schools on march 2021. A self-administered and pretested questionnaire was performed to assess sociodemographic characteristics and a Glucometer using glucose sticks was used to measure fasting blood sugar level. Diabetes and pre-diabetes were defined according to the International Diabetes Federation. Results Overall, 136 participants were females (52.7%) giving a male to female ratio of 0.9. The median age was 49 years (Interquartile range (IQR) = [43-53]). Of all teachers, 228 cases (88.4%) were married, 190 cases (73.6%) were from urban areas and 63 cases (24.4%) had a chronic disease. There were 29 (11.2%) active smokers. We noted that 23 participants were diabetics, giving a prevalence of fortuitous discovery diabetes of 8.9%. The prevalence of pre-diabetes was 10.5%. In multivariate logistic regression, higher prevalence of diabetes was independently associated with daily consumption of coffee (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.8; p = 0.048); frequently pasta consumption (&amp;gt;3 times/week) (AOR=1.8; p = 0.012); family history of diabetes (AOR=2.5; p = 0.032), work seniority &amp;gt;30 years (AOR= 2.2; p = 0.041) and higher body mass index (AOR=3.2; p = 0.02) Conclusions Our study results indicated that the prevalence of diabetes was relatively high among school teachers, addressing the urgent need for adopting healthy lifestyle. The School health program can be utilized as an effective tool to screen non-communicable diseases and to strengthen primary preventive care in school. Key messages Diabetes screening and associated factors. School teachers.

Knowledge, attitude, and behaviours on diet, physical activity, and tobacco use among school students: A cross-sectional study in two Indian states.

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are escalating in India and can be attributed to behavioural risk factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and tobacco use that began in early years. Understanding adolescents' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours (KAB) related to NCD risk factors would inform the development of school-based health programmes to prevent NCDs. Methods: Sixth-grade students (n=1026) in 20 schools (10 private, 10 public) from two Indian cities (n=667 from Pune; n=359 from Bengaluru) participated in a KAB survey in 2019. Differences in KAB by gender, school type within cities were investigated. Results: Knowledge about the harms of tobacco use was higher than knowledge about a healthy diet and importance of physical activity. Only a small proportion of students did not eat breakfast (8.7%) or fruits (11.3%) daily. Only 33.4% of students read nutrition labels before choosing their food. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity of less than an hour per day was reported by 42.5% of students. Approximately one-third of students had ever tried smoking tobacco (30.1%), smokeless tobacco (30.5%), and e-cigarettes (32.4%). Differences in these behaviours by gender and school type showed that both boys, girls and students of private and public schools are vulnerable. Conclusions: The study findings highlight that knowledge is low for thematic areas like diet and physical activity. While knowledge of tobacco related harms is better but the prevalence of ever tobacco use was found to be high. Socio-demographic factors such as school type and gender had a varying effect on various KAB indicators. There is a need to strengthen health education activities by developing context-specific health intervention materials by engaging school children, their parents, teachers, and communities to promote healthy behaviours among adolescents. Need to augment school health programmes in India with a differential approach based on the issues, specific to school type and city.

A review of Fasciolopsis buski distribution and control in Indonesia.

Fasciolopsiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the flatworm Fasciolopsis buski. Since 1982, fasciolopsiasis has been reported in Indonesia’s Hulu Sungai Utara (HSU) Regency, South Kalimantan Province. Fasciolopsiasis occurs when contaminated raw or undercooked aquatic plants are consumed. Cercariae of the parasite encyst in a variety of aquatic plants and grow into metacercariae that infect and reproduce in the human intestine. Until now, treatment for F. buski infection in the HSU Regency has been comparatively short, with patients receiving only a single dose of praziquantel, 30 mg/kg body weight, without further observation. A long-term effort through health promotion activities and intensive health education, particularly for elementary school children enrolled in the School Health Program, is ongoing to help prevent fasciolopsiasis from spreading and to improve environmental sanitation. Through 2018, intervention efforts successfully reduced the incidence of F. buski infection. Sustaining surveillance and investigation of fasciolopsiasis, including identification of new cases and community education, is critical for the elimination of the parasite from Indonesia. This review describes the spread of F. buski and its possible impact on public health to understand the critical nature of continuing F. buski surveillance and control efforts.