School Health Program Research Articles

Pengaruh Pelaksanaan Usaha Kesehatan Sekolah Terhadap Perilaku Hidup Bersih Dan Sehat Di SMP Negeri 2 Kualuh Leidong Kabupaten Labuhan Batu Utara

Behavior about clean and healthy living in educational institutions is an effort to empower students, teachers and the community in the school environment to know, want to do and be able to practice a set of behaviors on the basis of awareness as learning outcomes, so that they are independently able to prevent disease, improve their health, and play an active role in creating a healthy environment . Behavior regarding clean and healthy living is an indicator of achievement in improving health in the 2015-2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) program. In the SDGs, behavior regarding clean and healthy living is one of the prevention strategies with short-term impacts for improving health in regional settings, namely schools, families and communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, school-age children and adolescents were at risk of contracting COVID-19 due to their high activity and tendency to group. However, due to their good immune system, often COVID-19 in this group shows no symptoms or only mild symptoms, so they are often ignored and have the potential to spread to people around them. The impact of COVID-19 on school-age children and adolescents can affect their physical and mental health. Based on the description above, the authors conducted research on the effect of implementing UKS activities on Clean and Healthy Behavior. This research is a quantitative research with a correlation study design with the type of research used is Analytical Observational. The research was conducted at Middle School 2 Kualuh Leidong, North Labuhan Batu Regency, North Sumatra Province in March -May 2022 with a sample size of 70 respondents. Sampling in this study used a probability sampling technique with proportional stratified sampling. Data analysis in this study includes Univariate and Bivariate Analysis with the provision that if ρ ≤ α 0.05 then there is an influence or relationship between the two variables. The results of the study obtained a p value of 0.000 which means that there is an influence of the School Health Business program on Clean and Healthy Behavior. It is hoped that the puskesmas staff will socialize the school health program and activity plan, complete facilities that support clean and healthy behavior and further increase school involvement and collaboration with parties related to the implementation of activity programs or clean and healthy living in the working area of the Tanjung Leidong community health center.

UPAYA MENJAGA KONDISI SEKOLAH YANG SEHAT UNTUK MENINGKATKAN MINAT BELAJAR SISWA KELAS III: TINJAUAN TERHADAP KESIAPAN SEKOLAH DALAM MENCIPTAKAN BUDAYA SEKOLAH SEHAT

Healthy school conditions play an important role in increasing student interest in learning. This research focuses on efforts that can be made by schools in maintaining healthy conditions, especially for third grade students. Based on the literature study, it was found that healthy schools have certain characteristics such as a clean learning environment, good air circulation, and adequate hand washing and sanitation facilities. School readiness in creating a healthy school culture can be seen from the active role of the school in educating students about the importance of health, involving parents of students in school health programs, and the involvement of school committees in monitoring and evaluation. In addition, the provision of facilities and hygiene principles is also important to be applied in order to maintain the health of students. Thus, efforts to maintain healthy school conditions can improve the quality of education and increase students' interest in learning in class III.

NATIONAL DENTAL HEALTH MONTH PROGRAM 2022 SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM WITH ITS KINDERGARTEN

Dental and oral health in Indonesia is still a health problem that needs attention. The most concerning thing is that as many as 93% of school-age children experience dental and mouth problems. This can be caused by a lack of knowledge and awareness of dental hygiene. One of the efforts made to increase knowledge and awareness of dental hygiene is by holding an educational activity called the "School Health Program". This activity was carried out in several schools, one of which was TK ITS. This activity began with the Training of Trainer Program given by dentists to teacher cadres and parents of students/students/students about the benefits of good oral hygiene and how to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Dentists provide educational materials using power point media and educational videos through the zoom application. There were 5 cadres consisting of 2 teachers and 3 guardians of students who attended this activity. After that, the teacher cadres and parents of the students/students disseminate information to other parents of students/students so that they can become mentors to their children to apply good and correct behavior of brushing their teeth twice a day for 21 days with the method recorded on the given calendar. The hope is that after this program ends, students at ITS Kindergarten have the behavior of maintaining oral hygiene by brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of public primary school teachers on school health programme in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

Background: The National School Health Policy recommends School Based Committee for schools which is responsible for the implementation of school health programmes (SHP). There are not enough medical doctors to deliver healthcare services in the primary schools hence teachers are looked upon to assist in healthcare delivery in schools. Teachers are in a vantage position to facilitate health among school-aged children. Children spend greater part of their time in school and have opportunity to regularly receive instructions in healthy living from their teachers. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 34 public primary schools in Bende Local Government Area (LGA), Abia State. All the primary school teachers (320) in the LGA were studied. Data were collected using pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPPSS version 26 and presented in frequency tables. Chi-square was used to test association between categorical variables. P<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Ages of the participants were positively skewed with a mean value of 39.5±6.793 and a skewness of 0.136. From the findings, 204(63.7%) had good knowledge, 124 (38.7%) had positive attitude and 150 (46.9%) had good practice to school health services. There were statistically significant differences between socio-demographic characteristics and good knowledge and positive attitudes. There was statistically significant difference between socio-demographic characteristics and practice of school health services except marital status with a p-value of 0.108. Conclusion: The participants had good knowledge but negative attitude and poor practice of school health services. There may be need for training intervention studies in school health services to upgrade teachers’ knowledge, attitude and practice. There should be a legislation in the state and country requiring prospective teachers to obtain a diploma in school health services before engaging in teaching profession.

Development and piloting of a primary school-based salt reduction programme: Formative work and a process evaluation in rural and urban Malawi.

Excess salt intake is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Promoting salt reduction as part of routine school-health programming may be a pragmatic way to address this risk factor early in the life course but has not been tested in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Here we describe the formative work with stakeholders and process evaluation of pilot work to develop a school-based salt reduction programme for children aged 11-14 years, in preparation for a cluster-randomised trial in rural/urban Malawi. Collection of observational data and documentary evidence (meeting minutes/field notes) from the earliest key stakeholder engagement with Malawi Ministries of Health, Education, Local Government and Rural Development and Malawi Institute of Education, and non-governmental stakeholders; and a series of semi-structured interviews and focus groups (with head teachers (n = 2); teachers (n = 4); parents (n = 30); and learners (n = 40)). Data was analysed thematically and conceptualised through a Normalization Process Theory lens. Formative work illustrated a range of administrative, technical, and practical issues faced during development of the programme; including allocation of stakeholder roles and responsibilities, harmonisation with pre-existing strategies and competing priorities, resources required for programme development, and design of effective teaching materials. While participants were positive about the programme, the process evaluation identified features to be refined including perceived challenges to participation, recommended adaptations to the content and delivery of lessons, and concerns related to quantity/quality of learning resources provided. This study demonstrates the importance of comprehensive, sustained, and participatory stakeholder engagement in the development of a novel school health programme in SSA; and highlights the factors that were critical to successfully achieving this. We also demonstrate the value of detailed process evaluation in informing development of the programme to ensure that it was feasible and relevant to the context prior to evaluation through a cluster-randomised trial.

The Impact of the Socioeconomic Status(SES) on the Oral Health Status Among 15 Year-Old School Adolescents In Kerbala City/Iraq

Dental caries, plaque, calculus and gingivitis are the most common and widely spread oral health conditions affecting humans at different ages. Socioeconomic status was reported to be one of the factors affecting the severity of oral diseases. The aim of the study included studying the impact of socioeconomic status on oral health variables and investigating the prevalence and severity of dental caries, gingivitis, dental plaque, and dental calculus and an excellent data baseline for planning future preventive programs. The total sample was composed of 500 male students at 15 years old selected randomly from the secondary schools in Karbala city. Assessment of the socioeconomic status using a questionnaire; information about the student's socioeconomic status (SES) was obtained from the student's guardians. Diagnosis and recording of dental caries were according to the criteria described by WHO (2013). gingival index of Loe and Silness (1963) was followed for recording gingival health condition, the Plaque index of Silness and Loe (1964) was used for plaque assessment, and the assessment of calculus was done by applying the Ramfjord index (1959). A high prevalence of dental caries (95.60%) was found, and the caries-free students represented (4.40%); the caries prevalence and severity represented by (DMFT)(DMFS) respectively and the (FS) component of the DMF were significantly affected by the socioeconomic status (SES), Dental plaque and calculus are more in low SES group than other groups, with no significant differences, The mean of gingivitis of the total sample was(1.908), also finding gingivitis is more in low SES group than other groups with a Significant difference(0.011), and regarding the Gingival severity, all subjects have the moderate type of gingivitis (1.1-2). There is a clear and significant increase in the prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis concerning the socioeconomic status of this adolescent group of students. This requires good dental school health programs and improvement in the education level about the importance of oral health and more regular dental visits. Keywords: Dental caries, oral health, gingivitis, socioeconomic

Prevalence of reproductive tract infections in rural areas studied by the community based intervention programme

In developing countries Reproductive tract infections are very important public health problem. RTI’s that are not sexually transmitted are considered even more common.2 These infections present major health, social and economic problems 3,4 A baseline study done among married young women in 1996–97 found a high prevalence of reproductive tract infections.14 In response to the findings of this study, CHAD has adopted a comprehensive community based interventional strategy to reduce the burden of RTIs. Health education providing information on RTI’s is provided to adolescents in school health programmes, out -Of-school youth and to young married couples. Regular mass education campaigns are held in the villages. The health team offers counseling on risk reduction both at the hospital and during home visits. In an attempt to expand health care services for early diagnosis and prompt treatment to the community level. Aim: To study the effect of a community - based intervention on the prevalence of reproductive tract infections in the community. Results: The total number of married women between the ages 15 - 25 years in Durgapur region from Gopalpur, Rajbandh and Panagargh villages were around 1740 participants.

Beyond Access: Can a School Health Initiative Facilitate Healthcare Services Utilisation for School-Going Children?

Accessing quality healthcare services is critical to addressing the different health challenges confronting school-going children, especially those in low-resource communities. However, the evidence of access to services is utilisation and not the mere availability of such services. This study explored caregivers' descriptions of the factors influencing the access and utilisation of quality healthcare services for school-going children and their perceptions of the services provided through the integrated school health programme in South Africa. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 caregivers of school-going children in three low-resource communities of KwaZulu-Natal province. The data was analysed using thematic analysis, and the themes were clustered using components of the Aday and Andersen framework for access. Despite the efforts to expand the coverage and range of services provided through the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP), we identified various factors that undermine the overall aim of the ISHP. Financial constraints, distance to health facilities, poor communication and information dissemination systems, low literacy levels, healthcare workers' negative attitudes, and long waiting periods at the referral sites constitute barriers to service utilisation. Specific attention should be paid to improving the communication system between the school-health team and the caregivers, providing support for transportation, improving the attitude of the clinic staff, and providing follow-up services for children referred for further screening and treatment.

Gender-inclined Young Age Glycosuria: Contribution to Late Age Chronic Renal Diseases, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Chronic kidney diseases (CKD), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the recent worldwide late age chronic conditions that could be a consequence of renal glycosuria during childhood. This study aimed at determining the extent of glycosuria in secondary school students to obtain information that could be predictive of the situation in late age life of Tanzanians living in Mkuranga District. This was school-based cross-sectional study that was conducted in assenting and consenting 800 students from July to October 2019 in Mkuranga district, Pwani-Tanzania. Socio-demographic information was collected using well-structured questionnaires while weight and height were measured using beam balance and tape measure, respectively. Dipstick strip was used to determine urine glucose on clean catch mid-stream urine collected specimens. From a total of 800 enrolled students, 0.6% (5/800) had glycosuria from whom 80% were males and 20% (1/5) were females (p = 0.37). The proportion of glycosuric males was 4 folds higher than that found in females. While height, body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip circumference ratio were associated with renal glycosuria (p < 0.05), other factors showed no association (p > 0.05). Despite the low proportion (0.6%) of glycosuria in this study, the contribution of young age renal glycosuria to old age CKD, T2DM and CVDs cannot be ruled out with males being more prone than females. Thus, it signals for consideration of regular screening for glycosuria in the school health programmes as an intervention strategy to prevent potential late age chronic disease complications.

The Reality of School Nutrition Programs as Perceived by Teachers: A Case Study of Primary Schools in Khotang, Nepal

Background: The school environment is crucial in the formulation of healthy eating habits, promoting healthy action and nutrition education. School Health and Nutrition (SHN) Programs conducted globally have resulted in improved nutrition knowledge, attitude and behavior of students. Such programs aim to improve school attendance and nutrition outcomes mainly through food or cash transfer, depending on the situation. The Government of Nepal prioritizes SHNs for primary school students through the support of various national and international organizations. However, SHN Programs carried throughout the country are neither similar nor widespread. Nutrition education includes curriculum enhancement, parental involvement, hands-on activities, gardening and physical activities. In this regard, teachers may influence the feasibility of nutrition education and improve dietary behavior among students of poor households. Sustainable SHN Programs envision long term operation/functioning and local development by reducing external dependency with better program activities. The sustainability of such programs depends on parents&amp;rsquo; participation, resource availability and the conduction of various activities. Sustainability of the SHN Program is crucial not only to improve student&amp;rsquo;s diet quality and academic performance, but also to enhance their physical and social functioning.&#x0D; &#x0D; Objective: Aim of this study is to assess teachers&amp;rsquo; perception towards different nutrition modalities implemented at four different primary schools in Khotang district of Nepal.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methodology: The study was conducted at four schools in Eastern Nepal running different SHN Programs. Data was collected from extensive Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the school Principals, nutrition focal persons and other teachers at each school. A total of four FGDs were conducted in early months of 2022 with a total of 20 participants (teachers). The obtained data was analyzed qualitatively to gain an in-depth understanding of school nutrition modality in practice.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The surveyed schools followed their own nutrition modality based on their most suitability and effectiveness for implementation. Nutrition modalities, namely i) Home-based meal, ii) Direct parents&amp;rsquo; participation, iii) Government program and iv.) Catered-based programs were implemented in four different schools. Home based nutrition with direct parents&amp;rsquo; participation tends to reduce the need for extra financial resources. Cash and catering based modality require fund transfers for carrying out the programs effectively. This kind of modality also incur higher administrative costs. Modality with parents&amp;rsquo; involvement is able to overcome resource challenges, improve nutritious diet and academic performance of students.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Nutrition modality improves nutritional knowledge, develops healthy food perception and alters eating habits among children. School nutrition modality ranges with various activities depending on the availability of resources, and parents&amp;rsquo; participation. The dependency on external sources in the operational process undermines the sustainability of SHN programs while parental involvement is crucial for its successful implementation. Therefore, there is a need for SHN programs to move beyond the traditional one-time feeding strategy towards continuous and well-monitored dietary programs for their sustainability.

Epidemiology and Perception of Acne Among Adolescents in Jos, Nigeria: Cross-Sectional School-Based Study.

Adolescents who make up a vast majority of the secondary school population are at a stage at which they are largely affected by acne. This condition, which is widely visible and easily recognized by peers, has numerous misperceptions surrounding it, which may influence attitudes toward people affected by it. There is a paucity of information on the prevalence of acne and how adolescents in Jos, Nigeria, view the condition. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of acne, perceived risk factors, and the accuracy of self-report among adolescents in Jos, Nigeria. The study also sought to understand perceptions surrounding acne in this age group. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents attending private and public secondary schools in Jos, Nigeria. In total, 482 students were recruited through a multistaged stratified random sampling method. A self-administered semistructured questionnaire was used to collect information on history of acne, perceptions of causes, and the attitude toward those who have the condition. All participants were examined for the presence of acne. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were conducted using SPSS (version 26; IBM Corp). The self-reported prevalence of acne was 44% and that upon clinical examination was 55%. Self-report showed a moderate degree of agreement with clinical diagnosis (Cohen κ=57.3%; P<.001). Predictive factors for the presence of acne in general were age of ≥15 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.79, 95% CI 1.12-2.87; P=.02), being in a private school (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.38-3.42; P=.001), and being in a senior secondary class (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.32-3.47; P=.002). The female gender (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.64-5.61; P=.001) and religion (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.27-8.24; P=.02) were predictive for acne only among adolescents aged <15 years, while a positive family history was predictive in those aged ≥15 years (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.15-3.61; P=.02). A distinct perception and attitude pattern surrounding acne was observed, as a significant proportion (84/131, 64.1% vs 47/131, 35.9%; P=.02) of those who related acne to a biological phenomenon had acne themselves; however, the belief that acne is caused by skin lightening practices was significantly more common in those without acne (19/28, 67.9%) than in those with acne (9/28, 32.1%; P=.01). One-fourth of the adolescents (n=122, 25.3%) had no idea of the possible causes of acne. Though acne is a prevalent skin condition among Nigerian adolescents, many misperceptions and unfavorable attitudes surround acne and persons affected by the condition. Our findings have revealed the need to work with the school health program to educate the general adolescent population about acne, to refer and manage teenagers with acne.

The International Framework for School Health Promotion: Supporting Young People Through and After the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The worldwide COVID-19 government restrictions imposed on young people to limit virus spread have precipitated a growing and long-term educational and health crisis. This novel study used Sen's Capabilities Approach as a theoretical framework to examine the current health and educational impacts of COVID-19 on youth, referencing emerging literature. The objective was to inform the design of an internationally relevant framework for school health promotion to support young people through and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Mapping of existing health resources, internal/external conversion factors and capabilities were used to identify classroom, school and system level strategies that will enable young people to flourish. Four central enablers were identified and used in the design of the International Framework for School Health Promotion (IFSHP). The IFSHP can be used by educational institutions, school leaders and teachers to innovate existing health promotion programs, policies and practices to support young people through and after the COVID-19 pandemic. School systems, schools and teachers are encouraged to utilize the IFSHP to review and innovate existing school health programs to ensure they meet the increased physical and mental health needs of young people.

Determine school principals’ satisfaction toward school health services provided by primary health care centers in Al-Numaniyah District, Iraq

Abstract Background: The delivery of school health services (SHS) is commonly considered to be one of the more crucial parts of the health program in schools, and they are responsible for the students’ overall health. Objectives: To determine satisfaction of elementary school principals toward school health services provided by primary health care centers (PHCCs). Also, to identify the relationship between satisfaction of elementary school principals their socio-demographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design consisting of 133 school principals selected by convenient sample distributed on six main PHCCs at Al-Numaniya District from July 5, 2022 to January 25, 2023. Questionnaire was created and prepared to be used for the study’s aim after having revised the literature and comparable research data were collected by interviewing school principals. Results: The study showed 64.7% of the school principals expressed a moderately satisfied and 26.3% of the school principals expressed satisfied while only 9.0% expressed unsatisfied regarding elementary school health services in PHCCs. Conclusions: The study concludes that overall satisfaction of school principals were moderate regarding school health services in PHCCs and there is a significant relationship between satisfaction of school principals and their socio-demographic characteristics (age and training).

P28-008-23 Factors Associated With School Health and Nutrition Programs in Uganda

P28-008-23 Factors Associated With School Health and Nutrition Programs in Uganda

Programme and policy perspectives towards a tobacco-free generation in India: findings from a qualitative study

ObjectiveThis study explored multistakeholder perspectives on existing adolescent-specific tobacco control policies and programmes, to advance India’s transition towards a tobacco-free generation.DesignQualitative semi-structured interviews.SettingInterviews were conducted with officials involved in tobacco...

Health profile of primary school students: a cross sectional study among urban and rural areas of eastern Haryana

Background: Healthy children are the foundation for a healthy nation and nation’s future depends on the status of the children. School Health Program aims to strengthen health promotion and disease prevention intervention. Objective was to assess the health status of primary school students in urban and rural areas of Panipat, Haryana. Methods: This school based cross sectional study was conducted in the urban and rural field practice areas of community medicine department, NCMCH, Panipat during February-March 2023. Convenience sampling was adopted to select primary schools from 1st to 5th standard. A semi-structured proforma was used to record information regarding anthropometric measurements, physical examination, clinical findings etc. Results: Total 261 primary school students were examined. Most common morbidity identified was ENT problems (ear wax, ear discharge) in both urban (80%) and rural (50%) students. Poor personal hygiene was observed in 1/5th students. Skin problems, refractory errors, micronutrient deficiency and respiratory problems were also identified. Difference between the nutritional status in urban and rural students was found to be statistically significant. Conclusions: The common health problems found in children such as ear discharge, anaemia, poor personal hygiene and undernutrition can be addressed with implementation of school health programme in effective way.

Health education to prevent anemia among adolescents in Samarinda, Indonesia

Iron deficiency anemia disrupts the concentration of adolescent girls; reduce their academic achievement, productivity, and physical strength and increases the risk of infection. The nutrition education program about anemia is needed to increase nutritional awareness among students. This community service aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition education among female students of High School in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. There were two interventions: health education using video among 128 students in in high school and health education using leaflet among 11 students in the boarding school. A pretest/posttest was conducted to evaluate the knowledge about anemia. Independent sample t-test was used to compare difference between the before and after interventions. Health educations of using video or leaflet increased students’ anemia knowledge. A school health program could improve student’ anemia knowledge. It is very important for school to have collaboration with primary health center, university and other instituions for the health education program. Including nutrition education program to the curriculum of high school is important to prevent malnutrition among female adolescents.

The study of anisometropia and its association with amblyopia in school going children

To determine the prevalence and type of anisometropia among school going children and to study association of degree of anisometropia with severity of amblyopia. A hospital based cross-sectional study carried on 500 school going children up to 10th grade (Age group:- 5 years to 16 years) selected by non-probability convenient sampling according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The clinical profile of these children was evaluated in department of ophthalmology, P.D.U Govt. medical college, Rajkot and they underwent detail visual assessment and ophthalmic examinations including measurement of uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, auto-refraction, retinoscopy, subjective correction and detailed squint evaluation, if present. During period of November 2019 to February 2021 during school health programme. Total of 500 school going children were enrolled in the study, out of which 221(44.2%) were females and 279 (55.8%) were males. The prevalence of anisometropia in our study was 23.8% (119 childrens out of 500 childrens). Out of total 119 childrens, 47 were males (39.5%) and 72 were females (60.5%). Maximum patients with anisometropia (n=54 out of 119 patients) were having compound hypermetropia. Prevalance of anisometropia increased as the age increased, till age of 14 years, and then again there occurs a declining trend. X2 = 10.139, p value = 0.051 and it was statistically significant. In our study, prevalence of amblyopia was 8.8% (n=44 out of 500 patients) and among amblyopic patients, 59% patients (n=26 out of 44 patients) had amblyopia due to anisometropia. Out of 26 patients with amblyopia due to anisometropia, 73.1% patients (n= 19 out of 26 patients) were anisohypermetropic and 26.9% patients (n= 7 out of 26 patients) were anisomyopic. In our study, depth and prevalence of amblyopia increased as the degree of anisometropia increased and it was found to be statistically significant(p=0.045).Our study concludes that the prevalence of anisometropia was high (59%) among the amblyopic patients with maximum patients having compound hypermetropic anisometropia. Depth and prevalence of amblyopia increased as the degree of anisometropia increased.

TRAINING OF TRAINERS FOR CLASS TEACHERS TO IMPROVE STUDENTS ORAL HYGIENE IN MIN 2 KEDIRI

Dental caries in Indonesia is a dental health problem that still needs attention. Dental plaque accumulating in the oral cavity can increase the risk of dental caries. To date, brushing your teeth is the most effective effort to remove plaque regularly. It is known that the School Health Program (SHP) has proven effective in increasing students' knowledge, motivation, and skills in brushing their teeth. However, an active role is needed from parents and the school, especially class teachers, to support this SHP program. Therefore, training is needed for class teachers who will later become trainers for students on how to brush their teeth properly and correctly. SHP was carried out on 60 class teachers at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri (MIN) 2 Kediri in July-August 2023. Participants were given training on how to brushing teeth correctly by the dentists through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) activities and then taught the participants training materials to students in their respective classes for one week. Evaluation of the success of the program was carried out on students one week after the students were taught by their teachers. The result showed that students were able to answer the questionnaire correctly and had optimal oral hygiene. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the training of trainer program on how to brushing teeth for teachers can increase student's knowledge, motivation and ability to maintain oral hygiene.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on inequalities in lifestyle behaviours and mental health and wellbeing of elementary school children in northern Canada

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected children's lifestyle behaviours and mental health and wellbeing, and concerns have been raised that COVID-19 has also increased health inequalities. No study to date has quantified the impact of COVID-19 on health inequalities among children. We compared pre-pandemic vs. post-lockdown inequalities in lifestyle behaviours and mental health and wellbeing among children living in rural and remote northern communities. MethodsWe surveyed 473 grade 4–6 students (9–12 years of age) from 11 schools in rural and remote communities in northern Canada in 2018 (pre-pandemic), and 443 grade 4–6 students from the same schools in 2020 (post-lockdown). The surveys included questions on sedentary behaviours, physical activity, dietary intake, and mental health and wellbeing. We measured inequality in these behaviors using the Gini coefficient, a unitless measure ranging from 0 to 1 with a higher value indicating greater inequality. We used temporal changes (2020 vs. 2018) in Gini coefficients to assess the impact of COVID-19 on inequalities in lifestyle behaviours and mental health and wellbeing separately among girls and boys. ResultsInequalities in all examined lifestyle behaviours increased between 2018 and 2020. Inequalities in watching TV, playing video games, and using a cell phone increased among girls, while inequalities in playing video games, using computers and tablets, and consumption of sugar, salt, saturated fat and total fat increased among boys. Changes in inequalities in mental health and wellbeing were small and not statistically significant. ConclusionThe findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities in lifestyle behaviours among children living in rural and remote northern communities. If not addressed, these differences may translate into exacerbated inequalities in future health. The findings further suggest that school health programs can help mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on lifestyle behaviours and mental health and wellbeing.