School Health Clinics Research Articles

Clean and healthy living behavior. Impact of the school health clinic program for elementary school students

Clean and healthy living behavior. Impact of the school health clinic program for elementary school students

Study of the Readiness of Specific Services for Senior High School’s Health Clinic in Jayapura

Senior High School (SMA) as an educational institution is responsible for ensuring the healthy environment that supports students' learning activities. However, in reality, the health of the school environment cannot be fully guaranteed. Various previous research studies have found various threats to the health of students originating from within the school environment, such as schools that are not yet free from cigarette smoke. The purpose of this study is to describe the current condition of the availability of School's Health Clinic facilities and infrastructure in high schools in Jayapura City and Jayapura District. The method used was descriptive quantitative approach with cross sectional design and Univariate Analysis. The research instruments refers to the minimum standard of Senior High School's health clinic according to the Regulation of the Minister of National Education of the Republic of Indonesia Number 24 Year 2007. The sample consisted of 32 public and private schools in Jayapura city and Jayapura district. The results showed that there was no extreme difference between the readiness of Senior High School's Health Clinic facilities and infrastructure in Jayapura City and District. However, public schools mostly have more adequate availability of Senior High School's Health Clinic facilities and infrastructure compared to private schools spread across the City and District areas.

Family Adherence to Their Child’s Health Issue Follow-Up and Its Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: This study aimed to measure the adherence rate among families of referred cases from school health screening clinics to diagnostic clinics and to examine the associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among families of cases referred from school health screening clinics to diagnostic clinics in Saudi Arabia. Data collectors contacted the guardians of the cases to fill out the interview questionnaire regarding their visit to the school health clinic and adherence to referral. Results: Among 698 families who participated in the study, 57.6% reported adherence to diagnostic clinics. Families of dental caries and myopia cases were more likely to adhere than families of obesity cases (aOR: 8.36 and 5.41, p < 0.001). The chance of adherence was about two-fold among families of cases referred to hospitals and specialized clinics compared to families of cases referred to primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) (aOR: 1.80, p = 0.042). Conclusion: This study revealed a low family adherence rate among cases referred to diagnostic clinics. Additionally, the study documented that referral to PHCCs and screening positive for obesity were the main factors associated with non-adherence. Taking care of children’s health is one of their rights, and increasing the family’s adherence by raising families’ awareness and designing a referral reminder system are recommended. In addition, the services of PHCCs should be strengthened.

Nutritional status and morbidity pattern among school children in an urban slum of Kolkata, India

Background: Sickness and morbidity rates in Indian school going children are among the highest in the world. Poor health and sickness absenteeism results in school dropouts and it is more among the female children as compared to male children. Present study was conducted to study the nutritional status and morbidity pattern among children attending the school health clinics in an urban area of West Bengal India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the field practice area of urban health centres (UHC) of AIIH and PH Kolkata, West Bengal. Children enrolled in class 1-10 were included in the study by using systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected by using semi-structured questionnaire, clinical history and physical examination was done. Results: Out of total 254 students, 129 (50.8%) were boys and 125 (49.2%) were girls. Dental caries and skin diseases like ringworm infection, cuts and fungal infection were most common types of morbidity found in school children. Dental caries and skin diseases both were more common in girls as compared to the boys. Underweight was found in more than 70% of the children and their BMI was significantly low as compare to the ICMR standard. Conclusions: The proportion of malnutrition is very high in the school children of the field practice area of UHC Chetla and there is need to create opportunities to increase the family income and awareness programme to increase the nutritive values of foods prepared at household level.

The effect of coconut water on alleviating menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) in teenage women

Background: World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018 stated that the number of dysmenorrhea in the world is very large, on average more than 50% of women in each country experience dysmenorrhea. In the United States, it is estimated that almost 90% of women experience dysmenorrhea and 10-15% of them experience dysmenorrhea severe, which causes them to be unable to carry out any activities. Purpose: To find out "The effect of green coconut water on reducing menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) in adolescent girls at Junior High School 02 Bengkulu City in 2021.Method: This research was conducted using the method Quasi Experiment with a plan one grup pretest posttest design. Random sampling technique total sampling as many as 28 young women experienced it dysmenorrhea currently. Data analysis consists of univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis. The sample tests used were Wilcoxon, Mann Whitney and Binary Logistic Regression tests.Results: The results of this study showed that the average pain dysmenorrhea before and after had given coconut water was 5.18 and the average pain after had given coconut water was 2.64. The statistical test results obtained p-value= 0.000, with a mean difference of 2.54 which shows that there is an influence on giving coconut water to young women at Junior High School 02 Bengkulu City in 2021.Conclusion: It is hoped that the school at Junior High School 02 Bengkulu City can optimize School's Health Clinic program services such as increasing the role of officers to implement canteens or school cooperatives to be able to provide coconut water which has the effect of reducing pain dysmenorrhea in teenage girls.

Comparative Analysis of the Status of Implementation of School Health Services in Public and Primary Schools in Owerri Municipal, Imo State, Nigeria.

Effective school health service helps to reduce ill health, increase school attendance, academic performance, decrease school dropout rates, and additionally plays a role in identifying children with emotional, behavioural, and mental health problems for proper assessment and appropriate interventions. To assess the status of the school health services in selected public and private primary schools within Owerri Municipal Local Government Area, Imo State. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out from March to April 2017. Out of the 48 government approved primary schools, 36 (12 public and 24 private) schools within Owerri Municipal LGA were assessed. Relevant data was obtained from school head teachers and direct observation was done where applicable. The responses were scored using a validated School Health Programme evaluation scale. The overall mean score for School Health Services in Owerri Municipal LGA was 13.14 with the mean scores of 14.42 for private and 10.58 for public schools which were significantly lower than the minimum acceptable score of 19. The private schools performed better than public schools in practice of School Health Services and their mean difference was statistically significant (p=0.012). School health personnel were available in fourteen (38.9%) schools, out of which one (8.3%) public school had health personnel. All (100%) schools had first aid boxes, but none of the schools had the boxes completely stocked. School health clinics were available in one (8.3%) public school and 5 (20.8%) private schools. School meals were served in six (25%) private but none in public schools. The overall status of school health services in primary schools within Owerri Municipal LGA is poor. The private schools performed comparatively better than public schools. These findings therefore portray the need for implementation of the National School Health Policy by the State Ministries of Education and Health. Keywords: Implementation, School Health Services, Public and Primary Schools.

Impact of school health clinic on school attendance rate: A prospective interventional study

Internationally, in spite of the fact that school age children do not suffer from the high mortality of preschool children; there exist significant burden of morbidity among them. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of school health clinic on school attendance rate within Owerri Municipal LGA, Imo State, Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out to assess school health services in 36 government approved primary (12 public and 24 private) schools within Owerri Municipal LGA. Relevant data was obtained from school head teachers using an evaluation scale and direct observation was done where applicable. The responses were scored using the School Health Programme evaluation scale. Thereafter, a prospective (pre-test – post-test) study was carried out in two public primary schools between May to December 2017 (two academic terms). Within the period (September to December 2017) an intervention was carried out which involved the running of school clinics in two selected public primary schools. School attendances were kept during the preintervention and intervention periods using a check off list for monitoring daily attendances and reasons for absenteeism. The total absenteeism rate was significantly higher in the intervention period than the pre intervention period (p= 0.001). Illness (21.5%) was the commonest reason for absenteeism while fever was the most frequently encountered presenting complaint in the school clinic. Absenteeism due to Illness was significantly lower after the introduction of clinic (16.9%) than in the pre intervention period (26.5%). Keywords: Impact, school health, clinic and school attendance rate.

ANALYSIS OF UKS MANAGEMENT READINESS AND MY HEALTH REPORT BOOKS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF SURABAYA CITY AND GRESIK DISTRICT

The School's Health Clinic or Usaha Kesehatan Sekolah (UKS) is used as the unit to carry out health programs, especially in the school environment. The UKS has direct benefits for improving the health of schoolchildren and has great potential in the success of the health promotion program for students. This study aims to determine the management of UKS in Primary Schools in Surabaya City and Gresik District in the aspects of UKS management readiness, aspects of ease in understanding my health report card and the ease of implementing my health report card. This study was a cross-sectional observational study. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed descriptively. Based on the results of the questionnaire analysis, it was still found a number of elementary schools in Surabaya City and Gresik District who are in a condition not ready in the aspects of managing their UKS There are still elementary schools in Surabaya City and Gresik Regency who find it difficult to understand the health report cards for students and also find it difficult to implement student health report cards. The advice that can be given is that schools need to prepare everything, for example, in selecting competent human resources in their fields, seeking readiness for UKS implementation facilities and infrastructure, and coordinating with related sectors such as the Health Office and Education Office related to financial problems in procuring health report cards for students so that all schools in Gresik Regency and Surabaya City can distribute evenly to all students.

The effectiveness of “PEKA BERAKSI” programs in improving self-efficacy to prevent the risky sexual behavior in adolescents

Risky sexual behavior is a health problem among adolescents whose cases continue to increase along with technological developments. It needs to be overcome by increasing self-efficacy among adolescents. The purpose of this study was to provide an overview and influence of the implementation of “PEKA BERAKSI” on self-efficacy in adolescents to prevent risky sexual behavior. This study used quasi-experimental design with pre and posttest without control group method. The study involved 275 students. The instrument used to measure the variables of self-efficacy was measured with the instrument developed by researchers. The variable risky sexual behaviour was measured with the instrument sexual risk survey. The finding showed that there was a significant difference in self-efficacy in adolescents in preventing risky sexual behavior before and after the intervention 0.001. The results of statistical tests found a p&lt;em&gt;-&lt;/em&gt;value of 0.006 which means that there is a significant effect between the “PEKA BERAKSI” intervention and risky sexual behavior. Based on these results, recommended for health services to make the innovation program that focuses health education for adolescents and health promotion at schools. Furthermore, the results of this intervention as basic data in developing school health clinics and integrating subjects with health education for adolescents.

Treatment of Impetigo with Antiseptics\u2014Replacing Antibiotics (TIARA) trial: a single blind randomised controlled trial in school health clinics within socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in New Zealand

BackgroundImpetigo is a common and contagious bacterial skin infection, affecting children worldwide, but it is particularly prevalent in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. In New Zealand, widespread prescribing of the topical antibiotic fusidic acid had led to an increase in antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus. Alternative treatments are urgently being sought, and as impetigo is a superficial infection, it has been suggested that topical antiseptics such as hydrogen peroxide or simple wound care alone may treat impetigo while avoiding the risk of increased antimicrobial resistance.MethodsThis protocol for a non-inferiority, single-blind randomised controlled trial compares topical fusidic acid with topical hydrogen peroxide and with simple wound care in the treatment of childhood impetigo. Participants are randomised to one of the three treatments for 5 days. The primary outcome is clinical improvement assessed through paired photographs analysed by graders blinded to treatment arm. The trial is based in school health clinics in an urban centre in New Zealand. Comparison of antimicrobial resistance patterns pre- and post-treatment is also performed.DiscussionSpecial note is made of the need to involve the communities most affected by impetigo in the design and implementation of the clinical trial to recruit the children most in need of safe and effective treatments.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) 12616000356460. Registered on March 10, 2016 Protocol amendment number: 05EB and AL contributed equally as senior authors.

Challenges of Conducting Point-Of-Care Testing Operations During The COVID-19 Pandemic In The Municipal Public Health System Based Ambulatory Care And School Health Clinics In New York City

Introduction/ObjectiveOur New York City Municipal Public Health System based multisite ambulatory clinics and school-based clinics, offer various waived POCT (point of care tests) and provider performed microscopy (PPM). To ensure standardization and quality of POC testing across our health system, our laboratory service conducts system wide centralized implementation, monitoring and oversight of the POCT operations in regard to regulatory compliance, test performance, quality control and training. With the emergence of the COVID-19 infection in the New York City, like all other clinical laboratories, our ambulatory care clinics encountered numerous hurdles and challenges. Here we elaborated the issues that we encountered and how we managed to overcome during the COVID-19 Pandemic.Methods/Case ReportWe categorized the challenges that affected our managers as well as field level laboratory operations and have devised a plane to deal with COVID-19 related predicaments.Results (if a Case Study enter NA)Among the staffing issues, staff relocation to the acute care hospital laboratories during the peak of the pandemic caused massive delay or cessation of POCT operations in our ambulatory care clinics. Manual result entry, for COVID-19 testing, at the patient portals due to lack of interface with the reference testing labs, staff shortages and frequent absences due to illness and fatigue were primary issues noted at technical level. Furthermore, there were notable delays in the processing of paper works and new staff recruitments. The lack of and significant delays in the critical laboratory supplies was another major management issue.ConclusionGiven the vastness and complexity of our multisite ambulatory care network, the COVID -19 pandemic impacted our ambulatory care clinic POCT operation in a very challenging way. However, our timeliness, coordinated interventions, close communications and initiatives handled the obstacles that arose very effectively to the ensure quality of POC testing, patient safety and quality care across our health system.

Ensuring Standardization, Quality Management And Improvement Of Point-Of-Care Testing In The Municipal Public Health System Based Ambulatory Care And School Health Clinics In New York City

Introduction/ObjectiveOperated under different acute care hospital clinical laboratory limited-service laboratory (LSL) licenses, our New York City five borough spanning multisite ambulatory clinics and school-based clinics have been offering various waived point-of-care tests (POCTs) and provider-performed microscopy (PPM) to the local communities. A wide range of variability existed among the clinics concerning regulatory compliance, test performance, quality control and training. To ensure standardization and quality of POCT across the health system, our laboratory service adopted and implemented a plan for systemwide LSL transfer from the acute care hospitals to ambulatory care laboratory service for centralized implementation, monitoring, and oversight of the POCT operations.Methods/Case ReportHaving over 60 clinics, while transferring the LSLs, we chose multi-site license with ten or more sites on each license and by phase transfer from NYSDOH. Since the commencement of the transfer, system wide our qualified laboratory personnel have been updating and providing standard operating procedures (SOP), performing quality assurance and validation of new tests/devices, providing competency assessments and helping clinical staffs maintain compliance with state and other regulatory agencies.Results (if a Case Study enter NA)After the final phase of the transfer and POCT standardization implementation in 63 clinics, currently the clinical staffs performing POCT, get expeditious training and troubleshooting in more timely manner and the providers get the results of the ordered POCTs much faster and more efficiently and overall the quality metrics get improved markedly, indicated by internal audit team.ConclusionEven though Implementation of the planned POCT standardization was initially challenging due to the vastness and complexity of our multisite ambulatory care network and later confounded by the COVID -19 pandemic effect but eventually, it helped improve patient care delivery significantly and very effectively. Expectedly, our planned transfer implementation provided standardization and ensured improved quality of POC testing across our health system.

Role of Rawalpindi Medical University Students in Perspective of Public Health

Role of Rawalpindi Medical University Students in Perspective of Public Health

Pengaruh Media Video Edukasi Tentang Vulva Hygiene Terhadap Tingkat Pengetahuan dan Sikap Remaja Putri

Vulva hygiene is an effort to maintain the cleanliness and health of the feminine area to avoid infectious diseases of reproduction caused by viruses, bacterias, and fungis. According to WHO, 75% of women in the world have experienced vaginal discharge that can be accompanied by candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis at least once in their life, 45% of them have experienced vaginal discharge 2 or more times. In Indonesia in 2012 almost 70% of women have experienced vaginal discharge. The highest prevalence of reproductive tract infections (ISR) in Indonesian, there were teenagers’ (42%). The teenagers' knowledge in Al-Ittifaqiah Indralaya Islamic boarding school of vulva hygiene were still low, so it was feared that the negative impact of not taking care vulva hygiene could be occurred. The use of educational videos was expected to improve teenagers' knowledge and attitude well. This study aimed to determine the effect of health education by using educational videos on the level of teenagers' knowledge and attitude about vulva hygiene at Al-Ittifaqiah Indralaya Islamic boarding school. The design of this study was pre-experimental with one group pre-posttest design. The population in this study was teenangers' class VIII MTs. Al-Ittifaqiah Indralaya with a sample of 76 respondents with a purposive sampling technique. The research instrument used a questionnaire, univariate data analysis used percentages and bivariate analysis used the Marginal Homogeneity test and the McNemar test. The results of the knowledge analysis using the Marginal Homogeneity test showed that there was a significant difference in the teenagers' knowledge before and after being given health education with a p-value of 0.000 (p <0.05). The results of the analysis of attitudes using McNemar test showed that there were significant differences in the teenagers' of attitudes before and after being given health education with a p-value of 0.000 (p <0.05). So it could be concluded that there was a significant influence on the teenagers' knowledge and attitudes before and after being given health education through educational video media about vulva hygiene. Educational video learning media was expected to become a health education program through school's health clinic (UKS) of Al-Ittifaqiah Islamic boarding school in order to increase the teenagers' knowledge and attitudes, especially regarding vulva hygiene.

Pelaksanaan Trias Usaha Kesehatan SD Negeri Di Wilayah Kecamatan Sokaraja, Kabupaten Banyumas

UKS (School's Health Clinic), widely known as school health clinic, has an important role in increasing the health status of students in school. However, in fact, the implementation of UKS has not been at its best due to several factors. Objective know out the description of the implementation of the trias UKS in Sokaraja District, Banyumas Regency in 2019. Method this study used a qualitative descriptive design. The purposive sampling and snowballing sampling were used to determine the subjects of this study. There were 5 research informants in the school consisting of the principal, the persons in charge of UKS and a little doctor, a term used to describe students who meet the criteria and have been trained to participate in carrying out some of the efforts to maintain and improve health at school. Data retrieval by observation and in depth interviews. Results health education in each school was always implemented directly during learning and during breaks by the little doctors. The health services carried out by UKS have been running well, but it is only limited to providing first aid to the sick students or teachers. There would be further examination only if the patient did not get better, the UKS would do some coordinations then take the patients to the Puskesmas or known as public health centre. The development of a healthy environment was carried out by the school by accustoming children to maintain the school environment to dispose of trash in its place. In addition, UKS has also routinely checked the condition or health status of students by checking their height, weight and dental health. School health units in triassic good schools namely by implementing health services for each student , healthful environmental health education and guidance. &#x0D; Keywords: Public Elementary School, TRIAS UKS

School Nurses' Perceptions, Learning Needs and Developmental Suggestions for Mental Health Promotion: Focus Group Interviews.

School nurses have a key role in promoting the mental health of adolescents at school. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the role and experiences of school nurses as they promote mental health at schools. A qualitative research design employing focus group interviews was used. School nurses (n = 21) were purposively sampled from one city in Southern Finland. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis, resulting in seven categories describing school nurses’ perceptions, needs and suggestions for development of mental health promotion in school health care. School nurses perceived health care at school as a low-threshold service. Mental health problems are often first identified by a school nurse. However, school nurses felt that extra effort is needed to recognise mental health problems, build trusting relationships, and motivate adolescents to attend regular health check-ups. Specific core learning competencies such as communication skills, being present, keeping confidentiality, and the ability to motivate adolescents to regularly visit the school health clinic are needed. However, school nurses often lack basic resources for mental health promotion. The areas of mental health development included cooperation with stakeholders and parents, and development of anonymous, easy-access services. It is important that school nurses have the skills needed and enough resources to fulfil their demanding tasks in school health care services.

Current status and demand of health services in primary and middle school clinic in 16 provinces of China

Objective To analyze the current situation and needs of primary and secondary school health clinic services, and to provide a reference for strengthening school health service in China. Methods Investigation provinces were selected according to China’s three major economic zones, 1 or 2 survey centers were selected from each province, 16 provinces and 26 survey centers were selected. In each survey centers, six schools from primary and secondary schools, junior high schools and high schools in urban and rural areas were randomly selected as research sites. Each research site randomly selected 10 students in each grade (grade three, four, five from primary schools) to fill in the questionnaire anonymously. A total of 4 661 valid questionnaires were collected. Results Among the services provided by the school clinics to students, “trauma treatment” “consulting health problems” physical examination” accounted for 49.4%, 40.5% and 39.0% respectively. Within the past one year, 45.1% students went to the school clinic for consultation or consultation 1一3 times, 6.4% for 4-5 times, and 3.7% for 6 times or more. When students were sick in school, 65.8% (primary school), 64.0% (junior high school), and 54.4% (high school) of them selected to go to the school clinic. When suddenly suffered trauma in school, 78.2% (primary school) , 73. 2% (junior high school) and 69. 6% (high school) of the students went to the school clinic. Conclusion Primary and middle school students have a great demand for school health services, and it is necessary to continue to strengthen the construction of primary and secondary school health clinics. 【摘要】 目的 了解中国中小学校卫生室服务现状与需求, 为加强学校卫生服务提供参考。 方法 采用分层随机抽样的 方法, 按照中国三大经济地带划分, 分层选择调研省份, 每个调研省份选择 1〜2 个调研点, 共抽取 16 个省 26 个调研点。每 个调研点内随机选择城乡小学、初中、高中各1所共6所学校作为调研点校, 每个调研点校每个年级 (小学选择三〜五年 级) 随机选择 10 名学生匿名填写“全国中小学校卫生人员队伍建设调研学生问卷”。共回收有效问卷 4 661 份。 结果 学 校卫生室提供的服务中, “外伤处理”占 49.4%、“咨询身体健康问题”占 40.5%、“体检”占 39.0%;调查对象过去 1 年时间 内, 去学校卫生室看病或咨询次数 1〜3 次的占 45.1%, 4〜5 次的占6.4%, ≥6次的占 3.7%。在学校生病时, 选择去学校卫 生室看病的分别占65.8% (小学) 、64.0%(初中) 、54.4%(高中) ；在学校突然发生外伤时, 选择去学校卫生室的分别占 78.2%(小学) 、73.2%(初中) 、69.6%(高中)。 结论 中小学生对学校卫生室服务需求大, 需要继续加强中小学学校卫生室 建设。

Identifying epilepsy psychiatric comorbidities with machine learning.

People with epilepsy are at increased risk for mental health comorbidities. Machine-learning methods based on spoken language can detect suicidality in adults. This study's purpose was to use spoken words to create machine-learning classifiers that identify current or lifetime history of comorbid psychiatric conditions in teenagers and young adults with epilepsy. Eligible participants were >12years old with epilepsy. All participants were interviewed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) or the MINI Kid Tracking and asked five open-ended conversational questions. N-grams and Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) word categories were used to construct machine learning classification models from language harvested from interviews. Data were analyzed for four individual MINI identified disorders and for three mutually exclusive groups: participants with no psychiatric disorders, participants with non-suicidal psychiatric disorders, and participants with any degree of suicidality. Performance was measured using areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AROCs). Classifiers were constructed from 227 interviews with 122 participants (7.5±3.1minutes and 454±299 words). AROCs for models differentiating the non-overlapping groups and individual disorders ranged 57%-78% (many with P<.02). Machine-learning classifiers of spoken language can reliably identify current or lifetime history of suicidality and depression in people with epilepsy. Data suggest identification of anxiety and bipolar disorders may be achieved with larger data sets. Machine-learning analysis of spoken language can be promising as a useful screening alternative when traditional approaches are unwieldy (eg, telephone calls, primary care offices, school health clinics).

Sleep disturbances among children with autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, and their gender, age group-matched siblings

Background: Sleep disturbances are commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The strength of this association with comparison to matched general population published in the previous studies was inconclusive. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to examine sleep disturbances among ASD and ADHD children in comparison to their matched control of typically developed siblings. Materials and Methods: Children, aged 3–17 years, attending Al-Wafa and Al-Rashad Centers, were recruited using convenience sampling. Each registered case with ASD diagnoses had a typically developed siblings matched for sex and age group of ± 5 years differences (75 cases and 75 siblings). ADHD group included children with similar age group, diagnosed as ADHD, who attended school health clinics (50 cases and 50 siblings); same inclusion criteria were applied to both ASD and ADHD cases. Sibling groups were brothers and sisters of ASD or ADHD cases matched for gender and age group of ± 5 years. The mothers were interviewed and completed a fact and data sheet prepared for the study. The data sheet included items from the sleep disorders scale for children (SDSC). Results: There were no significant differences between children with ASD and their siblings. Children with ADHD had significant difference with siblings in sleep variables such as movement during sleep (P = 0.04), reading prior to sleep (P = 0.002), and the need to take medicine (P = 0.01). Children with ASD showed more disturbances in sleep variables compared to children with ADHD but did not reach significant level with the exception of suffocation during sleep which was more among children with ADHD. Conclusion: The differences between the groups were unremarkable. Parental attitude and sleep hygiene practice were the major determinants of sleep problems which need further elucidation.

Screen Based Media Use among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Typically Developing Siblings

Objectives: Screen-based media (SBM) use has become a widely practiced way of entertainment and social interaction among children and adolescent. Previous studies on the effects on health and socialization have revealed mixed results. The purpose of this study was to assess the reactions (magnitude, type) of withholding media devises among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and their typically developed siblings. Method: A cross-sectional design study of children (n=75) attending Al-Wafa and Al-Rashad Centers for Autism recruited as a convenience sample for all registered cases with ASD diagnosis; each case had a typically developed sibling matched for sex and age. ADHD (n=50) group were children with similar age group, diagnosed with ADHD, attending the school Health Clinic. Similar inclusion criteria were applied to the ASD group. Sibling groups were brothers and sisters of ASD, ADHD cases matched for gender and age group of five years. Results: SBM use of ASD cases was similar to their siblings use in term of the type of screen, daily duration of viewing, and reaction to devise withhold. SBM use among ADHD cases was also similar to their matched siblings in term of a type, time spent on SBM and reaction to devise withhold. However, SBM use was different among ASD and ADHD cases (P=.001) in all three domains: type, viewing duration and reaction to devices removal. Tablets emerged as the preferred platform. Conclusion: SBM use is widely influenced by parental rules and flexibility. These rules are linked with times spent on watching the screen; however, pathological use of SBM seems to be more among children with ADHD in comparison to children with ASD, defined as an overuse of video games/smartphones and their reactions when devices were withheld.