School Year Research Articles

Mental health after the COVID-19 pandemic among Finnish youth: a repeated, cross-sectional, population-based study

High levels of mental health problems among young people were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, but studies of the post-pandemic period are scarce. We assessed mental health problems among Finnish youth before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic using nationwide population-based samples. Our aim was to examine in which direction the heightened levels of adolescent mental health problems have developed after the pandemic. In this national, repeated cross-sectional, population-based study in Finland, we recruited students at lower and upper secondary level (aged 13-20 years) who were taking part in the Finnish School Health Promotion (SHP) survey in 2015-23 (119 681-158 897 participants per round). The SHP is based on total sampling and conducted biennially between March and May. Self-reports covered the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale; the two-item Patient Health Questionnaire for depression; the Mini Social Phobia Inventory for social anxiety; the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale for mental wellbeing; loneliness; the Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food measure for disordered eating; and suicidality (suicidal ideation, deliberate self-harm, and suicide attempts). Scales were dichotomised using validated cutoffs. Presence of any and comorbid mental health problems was assessed. Logistic (for dichotomised outcomes) and linear (for Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale) mixed effects models were used to analyse the effect of survey year on mental health, controlling for sociodemographic background factors and stratified by gender and school level. Cisgender and transgender youth were compared. Between 2015 and 2023, the SHP study recruited 722 488 students (371 634 [51·6%] girls and 348 857 [48·4%] boys) with a mean age of 15·8 years (SD 1·3) who were either in the eighth and ninth grades of comprehensive school or the first and second years of general and vocational upper secondary schools in Finland. The proportion of participants with generalised anxiety, depression, and social anxiety symptoms above the cutoff increased from pre-COVID-19 levels to 2021 and remained at these higher levels in 2023 among all study groups. Among girls in lower secondary education, prevalence of generalised anxiety, depression, and social anxiety symptoms increased from 2021 to 2023, as did social anxiety among girls in upper secondary education. Among boys, the proportion with social anxiety symptoms decreased between 2021 and 2023. Mental wellbeing scores decreased in all groups between 2021 and 2023, and disordered eating increased in girls, and in boys in lower secondary education. Suicidality increased in girls but not in boys. Loneliness was the only measure to show improvement in all groups from 2021 to 2023. In 2023, 55 895 (72·6%) of 76 994 girls and 22 718 (32·8%) of 69 205 boys reported at least one mental health problem, and 37 250 (48·4%) girls and 9442 (13·6%) boys reported comorbid mental health problems. Among both transfeminine and transmasculine youth, the prevalence of generalised anxiety and depression symptoms decreased from 2021 to 2023, but compared with cisgender youth, the proportions were significantly higher throughout. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health could be long lasting. In this study, the substantial change for the better among transgender youth was a positive exception. Providing adequate support and treatment for young people with poor mental health is essential, but solutions to the mental health crisis need to address a wider societal perspective and should be developed in partnership with young people. NordForsk, Research Council of Finland. For the Finnish and Swedish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Project I-PASSED: An intervention program for Students-At-Risk of Dropping Out (SARDO)

Learners in developing countries like the Philippines have denied their right to education by dropping out for various reasons. This descriptive study was conducted to find out the common reasons why advisory students in the past three (3) years dropped out of school, and why students of GAS 1108 and GAS 1109 were categorized as Students-At-Risk of Dropping Out (SARDO) during the First Semester of School Year 2023-2024; to propose an intervention program based on findings; and to determine its effectiveness based on student-recipients’ perceptions, and the number of learners categorized as SARDO who remained in school. Data were obtained from anecdotal records of dropped-out students for the past three school years, and from the three sets of researcher-made survey questionnaires which undergone thorough validation by experts in the field. These were administered to 17 identified SARDO who were officially enrolled at Muntinlupa National High School – Senior High School during the School Year 2023-2024. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were utilized in analyzing the data. Findings revealed that the three prevailing reasons why students dropped out of school for the past three school years, and why student-respondents were categorized as SARDO were financial problems (7, 41%), teenage pregnancy and/or parenting (6, 35%), and personal problems (2,35%); Project I-PASSED (“Incorporating Partnership and Active Synergy between School and Stakeholders for the Effective Delivery of Student Services) was proposed based on the findings; and Project I-PASSED’s initiatives were “Very Effective” in terms of addressing students’ financial problems (), personal problems (), and teenage pregnancy and/or parenting () which were all supported by the testimonies of the student-recipients. There were 14 out 17 (82.35%) identified SARDO who remained in school at present, indicating that the main objective of the project was “Mostly Achieved”. Therefore, the initiatives of the project were helpful and beneficial in addressing the complex needs of students. Supporting and sustaining this project was highly recommended. The implications of this study are to empower students by bringing them back to school, and to contribute tangible solutions that may reshape the educational practices across the country.

INTERACTION ANALYSIS OF CLASSROOM INSTRUCTIONS IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

The study aimed to analyze the interaction dynamics of classroom instructions in the Reading and Writing, Statistics and Probability, and Empowerment Technology classes among Senior High School students in the HUMSS, ABM, and ICT strands at Doña Francisca Lacsamana de Ortega Memorial National High School for the School Year 2023-2024. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative data to investigate teachers' communication adjustments, primary teaching functions, the use of different language functions, and the development of outputs to enhance classroom interaction. The study also assessed the acceptability of a proposed training design to improve these interactions.

Interpersonal self-efficacy, morale, and personality traits of public elementary school teachers vis-à-vis teaching performance

In the landscape of education, the role of elementary school teachers stands as a cornerstone in shaping the intellectual and emotional development of young minds. Amidst the myriad of factors influencing teaching effectiveness, the interplay between interpersonal self-efficacy, morale, personality traits, and teaching performance emerges as a critical area of inquiry. This study employed descriptive correlational research to determine the level of interpersonal self-efficacy, morale, and personality traits of public elementary school teachers vis-à-vis teaching performance in the Division of Ozamis City, School Year 2022-2023. Respondents of the study were the public school teachers from District 5 and 6 of Ozamis City Division with a total of 117 teacher respondents. Frequency Count, Percentage, Mean, Weighted Average Mean, Kruskal-Wallis Test, Dunn’s Pairwise Tests, and Spearman rho were the statistical tests. Study revealed that the majority of respondents were female teachers with a range of one to five teaching experience. The teachers demonstrated high levels of interpersonal self-efficacy and morale, indicating their confidence in guiding and inspiring their pupils, as well as their satisfaction with their interactions and contributions to the school and community. While no significant differences were found in self-efficacy, morale, and personality traits based on age, sex, and highest educational attainment. It is worth noting that personality traits had a significant but very low correlation with performance. These findings highlight the importance of cultivating positive teacher attributes and promoting a supportive environment to enhance teacher performance and ultimately improve the quality of education in the region.

Effectiveness of test-and-treat model with direct-acting antiviral for hepatitis C virus infection in migrants: a prospective interventional study in Italy.

Migrants, mainly undocumented and low-income refugees, are at high risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but are a difficult-to-reach and to-treat population. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a test and treat model with direct-acting antiviral for HCV infection in these migrants coming from low-income and living in southern Italy. A prospective, multicenter, collaborative study based on a four-phase-program (educational counseling, screening, linkage-to-care and treatment) was designed in southern Italy; the study started in June 2018, was stopped in February 2020 because of the outbreak of SARS-CoV2 infection in Italy and was resumed in February 2021 until November 2021. After educational counseling on infectious diseases that are transmitted through blood or sexually pseudonymized HCV screening was offered to all undocumented migrants and low-income refugees observed at one of the 1st level clinical centers. The HCV-RNA-positive subjects were referred to one of the 3rd level units of Infectious Diseases (ID) and treated with a 12-week course of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir and observed for 12 weeks after the end of direct antiviral agents (DAA) treatment. For the descriptive analysis, the categorical variables were reported as absolute numbers and relative frequencies. Continuous variables were summarized as mean and standard deviation (SD) if normally distributed, or as a median and interquartile range (IQR) if not normally distributed. We used Pearson chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and Student's t test or Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables. A P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Analyses were performed with SPSS 21.0. Of the 3501migrants observed in the study period, 3417 (97.6%) agreed to be screened; 185 (4.7%) were anti-HCV-positive and, of these, 53 (28.6%) were HCV-RNA-positive. Of these 53 subjects, 48 (90.5%) were referred to an ID unit and started DAA treatment. The HCV-RNA-positive-subjects were older [median 36 years (IQR: 32-21) vs 27.19 (IQR: 30.5-19.25); P = 0.001], and less frequently males [35 (66.03 %) vs 119 (90.1%), P < 0 .0001] than seronegative participants. They more frequently came from Eastern Europe (70.8%) stayed longer in Italy [months of stay in Italy, mean ± SD: 51.02±52.84 vs 25.7 ± 42.65, P = 0.001], and had more years of schooling [years of schooling, mean ± SD: 9.61±2.81 vs 7.10 ± 4, P = 0.0001]. HCV-RNA-positive-subjects less frequently reported piercing, tattoos and tribal scars as risk factors (23.6%). Of these 48 HCV RNA positive subjects who started DAA, 47 (97.9%) showed a sustained virological response and one dropped-out in follow-up after DAA treatment. No subject had any adverse event. This model of HCV screening and linkage to care seems effective to eliminate HCV infectionin a difficult-to-reach and to-treat population, such as undocumented migrants and low-income refugees. The participation of cultural mediators in the study made possible a better interaction between migrants and physicians, as is evident from the large number of subjects enrolled. Eliminating HCV among migrants will have a long-term positive impact from a public health and healthcare perspective by reducing the number of individuals who potentially develop HCV-related complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and reducing the circulation of HCV in the regions that host them which often, as in the case of Italy, are low endemic for HCV infection.

A Qualitative Study on Digital Citizenship Education in Primary Schools

In recent years, the number of studies related to digital citizenship has increased amidst the intense use of digital media. The literature, rich in theoretical and empirical examples related to this topic, provides a clear picture of contemporary society. There is little empirical research on digital citizenship education in the early school years. Thus, through this investigation, we aimed to collect qualitative data on the development of specific digital competencies and digital citizenship in primary school students. Therefore, the authors considered it appropriate to use the observation method in its participatory version. Over a year, a group of 29 pupils, aged between 6 and 7, formed the sample to identify how they would develop digital competencies and digital citizenship in the context of formal and non-formal learning experiences. To collect the necessary information, we used the observation protocol, conducted in the form of open-ended questions described by Gay, Mills &amp; Airasian (2006). The results of the study showed that parental educational attainment, family structure, time spent online, and the type of device have an important impact on the development of digital competencies and digital citizenship in young learners.

Implementation of Special Mathematics Education in Narvacan National Central High School

The study assessed the implementation of Special Mathematics Education (SME) at Narvacan National Central High School, focusing on teacher profiles, policy, instructional materials, and performance, identifying challenges and relationships among variables. The study utilized a mixed method and explanatory sequential research design, involving 15 teachers and 128 learners, and collected data through a survey questionnaire and one-on-one interviews, analyzing frequency, percentage, mean, and correlation. The study found that most respondents were female mathematics teachers aged 26-30, with a master's degree and school-based training. Most students received outstanding grades for the 2022-2023 school year. The Special Mathematics Education curriculum was highly implemented, and teachers' profiles showed a significant relationship with instructional materials and learners' performance. Solutions included technology integration, Open Education Resources, active learning techniques, and personalized learning plans. Teachers should pursue postgraduate education, enhance student performance through materials, sustain special mathematics education, enrich their knowledge through LAC sessions, seminars, and trainings, identify and solve teaching problems, and continue to provide meaningful and productive activities for learners, ensuring outstanding performance and continuous improvement.

Modeling the cost-effectiveness of school-based supervised toothbrushing program in reducing the dental caries burden in India.

Supervised toothbrushing (STB) significantly reduces the incidence and progression of dental caries. School years present a favorable age for introducing such healthy habits for a lifetime. To estimate the cost-effectiveness of implementing a STB program in India in preventing dental caries incidence. An operational framework of a national STB program was devised. A mathematical model was then developed to evaluate this program's clinical effectiveness and economic impact in the Indian scenario. This study considered a hypothetical cohort of the Indian population aged from 6 to 75 years. Two groups were compared: no intervention and STB in government schools. The health outcomes assessed were a number of tooth caries incidences averted and quality-adjusted life years gained. The STB program in the government schools of India would prevent at least one tooth from developing caries in an individual's lifetime. Considering the current treatment-seeking behavior, the STB program saves INR 153 (US$ 1.95) per carious tooth incidence averted and INR 22 202 (US$ 283) per QALY gained. In India, the school-based STB program is expected to be a cost-effective strategy for reducing the dental caries burden and its associated treatment costs.

Resilience during the Pandemic: A Teacher’s Recollection

This study unfolded the experiences of the teachers of Talomo District, Davao City on how they practiced resiliency during the pandemic. There were eight (8) teachers who participated in the study. This study made use of a phenomenological approach to extract the ideas of the participants. The participants were purposely selected as representatives from the group of school teachers in the same division. The virtual in-depth-interview was employed to gather some information as regards to their respective experiences on maintaining resiliency despite the challenges on teaching profession during the pandemic. Using the thematic analysis, the following themes emerged as pertains to the experiences of the participants: work overload, uncertainties and lack of support. The coping mechanisms to address the struggles during the pandemic were: problem solving with other teachers, adapting to the changes and destressing activities. The educational management insights gained from the experiences of the teachers was primarily focused on taking mental health seriously and to seek professional help if necessary. The principals may be more receptive on the current problems and issues of the teachers. The school heads may equip the teachers with better psychological support throughout the school year. The teachers may continuously adapt coping mechanisms to address issues in the classroom and personal struggles.

BAGAIMANA MENINGKATKAN MOTIVASI UNTUK MEMPERBAIKI HASIL BELAJAR SISWA?

Education in Indonesia is organized by taking into account the different characteristics and needs of learners. The education process prioritizes the interests and talents of students. At SMA Dewi Sartika, SMA Muhammadiyah 5, and SMA 17 Agustus 45, the learning outcomes of economics subjects show low completeness, namely 34%, 37%, and 35%. The contributing factors include students' lack of self-efficacy and self-regulation, as well as low learning motivation. This study aims to determine the effect of self-efficacy and self-regulation on economic learning outcomes with learning motivation as an intervening variable. The study population was grade X students in the 2022/2023 school year in the three high schools, with a sample of 225 students. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using path analysis with the IBM SPSS 25.0 program. The results showed a positive and significant influence between self-efficacy and self-regulation on economic learning outcomes through learning motivation.

Sensitive periods of flexibility development at school age

The objective is to identify sensitive periods for the accentuated development of flexibility of schoolchildren. Methods: the scientific research was conducted on the basis of 60 schools in the city of Kirov, in Russia from September 14, 2022 to May 22, 2023. The pedagogical experiment involved 1,217 children (579 boys and 638 girls) from grades 1 to 11 of secondary school number 60 Kirov, Russia. Each lesson in the discipline "Physical education" lasted 40 minutes and took place 3 times a week. All students were engaged in the usual physical education program at school. All students took the tests at the beginning and at the end of the school year. The level of flexibility development was determined by the test "Leaning forward from a standing position on a gymnastic bench." Excel was used to process the results of the study, the Biostatistics-2022 program determined the reliability of the results of the T-Student study. Results: After the end of the study, the average indicators in each age group increased during the academic year. In the indicators of boys from the beginning to the end of the study, there was a significant and significant increase in flexibility indicators in the second grade (+15%), in the third grade (+17%) and in the fourth grade (+15%). In girls, a significant increase in the value is noted in the third grade (+16%), fifth grade (+14%) and sixth grade (+15%). In other age periods, there is not a significant increase in flexibility indicators (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: As a result of this large-scale study, it can be argued that the targeted development of flexibility should be in boys aged 8 to 11 years, and in girls aged 9-10 years, 11-12 years and 12-13 years. Keywords: Physical exercises, Joint mobility, Muscle stretching, Physical education.

SPATIALLY INFORMED INSIGHTS: MODELING PERCENTAGE POVERTY IN EAST JAVA PROVINCE USING SEM WITH SPATIAL WEIGHT VARIATIONS

The East Java Province stands as one of Indonesia's regions grappling with a notably elevated poverty rate, accounting for 11.32% of the populace. A strategic approach employed to comprehend and redress this issue involves the application of spatial analysis, wherein spatial factors are intricately integrated into the modeling and cartographic representation of poverty data. The primary objective of this research is to discern the principal determinants influencing the incidence of poverty in East Java Province, employing data reflective of the population's poverty percentages within the province for the year 2021. The study incorporates six pivotal variables, namely: the population poverty rate, open unemployment rate, labor force participation rate, average years of schooling, adjusted per capita expenditure, and the gross regional domestic product (GRDP), predicated on adjusted expenditure. Diverse weighting schemes are applied based on both distance (1) and contiguity (2). The optimal predictive model utilized is the Spatial Error Model (SEM) incorporating a Distance Band Weighing (DBW) mechanism with a designated maximum distance ( ) of 75000 meters. Outcomes indicate that the variable wielding the most substantial influence on the poverty percentage in East Java Province is the average years of schooling. Specifically, an increase in the pursuit of formal education manifests as a negative correlate to the poverty percentage, implying an inverse relationship. Moreover, the SEM model adheres to the requisite assumptions, encompassing (1) the normality of residuals, (2) homogeneity of residuals, and (3) non-spatial autocorrelation of residuals. Comparative analyses reveal that the SEM model utilizing DBW yields diminished values for MAE, MSE, RMSE, AIC, and MAPE in comparison to its linear regression counterpart. Furthermore, the pseudo- values obtained from the SEM surpass those derived from the linear regression model. Rigorous likelihood ratio tests underscore substantial disparities between the SEM and linear regression models, with the former proving more efficient and markedly enhancing the model's explanatory prowess concerning variations in the dataset.

Influence of Facebook Use on the Study Habits of Selected Grade 7 Learners in Mindanao State University - University Training Center

The study aimed to investigate the influence of using Facebook application on the study habits of selected fifty (50) Grade 7 learners in Mindanao State University- University Training Center, school year 2021-2022. The study adapted descriptive research design using survey-questionnaire to help researchers gain relevant information quickly and effectively. The instrument has two (2) parts: part one, the personal profile of the respondents, such are: age, gender, parents’ occupation and parents’ monthly income and part two, the perceptions on the influence of using Facebook application on the learners’ study habits. The instrument has twenty-two (22) items, and the respondents was given choices to answer using a 4-point Likert scales such Strongly Disagree=4, Disagree = 3, Agree = (2) Strongly Agree = 1. The gathered data result was treated using the statistical tools such are: frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation using a Statistical Product and Service Solutions SPSS) software. The statistical tools used are vital that enabling researchers to gain meaningful insights and interpret the results adequately. Moreover, based on the findings of the study, the demographic profile of the respondents revealed that 52% of the respondents were belonged to the age bracket of 12 to 15 years old, 72% were female. Additionally, many or 36% of the respondents’ mothers’ occupation were engaged in business, likewise 44% of the respondents’ fathers’ occupation were engaged in small businesses too. Moreover, on the respondents’ parents’ monthly income 54% of them assessed that around Php 5,001.00 to 10,000.00 as their parents’ monthly income, and 72 % had one to two Facebook accounts registered and 72% answered that they spent three to five hours using Facebook application. Meanwhile, the results also manifest that frequent used of Facebook application affects learners’ study habit. The data showed average weighted mean is 2.568 and descriptively defined as “agree”, this connotes that respondents use Facebook application for fun and popularity. This signified that the use of Facebook app affected the study habits of the learners. Thus, the major implication derived from the higher addiction to Facebook, where the study habit become poor and academic achievement reduced resulting to lower grades. It is highly recommended that to the learners to use Facebook as a tool for studying rather than using it unnecessarily. Likewise, the Facebook addiction resulted to learner-respondents’ lower academic performance. Anent to this, the parents should set rules in using online applications.

Identifying Subgroups of Suicidality Among Adolescents and Influencing Factors Using Latent Class Analysis

Objective We aimed to classify subgroups of suicidality among adolescents and identify the influencing factors of the classification of these latent classes.Methods Suicidal thought, plans, and attempts as well as the feelings of sadness/hopelessness and loneliness were utilized as indicators to derive the suicidality classes. Additionally, health behaviors, such as dietary habits, physical activity, experiences of violence victimization, sexual activity, and deviant behavior, along with demographic factors, such as sex, school year, grades, and household income, were considered as influencing factors. The analysis utilized data from the 18th Youth Health Behavior Survey (2022) conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, involving 51,850 middle and high school students.Results The findings revealed three latent classes of suicidality among adolescents: “active suicidality,” “passive suicidality,” and “non-suicidality.” The influencing factor analysis indicated that all factors, with the exception of high-intensity physical activities, significantly influenced the classification of latent classes of suicidality. Notably, walking exercise and the frequency of exercise during physical education class were found to be factors that differentiated between active and passive suicidality within the suicidality classes.Conclusion This study employed nationwide data to identify the exhibited suicidality classes among adolescents and tested the influencing factors necessary for predicting such classes. The study’s findings offer valuable insights for policy development in suicide prevention and suggest the need for developing customized interventions tailored to each identified class.

Multidimensional Study of the Attitude towards Euthanasia of Older Adults with Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder

Introduction: This study aims to verify if older adults with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder are more prone to euthanasia and identify factors that interfere with their satisfaction with health and capacity for well-informed decisions. Material and Methods: The study applied a paper questionnaire composed of a sociodemographic section and a battery of scales (to assess depression, anxiety, cognitive performance, suicide risk, therapeutic adhesion, functionality, loneliness, attitude towards euthanasia, decision pattern, personality, empathy, and health status) in the Psychogeriatric Unity of Senhora da Oliveira Hospital in Portugal. The sample was collected by convenience to include patients and controls of the same age. Six months later, a reassessment was performed. Patients and controls were compared using descriptive statistics and a multiple-regression model. Results: A total of 114 patients and 25 controls were included. Eighty-one point six percent of patients had four or fewer years of schooling. Contrary to controls, they presented mild depressive and anxiety symptoms, loneliness feelings, worse cognitive performance, a more fragile personality, higher personal distress, and a poorer health state. No statistically significant differences were found between controls and patients regarding their attitudes towards euthanasia. Patients more favourable to euthanasia had higher empathic concern, conscientiousness, and fantasy, and lower personal distress. Discussion and Conclusion: When addressing euthanasia in these patients, it is crucial to ensure they are fully self-determinate and that all the necessary treatment and support are available. It may not be the case when the educational level is low and a mild disease persists, significantly affecting their well-being and cognitive performance.

Employability Study of BS in Business Administration Major in Financial Management Graduates of Notre Dame of Marbel University, South Cotabato, Philippines

This study was conducted to determine the status of employment of graduates of the BS in Business Administratssion major in Financial Management from school years 2017 to 2020, their level of preparation at Notre Dame of Marbel University, and their employability. Specifically, the study described the profile of graduates, their present employment, and employment history. The level of preparation was determined in terms of contribution of NDMU on preparation for work, competencies perceived to be useful in job, quality of learning gained on the following aspects of NDMU, and helpful support services of NDMU. The graduates’ level of satisfaction was also determined. Ultimately, the study determined the variable that influenced employability of graduates. The study used quantitative research design. The University was able to prepare the graduates holistically. They acquired skills necessary to perform their jobs well. In general, the graduates are very highly satisfied with their academic experience at NDMU and their student life in the University. Based on the findings of the study it was concluded that the employability of graduates of the BSBA FM program is high. This is evident in the high percentage of graduates employed in less than six months after graduation. The contribution of NDMU on preparation for work significantly influence the employability of graduates. Strengthening the curriculum to address the needs of the industry and ensuring that graduates are equipped with all necessary knowledge, skills, and holistic self-beliefs can increase the probability of being employed in less than six (6) months.

FinTech—A pathway to financial inclusion? Evidence from Southern African Development Community member states

AbstractThe study investigates the effect of FinTech on financial inclusion in Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states over the period 2011–2021, while also looking at the transmission channels. The study adopts a battery of econometric techniques such as ordinary least squares (OLS), the two‐step system generalized method of moments (GMM) and the Driscoll and Kraay covariance estimator. The study finds that FinTech (proxied by digitization) deepens financial inclusion (access to loan) and a decline in the number of bank branches in SADC member states. This is logical since the operations of FinTech are digital. This implies that an attempt to promote financial inclusion by traditional means such as building physical bank structures may be limited, especially in Africa where large swathes of the populace remain unbanked. As expected, FinTech (measured by automated teller machines [ATMs]) increases the number of bank branches in SADC. We also find that mobile cellular subscription, the share of population with access to electricity and Internet access and mean years of schooling are important transmission channels of FinTech to financial inclusion in SADC. In general, the result shows that FinTech enhances and deepens financial inclusion in SADC member states. The research and policy implications are discussed.

INFLUENCE OF OVERLOADED SCHOOL EVENTS ON STUDENTS' WELL-BEING

This study investigates the impact of overloaded school events on the overall well-being of students, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional aspects. With schools offering a myriad of extracurricular activities, clubs, and events, concerns arise about their potential effects on students health and academic performance. Using a descriptive research method, 51 students from the College of Education at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology were surveyed during the 2nd Semester of the 2023-2024 school year. The study found that overloaded school events negatively affect students physical health by causing exhaustion, disrupted sleep patterns, and increased stress. Mentally, students reported feelings of stress, frustration, and decreased confidence, impacting their academic focus and motivation. Emotionally, students experienced increased stress, emotional tension, and challenges in maintaining emotional resilience. Academically, students faced difficulties in focusing, missed lessons leading to educational gaps, and challenges in completing assignments and exams. The study highlights the need for schools to create a balanced learning environment that prioritizes students well-being alongside academic achievement. Recommendations include revising school event calendars, implementing stress reduction programs, promoting self-care and balance, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address these issues effectively. Continuous evaluation of interventions is crucial to ensuring positive outcomes for students well-being and academic success. Subject Areas: Higher Education, Sociology KEYWORDS: overloaded school events, students well-being

Effect of a peer-led prevention program (P2P) on smoking in vocational high school students: Results from a two-school-year cluster-randomized trial.

The aim of this work was to measure the impact of P2P (i.e. peer-to-peer), a peer-led smoking prevention intervention, on daily smoking prevalence of adolescents over 2 school years. A cluster-randomized controlled trial was performed over a 16-month follow-up (trial status: closed to follow-up). P2P was implemented 1-3 and 13-15 months after baseline. Assessments took place at baseline and 4, 10 and 16 months after baseline. The research team, assessors and adolescents were blinded to the study-arm assignment only at baseline. Fifteen vocational high schools in France were randomized into two clusters, using a 1:1 allocation ratio per French department (n intervention = 7, n control = 8). Participants comprised a sample of 2010 students in year 11 (i.e. 15-16 years) in vocational high schools. A total of 437 students could not be assessed at baseline (absent or left school), yielding a total sample of 1573 students (n intervention = 749, n control = 824). The P2P programme trained voluntary students to become peer educators and design smoking prevention actions for their schoolmates in the intervention group (n = 945 students), compared with a passive control group (n = 1065 students). The primary outcome was change from baseline in the prevalence of self-reported daily smoking (i.e. at least one cigarette per day) at 16 months. The 'time × group' interaction indicated that, compared with the control group, the intervention group had statistically significantly fewer daily smokers after 16 months [odds ratio (OR) = 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.20, 0.53]. Similarly, compared with the control group, the intervention group had statistically significantly fewer daily smokers after 4months (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.30, 0.82) and 10months (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.37, 0.98). No adverse events of P2P2 were reported. A cluster-randomized trial found evidence that the peer-led P2P (peer-to-peer) smoking prevention intervention reduced the uptake of daily smoking among high school students in France over 16 months.

Exercise, grit, and life satisfaction among Korean adolescents: a latent growth modeling analysis

BackgroundLife satisfaction among Korean students is declining substantially, and multifaceted improvement efforts are required.MethodsWe analyzed longitudinal change trajectories for exercise, grit, and life satisfaction levels among Korean adolescents using latent growth modeling with longitudinal data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Surveys of 2,142 students (male: 1,070, female: 1,072) from sixth grade (2020) through eighth grade (2022).ResultsThe model, which tracked linear changes in the students’ exercise, grit, and life satisfaction, showed consistent declines over three school years for all variables. We also identified a longitudinal causal relationship among exercise, grit, and life satisfaction. A higher grit intercept was associated with higher intercept for—and a partial mediating effect between—exercise and life satisfaction. The grit slope was positively related to the life satisfaction slope, and both the intercept and exercise slope had positive effects on life satisfaction. Moreover, grit had a longitudinal mediating effect between exercise and life satisfaction.ConclusionsWe discuss the longitudinal change trajectories of exercise, grit, and life satisfaction, the causal and mediating effects among them, and the implications of the findings. These findings bolster our understanding of Korean adolescents’ life satisfaction and have practical significance for designing programs to improve their quality of life.