Year-old Schoolchildren Research Articles

Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation: prevalence in Jordanian children and clinical characteristics

To investigate Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) in Jordanian children in terms of prevalence, distribution and severity of defects. A crosssectional national study with a representative sample was used. A multistage random sampling system yielded 3,666, 7-9 year-old schoolchildren, from 97 public, private and UNRWA schools from Amman, Irbid and Al-Karak. A questionnaire of six sections was sent to the parents with a consent form to participate in the study. A total of 3,241 children participated resulting in a response rate of 88.4%. A single calibrated investigator examined all children using established criteria for MIH and molar hypomineralisation (MH). Analysis of data was performed with a p value set at 0.05. Of the children examined, 570 (17.6%) were diagnosed with MIH with more females affected than males (53% vs. 47%). The 570 subjects were distributed as MIH cases in 196 children (34.4%) and MH cases in 374 children (65.6%) given that at least one incisor was erupted. Mandibular molars and maxillary central incisors were more frequently affected (p<0.05). No significant difference was found between right and left sides of the mouth. Most defects were mild in severity (44%) and severity increased with age and was related to the number of teeth affected (p<0.05). MIH teeth were more severely affected than MH teeth. MIH was common among 7-9 year-old Jordanian children with a prevalence of 17.6% and was gender related. MH was more common than MIH and can be considered a mild form of an MIH spectrum. Majority of MIH and MH cases were mild in nature but demonstrated an agerelated severity.

Family and home correlates of children's physical activity in a multi-ethnic population: the cross-sectional child heart and health study in england (CHASE)

BackgroundThe influence of the family and home environment on childhood physical activity (PA) and whether this differs between ethnic groups remains uncertain. This paper investigates associations between family and home factors and childhood PA in a multi-ethnic population and explores whether associations differ between ethnic groups.MethodsCross-sectional study of 9-10 year-old schoolchildren, in which PA was objectively measured by Actigraph GT1 M accelerometers for ≤7 days to estimate average activity counts per minute (CPM). Information on 11 family and home environmental factors were collected from questionnaires. Associations between these factors and CPM were quantified using multi-level linear regression. Interactions with ethnicity were explored using likelihood ratio tests.Results2071 children (mean ± SD age: 9.95 ± 0.38 years; 47.8% male) participated, including 25% white European, 28% black African-Caribbean, 24% South Asian, and 24% other ethnic origin. Family PA support and having a pet were associated with higher average CPM (adjusted mean difference: 6 (95%CI:1,10) and 13 (95%CI:3,23), respectively) while car ownership and having internet access at home were associated with lower average CPM (adjusted mean difference: -19 (95%CI:-30,-8) and -10 (95%CI:-19,0), respectively). These associations did not differ by ethnicity. Although the number of siblings showed no overall association with PA, there was some evidence of interaction with ethnicity (p for ethnicity interaction = 0.04, 0.05 in a fully-adjusted model); a positive significant association with number of siblings was observed in white Europeans (per sibling CPM difference 10.3 (95% CI 1.7, 18.9)) and a positive non-significant association was observed in black African-Caribbeans (per sibling CPM difference: 3.5 (-4.2, 11.2)) while a negative, non-significant association was observed in South Asians (per sibling CPM difference -6.0 (-15.5, 3.4)).ConclusionsSome family and home environmental factors have modest associations with childhood PA and these are mostly similar across different ethnic groups. This suggests that targeting these factors in an intervention to promote PA would be relevant for children in different ethnic groups.

Prenatal, Perinatal, and Early Postnatal Risk Factors of Childhood Asthma

PP-31-094 Background/Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of prenatal, perinatal, and early postnatal risk factors on asthma and their links to early or late-onset asthma in children. Methods: We conducted a 1:2 matched case-control study from previous Taiwan Children Health Study population, which was a nationwide study recruiting 12 to 14 year-old school children in 14 Taiwanese communities. A total of 579 mothers of participants within 5 years of age and the in-utero period were telephone interviewed for environmental exposures,. We used conditional logistic regression for statistical analysis. Results: Childhood asthma was associated with maternal medication tablet use during pregnancy (OR = 3.73; 95% CI: 2.2–6.33), forceps and vacuum use during delivery (OR = 4.10; 95% CI: 1.39–12,1) (OR = 4.08; 95% CI: 1.84–9.03), recurrent respiratory tract infections within first year of age (OR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.78–4.02), hospitalization within first year of age (OR = 2.99; 95% CI: 1.58–5.67), daycare attendance before 3 years of age (OR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.33–4.57), and main caregiver care other children in first year of age (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.02–2.23). Exposures of the above factors showed dose-responsiveness on the risk of asthma (P for trend < 0.05). Exclusive breastfeeding was a protective factor for asthma (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.31–0.79). Most of the effects of the above factors revealed greater impact on early-onset asthma, except for forceps and vacuum use, and daycare attendance. Conclusion: Exposures to maternal gestational medication use, forceps and vacuum use during delivery, recurrent respiratory infections, daycare attendance were associated with higher risks of childhood asthma. Exclusive breastfeeding was a protective factor for asthma. Policies should be made to prevent risks and promote exclusive breastfeeding for children.

Benefícios de um programa de educação postural para alunos de uma escola municipal de Garibaldi, RS

A fisioterapia tem importante papel no meio escolar, pois estudantes desenvolvem maus hábitos e alterações posturais que, a longo prazo, podem gerar restrição funcional. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos de um programa de educação postural em estudantes do ensino fundamental da cidade de Garibaldi, RS. Participaram 48 alunos com idade entre 8 e 10 anos, que responderam um questionário sobre hábitos posturais e foram submetidos à avaliação de peso, modelo e modo de transporte da mochila antes e após uma sessão educativa; quatro semanas mais tarde foi feita uma reavaliação. Os pais participaram do estudo respondendo um questionário sobre a postura dos filhos. Quanto aos hábitos escolares, constatou-se mudança positiva na adoção de postura adequada dos pés na posição sentada (p=0,001); e, nas atividades de vida diária, mudanças na posição ao ver televisão (p&lt;0,0001), dormir (p=0,019), pegar objetos no chão (p&lt;0,0001) e costume de ler e/ou escrever na cama (p=0,002). Em relação ao peso da mochila obteve-se redução significativa após a intervenção (p=0,002), enquanto no modelo e modo de transporte não houve diferença. Segundo os pais, os filhos têm bons hábitos de postura e costumam utilizá-los no dia-a-dia. Concluiu-se que a realização de uma sessão de educação postural para alunos promoveu o conhecimento de hábitos posturais saudáveis e modificação de algumas posturas, mas não se pode afirmar que provocou mudanças nos hábitos posturais.

Residential exposure to motor vehicle emissions and the risk of wheezing among 7-8 year-old schoolchildren: a city-wide cross-sectional study in Nicosia, Cyprus.

BackgroundSeveral studies have reported associations between respiratory outcomes in children and a range of self-reported, administrative or geographical indicators of traffic pollution. First-time investigation into the frequency of asthmatic symptoms among 7-8 year-old Cypriot children in 1999-2000 showed increased prevalence in the capital Nicosia compared to other areas. Geographical differences on an island the size of Cyprus may reflect environmental and/or lifestyle factors. This study investigates the relationship between self-reported symptoms and residential exposure to motor vehicle emissions among Nicosia schoolchildren.MethodsThe addresses of children in the metropolitan area of Nicosia who participated in the original survey (N = 1,735) were geo-coded and the level of exposure of each child was assessed using distance- and emission-based indicators (i.e. estimated levels of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides emissions due to motor vehicles on main roads around the residence). Odds ratios of wheezing and asthma diagnosis in relation to levels of exposure were estimated in logistic regression models adjusting for person-based factors, co-morbidity and intra-school clustering.ResultsWe found an increased risk of wheezing at distances less than 50 m from a main road and/or only among those experiencing the highest levels of exposure. The strongest effect estimates were observed when exposure was defined in terms of the cumulative burden at all roads around the residence. Adjusted odds ratios for current wheezing were 2.33 (95% CI 1.27, 4.30) amongst the quartile of participants exposed to the highest levels of PM at all roads 50 m of their residence and 2.14 (95% CI 1.05, 4.35) for NOx, with no effect at intermediate levels of exposure. While the direction of effect was apparent at longer distances, differences were generally not statistically significant.ConclusionsChildren experiencing the highest burden of emissions in Nicosia seem to be at a higher risk of reporting asthmatic symptoms. Due to the small number of children residing at close proximity to main roads and lack of evidence of risk at intermediate levels of exposure or longer distances, the observed pattern alone does not explain the generally higher prevalence observed in urban Nicosia compared to other areas.

Prevalence and factors linked to atopic eczema in 10- and 11-year-old schoolchildren. Isaac 2 in Almeria, Spain

Atopic eczema affects 5-10% of the Spanish paediatric population, and has increased in frequency over the last few decades, probably due to changes in the environment and lifestyle. Phase II of the ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) uses a standardised methodology to establish the prevalence of allergic disorders and factors linked to them in each centre. To assess the prevalence and severity of atopic eczema, and to establish factors linked to atopic eczema in 10-11 year-old school children in the city of Almeria (South-East coast of Spain). An ecological study was carried out as part of ISAAC II, using homologated questionnaires and allergic tests in 1143 schoolchildren. Statistic association was assessed by means of chi(2) test, and then logistic regression analysis was performed with the most significant variables from the univariant analysis. The prevalence of atopic eczema was 11.4%. The risk factors found in the multiple logistic regression analysis were: personal antecedents of severe asthma (OR 19 CI 95% 1.35-266) and severe rhinitis (OR 7.7 CI 95% 1.79-33), fungi in bedroom during the first year of life (OR 4.2 CI 95% 1.17-15.1) and atopic eczema in one parent (OR 5.2 CI 95% 2.69-10.1). The prevalence of atopic eczema is similar to that found in other studies within ISAAC Phase I. The most important risk factors for atopic eczema are family and personal history of other atopic diseases and the presence of fungi in the home.

Risk factors and prevalence of asthma in schoolchildren in Castellon (Spain): a cross-sectional study

Research on potential risk factors of asthma can enhance our understanding of geographic differences and inform decisions on preventive strategies. In 2002, a cross-sectional population-based study was carried out in the area of Castellon (Spain), following the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase III methodology. Asthma symptoms and related risk factor questionnaires were completed by parents of 6-7 year-old schoolchildren. Logistic regression was used in the analysis. Participation rate was 88 % (4492 of 4872 schoolchildren). Prevalence of wheeze in the past year, asthma ever, and physician-diagnosed asthma were 8 %, 7 % and 6 %, respectively. Risk factors independently associated with all three asthma case definitions were history of bronchitis or pneumonia, allergic rhinitis, family members with atopic disease, and residing in an industrialised area. Risk factors for asthma ever and physician-diagnosed asthma were male sex, atopic eczema and presence of a dog at home; exclusive breast-feeding and the presence of another animal (not a dog or cat) were protective factors. Maternal age was inversely related to physician-diagnosed asthma. Residence in an area of heavy truck traffic and the father smoking at home were associated with asthma ever. Risk factors for wheeze in the past year were low social class, history of sinusitis and the father smoking at home. Environmental factors are related to the presence of asthma. Preventive measures should be directed to improving air pollution, promoting breast-feeding and reducing smoking in the home.

Time trends in the prevalence of asthma and allergy among 6–7-year-old children. Results from ISAAC phase I and III studies in Kaunas, Lithuania

To assess the changes in the prevalence of asthma and allergy in 6-7-year-old schoolchildren in Kaunas, Lithuania, using the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) core questionnaire. Two cross-sectional surveys (1994/1995-2001/2002) according to the ISAAC protocol were carried out. Lithuanian version of the ISAAC core questionnaire was completed by parents randomly selected from Kaunas primary schools. A school-based sample of 1879 participants in the 1994/1995 survey and 2772 participants in the 2001/2002 survey was study population. The response rates in 1994 and 2002 were 93.95% and 92.4%, respectively. There is a tendency towards an increase in the prevalence of current symptoms and diagnoses for all three conditions, but it was more pronounced in boys. Significant increases in the prevalence of asthma (0.9% vs 2.6%), allergic rhinitis (1.4% vs 2.4%), and atopic dermatitis (1.4% vs 3.5%) were observed comparing two surveys. Still a lot of allergic diseases remain undiagnosed. Our study shows that the prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis is increasing, reflecting the changes in morbidity from these conditions in our country.

Is the Prevalence of Asthma and Related Symptoms Among Brazilian Children Related to Socioeconomic Status?

Objective. To evaluate the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and the prevalence of asthma and related symptoms among Brazilian children. Methods. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) written questionnaire was applied to 23,457 six- to seven- year-old schoolchildren (SC) and 58,144 thirteen- to fourteen-year-old adolescents (AD) from 20 Brazilian cities. SES was evaluated by infant mortality index, poverty index, and average nominal income for people older than 10 years of age. Results. Current asthma ranged from 16.5% to 31.2% among SC and from 11.8% to 30.5% among AD and severe asthma from 2.9% to 8.5% (SC) and 2.6% to 9.1% (AD). Higher values were observed in Brazilian-Northern, -Northeastern and -Southeastern centers. No significant association between SES and prevalence of asthma and related symptoms was observed. Conclusions. In Brazil, the prevalence of asthma and related symptoms is quite variable and independent of SES.

Caries prevalence and treatment needs of rural school children in Chidambaram Taluk, Tamil Nadu, South India

To obtain information on caries prevalence and treatment needs of children aged 5-10 years to plan appropriate dental care services in rural areas. Children studying in all the primary schools (six schools) in the field practice area of the Rural Health Centre of the Faculty of Medicine, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, were surveyed. Each child was clinically examined in the schools by calibrated examiners. Dental caries was assessed using diagnostic criteria recommended by WHO (1997). The chi-square test and two-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Five hundred and eight 5-10 year-old school children (247 boys and 261 girls) were surveyed. Caries prevalence was 71.7 and 26.5% in primary and permanent dentition, respectively. The mean dmft and decayed missing filled tooth (DMFT) scores were 3.00 and 0.42 respectively. The mean dmft decreased with age ( P < 0.01) whereas the mean DMFT increased with age ( P < 0.001). Although the mean dmft scores were not statistically significant different for the two sexes, the mean DMFT score was found to be higher among girls than among boys ( P < 0.02). The entire dmft/DMFT value represented the 'decay' component only. There was a strong need for single surface restorations (60.6%). In the WHO index age (5-6 years), the caries prevalence was 70.2% (29.8% caries-free) with a mean dmft value of 3.54 +/- 3.71. Dental caries is a significant public health problem in this population. An extensive system to provide primary oral health care has to be developed in the rural areas of India.

Nutritional surveillance in Tuscany: eating habits at breakfast, mid-morning and afternoon snacks among 8-9 y-old children.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is rapidly increasing in many countries. For that it has been interesting to investigate the eating habits of 8-9 y-old Tuscany children by paying attention to their meals frequency per day and their food choices in total and in relation to children's Body Mass Index (BMI) classes. In addition we considered some environment factors that could affect the children eating behaviours, such as mother's BMI and their education level. A statistical sample of 3076 (1583 males, 1493 females), 8-9 year-old school-children was collected; weight and height were measured using standardized personnel and instruments. BMI classes were calculated using Cole et al.'s cutoff for children and adolescents. In order to evaluate the consumption frequency of individual meals and various foods, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used, which was completed by the children themselves at school. A self-administered questionnaire revealed the weight and height of parents and their educational levels. Three educational levels were established: high, medium and low. The results showed that 92.3% of children ate breakfast from 4-7 times a week, the vast majority at home, while only 3% declared consuming breakfast never or almost never The most preferred breakfast consisted of milk and biscuits for all children's BMI classes. 95.9% of children reported having midmorning snack at school; fruit juice and tea are the most frequently consumed liquid foods, and pizza, salami sandwiches and pre-packaged snacks are the most frequently consumed solid foods in all BMI classes. 93.6% ate afternoon snack for the most part at home, even if 12% of children reported consuming it elsewhere; fruit juice and tea with pizza, sandwiches and pre-packaged snacks are still the most highly consumed foods by all children's BMI classes. The consumption frequency of breakfast (P < 0.001), mid-morning (P < 0.05) and afternoon snack (P < 0.05) of 8-9 y-old Tuscany children decrease with increase the children's BMI classes. The same tendency may be noted for the consumption frequency of breakfast in relation to mother's BMI (P < 0.05) and their education level (P < 0.05). This data strengthens the thesis that some home environments can affect the children's eating behaviours. No substantial differences in food choices at the meals analyzed were determined among normal weight, overweight and obese children. Children of normal weight had a greater tendency to consume meals more regularly. Mother's BMI and their education level can have influence on children's eating behaviours.

Prevalence of malocclusion among 12 year-old school children in Lagos State

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dentofacial anomalies presenting as malocclusion in 12 year-old Nigerian school children in the Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study, which involved a sample of 200 children, was carried out employing the World Health Organization Pathfinder Methodology for oral health surveys. Malocclusion was recorded as being absent, slight or moderate/severe based on the WHO criteria as outlined in the methodology. Results: Sixty-eight per cent (68%) of the children had normal occlusion i.e. absence of malocclusion. Slight malocclusion was present in 22%, while 10% had moderate to severe malocclusion. There was no sex predilection for malocclusion. Among the ethnic groups, there was no significant difference in prevalence of malocclusion. Conclusion: In view of the handicapping effects of dentofacial anomalies, which tend to affect a person's aesthetics, masticatory function, speech and indeed social acceptability, there is a need to institute measures, which would help in the prevention of some of the malocclusion types seen in the study. The establishment of school oral healthcare programme, which would also provide preventive orthodontic care, is advocated. However, the small number seen among some ethnic groups precludes the extrapolation of this finding to the larger population. There is a need to carry out national surveys. KEY WORDS: Malocclusion; 12 year-old children; Ethnic groups; Lagos State Journal of Community Medicine & Primary Health Care Vol.16(2) 2004: 43-46

Oral habits among 7-10 year-old school children in Ibadan, Nigeria.

To assess the prevalence of oral habits among 7-10 year-old children in Ibadan, Nigeria. An epidemiological survey of randomly selected school children. Criteria for social class was based on registrar general's social class. Primary schools from different parts of Ibadan city, Nigeria. 493 school children aged 7-10 years consisting of 237(48.1%) boys and 256(51.9%) girls. Only children still actively involved in oral habits were coded positive. In all, 49(9.9%) of the children were involved in one type of oral habit or the other with digit sucking being most prevalent 40(8.1%). Lip sucking was observed in 6(1.2%) while 1(0.2%) had an unusual sucking habit--sucking of left forearm with resultant severe anterior open bite (10 mm). The relationship between the oral habits anterior open-bite and increased overjets were very significant statistically (p<0.01). No significant associations were noted between the habits and social class as well as Angle's classification of molar relations. None of the children examined had gone for routine dental check-ups before except for the 62(12.6%) who had previous dental consultations due to toothaches. Oral habits especially digit sucking needing management was revealed by this study and none of them had been to a dentist for help. This suggests that there is need to intensify oral health education in our environment, targeted at both parents and school children to enable them benefit from interceptive orthodontic care which has numerous advantages.

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The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and severity of dental fluorosis in 5 to 12 and 15 year-old school children in the city of Marinópolis, São Paulo, Brazil, with the purpose of obtaining a baseline data for the monitoring dental fluorosis in this population. All of the school children in the both sexes, in the mentioned ages, enrolled in educational institutions and having the pre-requirement condition of to live in Marinópolis from their birth were involved, totaling 320 school children. The exams were made by one examiner previously calibrated to use the Dean Index. According to the results, the frequency of dental fluorosis in the studied group was 17.2%, however just considering the fluorosis levels that determine aesthetic compromising (mild, moderate and severe), this percentile was 7.19%. The predominant level was the very mild (10.0%) followed for the mild (5.3%), moderate (1.3%) and severe (0.6%). Concluding that the dental fluorosis in the studied population doesn't constitute in a problem with wide dimensions, however, subsequent studies are necessary in the attempt of identifying the causes of moderate and severe fluorosis cases.

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Seroprevalencia de la infección por Trypanosoma cruzi en escolares de seis y doce años de edad de tres departamentos endémicos de Uruguay

The last national survey on seroprevalence of T. cruzi human infection in Uruguay, showed a 3.4% in adults from endemic areas. Since 1983, antivectorial actions of the control program have been carried out continually. In consequence, household infestation by Triatoma infestan, the main vector of T. cruzi in Uruguay, decreased in all endemic areas and was completely eliminated in some of them. The objectives of the present work are to evaluate the new seroepidemiological situation. A representative sampling of rural and urban population was undertaken, to include six and twelve year-old school children from three departments: Artigas, Rivera and Tacuarembo. The whole sample included 4,722 school children, evaluated by the indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) test for Chagaś disease. The seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection in the six year-old group was 0.3% in Artigas, 0.6% in Rivera and 1.0% in Tacuarembo. The seropositive children with seropositive mothers support the possible congenital transmission.

Oral health knowledge and behaviours and barriers to dental attendance of school children and adolescents in the Caribbean island of Antigua

The purpose of the questionnaire survey was to gather data on dental health knowledge from 12 year-old school children and 15-19 year-old adolescents including self-reported dental behaviours and factors affecting regular dental attendance. The completed questionnaires of 350 children and 345 adolescents were analysed. The majority of young people were able to correctly identify the functions of teeth and cariogenic foods, and were also aware of the signs of periodontal disease. However, they incorrectly defined the meaning of dental caries and dental plaque. Also students claimed good oral hygiene behaviour and willingness to receive necessary treatment for a carious tooth from a dentist. Sixty five per cent of children and 74 per cent of adolescents, went to a dentist at some time and were likely to receive extraction at their last visit. Cost and fear were found to be the common barriers for regular dental attendance.

Prevalence of pain combinations and overall pain: a study of headache, stomach pain and back pain among school-children.

The prevalence of pain combinations among school children is addressed in view of earlier findings of high pain prevalence in this population. The study considers the prevalence of combinations of three common pains headache, stomach pain and back pain-in a random national sample of 2173 Icelandic 11-12 and 15-16 year-old school children. According to the results from this study there is a 78.2% prevalence of monthly pain. One or more instances of weekly pain is experienced by 40.4% of the children, and 15.6% experience two or three pains weekly. Relevance of gender is greater when dealing with combinations of monthly than weekly pain. Combinations of weekly pains are more gender related than single weekly pains. Girls have significantly more frequent overall pain than boys. The distribution of pain combinations varies by age but not overall pain. The study yields important information about the extent of the overall problem of pain among school children and indicates the need to further study the correlates of different pain combinations in this age group.

Chronic Malnutrition and Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Children

The distribution of T. cruzi infection overlaps regions with high prevalence of child malnutrition. We examined the possible association between T. cruzi infection and chronic malnutrition. In a cross-sectional survey conducted among 1900 7-12 year-old schoolchildren in 60 village schools in central Brazil, anthropometric measurements (NCHS) taken from 153 children with at least two positive serological tests for antibodies against T. cruzi (IIF, ELISA, IHA) were compared to two age and sex seronegative matched classmates. Information on children's medical history and socio-economic status (SES) were collected from parents of the participants. Seropositive children had a 2.4-fold risk (95% CI 1.4-4.0) of being stunted (z-score < 2.0 of height-for-age) when compared to uninfected children even after adjusting for confounding variables. Being underweight (z-score < -2.0 of weight-for-age) was also statistically associated with seropositivity to T. cruzi (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.4-5.6). No statistical evidence of multiplicative interaction between nutritional status and SES was detected. Further studies on nutrition and metabolism are required to look into a possible physiopathological mechanism for this association.

Post-primary school pupil's interest in physical education: age and gender differences.

Interest in Physical Education (PE) was studied in 3,344 11 to 18 year-old school children. Five aspects of educational importance (PE connotation, PE status, PE teacher, PE curriculum, and adolescent disturbances in relation to the PE lesson) were identified, and examined in relation to pupils' interest. For the younger age groups girls' interest in PE was significantly higher than that of the boys, while after the age of 14 the reverse was the case. The status of PE as a school subject was found to be the most important variable for interest in PE. The contribution of the PE teacher to pupils' level of interest was the least important of the factors examined. The results are discussed in terms of the differing importance for boys and girls of sport in social status systems for peer popularity. Suggestions for changes to PE lessons are offered.