scholarly journals Socio-demographics and asthma prevalence, management, and outcomes among children 1–11 years of age in California

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim E. Banta ◽  
Majed Ramadan ◽  
Noara Alhusseini ◽  
Khaled Aloraini ◽  
Naomi Modeste

Abstract Background Asthma disproportionately affects minority and low-income children. We examined asthma prevalence, management and outcomes, focusing on race/ethnicity and acculturation of parents (particularly English language proficiency). Methods This cross-sectional, correlational analysis used a de-identified population-based survey, the California Health Interview Survey, for years 2001–2015. Survey-weighted analysis with SAS 9.4 was used to determine asthma prevalence among children 1 to 11 years of age. Descriptive analysis was conducted, adjusting for survey design and combination of multiple years of data. The Pearson test, using design-based F values was used to determine statistically significant differences between those having/not having a doctor diagnosis of asthma. Multivariable logistic regression, with jackknife approach to obtain confidence intervals, was used to examine associations of child and parental characteristics with asthma prevalence, management, and outcomes. Results The 61,625 completed surveys represented an estimated annual population of 5.7 million children, of which 12.9 % had asthma. There were significant (p < 0.001) differences by age, gender, race, and language proficiency, with higher asthma prevalence for children 6 to 11 years of age (15.5 %), males (15.3 %), African Americans (19.5 %), and parents speaking English very well (14.1 %). Compared to children whose parents spoke English very well, those whose parents spoke English not well or not at all were less likely to achieve optimal asthma management, i.e. to have received a management plan from doctor (OR 0.30; 95 % Confidence Interval 0.20–0.46)), to be currently taking medication to control asthma (OR 0.52; 95 % CI 0.36–0.74)), or to be not confident in ability to control asthma (OR 3.10; 95 % CI 1.49–6.42). Children whose parents spoke English fairly well rather than very well had worse outcomes, i.e. were more likely to have an emergency room visit in past 12 months (OR 1.92; 95 % CI 1.03–3.61) and were more likely to miss school due to asthma in past 12 months (OR 0.71; 1.01–2.94). Conclusions Socio-demographics had a limited role in explaining differences across a handful of asthma management and outcome measures in California. Parental English language proficiency had the most consistent influence, underscoring the need for culturally and linguistically competent care.

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Kifayatullah Khan ◽  
Wasal Khan

This cross-sectional quantitative research was conducted to compare the average perceptions of students and teachers regarding students&rsquo; English language proficiency at the higher secondary level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The participants were 1975 students and 108 teachers belonging to one each district of the seven divisions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data were collected through pre-tested questionnaire i.e., one each for students and teachers. To analyze the significance difference between the average perceptions of students and teachers about higher secondary students&rsquo; English language proficiency; independent samples t-test was applied. The findings of the study revealed significant difference in teachers&rsquo; and students&rsquo; perceptions regarding students&rsquo; partial command over English language; use of English in and beyond classroom; expressing views fluently in English; students&rsquo; listening, speaking and reading skills; while no significant difference was seen regarding students&rsquo; full command over English language and their writing skill.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 9-13
Author(s):  
C. MONSINGH DANIEL

The English Language holds primacy in several levels of employment. This has drawn appeal towards the language as a valuable tool towards having an edge in ones skill set. Capitalizing on the image that English builds for ones employability and career advancement has become a trend set by employer and employee alike. It does indeed have its appeal in a global market, but its demand is due to the inability of educational institutions to provide verifiable and considerable output in students who are proficient in the English Language. Therefore the search for candidates with quality English skills is rather sparse in number. Attempts are of course made by academicians to change this reality but not to the level of a massive turnabout.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arati Prabhu ◽  
Prachi Wani

The study is undertaken to understand the importance of English language skills in the Indian hospitality industry, and the gaps therein. It studies the challenge as it exists in Pune city, and how AISSMS College of Hotel Management & Catering Technology has attempted to address the issue(s). The study aims at gathering primary information by means of questionnaires. It sheds light on the gap between existing and desired standards of English proficiency. It also highlights the attempts by the three important stakeholders in order to address the issue. Though, attempts are made from the industry, teachers and students, it is recognized that joint efforts need to be made to tackle the problem collectively and from all sides. It is an urgent calling for innovative teaching learning practices and encouraging sound develop initiatives and commitment. The primary data is across the cross section of Pune hoteliers, teachers and students of the college. The findings reflect the importance of English as the universal medium of communication, and its importance in rendering quality service and importantly.


Author(s):  
B. Mehta ◽  
J. Szymonifka ◽  
S. A. Dey ◽  
I. Y. Navarro-Millan ◽  
S. V. Grassia ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimy H. L. Tran ◽  
Danny Liew ◽  
Rosemary S. C. Horne ◽  
Joanne Rimmer ◽  
Gillian M. Nixon

AbstractGeographic variation of paediatric tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy, (A/T) has been described since the 1930s until today but no studies have investigated the factors associated with this variation. This study described the geographical distribution of paediatric A/T across the state of Victoria, Australia, and investigated area-level factors associated with this variation. We used linked administrative datasets capturing all paediatric A/T performed between 2010 and 2015 in Victoria. Surgery data were collapsed by patient residence to the level of Local Government Area. Regression models were used to investigate the association between likelihood of surgery and area-level factors. We found a 10.2-fold difference in A/T rates across the state, with areas of higher rates more in regional than metropolitan areas. Area-level factors associated with geographic variation of A/T were percentage of children aged 5–9 years (IRR 1.07, 95%CI 1.01–1.14, P = 0.03) and low English language proficiency (IRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90–0.99, P = 0.03). In a sub-population analysis of surgeries in the public sector, these factors were low maternal educational attainment (IRR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.16, P < 0.001) and surgical waiting time (IRR 0.99635 95% CI 0.99273–0.99997, P = 0.048). Identifying areas of focus for improvement and factors associated with geographic variation will assist in improving equitable provision of paediatric A/T and decrease variability within regions.


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