Grade repetition and bullying victimization in adolescents: A global cross-sectional study of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) data from 2018

Background Grade repetition is practiced worldwide and varies considerably across the globe. Globally, around 32.2 million students repeated a grade at the primary education level in 2010. Although a large body of research has documented grade repetition’s academic and non-academic effects, the limited evidence on associations between grade repetition and school bullying is inconsistent and ambiguous. This study aimed to investigate the global association of grade repetition with bullying victimization in a large-scale school-based cross-sectional study. Methods and findings We used the latest global data from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018. PISA 2018 was conducted between March and August 2018 in 80 countries and economies among students aged 15–16 years attending secondary education. The students reported their experiences of repeating a grade at any time point before the survey and of being bullied in the past 12 months. The outcome measures were 6 types of bullying victimization. We accounted for the complex survey design and used multivariate logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of grade repetition with bullying victimization after adjusting for potential confounders (sex; age group; migrant status; school type; economic, social, and cultural status; and parental emotional support). This study included 465,146 students (234,218 girls and 230,928 boys) with complete data on grade repetition and bullying victimization in 74 countries and economies. The lifetime prevalence of grade repetition was 12.26%, and 30.32% of students experienced bullying at least a few times a month during the past 12 months. Grade repetition was statistically significantly associated with each type of bullying victimization. The OR (95% CI) of overall bullying victimization for grade repeaters compared with their promoted peers was 1.42 (95% CI 1.32–1.52, p < 0.001). The sex-specific analysis produced similar results in both boys and girls. Furthermore, girls who repeated a grade had higher risks of being made fun of, being threatened, having possessions taken away, and being pushed around than boys. The major limitation is that this study only included students attending schools and therefore may be subject to possible selection bias. In addition, the cross-sectional design hinders us from establishing causality between grade repetition and bullying victimization. Conclusions In this study, we observed that, globally, both boys and girls who repeat a grade are at increased risk of being bullied compared with promoted peers, but girls may experience higher risks than boys of specific types of bullying associated with repeating a grade. These findings provide evidence for the association of grade repetition with bullying victimization. Sex differences in risk of experiencing some types of bullying suggest that tailored interventions for girls who repeat a grade may be warranted.

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Factors associated with HIV testing among traditional healers and their clients in rural Uganda: Results from a cross-sectional study

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/09564624211015028 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 095646242110150

Author(s):

Doreen Nabukalu ◽

Matthew Ponticiello ◽

Thomas Bennett ◽

Sunday Clark ◽

Rachel King ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Communities ◽

Hiv Testing ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Traditional Healers ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Past ◽

Male Clients ◽

Hiv Test ◽

Testing Uptake

Uptake of HIV testing is suboptimal in Uganda, particularly in rural communities. Reaching UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals requires strategies to increase HIV testing among hard-to-reach populations. This cross-sectional study sought to characterize engagement with HIV testing among traditional healers and their clients in rural Uganda. We enrolled 175 traditional healers and 392 adult clients of healers in Mbarara District. The primary outcome for this study was having received an HIV test in the prior 12 months. Most clients ( n = 236, 65.9%) had received an HIV test within 12 months, compared to less than half of healers ( n = 75, 46.3%) who had not. In multivariate regression models, male clients of healers were half as likely to have tested in the past year, compared with female (adjusted odds ratios (AORs) = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.26–0.70). Increasing age negatively predicted testing within the past year (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.93–0.97) for clients. Among healers, more sexual partners predicted knowing ones serostatus (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.03–2.48). Healers (AOR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.07–1.26) and clients (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.13–1.34 for clients) with greater numbers of lifetime HIV tests were more likely to have tested in the past year. Traditional healers and their clients lag behind UNAIDS benchmarks and would benefit from programs to increase HIV testing uptake.

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Use of electronic cigarettes and secondhand exposure to their aerosols are associated with asthma symptoms among adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Respiratory Research ◽

10.1186/s12931-020-01569-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abdullah Alnajem ◽

Abdullah Redha ◽

Dalal Alroumi ◽

Ahmed Alshammasi ◽

Mohamad Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cigarette Smoking ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Uncontrolled Asthma ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Current Asthma ◽

The Past ◽

Asthma Symptoms ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Globally, a surge in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has been observed in recent years, with youth being the most susceptible group. Given their recent emergence, studies assessing the health consequences of using e-cigarettes and exposure to their secondhand aerosols (SHA) are limited. Hence, this study sought to assess associations between e-cigarette use and household exposure to SHA from e-cigarettes with asthma symptoms among adolescents. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling high school students (n = 1565; aged 16–19 years) in Kuwait. Participants self-completed a questionnaire on tobacco products use (e-cigarettes and cigarettes) and asthma symptoms. Current e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking were defined as any use in the past 30 days. Household exposure to SHA from e-cigarettes in the past 7 days was reported as none (0 days), infrequent (1–2 days), and frequent (≥ 3 days). Asthma symptoms included current (past 12 months) wheeze, current asthma (history of clinical diagnosis and current wheeze and/or medication use), and current symptoms of uncontrolled asthma (≥ 4 attacks of wheeze, ≥ 1 night per week sleep disturbance from wheeze, and/or wheeze affecting speech). Associations were assessed using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results Among the analytical study sample (n = 1345), current e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking was reported by 369 (27.4%) and 358 (26.6%) participants, respectively. Compared to never e-cigarette users and never cigarette smokers, current e-cigarette users with no history of cigarette smoking had increased prevalence of current wheeze (aPR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.01–2.45) and current asthma (aPR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.03–3.41). Moreover, the frequency of exposure to household SHA from e-cigarettes was associated with asthma symptoms. For example, compared to those with no exposure to household SHA, frequent exposure to household SHA was associated with current wheeze (aPR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.04–1.59), current asthma (aPR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.13–2.16), and current uncontrolled asthma symptoms (aPR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.35–2.62). Conclusions E-cigarette use and their household SHA exposure were independently associated with asthma symptoms among adolescents. Hence, such observations indicate that e-cigarette use and passive exposure to their aerosols negatively impact respiratory health among adolescents.

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Awareness and concern towards anesthesia among patients undergoing surgical procedure: A cross-sectional study at pre-anesthetic clinic of a Teaching Hospital

Journal of Kathmandu Medical College ◽

10.3126/jkmc.v8i2.28168 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 76-80

Author(s):

Sushila Lama Moktan ◽

Ujma Shrestha ◽

Mona Sharma ◽

Manan Karki

Keyword(s):

Questionnaire Survey ◽

Surgical Procedure ◽

Educational Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Surgical Patients ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Poor Knowledge ◽

The Past

Background: With the advent of anesthesia, surgery is no longer a race against the clock and surgeons. Many studies in the past have demonstrated limited knowledge among patients about various aspects of anesthesia.Objectives: To assess the awareness and concern of elective surgical patients towards anesthesia.Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted over two months’ period in adult patients of age eighteen years and above. Two hundred surgical patients accessing services at the pre-anesthesia check-up clinic were interviewed using 12 questions assessing demographic characteristics, educational status and their knowledge about anesthesia.Results: Out of 200 patients, only 32% knew that anesthesiologists provide anesthesia. It was found that 63% didn’t have any knowledge about the types of anesthesia. The most common fear among the participants about anesthesia was the fear of pain during surgery.Conclusion: The study showed poor knowledge of patients regarding anesthesia.

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PISA+: A research project to pursue problematic PISA ﬁndings in the Norwegian context

Nordic Studies in Science Education ◽

10.5617/nordina.426 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 85-88

Author(s):

Marianne Ødegaard

Keyword(s):

International Student ◽

Evaluation Studies ◽

Student Assessment ◽

Evaluation Study ◽

Research Project ◽

Learning And Teaching ◽

International Student Assessment ◽

The Past ◽

Depth Study ◽

Learner’S Perspective

PISA + is a research project on learning and teaching strategies in schools. (+: Prosjekt om Lærings- og Undervisnings-Strategier i Skolen). Both mathematics and reading are included in addition to science. It is a qualitative, in-depth study, which tries to scrutinize and understand the results from the past PISA studies (Programme for International Student Assessment) (Kjaernsli, Lie, Olsen, Roe & Turmo 2004; Lie, Kjarnsli, Roe & Turmo 2001) and evaluation studies of Norwegian schools (Klette, 2003; Schmidt et al. 1996). It is based on sociocultural principles from theorists such as Vygotsky (1934) and Bakhtin (1981). The methodology is inﬂ uenced by the Norwegian evaluation study of Reform 97 (Klette, 2003), and the international project The Learner’s Perspective Study (Clarke, 2002). PISA+ is partly associated with LPS. Hopefully our results may offer some knowledge valuable for improving learning in schools.

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Physical activity-related injuries among university students: a multicentre cross-sectional study in China

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-021845 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (9) ◽

pp. e021845 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Yang Gao ◽

Weicong Cai ◽

Lijie Gao ◽

Jingjing Wang ◽

Jiehui Liang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Sleep Time ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Medical Attention ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Past ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and preliminarily explore possible risk factors of physical activity-related injury (PARI) occurrences among Chinese university students via a multicentre mixed survey.DesignCross-sectional study.ParticipantsA total of 4758 undergraduates graded 1–3 in nine universities in three Chinese cities were enrolled via cluster random sampling and completed the self-administered online questionnaires during March and April 2017.Main outcome measuresPARI in the past 12 months.ResultsOf the 4758 participants, 1081 sustained PARI in the past 12 months, with an overall PARI incidence rate of 22.7% (27.3% (367/1343) in males and 20.9%(714/3415) in females). Around one-quarter of the injured (26.4%) suffered from PARI over at least three episodes. More than half of the injured subjects experienced physical activity (PA) absenteeism and sought medical attention. All PA indicators were significantly and positively associated with PARI, with a frequency of sports and leisure-time vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) participation being the strongest (adjusted OR: 1.079, 95% CI: 1.018 to 1.144). Moreover, males (OR=1.199), Shantou students (OR=4.239), year 1 students (OR=1.287), university and other sports team members (OR=1.717–2.360) and those with insufficient sleep time (OR=1.262–1.333) were also at a higher risk of PARI.ConclusionsPARI is prevalent among university students in China. The frequency of sports and leisure-time VPA participation was most strongly associated with PARI among all PA indicators. These data can inform future programmes for injury intervention among university students. Safety issues should also be emphasised when promoting PA among the public to reduce PARI.

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Food Insecurity and Associated Health and Academic Measures Among College Students in Connecticut

American Journal of Health Studies ◽

10.47779/ajhs.2020.254 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 35 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Victoria A. Zigmont ◽

Abigail Linsmeier ◽

Peggy Gallup

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public University ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Depression Diagnosis ◽

The Past ◽

Effective Interventions

This cross-sectional study explored the health and academic impacts of food insecurity among undergraduates at a public university. A representative campus-wide sample (n=792) found that roughly 30% of students were food insecure, based upon a single validated question about the student’s experience over the past year. Food insecure students had lower GPAs (3.09 vs. 3.25), a higher proportion had a depression diagnosis (22.4 vs. 14.3), and a higher proportion ate fewer than three servings of fruits and vegetables per day (14.4% vs. 7.3%) compared to food secure students. A marginally higher proportion of food insecure students had an anxiety diagnosis (22.8% vs. 14.3%) More research is needed to understand the extent and manifestation of food insecurity so effective interventions can be developed.

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Association between obesity and sickness in the past two weeks among middle-aged and elderly women: A cross-sectional study in Southern China

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0203034 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. e0203034 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Li-Ying Fu ◽

Xiao-Xiao Wang ◽

Xiao Wu ◽

Bo Li ◽

Ling-Ling Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Elderly Women ◽

Southern China ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Past

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Relationship between workplace social capital and suicidal ideation in the past year among employees in Japan: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-019-7244-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Daisuke Hori ◽

Soshi Takao ◽

Ichiro Kawachi ◽

Yuh Ohtaki ◽

Christina-Sylvia Andrea ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Capital ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Past ◽

Workplace Social Capital

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Lexical Aspect and the Use of Simple Past Tense by Thai Learners of English

MANUSYA ◽

10.1163/26659077-01701004 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 64-77

Author(s):

Suriya Sriphrom ◽

Theeraporn Ratitamkul

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Past Tense ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Aspect Hypothesis ◽

Low Level ◽

Lexical Aspect ◽

The Past ◽

Past Tense Form ◽

Cloze Test

This cross-sectional study investigated the use of the simple past tense form by twenty Thai learners of English at two levels of proficiency. A cloze test developed by Ayoun and Salaberry (2008) was adopted. The findings showed that the learners in the high proficiency group used the past tense form more accurately than the learners in the low proficiency group. When verbs were categorized according to lexical aspect, both groups of learners were found to use the simple past tense form most often with telic events as well as with states. This did not correspond to the prediction of the Aspect Hypothesis, which asserts that low-level learners tend to use the simple past tense form with telic events first. The distributional bias in the input could account for the pattern found in this study.

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