Socio-demographic differentials of cognitive development and nutrition among school children: evidence from the tribal areas of Jharkhand, India

Author(s):  
Anit Kujur ◽  
Dewesh Kumar ◽  
Chandramani Kumar ◽  
Rishabh Kumar Rana ◽  
Vivek Kashyap

AbstractBackgroundThis study attempts to assess the differentials of cognitive development and nutrition of school children in tribal areas of Jharkhand, India.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was carried out in 16 schools of Jharkhand amongst 962 children during the period of November to December 2017. Anthropometry, hemoglobin and IQ tests were assessed along-with their socio-demographic characteristics using standard procedures after obtaining their guardian’s consent. Various tests of significance were used such as an independent sample t-test and Fisher’s exact test along with multinomial logistic regression for determination of predictors for low-normal to borderline IQ among school children.ResultsStunting and thinness were noted in 38% and 35% children, respectively, whereas anemia and low IQ were observed in more than 4/5th of the total children assessed. Anemia was more common in children >12 years of age and IQ was lower in tribal ethnic children (p < 0.05) amongst socio-demographic characteristics. Among the predictors, only tribal ethnicity appeared to be associated with low IQ [odds ratio (OR)-1.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) – 1.25, 2.75].ConclusionDespite various nutrition-related programs being run in government schools, the malnutrition and hemoglobin status of the children presents a poor picture. Cognitive development of children particularly tribal children is unsatisfactory and needs to be worked upon by government agencies.

2021 ◽  
pp. jech-2020-216030
Author(s):  
Benjamin J Gray ◽  
Richard G Kyle ◽  
Jiao Song ◽  
Alisha R Davies

BackgroundThe public health response to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a detrimental impact on employment and there are concerns the impact may be greatest among the most vulnerable. We examined the characteristics of those who experienced changes in employment status during the early months of the pandemic.MethodsData were collected from a cross-sectional, nationally representative household survey of the working age population (18–64 years) in Wales in May/June 2020 (n=1379). We looked at changes in employment and being placed on furlough since February 2020 across demographics, contract type, job skill level, health status and household factors. χ2 or Fisher’s exact test and multinomial logistic regression models examined associations between demographics, subgroups and employment outcomes.ResultsOf our respondents, 91.0% remained in the same job in May/June 2020 as they were in February 2020, 5.7% were now in a new job and 3.3% experienced unemployment. In addition, 24% of our respondents reported being placed on furlough. Non-permanent contract types, individuals who reported low mental well-being and household financial difficulties were all significant factors in experiencing unemployment. Being placed on ‘furlough’ was more likely in younger (18–29 years) and older (60–64 years) workers, those in lower skilled jobs and from households with less financial security.ConclusionA number of vulnerable population groups were observed to experience detrimental employment outcomes during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted support is needed to mitigate against both the direct impacts on employment, and indirect impacts on financial insecurity and health.


Author(s):  
Meriam El Ghardallou ◽  
Jihene Maatoug ◽  
Imed Harrabi ◽  
Sihem Ben Fredj ◽  
Sahli Jihene ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: A better understanding of socio-demographic characteristics of subgroups, which have a high risk to develop chronic diseases, is essential to develop more efficient interventional programs especially for youth. This study aimed to determine the association between clusters of non communicable diseases (NCDs’) risk factors and the socio-demographic characteristics among a sample of Tunisian school children. Materials and methods: We conducted, in 2013/2014, a cross-sectional study among a proportional and stratified school children sample, selected in 17 elementary public schools in Sousse (Tunisia). A cluster analysis was used to identify different NCDs risk factors clusters, based on tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. Subsequent χ2-tests were used to identify differences between the NCDs risk factors clusters in regards to socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Four clusters of NCDs risk factors were found: 1) Cluster 1: physical inactivity behavior with normal weight, 2) Cluster 2: physical inactivity behavior associated to excess weight, 3) Cluster 3: unhealthy diet associated to excess weight and low practice of physical activity, and 4) Cluster 4: smoking behavior with physical activity behavior. The pattern of cluster membership differed across sex (<10–3), school level, and socioeconomic level (<10–3) but there was no significant difference between clusters for mother’s education levels and household tenure. Conclusion: This study can have important implications for health policy and practice. Indeed, it found that many subjects have simultaneous multiple NCDs risk factors which leads to identify groups at risk and implement integrated intervention program.


2014 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjeta Kovač ◽  
Gregor Jurak ◽  
Lijana Zaletel Kragelj ◽  
Bojan Leskošek

Abstract Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children has increased dramatically in recent decades. The survey examined overweight and obesity in the population of boys and girls from Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, aged seven through fourteen from 1991 to 2011. Methods: An annually repeated cross-sectional study of data from the national SLOFIT monitoring system was used. The body mass index cut-off points of the International Obesity Task Force were used to identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Multinomial logistic regression was used for modelling the probability of overweight and obesity as a function of time (year of measurement), sex and age of subjects. Results: In 1991-2011 period, the odds for overweight and obesity among primary school children (n = 376,719) increased every year by 1.7% (95% CI: 1.6-1.9) and 3.7% (3.4-4%) respectively. Boys have 1.17 (95% CI: 1.15-1.20) times higher odds of becoming overweight and 1.39 (95% CI: 1.35-1.44) times higher odds of becoming obese than girls. In comparison to the reference group (age of 14), the highest odds for overweight were found at the ages of nine and ten (1.39; 95% CI: 1.34-1.44), while for the obesity the highest odds were at the age of eight (2.01; 95% CI: 1.86-2.16). Conclusion: From 1991 to 2011, overweight and obesity clearly became more prevalent in children from Ljubljana. This trend has been more obvious among boys than girls. In comparison to 14-year-old boys and girls, the highest odds for excessive weight were found below the age of 10.


Author(s):  
Henry A. Akinsola ◽  
Chinwe Ezeruigbo ◽  
Kwabena A. Kyei ◽  
Felix C. Anyanwu ◽  
Robert Nemakhavhani

Background: African specific studies on the factors associated with the growth pattern of children are needed to guide evidence and develop effective population-based interventions that can be tailored to the unique African context.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the socio-economic correlates of body mass index (BMI) of primary and secondary school children in Ebonyi State, which is situated in south-eastern Nigeria.Methodology: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional study that utilised clustering and stratified sampling techniques to select 1000 learners from primary and secondary schools located in Abakaliki local government area. Apart from a questionnaire, a Mettler weighing scale was also used for data collection. A generalised linear model was used to test the association between the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics and their BMI.Result: BMI was positively related to female gender but negatively related to age and level of education. The mode of cooking, who the participants live with and how they get to school also predicted changes in BMI. Other variables like mother’s occupation and family’s mode of transport were also associated with BMI changes while father’s level of education, mother’s level of education, father’s occupation and the type of residence did not have any statistical relationship with BMI.Conclusion: The present study shows that the BMI of school children is influenced by the socio-demographic characteristics surrounding them. Therefore, efforts should be made to improve the socio-economic standing of families in this community.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 67-73
Author(s):  
Miftahul Jannah ◽  
Indah Kusumaningrum

Prevalence of obesity among school children aged 5-12 years old in Jakarta is remainly high, namely 14%. Indonesia Balance Nutrition Guideline (PGS) need to be applied everyday to tackle obesity. However, the exposure to PGS information, knowledge and attitude related to PGS among school children is still lacking. This study aims to identify the association between exposure to information, knowledge, and attitudes of PGS with obesity status among school children at SD Negeri Pulogebang 11 Pagi, East Jakarta. This is a quantitative study with a cross-sectional study design. This study was conducted in SDN Pulogebang 11 Pagi with a sample of 100 fourth-grade students. Variable in this study were exposure to information, knowledge, attitudes related PGS, and obesity status. Exposure to information, knowledge, and attitudes related PGS were taken by filling out the questionnaires by respondents. Obesity status was measured by measuring height and weight. Data was analyzed by using Fisher Exact test and Chi Square test. This study shows that the prevalence of obesity is 14%. School children who had never been exposed to PGS information were 34%. School children with ≤ median score of knowledge and attitudes were 61% and 58%. Other result shows that there was no significant association between exposure to information (p = 0.371), knowledge (p = 0.363), and PGS attitude (p = 0.513) with obesity status. Other factors, such as the role of parents, peers, and school, may influence children's behavior, as in eating behavior, physical activity, and lifestyle. The conclusion of this study is the prevalence of obesity is still high. To overcome this, intervention is not only carried out among school children, but also interventions related to PGS among parents and integration with school programs are needed.


Author(s):  
Kohinur Akther ◽  
Md Zakir Hossain

Aim: Objectives: To analyze variations in dental arch width in relation to oral habits.   Materials and Methods : Cross sectional  study was carried out Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics of Dhaka Dental College & Hospital, Dhaka with a total number of 600 primary school children of 3-6 years ages of Bangladeshi population. Results: This study was a cross sectional study conducted among the 600 children with 3-6 years old prima- ry school children of Bangladeshi population. According to present study, bottle feeding causes significant reduction in maxillary intercanine width and mouth breathers show significant reduction of both arches. Conclusion: It was observed that the children who had used a bottle had a significant reduction in maxillary intercanine width. Breathing through mouth appeared to be associated with a reduction in the size of both arches. This was more significant in the maxillary intercanine , mandibular  intercanine and mandibular molar widths. Therefore to prevent malocclusions, the public should be informed of the harm caused by certain oral habits, the benefits of breast-feeding, and the need to correct bad habits at early life. Ban J Orthod & Dentofac Orthop, April 2016; Vol-7 (1-2), P.6-11


2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 193-198
Author(s):  
Heiko Haase ◽  
Arndt Lautenschläger

AbstractThe paper aims at exploring determinants of the university students' intentions to stay within their university region. At this, we presume that students' career choice motivations are related to their professional intentions, which again, along with demographic characteristics, affect their migration decision. Our analysis is based on a cross-sectional study of 2,353 students from three different higher education institutions, two of them located in Germany and one in Namibia. Results indicate that in Germany migration matters because a considerable proportion of students intend to leave the university region after graduation. At this, we found that the students' geographical provenance exerts the most significant effect on the intention to stay. Moreover, certain professional intentions were directly and some career choice motivations were indirectly linked with the intention to remain at the university location. We present several conclusions and implications.


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