scholarly journals ERICA: use of screens and consumption of meals and snacks by Brazilian adolescents

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (suppl 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Souza Oliveira ◽  
Laura Augusta Barufaldi ◽  
Gabriela de Azevedo Abreu ◽  
Vanessa Sá Leal ◽  
Gisela Soares Brunken ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the length of exposure to screens and the prevalence of consumption of meals and snacks by Brazilian adolescents in front of screens. METHODS We evaluated 74,589 12 to 17-year old adolescents from 1,247 schools in 124 Brazilian municipalities. A self-administered questionnaire was used. Its segment regarding nutrition contained questions about using TV, computers, and video game systems, having meals while watching TV, and consuming snacks in front of screens. Consumption of meals and snacks in front of screens was analyzed according to the following variables: geographical region, gender, age range, type of school (public or private), and school shift. The prevalences and their respective 95% confidence intervals were estimated under a complex sampling design. RESULTS A great deal of the adolescents (73.5%, 95%CI 72.3-74.7) reported spending two or more hours a day in front of screens. That habit was more frequent among male adolescents, private school students, morning shift students, and students from Brazil’s South region. More than half of the adolescents (56.6%, 95%CI 55.4-57.8) reported almost always or always having meals in front of TV, and 39.6% (95%CI 38.8-40.5) of them said they consumed snacks in front of screens exactly as often. Both situations were the most prevalent ones among the girls, who attended public schools and were from Brazil’s Midwest region. CONCLUSIONS Length of exposure to screens and consumption of meals and snacks almost always or always in front of screens are high among Brazilian adolescents. It is necessary to develop strategies aiming to reduce the length of screen use, considering the media reality that children and adolescents have been experiencing from earlier and earlier ages. That context must therefore be analyzed in an indissociable way.

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-37
Author(s):  
Oluwakemi Adeola Obayelu ◽  
Ifeoluwa Olawale Fadele

Abstract The decline in youth population and the upsurge in ageing farmer population have resulted in low agricultural output and per capital productivity in rural Nigeria, which is a threat to the national food security. High school students’ perception of agriculture and factors influencing their willingness to study agriculture in tertiary institutions were therefore investigated in this study. Information from 285 science students in high schools was analysed using descriptive statistics, Likert scale and logistic regression. Age of the students was 15.30 ± 1.17 years with almost equal distribution of both sexes. About half (50.5 %) of them wanted to study medicine where as only 4.6 % of the respondents were willing to study agriculture in the university. A higher percentage of female students (57.6 %) were willing to study agriculture in tertiary institution than their male counterparts (42.4 %). A higher percentage of students from public schools (51.4 %) were willing to study agriculture whereas 48.6 % of those from private schools were willing to do so. The students were undecided about the contribution of agriculture to national development but strongly disagreed that agriculture gives less income than other professions. Major motivating factors that can stimulate the respondents’ willingness to study agriculture were career awareness program in agriculture, practical knowledge of agriculture and agricultural excursion. The likelihood of a high school student’s willingness to study agriculture increased significantly with having a father who primarily practised agriculture and supports agricultural education, attending a school where crude implements are not used, visit to a mechanized farm and the youth’s willingness to own a farm in the future irrespective of the course of study, while attending a private school will decrease it. In conclusion, high school students had average perception of agriculture and were not willing to study agriculture in tertiary institutions. Suggestions are presented on how to change this negative attitude towards this vital branch of science.


2005 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clarice Gorenstein ◽  
Laura Andrade ◽  
Elaine Zanolo ◽  
Rinaldo Artes

Objective: This study aimed to detect the prevalence of depressive symptomatology and its expression in a nonclinical Brazilian adolescent student sample. Method: A sample of students from private and public schools ( n = 1555, aged 13 to 17 years) answered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We performed factor analysis of the BDI as an indicator of the expression of depressive symptomatology. The following cut-off scores defined nonclinical subgroups: “nondepressed,” BDI < 15; “dysphoria,” BDI 16 to 20; and “depressed,” BDI > 20. We used discriminant analysis to test whether these subgroups could be separated by the depression-specific and nonspecific items. Results: The point prevalence of depression was 7.6%, according to the BDI cut-off of 20. Girls had higher scores than boys in several items. Scores increased with age. Students from public schools had higher scores than did private school students. Factor analysis showed 2 common factors for the total sample and for each sex: the cognitive affective dimension and the somatic nonspecific dimension. In the adolescents showing clinical depression, items related to self-depreciation, sense of failure, guilty feelings, self-dislike, suicidal wishes, and distortion of body image were common components of BDI factors. Discriminant analysis showed that the BDI highly discriminates depressive symptomatology in adolescent students and also measures specific aspects of depression. Conclusions: The BDI is useful as a measure of specific aspects of depression in nonclinical adolescent samples; it was able to detect depression in approximately 7% of the surveyed population. The expression of depressive symptoms in a Brazilian adolescent population is compatible with international studies in this age group. Detecting depressive symptoms in a school population is a critical preventive strategy; to avoid damage to the learning process, it should be followed with further referral to treatment when needed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Silva Ferreira ◽  
Dyene Aparecida Silva ◽  
Cristiana Araújo Gontijo ◽  
Ana Elisa Madalena Rinaldi

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare and analyze the consumption of minimally processed and ultra-processed foods among students from public and private schools. Methods: Study conducted in Uberlândia, MG, with fifth-grade students from three private and six public schools, selected by stratified cluster sampling. We collected data on food consumption using the 24-hour recall. Foods were classified into four groups (G) according to extent and purpose of processing: fresh/minimally processed foods (G1) culinary ingredients (G2), processed foods (G3), and ultra-processed foods (G4). Total energy intake (kcal) of each group, amount of sugar (g), sodium (mg), and fiber (g) were quantified and compared according to administrative affiliation (private or public). Results: Percentage of total energy intake was: G1 - 52%; G2 - 12%; G3 - 5%; e G4 - 31%. Energy intake from G1 (53 vs. 47%), G2 (12 vs. 9%), and G3 (6.0 vs. 0.1%), and amount of sodium (3,293 vs. 2,724 mg) and fiber (23 vs. 18 g) were higher among students from public schools. Energy intake from G4 (36 vs. 28%) and amount of sugar (20 vs. 14%) were higher among students from private schools. The consumption of foods from G1 in the school environment was higher among students from public schools (40 vs. 9%). Conclusions: Foods from G1 represent the highest percentage of total energy intake, while those from G4 constitute a third of calories consumed. Processed juice, sandwich cookie, processed cake, and breakfast cereals are more frequent among private school students; snacks and juice powder are more common for students from public schools.


Author(s):  
Ebelechuku Francesca Ugochukwu ◽  
Chinyere Ukamaka Onubogu ◽  
Kenneth Nchekwube Okeke ◽  
Victoria Chikodili Ofora ◽  
Chinenye MaryQueen Uju

Background: Obesity in children is universal affecting all ethnicities, ages, gender and social classes. Public school children consist mainly of the less affluent strata of society, and consequently may not be opportuned to avail themselves of necessary public health interventions as their private school counterparts.          Objective:This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity using various anthropometric indices and association of certain factors with obesity among public secondary school students.    Methods:A cross-sectional school-based questionnaire and physical assessment of 593 students aged 10 – 17 years in public schools in Nnewi, Southeast Nigeria was carried out.                                                             Results: There were 289  boys and 304 girls, giving an approximate ratio of 1:1. Most of the students were from the middle and lower socio-economic levels. Girls were physically less active and consumed more junk food than the boys. The mean weight and height varied significantly with age in males, females and both sexes combined together (p <0.001). In general, girls were heavier than boys, while the boys were slightly taller than the girls. Age varied significantly with BMI (P<0.001 for girls and boys), WC (P<0.001 for girls and boys) and WHtR (p=0.034 for boys and 0.024 for girls). BMI performed better than WC and WHtR in identifying children with obesity. When compared with BMI, WC had a sensitivity of 5.2% and a specificity of 100.0% with a positive predictive value of 100.0% and a negative predictive value of 90.7%. WHtR had a sensitivity of 31.0% and a specificity of 99.8% with a positive predictive value of 94.7% and a negative predictive value of 93.0%. BMI had a strong correlation with both WC and WHtR although correlation was stronger with WC (R=704) compared to WHR (R=641). Among the students 9.8% were in the obese/overweight group, made up of 96.6% females, out of which 64.1% were older adolescents aged 15-17 years. Reduced physical activity played a major role in enhancing obesity/overweight, while socio-economic level and diet did not. After logistic regression analysis, age and sex remained significantly associated with being overweight or obese. The odds of being overweight or obese was 32 times in females compared to males and twice in in late adolescence compared to early adolescence.                                                                                                                                      Conclusion:  The obesity/overweight of older adolescent public secondary school girls buttress the importance of physical exercises in curbing obesity. Although easier to perform and very specific, WC and WHtR seemed to miss many adolescents with obesity when compared to BMI.  Therefore, a combination of these indices is recommended while screening adolescents for obesity.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Bahramnejad ◽  
Abedin Iranpour ◽  
Nouzar Nakhaee

Abstract Background Recent evidence from Western countries suggests that private school students are more prone to drug use. Such an evidence is lacking in Muslim countries. The aim of this study was to examine whether the risk of drug use is higher in private schools than public schools.Methods This cross sectional study was conducted on 650 tenth grade students of Kerman city, the center of largest province of Iran using cluster sampling. Well-validated questionnaires regarding current, lifetime substance use, and perceived use by classmates were utilized. Substances included in the questionnaire were waterpipe, cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, opium, methamphetamine, and Naas. Drug Use Tendency Scale was used to measure the attitudes of students towards drug use.Results The response rate was 93.7%. More than 82% of sample were public school students (n = 504). Current use of cigarette and marijuana was higher in private schools (12.2% and 3.0%, respectively) than public schools (4.4% and 0.5%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Perceived prevalence of cigarette smoking by classmates was higher among private school students.Conclusion Despite the popular belief that private schools are better than public schools regarding the risk of substance use, students who attend private schools may be at a higher risk of turning to some drugs comparing to public schools in Iran.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Bahramnejad ◽  
Abedin Iranpour ◽  
Nouzar Nakhaee

Abstract Background : Recent evidence from Western countries suggests that private school students are more prone to drug use. Such an evidence is lacking in Muslim countries. The aim of this study was to examine whether the risk of drug use is higher in private schools than public schools. Methods : This cross sectional study was conducted on 650 tenth grade students of Kerman city, the center of largest province of Iran using cluster sampling. Well-validated questionnaires regarding current, lifetime substance use, and perceived use by classmates were utilized. Substances included in the questionnaire were waterpipe, cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, opium, methamphetamine, and Naas. Drug Use Tendency Scale was used to measure the attitudes of students towards drug use. Results : The response rate was 93.7%. More than 82% of sample were public school students (n=504). Current use of cigarette and marijuana was higher in private schools (12.2% and 3.0%, respectively) than public schools (4.4% and 0.5%, respectively) (P<0.05). Perceived prevalence of cigarette smoking by classmates was higher among private school students. Conclusion : Despite the popular belief that private schools are better than public schools regarding the risk of substance use, students who attend private schools may be at a higher risk of turning to some drugs comparing to public schools in Iran.


Author(s):  
Ali Bahramnejad ◽  
Abedin Iranpour ◽  
Nouzar Nakhaee

Abstract Background Recent evidence from Western countries suggests that private school students are more prone to drug use. Such an evidence is lacking in Muslim countries. The aim of this study was to examine whether the risk of drug use is higher in private schools than public schools. Methods This cross sectional study was conducted on 650 tenth grade students of Kerman city, the center of largest province of Iran using cluster sampling. Well-validated questionnaires regarding current, lifetime substance use, and perceived use by classmates were utilized. Substances included in the questionnaire were waterpipe, cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, opium, methamphetamine, and Naas. Drug Use Tendency Scale was used to measure the attitudes of students towards drug use. Results The response rate was 93.7%. More than 82% of sample were public school students (n = 504). Current use of cigarette and marijuana was higher in private schools (12.2 and 3.0%, respectively) than public schools (4.4 and 0.5%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Perceived prevalence of cigarette smoking by classmates was higher among private school students. Conclusion Despite the popular belief that private schools are better than public schools regarding the risk of substance use, students who attend private schools may be at a higher risk of turning to some drugs comparing to public schools in Iran.


2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1449-1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Delpizzo Castagno ◽  
Anaclaudia Gastal Fassa ◽  
Manuel Augusto Pereira Vilela ◽  
Rodrigo Dalke Meucci ◽  
Deiner Paulo Martins Resende

Hyperopia is the most common refractive condition in childhood. There are few studies on moderate hyperopia and associated factors. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of moderate hyperopia and associated factors among school children. A cross-sectional study comprising 1,032 students attending 1st to 8th grades at two public schools was conducted in a Southern Brazilian urban area in 2012. Cycloplegia was used to examine both eyes and refractive error was measured through auto-refraction. A socioeconomic and cultural questionnaire was administered. Multivariable analysis was performed through Poisson regression. Moderate hyperopia prevalence was 13.4% (95% CI, 11.2-15.4) and 85% of these did not wear glasses. Age was inversely associated with moderate hyperopia, while female gender RP = 1.39 (95%CI, 1.02 - 1.90) and white skin RP = 1.66 (95%CI, 1.04 - 2.66) were risk factors for this outcome. This study makes progress in estimating mild and moderate hyperopia prevalence both by age range and specific age. It emphasizes how the lack of this condition being corrected in southern Brazil is a serious problem. It highlights the importance of detailing and characterizing the amount of time spent on close-range, long-range and outdoor activities.


2004 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Anderson

Adam Swift objects to private schools on the grounds of equal opportunity and efficiency, and to both private and selective public schools on the grounds of solidarity and improving the academic achievement of less advantaged students. I argue that private schools are not inefficient, and that a meritocratic ideal of equality of opportunity in K-12 contexts is either inapplicable or undesirable. Swift’s objection that private school students unfairly ‘jump the queue’ is based on envy. Enforcing a queue by blocking extra parental investment in their children’s education would be inefficient and unjustly burden people who value education highly. Nor do the educational interests of the less advantaged always justify restrictions on selective schools. However, Swift’s solidarity objection against selective public schools is sound. I develop this objection in the context of ideals of democracy and equal citizenship.


2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Figlio ◽  
Cassandra M. D. Hart

We use the introduction of a means-tested voucher program in Florida to examine whether increased competitive pressure on public schools affects students’ test scores. We find greater score improvements in the wake of the program introduction for students attending schools that faced more competitive private school markets prior to the policy announcement, especially those that faced the greatest financial incentives to retain students. These effects suggest modest benefits for public school students from increased competition. The effects are consistent across several geocoded measures of competition and isolate competitive effects from changes in student composition or resource levels in public schools. (JEL H75, I21, I22, I28)


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