scholarly journals Awareness on harmful effects of smoking in middle school children

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL3) ◽  
pp. 866-869
Author(s):  
Nithyanandham Masilamani ◽  
Dhanraj Ganapathy
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Peer Influence ◽  
School Children ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Parental Influence ◽  
School Students ◽  
Middle School Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Harmful Effects

Consumption of cigarettes and similar tobacco items and tobacco smoking are the world's largest common preventable of death. Multiple studies have observed that the overall life expectancy of a person dying from tobacco-related illnesses is 15 years quicker than those dying from natural deaths. Hence this study was done to assess the awareness on harmful effects of smoking in middle school children. This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional type of study comprising 100 middle schools aged between 10-15 years in Chennai. A self-administered questionnaire containing 10 questions eliciting information on the awareness of the harmful effects of smoking among middle school students were circulated. The collected responses were tabulated and analysed.95% of students are not smokers and 5% smoke to get pleasure. 94% of students are not aware that smoking causes cancer and it is injurious to health. 68% feel the parental influence and 32% feel peer influence to be the reasons for smoking. 86% were not aware of smoking cessation therapy. The results of this study illustrate the need to increase understanding of the health consequences of smoking in middle school students. In order to promote quitting, especially in rural areas, where rates of education and health literacy are lower and where health services are less available, educational programs are an essential way to increase awareness.

scholarly journals Sociodemographic characteristics associated with adolescent depression in urban and rural areas of Hubei province: a cross-sectional analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guo Li ◽  
Junhua Mei ◽  
Jing You ◽  
Jinfeng Miao ◽  
Xiaoyan Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Adolescent Depression ◽  
Urban Students ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Depression Risk ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Abstract Background China has experienced rapid socioeconomic, and health transitions over the last four decades, and urban–rural disparities are becoming increasingly apparent. Research on depression among rural and urban students can provide evidence on the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and adolescent depression. Methods We examined the association between sociodemographic characteristics and adolescent depression among 3605 students from Wuhan city and Jianli county that was recruited from the local junior middle school via a cross-sectional study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the sociodemographic characteristics of adolescent depression in urban and rural areas, respectively. Nomograms were constructed to calculate individual depression risk of junior middle school students. Results 32.47% of rural students and 35.11% of urban students display depressive symptoms. The protective factors of depression in urban students are exercise habit, younger, key class, better academic achievement and males, while Left-behind children (LBC), poor academic achievement and females had higher depression risk in rural area. Two nomograms were constructed to screen the adolescent depression in urban and rural junior middle school students, respectively. The clinical tools were well calibrated. Conclusion The field-based research examined sociodemographic characteristics potentially associated with adolescent depression and offered an effective and convenient tool of individualized depression risk evaluation for junior middle school students. Future longitudinal epidemiologic research on adolescent depression may help to further validate the discovery of present study, which will support developing policies and practices to minimize the factors of adolescent depression.

Using Social Cognitive Theory to Predict Intention to Smoke in Middle School Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Garrett Miller ◽  
Manoj Sharma ◽  
David Brown ◽  
Mohammad Shahbazi
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Social Cognitive Theory ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Self Control ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emotional Coping ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

The purpose of this study was to use social cognitive theory to predict the frequency and intention for not smoking among middle school students. The study utilized a cross-sectional design (n=163) and administered a 38-item valid and reliable questionnaire. Frequency for smoking was predicted by environment not supportive to smoking (p < 0.0001) and emotional coping (p < 0.001) (Adjusted R2= 0.20). Intent to smoke was predicted by emotional coping (p < 0.0001); environment not supportive to smoking (p < 0.001), expectations for not smoking (p < 0.003), and self-control for not smoking (p <0.017) (Adjusted R2= 0.36).

scholarly journals Prenatal and neonatal factors for the development of childhood visual impairment in primary and middle school students: a cross-sectional survey in Guangzhou, China

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e032721
Author(s):  
Bolan Yu ◽  
Lijuan Dai ◽  
Juanjuan Chen ◽  
Wen Sun ◽  
Jingsi Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
High Birth Weight ◽  
Delivery Mode ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Postnatal Factors

ObjectivesIn this cross-sectional survey, we sought to determine the prevalence of and the influence of prenatal and neonatal factors on childhood visual impairment without correction (VIUC) in a paediatric population from Guangzhou, China.SettingThe health survey covered 11 administrative districts in Guangzhou, including 991 schools.ParticipantsAll of the primary and middle school students in Guangzhou were invited to complete an online questionnaire with the help of their parents. The results of physical examinations were reported by school medical departments. The results of the questionnaire were collected by the researchers. In total, 253 301 questionnaires were collected.Primary outcome measuresThe students’ uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was examined by trained optometrists by standard logarithmic visual acuity charts. VIUC was defined by UCVA (of the better eye) (UCVA <6/12) with three levels: light VIUC (UCVA ≥6/18 to <6/12), mild VIUC (UCVA ≥6/60 to <6/18) and severe VIUC (UCVA <6/60).ResultsA total of 39 768 individuals (15.7%) had VIUC, and the rate was much higher among grade 10 to 12 students (51.4%) than among grade 1 to 6 students (6.71%). The following factors were significantly associated with an increased risk of VIUC: female gender, high birth weight, formula feeding, not having siblings, higher level of parents’ education, parental myopia, much homework time and little outdoor activity. Delivery mode was not associated with the risk of VIUC.ConclusionsThis study validates known major prenatal/genetic, perinatal and postnatal factors for childhood VIUC. In conclusion, prenatal and perinatal factors can affect the onset of childhood VIUC, but parental myopia and postnatal factors are the main factors.

scholarly journals Witnessing Cyberbullying and Internalizing Symptoms among Middle School Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 957-966 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana M. Doumas ◽  
Aida Midgett
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Internalizing Symptoms ◽  
Somatic Symptoms ◽  
The United States ◽  
School Bullying ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cyberbullying Victimization ◽  
The Impact

Cyberbullying is a significant problem among school-aged youth. Cyberbullying peaks in middle school with 33% of middle school students reporting cyberbullying victimization and more than 50% reporting witnessing cyberbullying as bystanders. Although the association between cyberbullying victimization and internalizing symptoms is well documented, there is limited research examining the impact of witnessing cyberbullying on bystanders. To assess differences in internalizing symptoms between cyberbullying bystanders and non-bystanders, a school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among middle school students (6th–8th grade) in the United States (N = 130; 57.4% female; 42.6% male). Questionnaire data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of co-variance (MANCOVA) with three outcome variables (depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms) and the between-subject factor bystander status (bystander, non-bystander). We controlled for witnessing school bullying to examine the unique effect of witnessing cyberbullying on internalizing symptoms. Results of the MANCOVA indicated a significant effect for cyberbullying bystander status (p < 0.04). Post hoc analyses demonstrated that bystanders reported significantly higher levels of depression (p < 0.05), anxiety (p < 0.02), and somatic symptoms (p < 0.01) than non-bystanders. Findings suggest that programs to support students who witness cyberbullying are needed to reduce the mental health risks associated with being a cyberbullying bystander.

The Attitudes of Middle School Students Towards the Environment

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 1061-1071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hande Şahin ◽  
Sibel Erkal
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Education Level ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Class ◽  
Income Status ◽  
8Th Grade ◽  
Single Factor Analysis

We examined the environmental attitudes of middle school students in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was administered to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students at 5 middle schools in Ankara, Turkey. Average in analyses, standard deviation, t test, single-factor analysis, and Tukey's tests were used to analyze data. The results showed that attitudes of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students towards the environment were generally positive and statistically significantly related to school, class, education level of father, education level of mother, and monthly income status.

scholarly journals Measuring Test Anxiety in Primary and Middle School Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 839-851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrica Donolato ◽  
Tatiana Marci ◽  
Gianmarco Altoè ◽  
Irene C. Mammarella
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Test Anxiety ◽  
School Children ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Emotional Problem ◽  
Future Research ◽  
School Students ◽  
Middle School Children ◽  
Promising Tool

Abstract. The increasing use of tests to assess academic competences has been associated with higher levels of test anxiety (TA) in children, underlining the importance of identifying this emotional problem and sustain academic achievement. This study aimed to contribute to the extant literature on the assessment of TA by examining the psychometric properties of the Test Anxiety Questionnaire for Children (TAQ-C), in primary and middle school children. In Study 1 ( N = 123), we selected 24 items from a wider initial pool, dividing them into scales measuring Thoughts, Autonomic Reactions, Off-Task Behaviors, and Social Derogation, to develop the TAQ-C. In Study 2 ( N = 899), the psychometric properties of this set of scales were assessed in students attending primary and middle school. Analyses supported the bifactor latent structure of the TAQ-C, invariance across educational levels and gender, concurrent and convergent validity, and test–retest reliability. Overall, the TAQ-C is a promising tool for assessing TA in primary and middle school students. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Assessment of prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasitosis, malnutrition and anemia among school children in Ghindae area, Eritrea

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yafet Kesete ◽  
Huruy Tesfahiwet ◽  
Ghimja Fessehaye ◽  
Yohana Kidane ◽  
Yafet Tekle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
School Children ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Intestinal Parasitosis ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections, anemia, and malnutrition are very endemic in resource-limited regions. School-aged children are at greater risk for the disease than any other age group as they are more susceptible to parasitosis, associated undergrowth and anemia. This study is aimed at evaluating the risk factors of intestinal parasitosis, malnutrition and anemia amongst elementary and junior school students in Ghindae area, Eritrea.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted in 6 schools around Ghindae from February to April 2018. 450 children were randomly selected for analysis and consent was taken from guardians. The pertinent sociodemographic data was collected and anthropometric measurements were carried out to determine the proportion of students with malnutrition, stunting and thinness. Fecal samples were examined by formal concentration technique and blood specimen was collected for the assessment of hemoglobin using hemocue analyzer.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 45.3%. Protozoa infections (38.2%) were more prevalent than soil-transmitted helminthes infections (10.4%). The presence of different intestinal parasitic infections has statistically significant association with the residence area, washing habits, source of water, types of schools and type of latrine used with (p < 0.05). The prevalence of malnutrition was 37.1% with 18.5% stunting and 21.2% thinness. Malnutrition was in higher prevalence in semi-urban areas outside Ghindae. Students from Embatkala and Dongolo had 4.77 and 2.86 times higher odds of having low BMI for age than their counterpart respectively. The current prevalence of anemia was 12.4%, out of which, 7.6 % had mild while 4.4% of them had moderate anemia and 0.4% were severely anemic.ConclusionThe prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections, especially, protozoan infection was very high in the school children. Stunting was increased rate in rural areas around Ghindae. The prevalence of anemia was regarded as mild health burden. The high prevalence of parasitic infections in these children indicates that the protozoa and helminthes concerned are very common in the environment of these area and results of the risk factors analysis suggest that the transmission is from several routes. Access to clean water and latrines, with some hygiene and sanitation communication activities, in addition to introduction of micronutrient programs could improve health of children in that area.

scholarly journals Exploring Indian Middle School Students’ Conceptions of the Environment Using the Draw-an-Environment Test

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-178
Author(s):  
Leslie Elizabeth Sprong ◽  
Sonya N. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Northeast India ◽  
Future Research ◽  
School Students ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
K 12 ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Quality environmental education (EE) is key for supporting sustainable development and use of resources. Educators in rural India face considerable challenges to teach EE in K-12 school settings. This study took place in Assam in Northeast India where non-governmental organization (NGO) educators are working to develop an EE program for students in rural areas. To reveal students’ perceptions of the environment, researchers administered the Draw-an-Environment Test (DAET) to 277 middle school students in government schools. Analysis of students’ drawings of the environment revealed that while students recognized humans have an impact on the environment, they did not fully understand the impact could often be negative and drawings did not necessarily reflect the reality of the local environment. Implications for how these findings can be used to develop responsive EE curriculum that challenges and extends students’ conceptions of the environment and the need for future research are discussed.

Relations of self-esteem, obesity and peer bullying among middle school students in Turkey

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
T M F Ercan ◽  
L H Özcebe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
School Health ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Peer Bullying ◽  
Physical Bullying

Abstract Obesity, peer bullying and self-esteem are important public health problems in adolescent age group in Turkey as well as in the world. This study aims to investigate bilateral and tripartite relations of obesity, peer bullying and self-esteem. The universe of this cross-sectional study was middle school students in Ankara; 1955 student were reached in 42 schools determined by systematic sample method. Data was collected under observation with the questionnaire including anthropometric measurements (BMI-z-score), self-esteem scale and peer bullying. Written permission was given by the Ethical Committee at the University. We reached 1955 students (975 girls; 877 boys). The average of age was 12.84±0.59. The prevalence of overweight was 15.0% and obesity 7.2%. The percentage of low self-esteem was found as 45.4%. Frequencies of physical bullying-bully subgroup was 36.7%, verbal 51.4% and emotional 35.2%; the percentages of bullying-victim subgroups were found as 41.9%, 49.7% and 19.5%, respectively. A strong relationship was between obesity and physical bullying-victim without grouping for self-esteem (p = 0.03). Obesity was associated with low self-esteem without physical or emotional bullying (p = 0.02; p = 0.03). Low self-esteem was related with all types of bullying (p &lt; 0.001 all subgroups). Obesity was associated with verbal bullying-bully in high self-esteem and without grouping for self-esteem (p = 0.04; p = 0.02). The relationship was between obesity and physical bullying-bully in the low and high self-esteem subgroups (p = 0.02; p = 0.009), but this relation couldn't be demonstrated without grouping for self-esteem. Prevention of peer bullying, fighting with obesity are important topics to protect adolescent mental health, improve school health. More effective studies should be conducted in this field, intervention programs have holistic approach should be developed at countries levels and global level. Key messages The holistic approach always highlighted from Sustainable Development Goals to Astana has a great importance in improving physical, mental and social health of adolescent in schools. Obesity, peer bullying and self-esteem are important issues affecting physical, social and mental health in adolescence in whole world.

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