scholarly journals Welsh Primary Schoolchildren’s Perceptions of Electronic Cigarettes: A Mixed Methods Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3639
Author(s):  
Lorna Porcellato ◽  
Kim Ross-Houle ◽  
Zara Quigg ◽  
Jane Harris ◽  
Charlotte Bigland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Discussion Groups ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Primary Schoolchildren ◽  
Peer Discussion ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Tobacco Initiation

There are concerns that the growing popularity of e-cigarettes promotes experimentation among children. Given the influence of the early years on attitude and habit formation, better understanding of how younger children perceive vaping before experimentation begins is needed, to prevent uptake and inform tobacco control strategies. We explored Welsh primary schoolchildren’s (aged 7–11) awareness of e-cigarettes relative to tobacco smoking, their understanding of the perceived risks and benefits and their intentions and beliefs about vaping. Data was collected using a mix of methods in June and July 2017 from 8 purposively selected primary schools across Wales. Four hundred and ninety-five children (52% female) aged 7 years (n = 165), 9 years (n = 185) and 11 years (n = 145) completed a class-administered booklet encompassing a draw and write exercise and survey. Ninety-six children participated in 24 peer discussion groups comprised of 2 boys and 2 girls from each year group. Data were analysed independently and findings triangulated. Survey analyses used frequencies, descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests. Content analysis was undertaken on the draw and write data and peer discussion groups were analysed thematically. Study findings highlight that primary schoolchildren have general awareness of e-cigarettes. Vaping was perceived to be healthier than smoking and there was some recognition that e-cigarettes were used for smoking cessation. Understanding of any health harms was limited. Few children intended to smoke or vape in the future but almost half thought it was okay for grownups. Children’s perceptions were influenced by exposure through family and friends. Findings suggest a need for e-cigarette education in primary schools, to highlight the associated risks of e-cigarette experimentation including the potential for tobacco initiation.

scholarly journals Welsh primary schoolchildren’s perceptions of e-cigarettes: a mixed method study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna Porcellato ◽  
Kim Houle-Ross ◽  
Zara Quigg ◽  
Ivan Gee ◽  
Jane Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Discussion Groups ◽  
Global Studies ◽  
Children's Perceptions ◽  
Children’S Perceptions ◽  
Tobacco Control Policies ◽  
Primary Schoolchildren ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Tobacco Initiation

Abstract Background: There are concerns that the growing popularity of e-cigarettes promotes experimentation among children. Current research has focused almost exclusively on children over 11 years. Given the possible lifelong health harms caused by behaviours established in early childhood, understanding younger children’s perceptions is essential; to inform tobacco control policies, prevention strategies and the wider debate on further regulation of vaping. In one of the first global studies to provide insights into younger children’s perceptions of e-cigarettes, we explored Welsh primary schoolchildren’s (aged 7-11) awareness of e-cigarettes relative to tobacco smoking, their understanding of the risks and benefits associated with e-cigarettes and their intentions and beliefs about vaping. Methods: Data was collected using a mix of methods in June and July 2017 from 8 purposively selected primary schools across Wales. Four hundred and ninety-five children (52% female), aged 7 years (n=165), 9 years (n=185) and 11 years (n=145) completed a class-administered booklet encompassing a draw and write exercise and questionnaire. Ninety-six children participated in 24 peer cohort-based discussion groups comprised of 2 boys and 2 girls. Data from the three tools were analysed independently and findings triangulated. Questionnaire analyses used frequencies, descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests. Content analysis was undertaken on the draw and write data and peer discussion groups were analysed thematically. Results: Primary schoolchildren have general awareness of e-cigarettes but understanding of any health harms or the role of nicotine in e-cigarettes is poor or misperceived, particularly in the youngest children. Vaping was viewed as healthier than smoking by most and there was some recognition that e-cigarettes were used for smoking cessation. Few children intended to smoke (1.8%) or vape (3.9%) in the future but almost half thought it was okay for grownups. Children’s perceptions were influenced by exposure through family and friends. Conclusions: There is a need for e-cigarette education in primary schools. Health promotion efforts should reinforce the message that vaping is ‘less harmful’ rather than ‘healthier’ and highlight associated risks of e-cigarette experimentation including the potential for tobacco initiation. Further research is needed to explore whether children’s perceptions influence their future use of tobacco or e-cigarettes.

scholarly journals Intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition amongst first-cycle primary schoolchildren in Adama, Ethiopia

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Getachew Belay ◽  
Pawlos Reji ◽  
Berhanu Erko ◽  
Mengistu Legesse ◽  
Mulugeta Belay
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Stool Examination ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Primary Schoolchildren ◽  
And Control

Background: A survey of intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition in different regions or localities is a very important step in developing appropriate prevention and control strategies.Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition amongst first-cycle primary schoolchildren in Adama town,Ethiopia.Method: A total of 358 children from four primary schools in Adama town were included for stool examination, weight for age, height for age, weight for height and socio-economic status of the family.Results: The result of stool examinations showed that 127 (35.5%) of the study subjects were infected by one or more parasite. The most frequent parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (12.6%) and Hymenolopis nana (8.9%). The rate of intestinal parasitic infection was not significantly associated with sex, age or socio-economic factors and nutrition (P > 0.05). The overall prevalence of malnutrition was 21.2%. Those children whose families had a monthly income of less than 200 ETB (Ethiopian birr) were highly affected by malnutrition (P < 0.05),but family education was not identified as a factor for malnutrition amongst schoolchildren.Conclusion: The prevalence of E. histolytica/dispar and H. nana could be of public health importance and calls for appropriate control strategies, and the high prevalence of malnutrition amongst children from poor families requires intervention.

scholarly journals Green spaces and cognitive development in primary schoolchildren

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (26) ◽  
pp. 7937-7942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Payam Dadvand ◽  
Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen ◽  
Mikel Esnaola ◽  
Joan Forns ◽  
Xavier Basagaña ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Development ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Air Pollutant ◽  
Developmental Trajectory ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Primary Schoolchildren

Exposure to green space has been associated with better physical and mental health. Although this exposure could also influence cognitive development in children, available epidemiological evidence on such an impact is scarce. This study aimed to assess the association between exposure to green space and measures of cognitive development in primary schoolchildren. This study was based on 2,593 schoolchildren in the second to fourth grades (7–10 y) of 36 primary schools in Barcelona, Spain (2012–2013). Cognitive development was assessed as 12-mo change in developmental trajectory of working memory, superior working memory, and inattentiveness by using four repeated (every 3 mo) computerized cognitive tests for each outcome. We assessed exposure to green space by characterizing outdoor surrounding greenness at home and school and during commuting by using high-resolution (5 m × 5 m) satellite data on greenness (normalized difference vegetation index). Multilevel modeling was used to estimate the associations between green spaces and cognitive development. We observed an enhanced 12-mo progress in working memory and superior working memory and a greater 12-mo reduction in inattentiveness associated with greenness within and surrounding school boundaries and with total surrounding greenness index (including greenness surrounding home, commuting route, and school). Adding a traffic-related air pollutant (elemental carbon) to models explained 20–65% of our estimated associations between school greenness and 12-mo cognitive development. Our study showed a beneficial association between exposure to green space and cognitive development among schoolchildren that was partly mediated by reduction in exposure to air pollution.

Nutrients Essential for Cognitive Function Are Typical Problem Nutrients in the Diets of Myanmar Primary School Children: Findings of a Linear Programming Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-223
Author(s):  
Le Thandar Soe ◽  
Umi Fahmida ◽  
Ali Nina Liche Seniati ◽  
Agus Firmansyah
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Linear Programming ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Essential Fatty Acids ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
World Health ◽  
Programming Approach ◽  
Primary Schoolchildren ◽  
Programming Analysis

Background: Good cognitive function is important for school-age children. Although essential fatty acids play a main role in cognitive functions, their intakes are assumed as inadequate among developing countries including Myanmar. However, there is still lack of evidence to show whether they are problem nutrients. Objective: This study aimed to determine the problem nutrients in the diets of Myanmar primary schoolchildren and to formulate food-based recommendations (FBR) to optimize the intake of these micronutrients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 3 primary schools in Nyaungdon Township of Myanmar. A 1-week dietary intake assessment was done on 7- to 9-year-old (n = 100) primary schoolchildren. A linear programming approach using the World Health Organization Optifood software was used to assess the nutrient intake and develop FBRs. Results: The prevalence of stunted growth, wasting, and being underweight in the students were 28%, 18%, and 28%, respectively. The intake of calcium, vitamin B1, folate, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid was insufficient. Locally available nutrient-dense foods that include water spinach, carp fish, duck egg, garden pea, and shrimp were selected to develop FBR to increase the intake of problem nutrients. Conclusion: The linear programming analysis showed that the primary schoolchildren have difficulty meeting nutrient recommendations given locally available foods, especially iron and essential fatty acids which are important for cognitive performance of schoolchildren.

eye brings you another batch of the latest products and books on offerStrategies to Support Children with Autism and Complex Needs by Christine Macintyre (ISBN: 9781138918931). Paperback. £18.99. Published by Routledge. www.routledge.com/education; orders via 01235 400400; [email protected] Review by Martine HorvathBeyond Early Writing – Teaching Writing in Primary Schools edited by David Waugh, Adam Bushnell and Sally Meaum (ISBN: 9781909682931). Paperback. £24.00. Published by Critical Publishing. Tel: 01727 851462/01606 784999; www.criticalpublishing.com Review by Martine HorvathCreating Communities in Early Years Settings by Debbie Chalmers (ISBN: 9781138917293). Paperback. £21.99. Published by Routledge. www.routledge.com/education; orders via 01235 400400; [email protected] Review by Martine HorvathAssessment and Evaluation for Transformation in Early Childhood edited by Júlia Formosinho and Christine Pascal (ISBN: 9781138909748). Paperback. £27.99. Published by Routledge. www.routledge.com/education; orders via 01235 400400; [email protected] Review by Martine HorvathLearning Through Movement in the Early Years by Sharon Tredgett (ISBN: 9781909682818). Paperback. £15.00. Published by Critical Publishing. Tel: 01727 851462/01606 784999; www.criticalpublishing.com Review by Martine HorvathReader offer: Physical Activity Matters at Home developed by Cambridgeshire County Council www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/learntogether/homepage/156/pam_at_homeUnderstanding Early Years Education Across the UK edited by Diane Boyd and Nicky Hirst (ISBN: 9781138022720). Paperback. £24.99. Published by Routledge. www.routledge.com/education; orders via 01235 400400; [email protected] Review by Martine Horvath

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 46-48
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
County Council ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Teaching Writing ◽  
Early Writing ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Early Years Education ◽  
The Uk

scholarly journals Childhood involvement in family food preparation and shopping and attitudes towards food: baseline results from Project Daire

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah F. Brennan ◽  
Fiona Lavelle ◽  
Sarah E. Moore ◽  
Moira Dean ◽  
Michelle C. McKinley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Food Preparation ◽  
Total N ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Food Shopping ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Food Involvement

AbstractEvidence suggests that dietary intake of UK children is currently suboptimal. It is therefore imperative to identify effective and sustainable methods of improving dietary habits and knowledge in this population, whilst also promoting the value of healthiness of food products beyond price. Schools are ideally placed to influence children's knowledge and health, and Project Daire, in partnership with schools, food industry partners and stakeholders, aims to improve children's knowledge of, and interest in, food to improve health, wellbeing and educational attainment.Daire is a randomised-controlled, factorial design trial evaluating two interventions. In total, n = 880 Key Stage (KS) 1 and 2 pupils have been recruited from 18 primary schools in the North West of Northern Ireland and will be randomised to one of four 6-month intervention arms: i) ‘Engage’, ii) ‘Nourish’, iii) ‘Engage’ and ‘Nourish’ and iv) Delayed. ‘Engage’ is an age-appropriate, cross-curricular educational intervention on food, agriculture, science and careers linked to the current curriculum. ‘Nourish’ is an intervention aiming to alter schools’ food environments and increase exposure to local foods. Study outcomes include food knowledge, attitudes, trust, diet, behaviour, health and wellbeing and will be collected at baseline and six months. Qualitative data on teacher/pupil opinions will also be collected. The intervention phase is currently ongoing. We present baseline results from our involvement and food attitudes measure from all participating schools. Results were compared by Key Stage and sex using Pearson Chi-Squared test.Baseline results from our food involvement and attitudes measure are presented for n = 880 KS1 (n = 454) and KS2 (n = 426) pupils. KS1 pupils were more likely to always or sometimes help with food shopping (89.0%) whilst KS2 pupils were more likely to always or sometimes help with food preparation (69.0%). A higher proportion of KS1 pupils reported liking to try new foods (66.1%) and that it was important that food looked (64.5%), tasted (71.1%) and smelled good (60.6%) compared with KS2 children (P < 0.01). Girls were more likely to always or sometimes help with food shopping (96.2%) and preparation (73%) when compared with boys; whilst a higher proportion of girls reported they liked to try new foods (48.2%) and that it was important that food looked (68%) smelled (50.5%) and tasted (71.8%) good compared with boys (P < 0.01).Results suggest that involvement in food preparation and shopping, willingness to try new foods and attitudes towards food presentation varied by KS and sex in this cohort.

Impact of the Nutrition-Friendly School Initiative: analysis of anthropometric and biochemical data among school-aged children in Ouagadougou

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 26-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christelle Elkhouri Edde ◽  
Helene Delisle ◽  
Charles Dabone ◽  
Malek Batal
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Biochemical Data ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Double Burden ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The Nutrition-Friendly School Initiative was developed in 2006 to counter the double burden of malnutrition and implemented on a pilot basis in primary schools in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) in 2009. A baseline study was conducted in intervention and control schools and repeated in 2014 to assess the impact. This paper reports on anthropometric and biochemical data in the final and baseline surveys. Both studies were conducted in the fifth grade classes of the same primary schools in Ouagadougou. Six intervention schools had been selected and matched at baseline with six control schools. The total sample consisted of 699 and 651 pupils in 2009 and 2014, respectively. Anthropometric and hemoglobin measurements were performed on all children, whereas serum retinol was measured in a random subsample to assess Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD). Independent t-tests and chi-squared tests were used for comparison of means and proportions, respectively, and multiple logistic regressions were conducted to examine associations between nutritional parameters and school characteristics. Final rates of anaemia and VAD were 32.6% and 26.1%, respectively, down from 40.4% and 38.7% at baseline. The final prevalence rate of stunting was 8.1%, thinness was 8.7% and overweight/obesity was 4.4%. Thinness declined significantly in 2014 compared to 2009, but there was no change in the rate of stunting even though the rate of overweight/obesity showed an upward trend. When comparing intervention with control schoolchildren, the only significant differences found in the final survey were less thinness and less anaemia in the intervention children. However, the prevalence of anaemia was also significantly lower in the intervention group at baseline. Our results point to a significant improvement in the nutritional status of schoolchildren in Ouagadougou and suggest a positive, although modest, role for the Nutrition-Friendly School Initiative in reducing thinness, but not overweight.

scholarly journals An application of measuring visual and non-visual sensorial experiences of nature for children within primary school spaces

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phuong Thanh To ◽  
David Grierson
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Interior Design ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Quantitative Aspect ◽  
Design Decision ◽  
New Schools ◽  
School Architecture ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Proximity to nature is essential to a child’s development. Well-designed educational environments are crucial to supporting this proximity, particularly in the early years of schooling. The purpose of this paper is to measure children’s experiences of nature within three primary school spaces at various locations in Glasgow, Scotland. The methodology for measuring children’s visual and non-visual sensory experiences is developed to evaluate the connection between naturalness values and spatial environmental qualities across varying “Child–Nature–Distance” ranges. Design/methodology/approach The approach associates children’s multiple layers of sensory modalities with particular attributes of the spatial environment within primary schools to determine the level of naturalness that children experience, in both internal and external spaces. Findings The study finds that children’s experiences are significantly influenced by factors relating to urban setting, built environment master planning, architectural features and interior design. Research limitations/implications Apart from primary school architecture for children, this methodology could be fully developed to the comprehensive human–nature relationship under the impacts of physical features and societal of other diversified environments in a future study. However, the offering reasonable primary school architecture for a proper children’s multi-sensorial experience with natural environment cannot thoroughly established with a quantitative aspect by the present study only. More qualitative research is recommended to examine the process of altering from “cause” to “perceived” nature of users’ cognitions, attitudes and behaviours within the exposure proximity to nature. Practical implications The methodology for measuring visual and non-visual sensorial experiences of nature, and its application to children’s learning and leisure spaces within primary school architecture could offer a tool for assessing current schools, and evaluating future design proposals for new schools. Originality/value The authors argue that the applicationof this method can support design decision making for refurbishing schools at the micro level, and in planning urban development involving proposals for new schools at the macro level.

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