Bullying prevalence and numeracy performance among primary school children in Johannesburg: Implications for school-based interventions

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jace Pillay
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
School Bullying ◽  
Home Language ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Contextual Variables ◽  
School Based ◽  
Early School

Background: Research has provided evidence about the negative impact of school bullying on the academic performance of primary school children, but studies on the prevalence of school bullying and numeracy performance of children are very scant.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of school bullying and numeracy performance among primary school children, and its implications for school-based interventions.Setting: The sample comprised 435 children (56.3% females and 43.7% males; Grades 1–7; median age = 11 years) attending six primary schools in three different education districts in Johannesburg, South Africa.Method: The children self-reported their experience of bullying by peers through a questionnaire. In addition, they completed numeracy tests. For children aged 6 to 9 years, the questionnaire was completed with the assistance of trained field workers.Results: The results following a linear regression with multiple predictors indicated that numeracy was significantly associated with contextual variables such as grade and home language. Bullying was strongly associated with socio-economic indicators such as school quintile and regional situation. These variables are important in early school support interventions directed at improving learner numeracy performance in the primary school.Conclusion: The results show a relatively high percentage of bullying in primary schools in the Johannesburg region. The performance in numeracy was significantly associated with the grade and home language of the learner. Contextual variables related to socio-economic situation of learners such as school quintiles and regional situation had strong associations with bullying.

The associations of specific school- and individual-level characteristics with obesity among primary school children in Beijing, China

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 1838-1845
Author(s):  
Lan Cheng ◽  
Qin Li ◽  
Antje Hebestreit ◽  
Yi Song ◽  
Di Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
School Level ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
School Based ◽  
Index Value ◽  
Beijing China

AbstractObjective:We aimed to investigate the associations between school-level characteristics and obesity among Chinese primary school children with consideration of individual-level characteristics.Design:This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015/2016. School-level characteristics were assessed using an interviewer-administered school questionnaire, and a ‘school-based obesity prevention index’ was further developed. Individual-level characteristics were collected by self-administered questionnaires. Objectively measured height and weight of students were collected, and obesity status was classified according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria for Asian children. Generalised linear mixed models were used to estimate the associations among the school- and individual-level characteristics and obesity of students.Setting:Thirty-seven primary schools from an urban and a rural district of Beijing, China.Participants:School staffs, 2201 students and their parents.Results:The school-based obesity prevention index involved the number of health professionals, availability of students’ health records, monitoring students’ nutrition status, frequency of health education activities, reporting achievements of obesity prevention activities to parents, duration of physical activity during school time and availability of playground equipment. The prevalence of obesity was lower in schools with the higher index value compared with that in schools with the lower index value (OR 0·56; 95 % CI 0·40, 0·79). Some individual-level characteristics were negatively associated with childhood obesity: liking sports, duration of screen time ≤2 h/d, perceived lower eating speed, parental non-overweight/obesity.Conclusions:Irrespective of individual-level characteristics, the specific school-level characteristics had a cumulative effect on obesity among Chinese primary school children. Further school-based obesity intervention should consider these characteristics simultaneously.

Mother-Related Factors Affecting Vaccine Refusal Towards Elementary School Student in Palembang

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-115
Author(s):  
Mareta Kurnia Desiani
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Data Retrieval ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Vaccine Refusal

The low coverage of vaccination in Indonesia is partly due to vaccine refusal by mothers towards their children, especially in primary schools. Vaccinations that aim to provide immunity to children against certain diseases are considered unnecessary and have a negative impact. This research was conducted with the aim of exploring factors related to mothers against refusing vaccines in primary school children. Using a descriptive qualitative observational study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations of 44 mothers who have elementary school children in Palembang. Data analysis was performed using an interactive model analysis consisting of three stages namely: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusions and verification. The triangulation method is then performed for data validation. Based on the results of data retrieval to 44 informantts, it was found that maternal factors that influence rejection of vaccines in primary school children are sources of knowledge about immunization, religious factors, trust in vaccination, vaccination safety, husband's role, and lack of socialisation of vaccination.

scholarly journals Effectiveness and acceptability of a novel school-based healthy eating program among primary school children in urban Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumudu Nimali Seneviratne ◽  
Sanathanee Sachchithananthan ◽  
Pavithra Sewwandi Angulugaha Gamage ◽  
Renuka Peiris ◽  
Vithanage Pujitha Wickramasinghe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
School Based ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Diet And Lifestyle

Abstract Background Obesity rates are rising rapidly in low-middle-income-countries (LMICs). School-based interventions have shown moderate efficacy in improving diet and lifestyle associated with obesity in high-income countries. However, there is little data available on effective interventions suitable for LMICs. We devised a novel program for primary school children including a simple storybook and sticker-based food-diary (FD) and conducted a pilot study to evaluate the acceptability and short-term effectiveness of the program. Methods This pre-post intervention study included grade 1 and 2 students from four public schools in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Weight and height were assessed, and participating children self-monitored their diet using sticker-based FDs for one week at baseline (pre-test). The following week, class teachers discussed the storybook, which incorporated the benefits/disadvantages of a healthy/unhealthy diet and lifestyle in classrooms. At the end of the intervention, participating children were self-monitoring their diet again for a week (post-test). A simple scoring system was used to derive a weekly score based on the healthiness of the meals consumed each week (FD-score). The primary outcome of the study was change in eating habits following the story book discussion (post-test FD score - pre-test FD score). Acceptability and effectiveness were also assessed by anonymized feedback questionnaires for parents and teachers. Results One thousand and forty-two students completed the program. There was an improvement in eating habits of participating children, with FD scores improving by 12% from 51 ± 23 at baseline to 63 ± 24 following the intervention (p < 0.001). Further, when considering BMI category of participants: 69.1% were normal weight (NW), 18.3% underweight (UW), 7.4% overweight (OW) and 5.2% obese (OB). Improvement in eating habits were seen among children of all BMI categories (change in FD-score: UW 13.2%, NW 12.3%, OW 10.4% and OB 12.4% (p < 0.001)). Furthermore,> 90% parents(n = 1028) and > 95% teachers(n = 39) strongly agreed/agreed that the intervention was easy to implement, motivated children and led to an observable improvement in healthy eating. Conclusion This novel program led to an immediate improvement in eating habits and was well accepted by parents and teachers making it a potentially suitable intervention for wider implementation in primary schools in urban Sri Lanka.

Introducing Vi polysaccharide typhoid fever vaccine to primary school children in North Jakarta, Indonesia, via an existent school-based vaccination platform

Public Health ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 120 (11) ◽  
pp. 1081-1087 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.D. Agtini ◽  
R.L. Ochiai ◽  
R. Soeharno ◽  
H.J. Lee ◽  
J. Sundoro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Typhoid Fever ◽  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
School Based

scholarly journals Effect of a School-based Nutrition Education Program on the Nutritional Status of Primary School Children

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parisa Keshani ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Mousavi ◽  
Zahra Mirzaei ◽  
Zeinab Hematdar ◽  
Najmeh Maayeshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
School Children ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
School Based ◽  
Nutrition Education Program

scholarly journals Oral health in relation to nutritional status among 10 years old primary school children in Al-Hillah city/ Iraq

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Y. AL Khafaji ◽  
Nadia A Al Rawi
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Rural Area ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Gingival Index ◽  
Gingival Health

Background: Oral health and nutrition are in interdependent relationship that good nutritional health enhancing good oral health. Nutrition can affect the development and integrity of oral cavity and the progression of oral disease. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of the gingival health condition in relation to the nutritional status, among 10 years old primary school children in urban and rural area in Al-Hillah city. Material and method: Eight hundred ninety one (891) students, aged10 years old, selected randomly from different primary schools, in urban and rural area in Al-Hillah city, were included in this study. Oral examination including of plaque index assessment, which was done according to the criteria by Silness and Loe, in 1964, gingival health conditions was determined according to Loe and Silness, 1963. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI), following the criteria of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth chart (CDC). Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test and ANOVA, p-value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: This study showed that the majority of the sample was found to be with normal gingival health condition. No significant difference was observed between the gingival index in relation to gender, or residence also, no significant result was found, between plaque and gingival index in relation to the nutritional status. Conclusion: The majority of the sample with normal gingiva however the nutritional status had no significant effect on gingival health condition while the urbanization had an effect on oral hygiene

scholarly journals Validation of self-reported physical activity by accelerometry among primary school children in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Mary Vincent Mosha ◽  
Elizabeth Kasagama ◽  
Philip Ayieko ◽  
Jim Todd ◽  
Sia E. Msuya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Moderate Positive Correlation

Background: Self-reports are commonly used to assess physical activity in children.  Existing self-reports for physical activity have not been validated for use among primary school children in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. In order to understand if primary school children can accurately report their physical activity, we examined the validity of self-reported physical activity against accelerometer measured physical activity. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July, 2018 among four primary schools in Moshi municipal and Moshi rural districts, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.  A total of 51 primary school children aged 9–11 years were enrolled using a simple random sampling technique. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect physical activity related variables. In addition, children wore accelerometers for seven consecutive days to capture physical activity movements. Spearman’s rank test and Bland Altman plots were used for assessing validity and agreement between self-reports and accelerometer moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Results: The mean age of the study participants was 10 (SD=0.8) years. Majority of the study participants were female 32 (63%). A moderate, positive correlation was found between self-reports and accelerometer MVPA (rho=0.36, p=0.009). Accelerometer had higher MVPA compared to self-reports. Children who reported walking to school had higher MVPA for both accelerometer and self- reports compared to children who use other means of transport to school, e.g. school buses (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study found the moderate positive correlation between self-reports and accelerometers. Self-reports are prone to errors due to recall bias, and this interferes their validity.  More research is needed to develop better self-reported measures with specific activities which can easily be recalled by children. Also, researchers have to be aware of self-reports validity limitation.

scholarly journals ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF THE FARM FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL FOCUS ON PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN PAKISTAN

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 553-563
Author(s):  
Hussain Sardar ◽  
Rana Muhammad Amir ◽  
Ayesha Khurshid ◽  
Hafiz Ali Raza ◽  
Adeela Manzoor
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Farm Families ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Purpose of the study: The main purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status of farm families with a special focus on primary school children in Punjab. Methodology: This study was conducted in tehsil Jaranwala, Faisalabad. Five villages and two primary schools were selected from each village randomly. From these schools, 323 children whose fathers were farmers were selected as samples. A cross-sectional research design was used for the present study. In this context, an interview schedule was prepared and face-to-face interviews were administered to collect the required data. Main Findings: The chi-square analysis confirmed that education, and income of parents associated factors had a statistically significant (P<0.05) and positive correlation with BMI. Descriptive statistics indicated poverty was ranked 1st among reasons for malnutrition followed by inappropriate dietary choices and unavailability of healthy foods with mean values of 4.25 and 4.11, respectively. Whereas, children don't want to come to school due to poor health" was ranked 1st in all effects of poor health with a mean value of 4.50. Applications of the study: This study has highlighted the importance of the nutritional status of primary school-going children and also investigates the different factors that inverse impact on their health. This study will be proved helpful among farm families by creating awareness about the nutrition of children. Based on the findings of this study, the urge to the government to take steps to improve the literacy level and build strategies to improve the awareness level of mothers about the nutrition of children, especially in rural areas.  The novelty of the Study: This is the first study that investigates the assessment of the nutritional status of school-going children of farm families in Punjab, Pakistan especially in tehsil Jaranwala, Faisalabad.

scholarly journals Nutritional deficiencies among school children in urban areas of Hyderabad, Telangana, India

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil Pal Singh Chajhlana ◽  
Ramakrishna Narashimha Mahabhasyam ◽  
Maruti Sarma Mannava Varaprasada
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Urban Slums ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Nutritional Deficiencies ◽  
Unskilled Worker ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies

Background: The school age period is nutritionally significant because this is the prime time to build up body stores of nutrients in preparation for rapid growth of adolescence. Malnutrition remains the world’s most serious health problem and the single biggest contributor to child mortality, nearly one third of the children in the developing world are either underweight or stunted and more than 30% of the developing world’s population suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. However the data available from urban slums of Hyderabad in this age group is very sparse and hence an attempt has been made to study the same. The objectives were to determine the nutritional status of primary school children and study the factors associated with it.Methods:Study population:  Primary school children (6 to 11 years). Study area: primary schools in urban slums of Hyderabad. Study design: a cross sectional study. Sample size: 412 children. Sampling methods:  Simple random sampling Data collection: By using pre designed and pre tested and pre coded schedule (interview technique, observation, clinical examination). Analysis: By using Microsoft Excel 2007 and Epi Info 3.5.3.Results: The prevalence of underweight was 28.9%, overweight was 9.2% and obesity was 4.4% . Prevalence of stunted height was found among 21.8%. 5.8% children were suffering from Vitamin’ A’ deficiency, 15.0% were suffering from Vitamin B deficiency, and 15.8% were found to be anemic.Conclusions:The prevalence of underweight, Nutritional deficiencies were found to be significantly higher in children of illiterate parents’ and similarly in unskilled worker fathers’ and unemployed mothers. 

scholarly journals Relationship between Untreated Dental Caries and Weight and Height of 6- to 12-Year-Old Primary School Children in Bangladesh

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masuma Pervin Mishu ◽  
Martin Hobdell ◽  
Mahfujul Haq Khan ◽  
Richard M. Hubbard ◽  
Wael Sabbah
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Tooth Cleaning ◽  
Untreated Dental Caries ◽  
Deprived Areas

Background. Children in low-income developing countries are likely to suffer from undergrowth. Dental caries is another common problem in these countries.Aim. To examine the association between untreated dental caries in primary and permanent teeth with age-adjusted height and weight among 6–12-year-old children in Bangladesh.Design. Social, behavioural, and clinical data were collected from 1699 children in nine different randomly selected primary schools in socially deprived areas of Bangladesh. The associations of age-adjusted weight and height and being underweight with dental caries were examined adjusting for sex, area of residence, socioeconomic position, skipping meals, tooth cleaning, and doctor visits.Results. 26% of the children were underweight and 55% had untreated dental caries. Children with at least one decayed tooth were significantly underweight with odds ratios 1.6 (95% CI 1.1, 2.3) and 1.5 (95% CI 1.1, 2.0) for 6–8-years and 9–12-year-old children, respectively, in the adjusted model. The number of decayed teeth was inversely and significantly associated with the standardized age-adjusted weight.Conclusions. The findings highlight the association between untreated dental caries and being underweight in primary school children in socially deprived areas in low-income developing countries and emphasize the need to integrate oral and general health policies with social policies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document