ABSTRACT
Objective. Recognizing the social influence, study habits and health factors affecting scholastic performances of adolescents and to compare these factors among the adolescents between two categories of school. Methods. A total of 1230 adolescents (13-18 yrs) were screened. Data was collected by personal interview, using the teenage screening questionnaire (Trivandrum). Results. A total 615 students from corporation and private schools were studied. 39.76% (489) were high achievers, 13.5% (166) were low achievers with p < 0.001. In the low achievers, 12.03% were from the corporation schools and 1.46% from private schools. The incidence of poor study habits and social factors were increased in low achievers of corporation schools. On multivariate analysis, the predictor variables for poor scholastic performance were adolescent having refractory error, not having help for study at home, not doing home work regularly, not solving question bank papers and reading only before examinations. Conclusion. It is feasible and worthwhile to identify the determinants of scholastic performance and plan intervention strategies at each school. The results highlight the importance of implementing newer strategies, focusing on strict study patterns and creating the conducive school and home environment for study, so as to achive better scholastic performances.
Subject(s)
Achievement , Adolescent , Adolescent Behavior , Analysis of Variance , Chi-Square Distribution , Cross-Sectional Studies , Educational Measurement , Female , Health Behavior , Health Status , Humans , India , Logistic Models , Male , Odds Ratio , Risk Factors , Schools/classification , Social Environment , Socioeconomic Factors , Students/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
A nine-month-old infant presented with fever and loss of milestones. Examination revealed intermittent rigidity and dystonic movements. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows decreased signal intensity in globus pallidus and substantia nigra, indicative of iron deposition, suggesting Hallervorden Spatz Disease. The dopamine-neuromelanine system has been postulated to be the possible pathogenesis. Gene mapping has located the defect to be in the coding sequence of a gene called PANK-2. Prenatal diagnosis is possible. The case is reported because of its rarity and early presentation.