Assessment of sociodemographic and psychological well-being of primary school teachers

Abstract Background Teaching is very stressful and demanding and it intensifies psychological and related disorders compared to other occupations. Most teachers in Nigeria are battling emotional distress, burnout, depression, and anxiety due to excess workload, which has affected their psychological well-being. This study assessed the sociodemographic and psychological well-being of primary school teachers in Enugu State, Nigeria. Methods This is a study with a cross-sectional design. The psychological well-being of 254 primary school teachers was assessed using a psychological well-being scale and a sociodemographic information inventory was also used to ascertain their personal information. The data collected were analyzed using chi-square, mean, standard deviation, and bivariate correlation statistics. Results The results showed that the majority of primary school teachers experience unhealthy psychological well-being irrespective of age, gender, working status, qualification, and years of teaching experience. These teachers' sociodemographic variables are significantly correlated with psychological well-being. Only location is not significantly correlated with psychological well-being. Conclusion Therefore, this study concluded that primary school teachers' psychological well-being is not positive or healthy and is significantly related to their sociodemographic characteristics.

Status of the poor vision among 3 014 primary school students in Wucheng district of Jinhua city and analysis of the influencing factors / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore the prevalence and influencing factors of poor vision among 3 014 primary school students in Wucheng District, Jinhua City, in order to provide evidence for the intervention measures of poor vision.METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study, a self-designed questionnaire was done, including general conditions and influencing factors of vision. The international standard logarithmic visual acuity chart was used for visual acuity detection. The risk factors that were statistically significant among the single factor groups were used as independent variables for multivariate Logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: A total of 1 367 students with poor vision were detected, the detection rate was 45.36%, among which mild poor vision rare was 26.08%; moderate rate was 11.51%; and severe rate was 7.76%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that senior grades, parental myopia, daily insufficient sleep and outdoor activity, overuse of electronics or computers and no eye exercise were risk factors for poor vision.CONCLUSION: The rate of poor vision among the primary school students was severe, schools should take measures to improve and prevent students' poor vision by increasing outdoor activity time, correcting poor reading and writing posture, and reducing the time spent on electronic products.

Representaciones de estudiantes sobre el conflicto mapuche en Chile y Argentina / Representations of students regarding the Mapuche conflict in Chile and Argentina / Representações estudantis sobre o conflito mapuche no Chile e na Argentina

(analítico) Las investigaciones de las representaciones sociales de estudiantes acerca de los problemas contemporáneos representan un espacio fundamental de exploración. Este estudio busca analizar las representaciones de estudiantes de educación primaria chilenos y argentinos sobre el conflicto entre los Estados de Chile, Argentina y el pueblo mapuche. La investigación es cualitativa, con un enfoque de teoría fundamentada y los datos recolectados a través de grupos focales en escuelas chilenas y argentinas. El análisis realizado se basa en los procedimientos del paradigma de la codificación, con el motivo de indagar de manera procesual y estructural las representaciones sociales. Los resultados revelan el rol que otorgan los estudiantes a la enseñanza de la historia. Las conclusiones sostienen que la enseñanza de la historia no contribuye a la comprensión de este problema.

(analytical) Research on social representations constructed by students in relation to contemporary problems represents a fundamental space for investigative exploration. This study sought to analyze the representations of Chilean and Argentine primary school students regarding the "conflict" between the Chile, Argentina and the Mapuche people. The research was qualitative and used a grounded theory approach. The data was collected through holding focus groups in Chilean and Argentine schools. The analysis involved the use of coding paradigm procedures in order to investigate social representations in a procedural and structural way. The results reveal the role that students give to the teaching of History. The conclusions identify that the teaching of History does not contribute to the understanding of this problem.

(analítico) Este estudo examina o conhecimento sobre as propriedades formais e a função referencial de desenho, escrita e numerais que mães, filhos e filhas (2 anos e meio e 4 anos) apresentados em tarefa de produção conjunta. O método comparativo constante foi utilizado para a construção do sistema de codificação; se analisou mediante provas não paramétricas. As duplas do grupo de 2 anos e meio conversaram sobre a função referencial dos três sistemas, especialmente do desenho. No grupo de 4 anos aumentaram o interesse pela escrita, a consideração das propriedades formais da escrita e dos numerais e as produções independentes de desenho e escrita. O estudo mostrou a produção gráfica conjunta como uma interação educacional na família que estimula a apropriação precoce de sistemas de representação externa.

Impact of a Three-Week Workplace Vocal Health Promotion Program on a Teacher and Students' Voice Parameters

Objective: To determine the effect on voice parameters in pupils and their teacher of a three-week Workplace Vocal Health Promotion Program (WVHPP) in a school setting. Methods: Longitudinal study with a design phase and a pilot phase. Voice recordings of connected speech were used to collect information on voice functioning before and after the implementation of the program. The workplace vocal health promotion program was implemented with two purposes: (1) to reduce noisy conditions inside the classrooms that may cause loud voice production, which has been found associated with voice disorders among teachers and students and (2) to increase awareness about the relationship between noise and voice inside the classrooms. Results: The WVHPP was found to be statistically associated with a decrease in the fundamental frequency, standard deviation of the fundamental frequency, sound pressure levels, and SPL standard deviation among both pupils and their teacher. However, there was no statistically significant effect on cepstral peak prominence smoothed. Conclusion: The three-week WVHPP was found to have a significant impact on several acoustic parameters, such as the fundamental frequency and sound pressure levels. These findings highlight the potential of the WVHPP as an effective intervention for improving the vocal health of both teachers and students. However, the lack of a significant effect on cepstral peak prominence smoothed suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the impact of the WVHPP on voice quality.

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto en los parámetros de voz de los alumnos y su profesora de un Programa de tres semanas de Promoción de la Salud Vocal en el lugar de trabajo en un entorno escolar. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal con una fase de diseño y una fase piloto. Se utilizaron grabaciones de voz de habla conectada para recopilar información sobre el funcionamiento de la voz antes y después de la implementación del programa. El programa de promoción de la salud vocal en el lugar de trabajo se implementó con dos propósitos: (1) Reducir las condiciones ruidosas dentro de las aulas que pueden causar una producción de voz a alta intensidad, lo que se ha encontrado asociado con trastornos de la voz entre profesores y estudiantes; y (2) Aumentar la conciencia sobre la relación entre el ruido y la voz dentro de las aulas. Resultados: Se encontró que el Programa de Promoción de la Salud Vocal en el lugar de trabajo estaba estadísticamente asociado con una disminución de la frecuencia fundamental, la desviación estándar de la frecuencia fundamental, los niveles de presión sonora y la desviación estándar de la presión sonora, tanto en los alumnos como en su profesor. Sin embargo, no hubo un efecto estadísticamente significativo en la prominencia del pico cepstral suavizado. Conclusión: Se encontró que el programa de tres semanas tenía un impacto significativo en varios parámetros acústicos, como la frecuencia fundamental y los niveles de presión sonora. Estos hallazgos destacan el potencial del programa como una intervención eficaz para mejorar la salud vocal tanto de profesores como de estudiantes. Sin embargo, la falta de un efecto significativo en la prominencia del pico cepstral suavizado sugiere que se necesita más investigación para comprender completamente el impacto del programa en la calidad vocal.

Developmental characteristics of younger school-aged boys in relation to the socio-economic environment / Características del desarrollo de niños menores en edad escolar en relación con el entorno socioeconómico

SUMMARY: The main goal of this research was to determine whether there is a statistically significant difference in the anthropometric characteristics of fourth grade elementary school students, who live in different demographic environments in Montenegro. The research was conducted on a sample of 120 students, fourth grade elementary school, male (60 students from urban areas and 60 students from rural areas). To measure anthropometric characteristics, 12 measures were applied (Body height, arm length, leg length, shoulder width, elbow diameter, knee diameter, body weight, upper arm circumference, lower leg circumference, skin fold of the back, skin fold of the upper arm, skin fold of the abdomen). After conducting research with the application of appropriate statistical procedures: descriptive analysis, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was noticed that there is a statistically significant difference in the treated space of anthropometric characteristics. Boys from rural areas are more dominant than boys from urban areas in the longitudinal and transverse dimensionality of the skeleton and in volume on certain body segments, and boys from urban areas are more dominant than boys from rural areas in body weight and subcutaneous fat, which puts them at risk for obesity.

El objetivo principal de esta investigación fue determinar si existe una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en las características antropométricas de los estudiantes de cuarto grado de primaria, que viven en diferentes entornos demográficos en Montenegro. La investigación se realizó sobre una muestra de 120 estudiantes, cuarto grado de primaria, sexo masculino (60 estudiantes de zona urbana y 60 estudiantes de zona rural). Para medir las características antropométricas se aplicaron 12 medidas (Altura del cuerpo, longitud del brazo, longitud de la pierna, ancho del hombro, diámetro del codo, diámetro de la rodilla, peso corporal, circunferencia del brazo, circunferencia de la pierna, pliegue de la piel de la espalda, pliegue de la piel de la parte superior brazo, pliegue cutáneo del abdomen). Después de realizar la investigación con la aplicación de los procedimientos estadísticos apropiados: análisis descriptivo, análisis de varianza multivariante (MANOVA) y análisis de varianza (ANOVA), se observó que existe una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el espacio tratado de características antropométricas. Los niños de áreas rurales son más dominantes que los niños de áreas urbanas en la dimensionalidad longitudinal y transversal del esqueleto y en volumen en ciertos segmentos del cuerpo, y los niños de áreas urbanas son más dominantes que los niños de áreas rurales en peso corporal y grasa subcutánea, lo que los pone en riesgo de obesidad.

Prevalência de problemas vocais entre professores da educação básica e sua relação com o nível de atividade física / Prevalence of vocal problems among teachers of primary education and its relationship with the level of physical activity

Resumo Introdução A atividade física é benéfica para a manutenção da saúde, qualidade de vida, bem-estar físico e psicológico. No entanto, ainda são poucos os estudos que abordam a prática de atividade física e os problemas vocais. Objetivo Verificar a prevalência de problemas vocais e sua associação com o nível de atividade física em professores de escolas públicas da educação básica. Método Estudo transversal analítico com amostra probabilística por conglomerado em estágio único composta de 634 professores. A variável dependente referiu-se à existência de problemas vocais (quatro ou mais sinais/sintomas). As variáveis independentes foram relacionadas aos aspectos sociodemográficos, ocupacionais, hábitos de vida e saúde, consideradas na modelagem como fatores de ajuste. O nível de atividade física foi mensurado pelo International Physical Activity Questionnaire - IPAQ (versão curta). Procedeu-se à análise descritiva, bivariada e múltipla (Regressão de Poisson). Resultados Houve alta prevalência de sinais/sintomas vocais (79,2%), bem como daqueles com quatro ou mais sinais/sintomas, denominados de problemas vocais (27,3%). No modelo final ajustado, a prevalência de problemas vocais foi maior entre professores do sexo feminino (RP=1,9), com maior tempo de docência (RP=1,3), com qualidade de vida insatisfatória no domínio físico (RP=1,9) e no domínio psicológico (1,4) e entre os professores sedentários/insuficientemente ativos (RP=1,3). Conclusão A prática de atividade física mostrou relação com a saúde vocal mesmo após controle por outras variáveis, o que enfatiza a necessidade de conscientização e estímulo aos professores quanto à prática de atividade física.

Abstract Background Physical activity is beneficial for maintaining health, quality of life, physical and psychological well-being. However, there are still few studies that have the practice of physical activity and vocal problems. Objective To identify the prevalence of vocal problems and their association with the level of physical activity in public elementary school teachers. Method A cross-sectional analytical study with a probabilistic sample of a single-stage conglomerate composed of 634 teachers was carried out. The dependent variable was the existence of vocal issues (four or more signs/symptoms). The independent variables were related to sociodemographic, occupational, and life and health aspects, and they were considered in the modeling as adjustment factors. The level of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - IPAQ (short version). Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple analyzes were performed (Poisson Regression). Results There was a high prevalence of vocal signs/symptoms (79.2%), as well as those with four or more signs/symptoms, called vocal problems (27.3%). In the adjusted final model, the prevalence of vocal problems was higher among female teachers (PR = 1.9), with a longer teaching period (PR = 1.3), with poor quality of life in the physical domain (PR = 1.9) and in the psychological domain (1.4), and among sedentary/insufficiently active teachers (PR = 1.3). Conclusion The practice of physical activity showed a relationship with vocal health even after controlling the other variables, which emphasizes the need for teacher awareness and encouragement regarding the practice of physical activity.

Envolvimiento parental en la escuela: perspectivas de padres e hijos / Envolvimento parental na escola: perspetivas de pais e filhos / Parental involvement in school: parents' and students' perceptions

RESUMO O envolvimento parental na escola é um construto que engloba diferentes comportamentos e atitudes, de carácter multidimensional, envolvendo todas as práticas parentais desenvolvidas pela família, desde os bons hábitos de estudo e a comunicação com a escola, até iniciativas que visam o sucesso escolar dos filhos. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram analisar as perceções, tanto de pais como dos filhos, sobre o envolvimento dos pais no contexto escolar dos filhos e comparar a perceção de pais e filhos sobre esse aspeto. Participaram neste estudo 526 famílias e utilizou-se o Questionário de Envolvimento Parental para recolha de dados. Pais e alunos descreveram um elevado envolvimento parental no contexto escolar. Todavia, verificou-se a existência de diferenças significativas entre as duas perspetivas. Estes resultados possibilitam uma reflexão sobre as tendências, desafios e implicações deste conceito, sendo discutidas as suas implicações para a prática e para a investigação.

RESUMEN El envolvimiento parental en la escuela es un constructo que engloba distintos comportamientos y actitudes, de carácter multidimensional, abarcando todas las prácticas parentales desarrolladas por la familia, desde los buenos hábitos de estudio y la comunicación con la escuela, hasta iniciativas que tengan el objetivo el éxito escolar de los hijos. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron analizar las percepciones, de padres y de los hijos, sobre el envolvimiento de los padres en el contexto escolar de los hijos y comparar la percepción de padres e hijos sobre ese aspecto. Participaron en este estudio 526 familias y se utilizó el Cuestionario de Envolvimiento Parental para la recolecta de datos. Padres y alumnos describieron un elevado envolvimiento parental en el contexto escolar. Sin embargo, se percibió la existencia de diferencias significativas entre las dos perspectivas. Estos resultados posibilitan una reflexión sobre las tendencias, desafíos e implicaciones de este concepto, siendo discutidas sus implicaciones para la práctica y para la investigación.

ABSTRACT Parental involvement at school is a construct that encompasses different behaviours and attitudes. Being multidimensional, it involves all the parental practices developed by the family, from study habits and communication with the school to initiatives aimed at the child's success at school. This study aims to analyse not only parents' perceptions of their own involvement with their children's school, but also their children's perceptions of their involvement with their school. It also explores the comparison between parents' and children's perceptions of perceived parental involvement. A total of 526 families took part in this study and the data was collected using the Parental Involvement Questionnaire. Both parents and children perceived a high level of parental involvement with the school, but there were significant differences between their perceptions. These results make it possible to reflect on the trends, challenges and implications of this concept, presenting the implications for practice and research.

Current situation of myopia among primary school students in Jinhua city and the intervention effect of knowledge, belief and practice / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To investigate the current situation of myopia in a primary school in Jinhua city and the intervention effect of knowledge, belief and practice.METHODS: From September to December 2022, a total of 1 482 primary school students who met the inclusion criteria were selected for myopia test and education intervention based on cluster sampling method. The questionnaire was designed based on relevant references. The main contents of the questionnaire include students' general information, low vision and knowledge, belief and practice before and after intervention and prevention of myopia.RESULTS: A total of 1 482 primary school students were investigated and tested, among which myopia was detected out of 657 students, with a myopia rate of 44.33%. Specifically, mild myopia accounted for 54.64%(359); moderate myopia accounted for 23.90%(157); severe myopia accounted for 21.46%(141). A total of 1 468 valid questionnaires were collected before intervention, and 1 457 valid questionnaires were collected after intervention. The overall knowledge rate of myopia prevention and control knowledge before intervention was 62.57%(7348/11744), and it was 81.20%(9465/11656)after intervention, with statistical significance before and after intervention was statistically significant(P<0.001). The behavior attendance rate before intervention was 82.48%(9687/11744), and it was 93.73%(10925/11656)after intervention, with statistical significance comparison before and after intervention(P<0.001).CONCLUSION: The results of this survey showed that the myopia situation of primary students in Jinhua city was not optimistic, and some students were not aware of prevention knowledge and correct behavior before intervention. After intervention, the knowledge, belief and practice of myopia prevention and control have achieved remarkable results.

Effect of information-knowledge-attitude-practice theory-based health education on clonorchiasis control among community residents and primary school students in Zhongshan City / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of information-knowledge-attitude-practice (IKAP) theory-based health education interventions on clonorchiasis control among community residents and primary school students in Torch High-tech Development Zone of Zhongshan City, so as to provide insights into formulation of clonorchiasis control strategies among different types of populations. Methods Residents were randomly sampled from two communities and students from two primary schools using a random cluster sampling method in Torch High-tech Development Zone, Zhongshan City from 2019 to 2021, and health education pertaining to clonorchiasis control was performed based on the IKAP theory. The changes in the awareness of basic clonorchiasis control knowledge and belief, self-reported risk of Clonorchis sinensis infections and dietary behaviors were compared among community residents and primary school students before and after health education interventions. Results The participants included 146 male and 151 female community residents and 158 male and 153 female primary school students, with no significant difference detected in gender distribution (χ2 = 0.16, P > 0.05). The mean awareness of basic clonorchiasis control knowledge increased by 44.71% and 43.28% among primary school students and community residents 6 months following health education, and there were significant differences in the awareness of each item of basic clonorchiasis control knowledge before and after health education (χ2 = 41.53 to 284.44, all P values < 0.05). The proportions of primary school students and community residents thinking very high and high risks of C. sinensis infections increased from 9.35% and 6.71% before health education to 22.15% and 37.75% after health education, but only the difference of the attitudes in community residents achieve statistical significance (χ2 = 92.18, P < 0.05). The frequency of separation of raw and cooked foods with chopping board and knife significantly increased among community residents and primary school students following health education (χ2 = 16.04 to 62.65, all P values < 0.05). The frequency of eating raw freshwater fish (χ2 = 32.85, P < 0.05), fish congee (χ2 = 7.02, P < 0.05) and fish fillet hot pot (χ2 = 4.88, P < 0.05) significantly reduced among primary school students following health education, while only the frequency and proportions of eating raw freshwater fish have significantly reduced in community residents (χ2 = 11.77, P < 0.05). Conclusions Health education interventions based on the IKAP theory are effective to increase the awareness of clonorchiasis control knowledge and improve dietary behaviors associated with C. sinensis infections among community residents and primary school students in Zhongshan City.

Prevalence of anemia among primary school students from Kazakh ethnic groups in agricultural and pastoral areas of Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the prevalence of anemia and its influencing factors among primary school students from Kazakh ethnic groups in agricultural and pastoral areas of Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, so as to provide insights into improvements of nutrition and prevention of anemia among students.@*Methods@#Grade 1 to 3 Kazakh ethnic students were sampled using a cluster sampling method from 7 primary schools in agricultural and pastoral areas of Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from April to June, 2022. Demographics and dietary behaviors were collected using questionnaire surveys, and the height and body weight were measured, while peripheral blood hemoglobin was detected. Factors affecting anemia were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.@*Results@#A total of 2 378 questionnaires were allocated, and 2 214 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective rate of 93.10%. The respondents included 1 123 men (50.72%) and 1 091 women (49.28%), and had a mean age of (8.12±1.41) years. The prevalence of anemia was 22.49%, and the detection rates of mild and moderate anemia were 15.31% and 7.18%, with no severe anemia detected. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified frequency of eating eggs (0, OR=2.532, 95%CI: 2.114-3.015; 1 to 3 times/week, OR=1.926, 95%CI: 1.648-2.216), frequency of eating meat (1 to 3 times/week, OR=1.468, 95%CI: 1.256-1.689; 4 to 7 times/week, OR=2.212, 95%CI: 1.823-2.641), frequency of healthy check-up (0, OR=2.872, 95%CI: 2.523-3.231; 1 time/year, OR=1.826, 95%CI: 1.546-2.108), monthly mean household income (1 500 Yuan and lower per month, OR=1.324, 95%CI: 1.071-1.582; 1 501 to 3 000 Yuan per month, OR=1.124, 95%CI: 1.029-1.221) and caregiver (grandparents, OR=1.175, 95%CI: 1.038-1.324; others, OR=1.241, 95%CI: 1.032-1.466) as factors affecting anemia.@*Conclusions@#The prevalence of anemia is 22.49% among primary school students from Kazakh ethnic groups in agricultural and pastoral areas of Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with mild anemia as the predominant type. Dietary behaviors, frequency of healthy check-up, economic status and caregiver may affect the development of anemia.

Relationship between Parental Emotional Styles and Family Values to Anxiety Level among Primary School Children

@#Introduction: Childhood anxiety is one of the common mental health problems in children. Untreated childhood anxiety will lead to a higher risk of developing mental health problems in adulthood. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental emotional styles and family values to anxiety level among primary school children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a selected primary school in Kelantan, Malaysia. A set of questionnaires consisted of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale–Parents’ Report (RCADS-P 25), the Parental Emotional Style Questionnaire (PESQ), and the Asian Family Characteristics Scale (AFCS) was used for assessing anxiety, parental emotional styles, and family values, respectively. Data were collected via an online survey using Google Form, and were analysed using Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) to determine the factors associated with childhood anxiety. The significance value was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 150 parents of primary school children from the selected school was involved in this study. The majority of respondents were females (82.0%), married (94.7%), hold a degree (66.7%), and were working in the government sector (60.0%). Most of the respondents’ child were twelve years old (20.7%) and males (62%). Based on the MLR, emotional dismissing parental style (p = 0.025) and family values (p = 0.016) were significantly associated with anxiety in these children. Conclusion: Emotional dismissing parental style and family values were significant predictors of anxiety in primary school children. Future intervention research on childhood anxiety is needed.

INTRA-FAMILY DIFFERENCES IN NUTRITIONAL STATUS BETWEEN PRE-SCHOOL AND SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN

Currently under- and over-nutrition are public health problems in Indian children. A community-based study in 3249 children was undertaken to assess the magnitude of intra-family differences in nutritional status between pre-school and school age children from urban low middle income families. Length/height and weight were measured; nutritional status was computed using WHO Anthro and Anthro Plus software. One-fourth of children were stunted, 1/5th underweight, 1/10th wasted and less than 5% were overweight. Prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting was higher in children whose elder siblings were stunted, underweight or wasted. However, majority of the younger siblings of under-nourished elder siblings were normally nourished; majority of the elder siblings of undernourished younger sibling were normally nourished. In view of this, it is essential to screen all children, identify those who are under- or overnourished using BMI-for-age and provide appropriate interventions.

Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on the Nutritional Status of Pupils of 5 to 11 in Rural Areas in Cameroon: Case of the Nyambaka Municipality in the Adamawa Region

Malnutrition greatly increases the risk of infant mortality and vulnerability to various diseases later in the long run. It has been shown that children’s malnutrition is the result of low household income. Rural areas in Cameroon are mainly made up of poor families. This guided the present research to analyze some socioeconomic factors and their impact on the nutritional status of pupils. Using a simple random sampling technique, 300 pupils were recruited. About 66.33% of pupils were from poor families. Obesity was more prevalent in the category of rich pupils (09.52%) compared to poor (06.53%). The height and weight of pupils studied were lower than the reference (P < 0.001). This study carried out in a single council is proven to be limited for a better understanding of the epidemiology of malnutrition among students, and large-scale studies would be adequate to better prevent and control malnutrition in rural areas.

La prevención de los problemas de salud bucal: una visión desde la educación primaria

RESUMEN Introducción: la prevención, desde la escuela, debe facilitar una visión anticipadora que en la práctica se revierta en iniciativas en el proceso pedagógico, a partir de la participación de su colectivo, logrando modificaciones en la conducta de las personas para una mejor calidad de vida. Asimismo, propiciar la armonía entre las formas de pensar, sentir y actuar en el desarrollo del infante, y de manera activa contribuir a edificar el proyecto social deseado. Objetivo: describir el estado actual de los conocimientos, procedimientos y comportamientos, para prevenir los problemas de salud bucal en escolares de la Escuela Primaria José María Heredia de Heredia, del municipio de Matanzas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un diagnóstico sobre los conocimientos, procedimientos y comportamientos que poseen los maestros para prever los problemas de salud bucal en escolares en la Escuela Primaria José María Heredia de Heredia, del municipio de Matanzas, entre los meses de febrero y abril de 2021. Resultados: se evidenció potencialidades e insuficiencias en la preparación del maestro primario para la prevención de los problemas de salud bucal. Conclusión: los conocimientos, procedimientos y comportamientos que poseen los maestros de esta institución educativa para precaver los problemas de salud bucal en sus escolares son insuficientes, y demuestran la necesidad de proponer acciones educativas dirigidas a solucionar esa insuficiencia.

ABSTRACT Introduction: prevention, from the school, should facilitate an anticipatory vision that in practice reverts to initiatives in the pedagogical process, based on the participation of its collective, leading to changes in the behavior of people for a better life quality. It also should propitiate harmony between the ways of thinking, feeling and behaving in the development of the child, and actively contribute to build the desired social project. Objective: to describe the current state of knowledge, procedures and behaviors to prevent oral health problems in schoolchildren at Jose Maria Heredia de Heredia Primary School, in the municipality of Matanzas. Materials and methods: a diagnostic was made on the knowledge, procedures and behaviors the teachers have to prevent oral health problems in schoolchildren at Jose Maria Heredia de Heredia Primary School, municipality of Matanzas, between the months of February and April 2021. Results: potentialities and insufficiencies were evidenced in the training of the primary teacher for the prevention of oral health problems. Conclusions: the knowledge, procedures and behaviors the teachers of this educational institution have to prevent oral health problems in their students are insufficient, and demonstrate the need of proposing educational actions aimed at solving this insufficiency.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the oral health promotion model in rural primary schools in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To evaluate the caries preventive effect and economic outcome of an oral health promotion model in rural primary schools in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.@*Methods@# In November 2015, a baseline survey was conducted on the caries prevalence of rural first graders in program areas, and then a program intervention was carried out on the first graders of target primary schools. The intervention methods included the distribution of oral health care products, oral health education, teacher training, etc. In 2020, the method of cluster random sampling was adopted to include the sixth graders who received the program intervention as first graders and were still available in 2020 as the intervention group. During this period, the sixth graders transferred from foreign schools who failed to receive the program intervention as first graders were included in the non-intervention group. The caries preventive effect was evaluated by analyzing the caries epidemiological data of 2 652 children aged 11-13 years, comparing the intervention and non-intervention group. The cost of the program was estimated by the structural analysis method. A decision tree model was established by TreeAge pro2019 and incorporated into the effect parameters and cost parameters for cost-effectiveness analysis and sensitivity analysis.@* Results @# The prevalence of caries in the intervention group was 54.8%, and the mean DMFT was 1.36 ± 1.64, both of which were lower than those in the non-intervention group. The difference in prevalence and mean DMFT between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). It costs CNY 319.83 per child to reduce suffering from caries. The number of patients with caries in the intervention group was the most sensitive indicator of an economic effect. The probability of a cost-effectiveness advantage for the program was 92.2%. @*Conclusion @# This oral health promotion model used in rural schools demonstrated a caries preventive effect that was very likely economically advantageous. It is of practical significance to improve and promote this model in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Intake of liquid dairy products among the fourth grade studentsin Nanjing City / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the intake of liquid dairy products and identify its influencing factors among the fourth grade students in Nanjing City. @*Methods@#The fourth grade students were selected as the study subjects in Nanjing City using a multi-stage random cluster sampling method in September 2020. Their general information, frequency of liquid dairy product intake one week prior to survey and mean intake amount per time were collected. According to the 2016 Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents, weekly intake of liquid dairy products of 2 100 g and greater was defined eligible. Factors affecting the frequency and amount of liquid dairy product intake were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis.@*Results@#A total of 2 268 questionnaires were allocated and 2 216 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 97.71%. The respondents included 1 199 boys ( 54.11% ) and 1 017 girls ( 45.89% ). The frequency of liquid dairy product intake was (6.41±4.86) times per week, and the median intake amount was 1 250.00 g per week (interquartile range, 1 750.00 g per week). There were 607 students ( 27.39% ) consuming liquid dairy products of 2 100 g and greater a week, and 1 016 students ( 45.85% ) consumed liquid dairy products for 7 times and more a week. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that living in urban areas ( OR=1.204, 95%CI: 1.005-1.443 ), knowing nutrition labels ( OR=1.221, 95%CI: 1.021-1.460 ), periodical measurement of body weight (OR=1.486, 95%CI: 1.098-2.011) and restricted intake of sugar-containing drinks ( OR=1.264, 95%CI: 1.005-1.590 ) facilitated the intake of liquid dairy products for 7 times and more a week, and students with periodical measurement of body weight were more likely to consume liquid dairy products for 2 100 g and greater a week ( OR=1.821, 95%CI: 1.240-2.676 ).@*Conclusions@#Inadequate intake of liquid dairy products is found among the fourth grade students in Nanjing City. Residence, awareness of nutrition labels, periodical measurement of body weight, and parental restriction of sugar-containing drink intake affect the intake of liquid dairy products.

Epidemiological study on myopia among primary school students in Xindu District of Chengdu in 2018-2020 / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To observe the epidemiological characteristics of myopia among primary school students in Xindu District of Chengdu before and after COVID-19 home isolation period(from Jan.-May 2020).<p>METHODS:Cross-sectional study. A total of 10 153 primary school students from grade 1-6(age 6-13, three classes per grade)were selected from four primary schools in Xindu District of Chengdu for three consecutive years(2018-2020), by using a random stratified cluster sampling method. All students' visual acuity and spherical equivalent refraction(SE)were measured, a further cycloplegia optometry was conducted for those whose visual acuity was less than 5.0. The SE was recorded and the prevalence of myopia was calculated. Chi-square test was used to compare the difference of prevalence of myopia between different years. One-way Anova was used to compare the difference of SE among different years.<p>RESULTS: There was statistical difference in prevalence of myopia between the three years(2018: 35.98%, 2019: 36.29%, 2020: 42.52%; χ²=39.374, <i>P</i><0.001). The prevalence of myopia among 6-9 years old students increased significantly in 2020(<i>P</i><0.01). They were 2.20 times(6 years old), 2.08 times(7 years old), 1.36 times(8 years old)and 1.24 times(9 years old)of the previous year. Students aged 6-9 years showed an obvious myopic shift in SE in 2020(<i>P</i><0.05). The increases were -0.34±0.76D(6 years old), -0.28±0.84D(7 years old), -0.29±1.41D(8 years old)and -0.18±1.35D(9 years old)than the previous year. The prevalence of myopia and SE remained stable among 10-13 years old students in 2018-2020(<i>P</i>>0.05).<p>CONCLUSION: After the COVID-19 home isolation period, there was a significant myopic shift among students aged 6-9 years old. We should pay more attention to the window period for myopia prevention and control of 6-9 years old.

Effectiveness of comprehensive nutrition interventions among primary school students in Yiwu City / 预防医学

Objective@#To a evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive nutrition interventions among primary school students in Yiwu City, so as to provide insights into malnutrition control among children.@*Methods@#Grade 3 to 5 students were sampled from four primary schools in Yiwu City using a random cluster sampling method and randomly assigned into the intervention group and the control group. Students in the intervention group received comprehensive interventions, including nutritional health education, promotion of physical activities, nutritional meal support and creation of a nutritional campus, while students in the control group were given no interventions. The awareness of nutritional health knowledge, dietary behaviors and nutritional status were compared in students between the two groups prior to interventions and one year following interventions, and the effectiveness of interventions was evaluated using generalized estimating equations.@*Results@#Totally 879 students were enrolled. There were 440 students in the intervention group, including 243 males and 197 females, with a male to female ratio of 1︰0.81 and a mean age of (10.47±0.99) years; and there were 439 students in the control group, including 244 males and 195 females, with a male to female ratio of 1︰0.80 and a mean age of (10.35±1.02) years. Following comprehensive interventions, the awareness of “type of food”, “seven nutriments from food”, “eating at least 12 types of food daily”, “less than 6 g of daily salt intake”, “food composition in nutritional breakfast”, “nutritional labels of pure milk”, “no less than 60 min of daily exercise duration” and “too fat or too thin may threaten health” and the increase in the proportion of 3 and more types of food in breakfast were significantly higher among students in the intervention group than in the control group (all P<0.05); however, there was no statistical difference in the proportion of normal nutrition between the two groups (P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#The comprehensive nutritional interventions may effectively increase the awareness of nutrition health knowledge and improve dietary behaviors among primary school students.

Investigation on adolescent sexual knowledge among primaryschool students in Hangzhou City / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the awareness of adolescent sexual knowledge among primary school students in Hangzhou City, so as to provide insights into adolescent sex education.@*Methods@#In May 2021, grades 5 and 6 students were sampled from 5 primary schools in urban areas and 5 primary schools in suburban areas of Hangzhou City. The demographic features, awareness of adolescent sexual knowledge and sources of acquiring adolescent sexual knowledge were investigated using electronic questionnaires, and the awareness of adolescent sexual knowledge were analyzed among primary school students.@*Results@#Totally 1 812 students completed valid questionnaires, including 861 grade 5 students ( 47.52% ) and 951 grade 6 students ( 52.48% ), 936 boys ( 53.86% ) and 836 girls (46.14%), and 912 students living in urban areas (50.33%) and 900 students living in suburban areas ( 49.67% ). The awareness rates of adolescent physiological knowledge, adolescent health knowledge, private parts and sexual harassment behaviors were 53.20%, 46.30%, 60.49% and 92.55%, respectively, and the awareness rates of adolescent physiological knowledge ( 69.52% vs. 39.14%; χ2=168.001), adolescent health knowledge (55.74% vs. 38.22%; χ2=55.619 ), private parts ( 72.49% vs. 50.20%; χ2=93.550 ) and sexual harassment behaviors ( 96.05% vs. 89.55%; χ2=27.621 ) were significantly higher in girls than in boys ( all P<0.05 ). The awareness rates of adolescent physiological knowledge ( 63.72% vs. 41.58%; χ2=88.989 ), private parts ( 64.56% vs. 55.98%; χ2=13.926 ) and sexual harassment behaviors ( 93.80% vs. 91.17%; χ2=4.509 ) were significantly greater among grade 6 students than among grade 5 students ( all P<0.05 ), and the awareness rates of adolescent physiological knowledge ( 69.96% vs. 36.22%; χ2=207.041 ), adolescent health knowledge (58.99% vs. 33.44%; χ2=118.903 ) and sexual harassment behaviors ( 96.16% vs. 88.89%; χ2=34.754 ) were significantly higher among students living in urban areas than among students living in suburban areas ( all P<0.05 ). Primary school students mainly acquired sexual knowledge from their parents ( 1 208 students, 66.67% ) and teachers ( 1 161 students, 64.07%), and the source of life was the predominant demand for sexual knowledge ( 969 students, 53.48% ).@*Conclusions@#The awareness of adolescent sexual knowledge remains to be increased among grade 5 and 6 primary school students in Hangzhou City. More attention paid to male students and students living in suburban areas, and building a school-family-community educational network are recommended to increase the awareness of adolescent sexual knowledge among primary school students.

Number sense: the mediating effect between nonverbal intelligence and children's mathematical performance

The study explored the mediating effect of number sense between nonverbal intelligence and children's mathematical performance. The sample consisted of 131 pupils in Shaoxing City of China from grades 1, 3, and 5. The students completed measures of nonverbal intelligence, number sense, basic arithmetic ability, mathematical performance, rapid automatized naming, and working memory. Results show that although all variables significantly relate with each other (all p < .01), only nonverbal intelligence, number sense, and basic arithmetic ability significantly affect children's mathematical performance (all p < .01). According to multiple-mediation model, nonverbal intelligence significantly predicts children's mathematical performance through number sense and basic arithmetic ability. These findings suggest that domain-specific mathematical skills play a prominent role in children's mathematical performance in primary school, rather than domain-general cognitive functions. Educators should pay attention to develop children's number sense in order to improve children's mathematical ability. (AU)