Physical Activity Levels And Junk Food Intake Among School Going Adolescents In A North Indian City

Introduction: Physical activity and diet go hand in hand for the maintenance of good health. This becomes even more important in school-going adolescent students as they are readily exposed to a wide variety of junk food items inside or around their school premises and lead increasingly sedentary lifestyles as they progress through their academics. Aim and Objective: Toassess the junk food intake and physical activity level among school-going adolescents. Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 school-based adolescents aged 12 to 14 years at AMU High Schools, Aligarh. Students were asked about their physical activity and dietary habits by disseminating a self-reported questionnaire. The data were analyzed in SPSS version 20.0. Results: The majority of the adolescents had a moderate level of physical activity (53%), while 23% of the students had high and 24% had low physical activity levels. On the analysis of the students’ dietary habits, it was found that a staggering 70.75% of students had more than the recommended intake of junk food items. The association between physical activity and junk food intake was found to be significant. Conclusion: More emphasis should be given to limiting junk food intake, increasing healthy food intake, and motivating the students to be more physically active. This can be done by encouraging the family as well as teachers at the school level and creating more spaces for children to be physically active at the community level.

Knowledge and Practices regarding Personal Hygiene in School Going Children of Uttarakhand

Personal hygiene refers to set of individual practices and conditions that help maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases. Maintaining personal hygiene is important for social health, physical health and psychosocial health. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge and reported practices of school going children regarding personal hygiene with a view to develop an information booklet. The study adopted cross sectional design to collect data from 410 school going children in rural villages of Haldwani block, Uttarakhand. The children were recruited via convenient sampling technique. It was found that majority (n=230, 56.09%) school going children had moderate knowledge of personal hygiene. The overall practices of children were found to be appropriate for 366 (89.51%) children. Regarding knowledge and hygienic practices, mother' s education plays vital role for school going children. Also, teachers with parents can play a pivotal role in providing health education regarding personal hygiene from early stage of childhood itself for longevity and to protect from illnesses.

Parents' and teachers' perceptions of emotional and behavioral problems in school-going adolescents

Introduction: Parents and teachers are the primary consultants to understand the emotional and behavioral problems of school-going adolescents. The current study focuses on parents’ and class teachers’ perspectives of school-going adolescents’ emotional and behavioral problems. Material and Methods: A Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 19 schools from government-private and rural-urban schools across Kollam District, Kerala. Malayalam/English version of the strength and difficulties questionnaire was administered among a sample of 600 parents and 60 class teachers of school-going adolescents. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis showed that parents' reports is significantly predicted by gender (P < 0.01), urban-rural settings (P < 0.001) and socioeconomic status (P < 0.01). Teachers’ reports have significantly been predicted by urban-rural settings (P < 0.01) and socioeconomic status (P < 0.001). Conclusion: More attention is needed for the protection of adolescent’s mental health and fills mental health gaps in services.

A cross sectional study on Emotional status and Behavioral Changes of school going children during the COVID-19 outbreak

Background: The current threat of Covid-19 pandemic is not only disrupting the economy but also creating psychological impact on the people. As a measure to control the spread, India imposed lockdown on various occasions. During this period only essential services were operational, while educational institutions remain closed. Due to social distance norms and restricted recreational activities, children are more prone to behavioural changes and it can also cause anxiety and depression. The current study focusses upon this aspect among school going children due to Covid-19.. Methodology: A cross sectional study was done on school going children, currently restricted to home. A semi-structured questionnaire which included (RCADS-25 scale for depression and anxiety) was administered to the parents through online platform. Bivariate logistic regression was used to test the significance of association between changes Impact of covid-19 and emotional status of Children and also between behavioural changes in children and presence of at least one sibling. Results: Majority of respondents were males (59%) and mean age was 9.9yrs. Majority (47.2%) belong to Middle school. Mean score of RCADS-25 scale was 15.61±9.4 for the study population. Worry was seen in 67.3% and frustration was seen in 32.4% for conduction of online classes. Irritability was seen 31.91% and restriction of outdoor activities caused loss of temper in 56.9% of the study population. Insomnia was often seen in 20% while 50% had sadness/empty feeling at some point of time. Lack of confidence was seen in 52.7% children. Majority (69.5%) were scared to sleep alone at night. Chi-square test for significance showed significant association between Parent’s behaviour and mood changes in Children (O.R- 2.43(1.1-5.33 - 95%C. I) p=0.04). Bivariate logistic regression showed significant association between Impact of covid-19 and emotional status of Children (O.R=2.967,95% C.I(1.582-5.564), p=0.001) and also between behavioural changes during pandemic and presence of at least one sibling(O.R =0.578,95% C.I 0.345-0.971,p=0.038). Conclusion: The behavioural changes of children due to Covid -19 is evident and necessary measures like counselling the parents are necessary

Epidemiology of overweight and obesity in school going children: 11-15 years in the urban area of Cuttack city

Background: The world health organization has described obesity as one of today’s most neglected public health problems, affecting developed and developing countries in the world. A dramatic increase in overweight and obesity among children and adolescent has raised the concern of various public health physicians especially in developing country like India. This study was conducted with an objective to study the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its associated risk factors among school going children of Cuttack city.Methods: School based cross sectional study was done among the children of 6th to 10th class. To calculate the maximum sample size prevalence of obesity was assumed to be 10%, taking absolute error of 2% and 10% non-response rate the sample was calculated to be 1000. By multistage sampling method the children were selected. Data was collected using a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS version 16.Results: The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 20.2% and it was higher among boys (20.6%) than girls (19.8%). Overweight and obesity was found to be significantly associated with type of school, parent’s occupation, hours of using TV/computer, eating habit, family history of obesity, type of family and mode of transport to school.Conclusions: Prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be high in school going children, which indicates an urgent need to increase awareness via education and motivation of all stakeholders to prevent the complications in future.

Assessment of the Nutritional Status and Determinants of Malnutrition among School Going Adolescents in the Rural Field Practice Area of the Medical College, Hassan, Karnataka

Background andObjectives:Adolescence which is the transitional period between childhood and adulthood is often the neglected phase as the adolescents are often regarded as relatively healthy with the focus being given for children and women. Addressing the nutritional needs of adolescents could be an important step in curbing malnutrition among them. With the rising epidemic of Non-communicable diseases, it is equally important to address both the issues of under-nutrition and over-nutrition. Hence this study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status and associated risk factors of malnutrition among the school going adolescents from 5thto 12thstandard in the rural field practice area of Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), Hassan.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among the school going adolescents attending the government and private schools of the rural field practice area of the medical college from January 2017 to June 2018. The sample size of 830 was divided between the three areas under rural field practice area as per sample size proportional to population. BMI was measured and WHO reference charts 2007 for BMI was used to categorize the nutritional status of the adolescents.Results:The prevalence of malnutrition among the school going adolescents was found to be 44.1% of which the prevalence of thinness and severe thinness was 15.8% and 21.3% respectively and that of overweight and obesity was 5.8% and 1.2% respectively. On logistic regression, male gender, government school, lower socio-economic status, deworming status and open-air defecation were identified as significant risk factors for undernutrition and female gender, private school, upper socio-economic status, low levels of physical activity, excess television watching, consuming junk foods, breakfast skipping, inadequate sleeping hours were identified as significant risk factors for overnutrition. Conclusion:The prevalence of malnutrition among the school going adolescentswas found to be 44.1% in our study. Gender, type of school in which they study, socio-economic status and life style behaviours were found to be significant risk factors for malnutrition. There is a need for health education programmes, regular monitoringand effective policies to promote healthy eating and lifestyle changes among adolescents to curb the burden of malnutrition

Violence-Related Behaviors Among School Going Adolescents In Peninsular Malaysia

@#Violence among adolescents is a significant public health issue. The focus was on school-going adolescents because of the life-long negative impact at an individual level both for the perpetrator and victim. Besides, it increases the costs to provide health, welfare, and criminal justice as well as decreases general productivity at the community level. The study aims to determine the prevalence of violence-related behavior, characteristics of both victims and perpetrators, in addition to inter and intrapersonal factors associated with violence-related behaviors. A study was carried out in 2013, which involved all upper secondary school students (aged 16 to 17 years). It was a part of the Malaysian Adolescent Health Risk Behavior (MyAHRB) study, which was conducted in 11 states in Peninsular Malaysia. Standardized, validated questionnaires were used for data collection. The prevalence of violence-related behaviors was 22.4%, and this was higher among male students as compared to females (29.1% vs. 16.3%). Multivariable analysis revealed that the odds of violence-related behaviour increased among males, Malay race, drug use, smoking, had exposure to sex, which sometimes and always felt lonely and had attempted suicide. Agreeable to ensure that their lifestyles do not transgress religious limit and belief was significantly protective. This study provides evidence for a targeted approach to combat violence-related behaviors among adolescents.

Prevalence of Smoking and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Secondary School Students in Kelantan, Malaysia

@# Minimizing smoking initiation among adolescents has been identified as a strategy to reduce the prevalence of tobacco induced diseases among Malaysian adults. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with smoking among secondary school- going adolescents in the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. Methods: A school-based survey was carried out in Kelantan to determine the prevalence and associated factors of smoking among Kelantanese adolescents. Two-stage cluster sampling was used to ensure the representativeness of the sample. A self-administered validated questionnaire was utilised to obtain data from the selected respondents. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with smoking behaviour among school-going adolescents. Results: The study revealed that 10.1% (95 CI 8.5-11.9%) of the selected respondents were current smokers. The prevalence of male who smoked was significantly higher compared to female. MLR revealed that, males, respondents with at least one smoking parent/guardian, as well as the respondents with less supportive parents/ guardian were more likely to smoke. However, by having a few numbers of close friends and helpful peers in the school had shown no significant association for being the current smokers. Conclusion: The study showed that the prevalence of smoking was a bit lower than the national prevalence, and smoking behaviour was predominant among male adolescents in Kelantan state. Comprehensive measures with the involvement of parents/guardians were imperative to tackle smoking habits among adolescents by targeting high-risk groups identified in the study.

Study of Prevalence of Hearing Loss in School Going Children Between Ages 8 to 14 Years of Jodhpur (Rajasthan)

Introduction: Normal hearing is very important for overalldevelopment of child. If a child is suffering from hearing loss,it affects his ability to acquire knowledge and skills. So thisstudy was done to estimate true prevalence in primary schoolsof Jodhpur region between ages 8 to 14 years.Material and Methods: Total 1200 students were includedin study from various schools of Jodhpur between ages 8 to14 years. Detailed otological examination done and hearingassessment done in silent room with 512 HZ turning fork test.All data with history obtained and analysed.Results: Total 146 students from 1200 students had hearingloss with most common type of hearing loss is conductive.Conclusion: Hearing loss specially in age group 8 to 14 yearsof school going children is preventable by simple measureslike paying attention to children regarding hearing by theirparents, teachers, Para-medical staff and conducting regularscreening programs.

Physical Fitness, Physical Activity And Academic Achievement In School Going Children: A Narrative Review

Objective: The aim of this narrative review is to examine the available literature related to association of physical fitness and physical activity with academic achievement in school going children. Methodology: Literature was searched with the use of many electronic databases (Google Scholar, CINAHL, Pubmed central and Oxford Press, Science direct, National Library of Medicine (Pubmed), Biomed Central).Additionally, more reference articles were searched to increase the search of accuracy. Results: Results of most of the studies evaluating the relationship of the physical fitness and physical activity with academic achievement are contradictory. Findings from the most of the studies indicated either a positive or null association. Negative association was found to be very rare. Missing from this literature is a clear understanding of whether individually or collectively physical activity and physical fitness influences the academic achievement & executive function is lacking in current literature. Conclusion: Most of literature suggests that increasing physical activity and aerobic fitness are often proposed as a way to improve children’s health, physical fitness and Academic achievement but there has been some inconsistency across studies concerning the relation between physical activity, physical fitness and academic achievement. This is due in part to measurement and methodological issues (e.g., measuring only physical activity or only aerobic fitness, lack of adequate control for confounding factors).This could be an active topic of future research. So the more studies are necessary for providing definite evidence to confirm this relationship.

Epidemiological study of obesity and overweight among adolescents in schools in district Ghaziabad

Background: Developing countries are experiencing an epidemic of obesity and overweight. Adolescence is the stage when the lifestyle behavior sets in and decides the future pattern of health. The objective was to study the prevalence and correlates of overweight and obesity among school going adolescents of district Ghaziabad.Methods: A school based cross sectional survey was conducted in district Ghaziabad. Adolescents (10-19 years) from both urban and rural government and private schools were included. Multistage sampling technique was used to study 1128 study population. Anthropometry and a structured questionnaire were used as study tool.Results: In urban area, the proportion of underweight students in government schools (20.9%) was significantly more than the private school (13.8%) whereas the number of overweight students in private school (18.2%) was significantly more than the government schools (10.3%). In rural area underweight students in government school (30.5%) was significantly more than the private school (21.3%) whereas the number of overweight students in private school (11.3%) was significantly more than the government school (3.2%). Obesity was significantly associated with the area of residence, type of school, consumption of carbonated drinks, fast foods and decreased physical activity.Conclusions: An overall higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in urban areas and increasing trend in rural areas too alarm us to focus on the modifiable risk factors

Effect of education and socio-economic status on parenting among pre-school and school going children

Background: Parenting is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Parenting is a complex activity that includes much specific behavior that works individually or together to influence child's outcomes.Methods: It is prospective observational study carried out in the Department of Pediatrics, Shyam Shah Medical College and associated Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India during the period from July 2008 to June 2010. Parents were interviewed with predesigned proforma. Parenting was graded in to three grades (1, 2 and 3) according to the performance of parents in various aspects of parenting.Results: In this study, 60 parents had 155 children constituting 2.5 children per family and male to female ratio was 1.18:1. We observed that literate parents performed well in all aspects of parenting (i.e. behavioral, physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, nutritional), but illiterate parents could not score on these points especially in spiritual and nutritional aspects. 33% graduate parents fulfilled the criteria for grade 3 parenting in nutritional aspects, 55% intermediate passed parents in nutritional aspects were in grade 3, whereas there were more than 50% parents in behavioral, physical and emotional aspects who had education level up to primary class.Conclusions: Educational status of parents has a positive impact on almost all aspects of parenting and the educational status of mothers appeared to be even more influential. Socioeconomic status of parents and residential area have a great influence on all aspects of parenting.

Nutritional status and common morbidities among school-going adolescents of rural areas of Vadodara, Gujarat: a cross sectional study

Background: Abnormal nutritional status i.e. underweight, overweight and obesity is increasing rapidly amongst adolescents irrespective of socioeconomic status and geography. This study was carried out to assess prevalence of abnormal nutritional status and common associated morbidities among school going adolescent of rural areas of Vadodara, Gujarat, India.Methods: A cross sectional observational study was done among school going adolescents of rural areas of Vadodara, Gujarat. A predesigned and pretested semi-structured proforma was used to get relevant clinical details of study participants. Total 474 students aged 12-17 years participated in our study.Results: Out of 474 enrolled adolescents, 16.67% were underweight, where as 3.8% and 2.95% were obese and overweight respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were almost similar in both genders. Out of total 16.24% were stunted with predominance in boys compared to girls (p value: 0.039). Hypertension was found in 5.0% of participants with 3 times more prevalent in girls than boys (p value 0.011). Similarly, anemia was affecting both genders equally.Conclusions: Although underweight is a known nutritional problem of adolescents from rural areas, overweight and obesity are also rapidly growing health issues among them now a days. With keeping in mind this increasing burden of abnormal nutritional status and associated morbidities, regular health check-up, education of parents and adolescents on healthy lifestyle and inclusion of adolescents in existing government programmes are essential measures to reduce these problems.

Tobacco use among school going children in Bihar, India

Tobacco use has become prevalent in India and nearly 15% of youth use tobacco in one or other form. However, very few studies have explored the use, knowledge about its hazard, and attitudes of tobacco use among youths. So, this study was done to determine the pattern of use as well as knowledge and perception of tobacco among students attending schools of 8th to 9th grad in Sasaram, Bihar. Methods: A cross sectional survey was performed among 515 students in the 8th and 9th grades in 8 schools in Sasaram, Bihar. The study period was from 1st January to 31st December, 2018. Results: Ever use of smokeless tobacco was reported by 31 (6.1%) students in the survey. 18 (3.5%) students reported ever using smoked tobacco. Students were more likely to identify cigarettes and bidis as tobacco products compared to smokeless tobacco products like gutkha and khaini. Betel nut products were used by 91 (17.7%) students. Conclusion: The high rate of smokeless tobacco and betel nut use along with less levels of knowledge about their contents and harms suggests that tobacco control programs of Government of India targeting youth should ensure that these products are adequately explained and understood by students all over India.

Prevalence and determinants of nocturnal enuresis in school going children in Southern Maharashtra, India

Background: Nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting is a common health problem in children in the age group of 5 to 15 years. In India the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis ranges from approximately 7% to 12.6%. The prevalence from other parts of the world ranges from 6% to 42%. This study was planned to find the prevalence and determinants of nocturnal enuresis in school going children.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in four primary and secondary schools in Solapur. A predefined questionnaire, prepared in English and translated to local languages, Marathi and Kannada, was handed over to all the children attending the selected schools. Children were asked to hand over the questionnaire to their parents and return with the filled questionnaire. The questionnaire was prepared to obtain the information related to the socio-demographic factors of the family and child, frequency of enuresis and information related the risk factors. Nocturnal enuresis was defined if the frequency of enuresis was more than twice per week.Results: The overall prevalence of nocturnal enuresis was 11.4 %. The maximum prevalence was found in the age group of 8 -9 years (22.96 %). The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in boys (14.34 %) was significantly more than the prevalence in girls (8.31 %). The study showed that nocturnal enuresis was significantly associated with stress, poor school performance, sleep pattern (hard to awaken), family history, burning micturition etc. But it was not associated with maternal or paternal education, birth order, type of family.Conclusions: The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis is 11.40 % in school going children and it is associated with age, sex, stress, family history, burning micturition, hyperactive child, poor school performance, sleep pattern (hard to awake) avoidance of going to micturate before sleep etc.

Are adolescents studying in private schools more obese? a comparative study among adolescents from different types of schools in Kerala, India

Background: Adolescent obesity is a serious public health challenge of this century. It is associated with many factors including sleep patterns among adolescents.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. Adolescents studying in high school and higher secondary classes were included using stratified random sampling. Study tools included a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements.Results: 657 students were enrolled from Government, Government-aided and Private schools. The mean age of the participants was 15.09'1.33 years. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 13.8% and 6.5% respectively. Students in private schools were found to have higher prevalence of overweight (17.8%) and obesity (9.8%) compared to Government-aided (15.3% and 5.4%) and Government schools (8% and 4.5%). Students with lesser sleep duration had higher BMI values. Factors such as higher age, family income, parental education, lack of regular physical activity were associated with obesity. Students with more siblings and family members had low BMI compared to others.Conclusions: High prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed among adolescents especially among private school students. Inadequate sleep duration was also found to be associated with obesity. Primary prevention approach aimed at spreading adequate awareness among students, parents and teachers should be practiced.

Refractive Errors in School going Children in Kashmir

Introduction: Large number of studies on the prevalence ofrefractive errors in various population groups have been done.Refractive errors, are by far the commonest cause of defectivevision in school children around the world. Undetected anduncorrected refractive errors are particularly a significantproblem in school children. With these rationales this studywas undertaken in schools of Kashmir with the objective toassess the magnitude of refractive errors.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study wasconducted in schools of Kashmir valley from june 2016 tomay 2017. Sample size was calculated to be 1110. The 6 to16years children of selected schools of Kashmir valley whowere present on the day of the interview were interviewed andexamined. Snellen chart, pinhole, a trial box, a trial frame,self-illuminated vision box and streak Retinoscope were usedto detect refractive error. MS excel package and SPSS11.5software was use for analysis.Results: Out of 1110 cases (2220 eyes),856(77.12%) caseswere emmetropic, 56 (5.04%) cases had hyperopia of 0.25Dto 1.75D whereas only 4(0.36%) cases had a hyperopia ofequal to or greater than 2.0D. Myopia was the most commonobserved refractive error. 188(16.94%) cases had a myopiaof 0.25D to 1.75D and 6 (0.54%) cases had a myopia of2.0D to 3.75D.No case had myopia of equal to or greaterthan 4.0D(Table-V) Myopic astigmatism was seen in 22(1.98%) cases and hyperopic Astigmatismin 10(0.9%)cases.Conclusion: Refractive error was a significant cause of visualimpairment among school children and screening of schoolchildren plays a major role in detecting refractive errors.

Nutritional assessment of school going children in district Abbottabad, K.P. Pakistan

Background:To assess the nutritional assessment of the primary school children in Abbottabad. Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among children of private and public sectors primary schools of Abbottabad from January -September 2018 by simple random sampling. 200 students from each school (7 and 13 years), present on the day of data collection were included in this study and those who were absent, sick or not willing, were excluded. The data was collected on apre-tested questionnaire.Results:Total 200 students, males 49.5% (n=99) and females 50.5% (n=101) were interviewed and assessed for their nutritional assessment. Their mean age was 11.67±1.66years, height was 144.93±12.34 cms and weight was 37.69±12.96 kgs. Male students (n=67) 67.7% and from private schools (n=67) 65.7% were healthier then female (n=55) 55.4% and government schools (57.1%), P valve 0.085 and 0.026. Most of the students with grade C in last year school performance were underweight (100%). Raven Test for both types of school gave 0.012 P value which indicated more intelligent students resides in private schools. Furthermore, children of well-serviced fathers and qualified mothers were healthy, more intelligent and practiced good hygiene.Also, children of a private school who has better nutritional status scored more than Public school children.Conclusions:Nutritional status of children have a direct effect on their cognitive abilities. Private school children who have scored better in the intelligence test, have better nutritional status. Socioeconomic status and mother qualification have a direct effect on children’s nutrition, health status, school performance and hygiene.

Awareness and practices regarding menarche in adolescent school going girls of Thrissur educational district

Background: Menarche is one important milestone in during adolescence. Many of girls experience menarche even before they are considered as adolescents. Unfortunately, many parents do not provide adequate information to the girls prior to menarche, because they consider it culturally inappropriate.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 432 adolescent girls in high school classes of Thrissur educational district. The participants were selected from six schools, two each of government, private and aided schools. A Self-Administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection after validation by pilot study. Data was collected on socio-demographic variables and awareness and practices regarding menarche Statistical analysis was done using SPSS statistical software version 23.Results: The age of attaining menarche ranged 7 to 14 years, with the mean age being 12.06 years SD=0.972.More than one-fourth of the girls 28.7% did not have prior knowledge about menstruation at the time of menarche. The major source of information about menstruation was the mother 68.8%, followed by friends 19.2%. Majority 61.3% of the subjects had correct knowledge regarding the cause of menstruation. More than half of the respondents 53.7% missed school days during menarche.Conclusions: The knowledge regarding menstruation was good for adolescent girls when compared to other studies in India. Awareness programs on adolescent girls must be developed and promoted at an early age prior to menarche. Mothers should be educated as they are an important source of information to their daughters.

Construct Validity and Reliability of Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale-Malay (RSES-M) Among Upper Secondary School Students in Malaysia

@#Introduction: Self-esteem is important for the development of adolescent’s psychological well-being. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) is the most commonly used instrument for measuring self-esteem. However, the Malay-language version of the RSES (RSES-M) has not been validated among upper secondary school students in Malaysia. Methods: We administered the RSES-M to 3349 students who participated in the Malaysia Adolescent Health Risk Behavior (MyAHRB) study. The construct validity of the RSES-M was assessed using exploratory factor analysis while internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach alpha. Results: The study identified two factors in the RSES-M. The variance for the first and second factor was 30.32% and 19.91%, respectively, Item 7 (I wish I could have more respect to myself) which showed a positive correlation with the positive wording contrasted with the original RSES. Such contrary may be due to social and cultural background difference. Conclusion: The translated version of RSES-M can be considered as a valid tool to measure self-esteem in upper school going adolescents in Malaysia. However, future studies to determine the psychometric properties of item 7 in the Malaysian setting are strongly recommended to enhance the validity of RSES-M