Chilean children's adherence to sustainable healthy diets and its associations with sociodemographic and anthropometric factors: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To describe adherence to sustainable healthy diets among a sample of 958 Chilean pre-schoolers (3-6 years) and explore associations between adherence and child and maternal sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics. METHODS: Children's adherence to sustainable healthy diets was calculated from single multiple-pass 24-h dietary recalls using the Planetary Health Diet Index for children and adolescents (PHDI-C). Higher PHDI-C scores (max score = 150 points) represent greater adherence. Adjusted linear regression models were fitted to explore associations between PHDI-C scores and child and maternal characteristics. RESULTS: Children obtained low total PHDI-C scores (median 50.0 [IQR 39.5-59.8] points). This resulted from low consumption of nuts & peanuts, legumes, vegetables, whole cereals, and vegetable oils; a lack of balance between dark green and red & orange vegetables, inadequate consumption of tubers & potatoes and eggs & white meats, and excess consumption of dairy products, palm oil, red meats, and added sugars. Mean PHDI-C total score was significantly higher (50.6 [95%CI 49.6, 51.7] vs 47.3 [95%CI 45.0, 49.5]) among children whose mothers were ≥ 25 years compared to those with younger mothers. Positive associations were observed between scores for fruits and maternal education, vegetables and maternal age, added sugars and child weight status, while negative associations were observed between fruits and child age, and vegetable oils and maternal education. Scores for dairy products PHDI-C component were lower among girls. CONCLUSION: Adherence to sustainable healthy diets was low among this sample of Chilean children and was significantly associated with maternal age, being lower among children whose mothers were younger.

Peer bullying tendencies of school children: The role of demographic, health-related, and school-related factors.

BACKGROUND: Peer bullying is widely observed across the world and continues to grow. Peer-bullying children and children exposed to peer bullying often display a fall in academic achievements, an increase in psychiatric problems, and problematic relationships with their parents. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to identify the effects of demographic, health-related, and school-related characteristics in school-age children, including their grade, academic success, and status of liking their school, on their peer-bullying tendencies. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was carried out as a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in September-November 2023 with sixth- and seventh-grade students at four middle schools in Turkey. The sample size was calculated as 750 in a 95% confidence interval and with a 5% margin of error. The data were collected using a Health-Related Descriptive Characteristics Form and the Swearer Bullying Scale. RESULTS: Children who were seventh-grade students, those who had a family income above expenses, those who were obese, those who perceived their health status as good, those who had low academic achievement, and those who stated that they did not like their school had higher peer bullying tendencies (p < 0.05). In the multiple linear regression analysis, self-perceived health status, grade level, and academic achievement status were identified as factors that significantly affected the peer bullying tendencies of the children, and these factors explained 26.3% of the total variance in these tendencies. CONCLUSION: Self-perceived health status, grade level, and academic achievement status significantly affected the peer bullying tendencies of school children. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: To prevent peer bullying and mitigate its negative effects, it is extremely important that school nurses periodically identify the peer bullying tendencies of school children and associated factors.

Epidemiology of Tinea Capitis Among School-Children in Dschang, Western Cameroon.

Data on the epidemiology of tinea capitis (TC), an infection of the scalp by dermatophytes, are scarce in Cameroon. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of TC among school-children in the Dschang Subdivision, Western Cameroon. A cross-sectional study was carried out in June 2021 in Dschang including pupils aged 5-13. First, a standardized questionnaire was administered to participant for the collection of sociodemographic data. Then, samples were collected and cultured onto Sabouraud-Chloramphenicol-Gentamicin Agar. The etiological agents were identified based on their morphological features and with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A total of 1070 children were clinically examined and 108 (10.1%) children presented with TC lesions. The mean age of the 1070 participants was 8.3 ± 2.6 years (range: 5-13 years); 772 (72.2%) were males. The use of borehole water (OR = 0.01, 95%CI[0.001-0.03]), spring water (OR = 0.2, 95%CI[0.08-0.50]), rainwater (OR = 0.004, 95%CI[0.001-0.016]), and hairdressing salons visits (OR = 0.413, 95%CI[0.196-0.872]) were associated with a decreased TC risk in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. In contrast, sharing bed with siblings (OR = 4.48, 95%CI[2.095-9.60]) was associated with an increased TC risk in children. Among the 32 dermatophytes isolated in culture, Microsporum audouinii was the most frequent (43.8%), followed by Trichophyton rubrum (25.0%) and T. soudanense (25.0%). Microsporum canis and T. violaceum were both rarely isolated. Further studies are warranted to assess the association of TC with domestic water usage that has been highlighted in this study.

The Impact of Aerobic Dance Intervention on Postural Balance in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of an 8-week aerobic dance intervention on postural balance in children. Forty-one children, aged 9 to 11, were randomly assigned to either an aerobic dance group (ADG) or a control group (CG) from a primary school. Postural balance was assessed using center of pressure (CoP) excursions before and after the 8-week intervention period. Evaluations were conducted on both firm and foam surfaces in bipedal and unipedal stances under open-eyes (OE) and closed-eyes (CE) conditions, as well as on both medial-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) surfaces in a bipedal stance under OE conditions. The ADG exhibited significantly decreased CoPVm values during firm bipedal CE, unipedal OE, foam bipedal OE and CE, and foam unipedal OE (p < 0.005). This study suggests that aerobic dance intervention improved postural balance in children, showcasing adaptability and improved stability under various conditions.

Prediction of internet addiction among high school students in a rural Southern Karnataka, India-A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization, there is an explosion in the use of electronic devices, the internet, and gaming platforms. In many countries, it is a significant public health concern, prompting calls to identify adequate public policy. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of internet addiction (IA) among high school students and to assess the relationship between the internet addiction level of high school students and their demographic features with internet use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 high school children studying in eighth standard-tenth standard. Among 121 public and private high schools listed by the BEO (Block Education Officer) Office in Kolar Taluk four high schools were selected by lottery method from July 2021 to August 2021. The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) by Young was used to assess the intensity of internet usage. RESULTS: The mean IAT score of study participants was 29.6. The mean age of the study population was 14.4 ± 0.84 years. The odds of internet addiction among female students were 4.5 times higher than among male students. The majority (91.5%) of the students had used the internet for educational purpose and the other common reasons for internet usage is social media (43%), entertainment (43%), and gaming purpose (21%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IA among high school students is 14.6% with the moderate-risk population was 12.5% and the high-risk population was 2.1%. Students using the internet for both academic and non-academic purposes were more internet addicted. The real challenge is to have control over the usage of social sites-the amount of time being spent and the type of activities adolescents are doing online.

Relationship Between School Food Environment and Eating Behaviors of Primary School Children in Dodoma: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study assesses the relationship between school food environment and eating behaviors of primary school children in Dodoma among 248 primary school children aged 6-13 years. School characteristics information and socio-demographic characteristics were collected. Multilevel modeling was employed to assess the individual-level variance in eating behaviors. Most of the variances in the investigated eating behaviors were at the personal level. Significant associations (p < .05) were between protein-rich food intake and fats and sugar-rich food with the death of either parent. And association between intake of vitamin and mineral-rich foods and the number of people living in household.

Effect of maternal eating behaviors and attitudes towards the feeding process on feeding problems of pre-school age children.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Feeding problems in pre-school children are common and negative maternal feeding practices may even worsen the child's problematic eating behavior. Therefore, investigating the effects of maternal eating behaviors and attitudes towards the feeding process on pre-school children's feeding problems may be helpful for preventing feeding problems. This study sought to investigate the effects of maternal eating behaviors and attitudes towards the feeding process on feeding problems of pre-school children. METHODS: Mothers of 373 children aged 3-6 were included in this cross-sectional study and data was collected by an online questionnaire including the scales of three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ), mother's attitudes towards the feeding process (MATFPS) and behavioral pediatric feeding assessment (BPFAS), as well as demographics and anthropometric measures (height and weight). Spearman's rho test was used to calculate correlation coefficients between the TFEQ, MATFP and BPFA scales. In order to identify independent predictors of child feeding behaviors, a multiple linear regression model was used. RESULTS: Results showed that uncontrolled eating subscale was positively (r = 0.160, p < 0.001) and cognitive restriction subscale negatively (r = -0.126, p < 0.05) correlated with MATFP. MATFP was also positively correlated with BPFA (r = 0.368, p < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that BPFA was significantly predicted by MATFP which was the most important contributor of child feeding problems (ß = 0.24, t = 4.88, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that maternal eating behaviors were related to maternal attitudes towards the feeding process and, mothers' attitudes were associated with feeding problems of their pre-school children.

Prevalence and Determinants of Ocular Disorders among in-School Children with Physical and Mental Disabilities in Osun State, South West Nigeria.

PURPOSE: This study set out to determine the prevalence and the factors contributing to ocular disorders among children with physical and mental disabilities, who represent a vulnerable group in Osun State. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study among children with physical and mental disabilities aged 5-17 years using a multistage sampling technique. Demographics, presence of ocular symptoms and determinants of ocular disorders were noted. Distant visual acuities were measured; refraction and ocular examination were performed. Appropriate drug treatment, prescribed spectacle or low vision aids were dispensed as necessary, at subsidized rates. RESULTS: Of 189 children enrolled, 103(54.5%) were males and 86(45.5%) were females, with male to female ratio of 1.2:1. Mean age was 14.7 ± 0.45 years and 28/189 (14.8%) had ocular disorders in either eye. Some of the participants had multiple pathologies. The commonest identified visual disorder was refractive error (11.1%). There was a statistically significant ocular disorder determinant among most mothers of respondents (82.1%) who had ocular disorders and did not receive antenatal care in the hospital, p<0.05. Only 28.6% of children who had ocular disorders were fully immunized. CONCLUSION: The majority of mothers of children with ocular disorders did not receive antenatal care in the hospital. Health education on the importance of early antenatal care in the hospital is advocated to reduce the occurrence of ocular disorders. Early assessment and correction of ocular problems will prevent unnecessary visual impairment in these vulnerable children.

OBJECTIF: Cette étude visait à déterminer la prévalence et les facteurs contribuant aux troubles oculaires chez les enfants présentant des handicaps physiques et mentaux, qui représentent un groupe vulnérable dans l'État d'Osun. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale menée auprès d'enfants atteints de handicaps physiques et mentaux âgés de 5 à 17 ans, utilisant une technique d'échantillonnage à plusieurs niveaux. Les données démographiques, la présence de symptômes oculaires et les déterminants des troubles oculaires ont été notés. Les acuités visuelles à distance ont été mesurées ; la réfraction et l'examen oculaire ont été effectués. Un traitement médicamenteux approprié, des lunettes prescrites ou des aides à la basse vision ont été délivrés au besoin, à des tarifs subventionnés. RÉSULTATS: Sur 189 enfants inscrits, 103 (54,5 %) étaient des garçons et 86 (45,5 %) étaient des filles, avec un ratio garçons/filles de 1,2:1, âge moyen de 14,7 ± 0,45 ans ; tandis que 28/189 (14,8 %) présentaient des troubles oculaires dans l'un ou l'autre des yeux. Certains participants avaient plusieurs pathologies. Le trouble visuel le plus fréquemment identifié était l'erreur réfraction (11,1 %). Il y avait un déterminant de trouble oculaire statistiquement significatif chez la majorité des mères des répondants (82,1 %) qui avaient des troubles oculaires et n'avaient pas reçu de soins prénatals à l'hôpital p<0,05. Seulement 28,6 % des enfants présentant des troubles oculaires étaient entièrement immunisés. CONCLUSION: La plupart des mères d'enfants atteints de troubles oculaires n'ont pas reçu de soins prénatals à l'hôpital. Une éducation sanitaire sur l'importance des soins prénatals précoces à l'hôpital est préconisée afin de réduire l'occurrence des troubles oculaires. L'évaluation précoce et la correction des problèmes oculaires préviendront une atteinte visuelle inutile chez ces enfants vulnérables. MOTS-CLÉS: Trouble oculaire, Prévalence, Enfants en âge scolaire, Handicaps physiques et mentaux.

The Relationship between Parental Autonomy Support and Children's Self-Concept in China-The Role of Basic Psychological Needs.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental autonomy support and children's self-concept, and to explore the role of basic psychological needs in Chinese primary schools from the perspective of self-determination theory. A total of 3109 children aged 6-13 years participated in eastern China. The results indicated a significant correlation between parental autonomy support, basic psychological needs, and children's self-concept. Basic psychological needs play a partial mediating role between parental autonomy support and children's self-concept. Specifically, autonomy support varied by need types whereas parental control steadily played a negative predictive role. Parental autonomy support and control predicted children's self-concept differently through three basic psychological needs, with differences across gender and grades. Boys and elder children had stronger relationships to competence needs, while girls were sensitive to autonomy needs; in addition, both of them were sensitive to relatedness needs. The mediating effects model and cross-group analyses revealed the complex predictive role of parental autonomy support on children's self-concept in China, providing an effective entry point for cross-cultural research and family education to improve children's psychological well-being.

Sustainable effects of a motor skill programme on physical activity levels in 7-8 years old children, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Deteriorating global physical activity (PA) levels among children warrants new and sustainable approaches to increase PA levels. This study aimed to determine the immediate and sustainable influences of a 9-week movement program on the PA levels in 7 to 8-year-old school children in the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. METHODS: A randomized control trial including two groups (control group (CG) and intervention group (IG)), pre-post-retest (after six months of no intervention) design was used. Seventy school children, mean age 7.12 years (± 0.71) (n = 35 IG; n = 35 CG) participated in the study. A 9-week movement program was followed twice a week for 30 min during school hours. PA was measured for 7 consecutive days using a hip-mounted wGT3X-BT Actigraph accelerometer. The Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition (TGMD-3) was used to assess motor skills. Hierarchical Linear Modelling (HLM) was applied to analyze the data with time, sex, and group as predictors. Effect sizes were computed using Cohen's d-cut points to assess the practical significance of changes over time. Estimated regression coefficients were also computed to determine the strength of the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and fundamental movement skills (FMS). RESULTS: Before the intervention, 60% of the IG met the 60 min of daily MVPA guideline, while light physical activity (LPA) per day was also higher than sedentary behavior (SB) in both groups. No immediate (p < 0.01) or sustainable (p < 0.01) increases in MVPA levels were found and no positive associations emerged between FMS and MVPA levels. CONCLUSIONS: This intervention had little to no effect on children's MVPA. More understanding of the activity behavior and interests of children is needed to improve their PA behavior through the content of movement programs. Strategies are also needed to communicate clear messages at a personalized but also parental level, focusing on enhancing health through regular PA, especially to promote PA in young children.

Effects of school nurse-led health education to reduce malnutrition among primary school children in Bangladesh: Cluster nonrandomized controlled trial.

Background: Malnutrition is a major health concern among children especially in low and middle-income countries. However, there are limited studies on school health in Bangladesh. This study aimed to reduce malnutrition among primary school children in Bangladesh by increasing awareness and knowledge through school nurse-led health education. Methods and Materials: A prospective, open-label, parallel-group (1:1), cluster nonrandomized controlled trial on primary school children conducted in rural Bangladesh. The study lasted 13 months between September 2021 and September 2022. Four schools were selected and assigned to the intervention and control groups (CGs). Next, school nurses provided evidence-based health education to the children in the intervention group (IG) for 9 months to improve awareness and knowledge of malnutrition. Data were collected at baseline, midline, and endline. Results: Overall, 604 children were enrolled at the baseline; among them, 455 (CG, n = 220; IG, n = 235) completed the study. Changes in the malnutrition rate-the primary outcome-were not significant (P = 0.225). However, after adjusting the endline data with baseline and sociodemographic data, the children's body mass index improved significantly in the IG than in the CG (P < 0.05). Changes in eating behavior, and awareness and knowledge of malnutrition-the secondary outcomes-significantly differed between the groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The school nurse-led health education program significantly improved primary school children's awareness and knowledge of malnutrition. This study revealed the effectiveness of school nurses in reducing malnutrition among children, which may decrease future morbidity and mortality rates in children.

Cluster analysis of teachers report for identifying symptoms of autism spectrum and/or attention deficit hyperactivity in school population: EPINED study.

An early detection of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) is crucial for their prognosis; however, the clinical heterogeneity of some disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an obstacle to accurate diagnoses in children. In order to facilitate the screening process, the current study aimed to identify symptom-based clusters among a community-based sample of preschool and school-aged children, using behavioral characteristics reported by teachers. A total of 6894 children were assessed on four key variables: social communication differences, restricted behavior patterns, restless-impulsiveness, and emotional lability (pre-schoolers) or inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity (school-aged). From these behavioral profiles, four clusters were identified for each age group. A cluster of ASD + ADHD and others including children with no pathology was clearly identified, whereas two other clusters were characterized by subthreshold ASD and/or ADHD symptoms. In the school-age children, the presence of ADHD was consistently observed with ASD patterns. In pre-schoolers, teachers were more proficient at identifying children who received a diagnosis for either ASD and/or ADHD from an early stage. Considering the significance of early detection and intervention of NDDs, teachers' insights are important. Therefore, promptly identifying subthreshold symptoms in children can help to minimize consequences in social and academic functioning.

Preschool emergent literacy skills as predictors of reading and spelling in Grade 2 and the role of migration background in Germany.

Children's emergent literacy skills are essential for the development of later literacy abilities and school success. However, children with migration background often show poorer language skills in the majority language and are at a greater risk of developing literacy deficits. In addition, there is evidence for the predictive role of emergent literacy skills in reading comprehension, but there has been relatively little research concerning the association between preschool emergent literacy skills and word reading and spelling in Germany, especially for children with migration background. This study examines the associations of emergent literacy skills (vocabulary, phonological awareness [PA], letter knowledge, and rapid naming) with word reading and spelling from kindergarten to the end of Grade 2 and evaluates the role of migration background (i.e., use of the majority or minority language at home) in these associations. Data from 187 preschool children were obtained before school entry (Mage = 63.58 months, SD = 4.45). The results show that vocabulary and letter knowledge were strong predictors of word reading, whereas letter knowledge and PA were significant predictors of spelling. Furthermore, children's migration background was negatively associated with preschool vocabulary and PA. For children with migration background, vocabulary was a significant predictor of word reading, whereas letter knowledge was the best predictor of word reading for children without migration background. The results reflect the complexity of language development and the relevance of emergent literacy skills as predictors for word reading and spelling. Specific interventions should be developed to promote children's literacy abilities.

Exploring factors associated with Trichuris trichiura infection in school children in a high-transmission setting in Kenya.

Objectives: Kenya has implemented a national school-based deworming program, which has led to substantial decline in the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), although some pockets of infections remain. To effectively design an STH control program that leads to significant reductions of Trichuris trichiura, there is a need to understand the drivers of persistent infection despite ongoing treatment programs. Methods: This study was conducted between July and September 2019 at the south coast of Kenya, using a two-stage sampling design. First, a school-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2265 randomly selected school children from selected schools in areas known to be endemic for T. trichiura. After this, we conducted a nested case-control study wherein all children positive for T. trichiura (142) were matched to 148 negative controls based on age and village. A household survey was then conducted with all household members of cases and controls. In addition, a subsample of 116 children found to be infected with T. trichiura were followed up to assess the efficacy of albendazole at day 21 post-treatment. The predictors of presence of T. trichiura were investigated through multilevel logistic regression, considering clustering of infection. Results: Overall, 34.4% of the children were infected with at least one STH species; T. trichiura was the most common (28.3%), 89.1% of those with T. trichiura had light-intensity infections. The prevalence of T. trichiura was significantly higher in male children and was positively associated with younger age and number of people infected with T. trichiura in a household. The parasitological cure rate and egg reduction rate of T. trichiura were 35% and 51%, respectively. Other STHs identified were hookworm (9.6%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.7%). Conclusions: T. trichiura remains a significant public health challenge in the study area with albendazole treatment efficacy against the parasite, remaining lower than the World Health Organization-recommended thresholds. Because of the observed focal transmission of T. trichiura in the current area, control efforts tailored to local conditions and targeting lower implementation units should be used to achieve optimal results on transmission.

Prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation and its associated factors among primary school children: A school-based cross-sectional survey in the Rufiji district, Tanzania.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation and its associated factors among primary school children (PSC) in the Rufiji district. Methods: A quantitative school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 447 PSC in the Rufiji district. The prevalence of scabies among PSC was determined by clinical examination and by microscopic examination of skin samples for the presence of S. scabiei. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on factors associated with S. scabiei infestation. Descriptive analysis, Fisher's exact, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: The prevalence of scabies was 2.0%. Of the assessed factors, only physical contact with a person having itchy skin lesions (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=4.04, 95%CI 4.39-12.50) and infrequency of changing clothes before laundry (AOR=2.99, 95%CI 1.35-4.94) were significantly associated with scabies. The majority of participants demonstrated low levels of knowledge, with half exhibiting poor attitudes and inappropriate healthcare-seeking behaviors. Conclusions: There was an ongoing transmission of scabies among PSC in the Rufiji district, with the factors associated with the transmission being physical contact with a person who had an itchy skin lesion and the infrequency of changing clothes before laundry. Therefore, there is a need for regular clinical screening and treatment of positive cases with preventive measures on contact and provision of health education.

Consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y somatotipo en estudiantes de una institución educativa pública de la Amazonía Peruana / Consumption of ultra-processed foods and somatotype in students of a publiceducational institution in the Peruvian Amazon

Introducción: El consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados condiciona el biotipo de una persona. Objetivo: determinar la asociación entre el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y el somatotipo en escolares de una institución educativa pública de la región Loreto. Materiales y Métodos: se trata de una investigación de enfoque cualitativo, con un diseño no experimental, transversal y correlacional. La muestra final del estudio estuvo conformada por 171 escolares del tercero, cuarto y quinto grado de nivel secundario durante el período académico correspondiente al año 2022 en la institución educativa pública 60050, República de Venezuela, Loreto (Perú). Se incluyó a estudiantes que entregaron el consentimiento y asentimiento informado, menores de 18 años y con matrícula vigente. La valoración antropométrica se realizó mediante el método de Health-Carter; la medición del nivel de consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados se realizó mediante una la aplicación de una encuesta de consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados. Para evaluar la asociación de las variables se utilizó la prueba estadística Chi cuadrado. Resultados: se logró determinar que el 47,4% de la población presenta como biotipo predominante el endomorfismo, con una mayor presencia de población femenina, que el 36,3% de la población presenta un biotipo mesomórfico y que el 16,4% presenta un biotipo ectomórfico. Al evaluar el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados, se determinó que el 58,5% de la población muestra tener un alto consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados, con una mayor presencia de la población masculina, que el 32,2% presenta un consumo en riesgo y que el 9,4% presenta un bajo consumo de estos. Al analizar la asociación entre el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y el somatotipo en escolares se obtuvo un valor p>0,05. Conclusión: el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados no tiene asociación con el somatotipo en escolares de una institución educativa pública en la Amazonía peruana.(AU)

Introduction: The consumption of ultra-processed food sconditions a person’s biotype. A parameter for its evaluationis the anthropometric assessment of the somatotype and asurvey of consumption of ultra-processed foods to assesstheir consumption levels. Objective: determine the association between the con-sumption of ultra-processed foods and somatotype in school-children from a public educational institution in the Peruvian Amazon. Materials and Methods: qualitative research approach,with a non-experimental, transversal and correlational design.The final sample of the study was made up of 171 studentsfrom the third, fourth and fifth grades of secondary schoolduring the academic period corresponding to the year 2022.It included students who provided informed consent and as-sent, under 18 years of age and with current registration. Theanthropometric assessment was performed using the Heath-Carter method; The measurement of the level of consumptionof ultra-processed foods was carried out through a food con-sumption frequency survey. Results: 47.4% of the population presents endomorphismas the predominant biotype, with a greater presence of thefemale population, 36.3% of the population presents a meso-morphic biotype and 16.4% presents an ectomorphic biotype.When evaluating the consumption of ultra-processed foods, itwas determined that 57.8% of the population shows a highconsumption of ultra-processed foods, with a greater pres-ence of the male population; that 32.2% have irrigation con-sumption and that 9.4% have low irrigation consumption. Theresults indicate that there is no statistically significant rela-tionship between the consumption of ultra-processed foodsand the type of somatotype present in the study population. Conclusion: Despite the high consumption of ultra-processed foods, no association was found with somatotype,because there are several factors that determine somatotypein this age group...(AU)

Relationship between the floating toe and the center-of-pressure position in an upright posture among students.

[Purpose] The incidence of floating toes in children is increasing. Although the anteroposterior center of pressure in children is present posteriorly, its relationship with the floating toe is unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the position of the anteroposterior center of pressure and the floating toe in an upright posture in children. [Participants and Methods] In this cross-sectional study, a Win-Pod (Medicapteurs) platform was used to measure the position of the anteroposterior center of pressure in 208 boys and 195 girls from Japanese elementary schools. Using images of the plantar footprint, floating toes were assessed and the floating toe score was calculated. [Results] The anteroposterior center of pressure position was situated 32.3 ± 8.2% from the heel. The floating toe score of all the participants was 3.5 ± 2.4, with a very high rate of 98%. The floating toe score had a significant, moderate correlation with age, height, weight, and the anteroposterior center-of-pressure position. Multivariate analysis revealed an association between the floating toe score and the anteroposterior center-of-pressure position, height, and weight. [Conclusion] There is significant relationship between the anteroposterior center-of-pressure position and the floating toe score in an upright posture in Japanese elementary school students.

Corneal Characteristics of Myopic Malay School Children and Their Association with Axial Length.

Introduction: Corneal characteristics are unique to each eye and can vary among different levels of refractive errors. However, minimal data are available in the literature on corneal characteristics in myopic Malay school children including the difference between the low myopic group and the moderate myopic group. Therefore, this study aims to determine the corneal characteristics of myopic Malay school children and their associations with axial length. Methods: A total of eighty-four data samples were extracted from forty-two myopic Malay school children. Measurements of the central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal curvature, corneal diameter, and axial length were measured using Lenstar LS900, a non-contact optical biometer. Data were later stratified by the spherical equivalent refraction (SER) into a low myopic group and a moderate myopic group, and paired t-test were employed to determine the differences in the corneal characteristics between these two groups. Univariate and multivariate linear regressions were performed to identify factors that are significantly associated with axial length. Results: There was no significant difference in the CCT, corneal curvature and corneal diameter between the low myopic group and the moderate myopic group (t82=0.015, P=0.99), (t82=-0.802, P=0.43) and (t82=-0.575, P=0.57), respectively. Pearson univariate correlation analysis found that axial length significantly correlated with corneal curvature (r=-0.765, P<0.001) and corneal diameter (r=0.614, P<0.001) but no significant correlation found with CCT (r=0.046, P=0.68). Multiple regression analysis showed that axial length was significantly associated with a flatter corneal curvature (P<0.001), older age (P<0.001) and larger corneal diameter (P=0.02). Conclusion: This study reported the corneal characteristics in myopic Malay school children and its associations with axial length. Results of this study can serve as a reference value for the myopic Malay schoolchild population.

SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in a Berlin Kindergarten Environment: A Cross-Sectional Study, September 2021.

SARS-CoV-2 serology may be helpful to retrospectively understand infection dynamics in specific settings including kindergartens. We assessed SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in individuals connected to kindergartens in Berlin, Germany in September 2021. Children, staff, and household members from 12 randomly selected kindergartens were interviewed on COVID-19 history and sociodemographic parameters. Blood samples were collected on filter paper. SARS-CoV-2 anti-S and anti-N antibodies were assessed using Roche Elecsys. We assessed seroprevalence and the proportion of so far unrecognized SARS-CoV-2 infections. We included 277 participants, comprising 48 (17.3%) kindergarten children, 37 (13.4%) staff, and 192 (69.3%) household members. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were present in 65.0%, and 52.7% of all participants were vaccinated. Evidence of previous infection was observed in 16.7% of kindergarten children, 16.2% of staff, and 10.4% of household members. Undiagnosed infections were observed in 12.5%, 5.4%, and 3.6%, respectively. Preceding infections were associated with facemask neglect. In conclusion, two-thirds of our cohort were SARS-CoV-2 seroreactive in September 2021, largely as a result of vaccination in adults. Kindergarten children showed the highest proportion of non-vaccine-induced seropositivity and an increased proportion of previously unrecognized SARS-CoV-2 infection. Silent infections in pre-school children need to be considered when interpreting SARS-CoV-2 infections in the kindergarten context.

Risk Factors of Malnutrition among In-School Children and Adolescents in Developing Countries: A Scoping Review.

Malnutrition among in-school children is a complex issue influenced by socio-economic, environmental, and health-related factors, posing significant challenges to their well-being and educational trajectories in developing countries. This review synthesized evidence on the multifaceted aspects of child malnutrition within the educational setting in developing countries. This review followed the six steps outlined by Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Four main databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, JSTOR, and Scopus) were searched. Additional searches were conducted in WHO Library, ProQuest, HINARI, Google Scholar, and Google. Reference lists of eligible papers were checked. This review found that low family income, varying family sizes, parental employment status, and educational levels significantly impact malnutrition among in-school children and adolescents. Environmental elements, including rural/urban residence, household sanitation, and living conditions, also influence malnutrition. In addition, nutrition knowledge, dietary habits, nutrient deficiencies, physical activity, and prevalent health conditions compound the risk of malnutrition. This study underscores the extensive health impact of malnutrition on general health, specific nutrient deficiencies, fetal/maternal health concerns, and overall morbidity. Also, malnutrition affects school performance and attendance, impacting cognitive abilities, and academic achievements. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policy actions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing poverty alleviation, health literacy, and gender equity.