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All Latin-American countries are affected by the lack of physical activity and its consequences on youth. Chile's population has shown troublingly low levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. This is the first study using objectively measured physical activity levels in Chilean adolescents. The objectives were to compare the compliance with daily recommendations of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity between physical education and non-physical education days, and to compare physical activity levels according to gender, age and weight status. A total of 123 Chilean secondary students (52 girls and 71 boys; 13.5 ± 0.7 years old) participated in this study. Physical activity was registered by GT3X accelerometers during an entire week. Results showed that there was a significant increase in the proportion of adolescents achieving the daily recommendation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on physical education days (23.6%) than on non-physical education days (14.6%) (p ≤ 0.05). Boys and older adolescents presented statistically higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on physical education days than on non-physical education days. No differences were found in weight status comparison. Physical education has been found to be a crucial element in achieving the daily recommendations of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Diverse strategies in order to increase the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in physical education according to the factors analysed are reported and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents a study which designed a functional training program without interference of diet in obese primary school children to improve their level of physical fitness and to reduce the rates of body fat and lipoprotein. Topics include overview of the proposed training program, variations among the three measurements for the research sample in some body component variables and blood lipoprotein, and recommendation on functional training.

Nutritional status of school children has been discussed over the past decade, focusing on timely and adequate response that can positively aff ect the reduction of the health risks of overweight, obesity, and malnutrition. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate a nutritional status of healthy children from Montenegro according to three most common worldwide references. The sample of 1480 healthy school children was consisted of girls (N=733), mean age=10.98±1.38 years, mean body height BH=152.25±10.22 cm, and mean body mass BM=43.93±11.51 kg, and boys (N=747), mean age=10.95±1.41, mean BH=153.26±11.18 cm, and mean BM=46.16±13.21 kg. A nutritional status was defined by body mass index (BMI) and compared to the references developed by World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). Prevalence diff erences relative to age and gender were analyzed as well. Results suggest that IOTF is the most appropriate method in absence of national references for growth and nutritional status. Furthermore, increase in prevalence of overweight and obese in boys was relatively high considering the time frame (5 years), while increase in girls was somewhat smaller, but nevertheless present. In total, every third (WHO) or every fourth (CDC and IOTF) child in Montenegro aged 9-13 years is either overweight or obese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The key visual factors in a classroom environment include the legibility, angle subtended at the eye, illumination, contrast, and colour of the visual task. The study evaluated the visual environmental factors in the school classrooms. Materials and methods: The distance Visual Acuity (VA) demand was evaluated based on the size of visual task i.e. the smallest size of chalkboard writing and its viewing distance. The environmental factors which can have an effect on the visibility in classrooms such as illuminance on the chalkboard and at student’s desk, chalkboard contrast, light sources and the student’s perception of their classroom visual environment were measured. To quantify the distance VA demand and to compare with a standard high contrast VA chart measure, a validation of the measurements was performed by chalkboard simulation experiment. The “acuity reserve” to be included to the measured distance VA demand was evaluated. Results: We included twenty-nine classrooms of eight schools. The median distance VA threshold demand was 0.28 logMAR(0.25,0.45). The median illuminance on front desk position and chalkboard contrast was 130 lux(92,208) and 40(36,50) respectively with 62% classrooms having low illumination (<150lux). The acuity reserve evaluated to be included to the distance VA demand was 0.13logMAR and 0.29 logMAR in classrooms with optimal and low chalkboard illumination respectively which was based on the results of the simulation experiment. The median distance VA demand including the acuity reserve was 0.09 logMAR(-0.03,0.23) [Snellen Equivalent: 20/25(20/19,20/34)]. Conclusion: The study findings highlight the increased visual task demand in school classrooms and the need for appropriate seating arrangements in classrooms based on the visual acuity of children. The study emphasises regular audit of the classroom environment along with the school eye screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity has emerged as a major public health threat worldwide with challenges in its management. This review assessed the effectiveness of interventions for childhood overweight and obesity. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using CINAHL, EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus databases to retrieve articles published from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2017. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies comparing different strategies in managing overweight and obesity among schoolchildren (6 to 12 years of age) were included. The main outcomes of interest were reductions in weight related variables included anthropometry and body composition measurements. All variables were analysed using random effects meta-analyses. Results: Fourteen studies were reviewed, 13 were RCTs and one was a quasi-experimental study. The risk of bias for randomisation was low risk for all of RCTs except for one, which was unclear. The risk of bias for randomisation was high for the quasi-experimental study. Most interventions incorporated lifestyle changes and behavioural strategies such as coping and problem solving skills with family involvement. The meta-analyses did not show significant effects of the intervention in reducing weight related outcomes when compared with controls. Conclusion: Meta-analyses of the selected studies did not show significant effects of the interventions on weight related outcomes among overweight and obese schoolchildren when compared with controls. The role of interdisciplinary team approaches with family involvement using behaviour and lifestyle strategies to curb obesity among schoolchildren is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of obesity on cardiovascular health of young children is still to be fully illustrated. This study measured biomarkers for glycemic control, lipid metabolism, systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and hepatic cholestasis in schoolchildren. Its main purpose was to determine whether metabolic derangements could be detected in young children with excess fat. Method: This cross-sectional study involved 967 children in the second, sixth, and tenth grades (median age, 7.3, 11.3, and 15.4 years, respectively). Using the International Obesity Task Force interpretation (IOTF) of body-mass-index (BMI), children were stratified as thin (<5th centiles), normal (5th to <85th centiles), overweight (85th to <95th centiles), obese (95th to <98th centiles), or extremely-obese (≥98th centiles). Waist circumference was also measured. Several metabolic determinations were then used as surrogate biomarkers for cardiovascular risks. Results: Prevalence of BMI≥85th centile among the second graders was 13.1%, sixth graders 42.2%, and tenth graders 33.8%. BMI≥85th centile was associated with a tendency for higher hemoglobin A1c (p≥0.160) and higher blood glucose (p≥0.197). For the second graders, BMI≥85th centile was associated with higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP, p<0.001), higher tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-alpha, p<0.001), higher interleukin-6 (IL-6, p<0.001), higher soluble intercellular cytoadhesive molecule-1 (sICAM-1), higher triglycerides (p≤0.024), and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL, p<0.001). Additionally, for the sixth and tenth graders, BMI≥85th centile was associated with higher gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT, p<0.001). In the sixth graders, BMI≥85th centile was insignificantly changed with sICAM-1 or the soluble vascular cytoadhesive molecule-1 (sVCAM-1). Conclusions: The studied children with excess fat had increased risks for developing systemic inflammation, dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, cholestasis, and diabetes. These results suggest that metabolic biomarkers should be included in the routine assessment of children with an overweight problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The assessment of long-term outcomes in survivors born with extremely low birth weights (ELBWs) has become increasingly important. However, little has been reported on the physical fitness of non-disabled school-aged children born with ELBWs.Aims: To assess the physical fitness of non-disabled school-aged children born with ELBWs.Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.Subjects: We analyzed 169 ELBW infants without cerebral palsy or intellectual disability (based on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III) Full Scale intelligence quotient (IQ) test < 70).Outcome Measures: Physical fitness was assessed using the grip strength, sit-up repetitions, sit & reach, side steps, standing long jump, and softball throw tests. T-scores were calculated using national survey data.Results: The T-scores for the grip strength, sit-up repetitions, sit & reach, side steps, standing long jump, softball throw tests, and the overall T-score were 43.7 ± 7.5, 44.2 ± 10.5, 46.0 ± 9.7, 40.9 ± 8.0, 40.0 ± 9.8, 42.4 ± 8.1, and 42.9 ± 5.5, respectively. After adjusting for other age-related factors, the height (SD score), WISC-III Performance IQ score, and percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) independently predicted the overall T-scores. Their standardized partial regression coefficients (β) were 0.334 (p = 0.009), 0.190 (p = 0.022), and 0.187 (p = 0.032), respectively.Conclusions: Our cohort's physical fitness at approximately 8 years of age was significantly impaired compared to average Japanese children of the same age. Height, FVC, and Performance IQ independently predicted physical fitness, with height being the strongest predictor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe and analyze the prevalence of visual impairment in municipal public school students in Caceres, Mato Grosso. Methods: A transversal study of 489 school children from the second and third years of elementar school in 13 municipal schools in Caceres, attended between December 2017 and January 2018. Visual acuity was evaluated using Snellen optometric chart and considered normal when higher than 0.7 or 20/30. Results: Of the four hundred and eighty-nine children were evaluated, eighty-five (17.4%) had low visual acuity at the screening, being referred for ophthalmological examination with specialist. Of the students referred, sixty three (74.1%) presented at the ambulatory and twenty eight (44.45%) had indication of visual correction, having won the glasses. The prevalence of refractive error was 8.99%, constituting the main cause of low visual acuity. The mean age was 8.29 anos (SD = 0.809), being an average of children with ophthalmological alterations was higher when compared to those without ophthalmological alterations (p = 0.027). Conclusion: The study showed that the prevalence of low visual acuity, as well as its causes, corroborates with that found in other screening programs in school children. It also demonstrated the importance of early diagnosis of visual changes to get better outcomes and emphasized the need for preventive measures for attention to eyes health of school children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe and analyze the prevalence of visual impairment in municipal public school students in Caceres, Mato Grosso. Methods: A transversal study of 489 school children from the second and third years of elementar school in 13 municipal schools in Caceres, attended between December 2017 and January 2018. Visual acuity was evaluated using Snellen optometric chart and considered normal when higher than 0.7 or 20/30. Results: Of the four hundred and eighty-nine children were evaluated, eighty-five (17.4%) had low visual acuity at the screening, being referred for ophthalmological examination with specialist. Of the students referred, sixty three (74.1%) presented at the ambulatory and twenty eight (44.45%) had indication of visual correction, having won the glasses. The prevalence of refractive error was 8.99%, constituting the main cause of low visual acuity. The mean age was 8.29 anos (SD = 0.809), being an average of children with ophthalmological alterations was higher when compared to those without ophthalmological alterations (p = 0.027). Conclusion: The study showed that the prevalence of low visual acuity, as well as its causes, corroborates with that found in other screening programs in school children. It also demonstrated the importance of early diagnosis of visual changes to get better outcomes and emphasized the need for preventive measures for attention to eyes health of school children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many factors in Saudi society have led to the need for health education services in schools, while concerns related to the role of health educators in schools still unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of health educators in public schools exploring the obstacles which affect their role. Subjects and Methods: A cross-section design was used; data were collected using self-administered questionnaire which consisted of four parts: covered demographic data, roles of health educators, the obstacles that affect them, and the attitudes regarding their role. A sample of 234 health educators working in public schools in Riyadh city participated in the study. Descriptive statistics and a Chi-square test were used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that the mean age of the participants was 40.31 years. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females in performing the majority of roles related to implementing health education activities in their schools, while there was a statistically significant difference between elementary, middle, and secondary schools in performing most of these roles. There are many obstacles that affect the role of health educators in public schools, while they have a positive attitude regarding their role with a mean score of 2.58 ± 0.28. Conclusion: The findings revealed that health educators in public schools face many obstacles when implementing health education activities which negatively impact on the health promotion of school children. The attitude of health educators was positive, indicating that they like their role; therefore, they need more training programs to be well prepared in order to perform their role effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Background: obesity and lower physical fitness levels in children are related to the development of cardiometabolic risk factors. Objective: to determine the relationship between health-related physical fitness and physical activity levels, blood pressure, and anthropometric parameters for different weight statuses of Chilean schoolchildren. Material and methods: the participants were 272 girls and 333 boys having a mean age of 12.00 ± 1.23 years. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), standing long jump test (SLJ), handgrip strength, physical activity (PA) levels, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and body fat (BF) were measured. To establish the relationship between the variables, partial correlations adjusted by sex were carried out and the Chi-square test was applied to compare the proportions between groups. Results: VO2max (p < 0.001) was higher in schoolchildren of normal weight. SBP and DBP were higher in obese schoolchildren (p < 0.001). Physical fitness was inversely related to SBP: VO2max (r = -0.26, p < 0.001), SLJ (r = -0.11, p = 0.007) and handgrip strength (r = -0.10, p = 0.021), and had a positive relationship with PA: VO2max (r = 0.31, p < 0.001), SLJ (r = 0.18, p < 0.001), and handgrip strength (r = 0.26, p < 0.001). Moreover, VO2max and SLJ were inversely related to BMI and WC (p < 0.05). The group of obese schoolchildren contained the highest percentage of individuals with hypertension (p < 0.001). Conclusion: the results obtained in this study show that physical fi tness has an inverse relationship with SBP and a positive relationship with PA levels. Besides, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and SLJ are inversely associated with the predictors of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Finally, obese children presented lower physical fitness and included a higher proportion of individuals with hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Students, who are healthy, active, and well nourished, are likely to attend schools regularly which accelerate their learning process. Poor oral health has a profound effect on general health and quality of life. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status of Martyr Memorial Residential School Children of Sunsari, Nepal, during 5-year period and also to assess the effectiveness of school oral health program. Settings and Design: A retrospective longitudinal study was carried out among Martyr Memorial Residential School children. Subjects and Methods: Aretrospective longitudinal study was performed among 411 school children of Martyr Memorial Residential School, Sunsari, Nepal. Five years' data of children were collected from the department record forms from 2009 to 2014. Data on demographic parameters, oral health condition (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth [DMFT], oral hygiene status, type of dentition, malocclusion, and diet history), and treatment done for each child were collected from the surveyed forms. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequency distribution, prevalence, and incidence of dental caries were calculated. Results: This study showed that the prevalence of dental caries in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 was 21.0%, 23%, 29.1%, 10.0%, 13.5%, and 30.9%, respectively. The incidence of dental caries in permanent dentition was high (22.0%) in 2011 follow-up. None of the dentition developed new cavity in 2010 follow-up period. More than half of the children had good oral hygiene status in 2012, whereas only 32.9% had so in 2009. Majority (95.5%) of the enrolled children had normal occlusion. Conclusions: This study showed the overall positive impact on the children's prevalence and incidence of dental caries as well as on oral hygiene status. The incidence of developing new caries in both types of dentition decreased. There was an increase in filled component of DMFT/decayed, filled teeth index. Most of them had good oral hygiene status at the end of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The purpose of this paper is to extend the existing knowledge about physical fitness of the current school population aged 11-15 and identify the relationships between physical fitness and body components. Material and Methods. The research was held with the participation of 375 elementary pupils (5-9 grade). All measurements were done under identical conditions and were the part of the HBSC (Health and Behavior of School Age Children) study. The evaluation of physical fitness was done with the Ruffier test and SUUNTO POD testers were used to measure the heart rate. The data on body components were acquired with a bioimpedance diagnostic device InBody 720. Results. The results pointed to a lower physical fitness in girls (Ruffier index of 15.80 ± 4.2) than boys (14.78 ± 4). When comparing the individual grades, the level of physical fitness increased in boys and girls with the increasing age in the seventh grade and subsequently decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the analyzed schools, the Ruffier index values were within the range of 13.9 ± 3.8 to 16.1 ± 4.5, and the differences between them were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The parameter values for body components followed the trend in the Ruffier test. The regression analysis showed that physical prowess is affected by body fat mass to 9.67% and total body water to 1.21%. Conclusions. Young generation at age 11 to 15 years reaches lower physical fitness in comparison with the past. Boys have higher level of physical fitness than girls and the size of the city affects body composition and physical fitness. Parameters of body composition are in relation with Ruffier index. Body fat mass and total body water explaining the results of Ruffier test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The main objective was to find out which musculoskeletal system problems (pain and/or injuries) are the most common among girls of elementary school age who engage in gymnastic sports at an elite level. We were also interested in the influence of the success of girls in gymnastics competitions on problems of the musculoskeletal system. In connection with the pain and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, we asked whether the gymnasts were monitored professionally on the medical side, whether they regularly engaged in primary or secondary physiotherapeutic care. Methods. The data were obtained by combining qualitative and quantitative research in the form of a structured interview and a questionnaire. Retrospective data were collected. The research group consisted of 58 girls (average age 13.5 years) engaging in gymnastic sports at an elite level. Results. A musculoskeletal system problem occurred in 98% female gymnasts during their elementary school age. Their lower limbs, specifically the knees and ankles, appeared to be the most susceptible parts of the musculoskeletal system. Multiple musculoskeletal system problems were more frequent than single isolated problems. As far as the correlation between the incidence of pain/injury and the girls' individual performance level is concerned, gymnasts assuming non-medal positions had a higher incidence of pain and injuries than the medal-winning gymnasts. The higher incidence of injuries in non-medal gymnasts compared to medal gymnasts was confirmed by statistical analysis. Physiotherapeutic prevention, whether primary or secondary, was given a minimum number of gymnasts. Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrate a high susceptibility to painful conditions and injuries especially of lower limbs of elite level gymnasts at their younger school age. It also proved statistically significant that gymnasts who are worse off with performance always have a higher incidence of problems with the musculoskeletal system. These results are also probably due to the fact that most of the interviewed gymnasts are not in physiotherapy or other professional care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Gingivitis and poor oral hygiene status are the most prevalent oral diseases among primary school students. Poor oral hygiene status, gingivitis and socio-demographic determinants have been shown to be associated with periodontal diseases. There is limited information on the gingivitis and oral hygiene status among Iranian children. In the present study, the status of gingivitis, oral hygiene status, and their association with socio-demographic determinants among schoolchildren aged 7–12 years old in Hamadan were investigated. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 988 primary school students aged 7–12 years old were selected. The oral hygiene status was measured through Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) was used to evaluate gingival bleeding and calculus. CPI was measured using a standardized protocol to investigate gum bleeding and calculus. The oral hygiene was classified as good, fair or poor based on calculus and debris measurements. Age, gender, educational level, occupation and residence district of parents, dental pain experience in the last year and whether parents supervised their children while brushing were assessed by the questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Results: The oral hygiene status was good in 644 students (65.20%), fair in 341 (34.50%) and poor in three (0.30%). Moreover, the results of CPI depicted that 639 students (64.07%) had healthy periodontium, 320 (32.40%) had periodontal bleeding and 29 (2.9%) were with calculus. Higher percentage of the boys in the age group of 12 years old had periodontal bleeding and fewer good oral hygiene. The results of CPI and OHI-S scores depicted that more than half of the primary school students had healthy gums and periodontium (64.1%) and good oral hygiene status (65.2%). There were significant statistical associations between age and residence district with calculus measured by the CPI, also between gender, age, residence district, and mother's occupation with the gingival bleeding measured by the CPI. Furthermore, age and mother's occupation were significantly associated with OHI-S index. Conclusions: In general, the periodontal health status is poorer in students attending suburban schools compared to those in urban schools in Hamadan. Since there are significant associations between gender, school districts and mother’s occupation with oral hygiene index among schoolchildren in primary schools, considering them in schools’ oral health program design might be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated how aerobic capacity is related to performance in other aspects of health-related physical fitness among schoolchildren. The study involved >15,200 schoolchildren of both genders aged 11–18 years, who were tested with a reliable tests from Eurofit battery for most important aspects of exercise capacity and anthropometrics from 1992 to 2012. The analysis showed that aerobic capacity was weakly but significantly positively related to all other aspects of exercise abilities tested in all age groups for both genders. Variance of performance in agility shuttle run and standing broad jump were each explained by aerobic capacity the strongest (>10%), followed by weaker but still significant positive relation of aerobic capacity with the abilities in bent arm hang and abdominal curl tests (aerobic capacity explaining ∼6.5% of the variance of the performance in these tests), as well as in balance and flexibility tasks (aerobic capacity significantly explaining ∼3% of the variance). Thus, while aerobic capacity in schoolchildren of all ages and both genders can explain the performance in other aspects of physical fitness and especially leg muscle power, the percent of explained variance in the results of any these tests was not high and therefore aerobic capacity should be tested as a separate important fitness parameter which cannot be substituted by other tests from the Eurofit battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Diet is a major route of phthalate exposure in humans due to use in food packaging materials. School lunches may be an important contributor to phthalate exposure in children and adolescents in the US because of the large amount of packaging necessary for mass-produced foods. We used 2003–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to study the association between school lunch consumption and urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations in children (ages 6–11 years, N = 2196) and adolescents (ages 12–19 years, N = 2314). After adjustment for other covariates, children who Always consumed school lunch had significantly elevated urinary concentrations of the following phthalate metabolites compared to levels in children who Never ate school lunch: sum of di(2‑ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites, (28% higher, 95% confidence interval, CI: 10, 49%); mono‑(carboxy‑octyl) phthalate (MCOP; 43% higher, 95% CI: 17, 76%) and mono‑ n ‑butyl phthalate (18% higher, 95% CI: 3.5, 34%). We did not find statistically significant associations in adolescents, but the trend for MCOP concentrations was similar to that of children. In sensitivity analyses, associations between 24-hour recall of cafeteria food and urinary phthalate metabolites were not statistically significant, which could indicate that associations observed with Always consuming school lunch are due to residual confounding. Our findings show that children who Always eat school lunch had higher levels of exposure to some phthalates, but the source of differences in exposure need to be evaluated in additional studies. Highlights • We examined urinary phthalate metabolites by school lunch consumption categories. • Children reporting Always eating school lunch had higher levels of some metabolites. • Calories consumed from school cafeteria food were not associated with metabolites. • No associations were observed between school lunch and phthalates in US adolescents. • Further investigation of elevated phthalate exposure in children who Always eat school lunch is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Rising levels of severe obesity among children, worsening disparities by race and ethnicity and reluctance of primary care clinicians' to provide obesity management to children are compelling reasons to consider alternatives to primary care management of childhood obesity. The Students Nurses and Parents Seeking Healthy Options Together (SNAPSHOT) trial will test the efficacy of an elementary school-based, school nurse-led, healthy weight management program to reduce excess weight gain among children, 8- to 12-years old with a body mass index (BMI) ≥75th percentile, by increasing healthy dietary practices and physical activity and decreasing sedentary behaviors. SNAPSHOT has enrolled and randomized 132 child/parent dyads to either the: (1) 9-month SNAPSHOT intervention that includes four home visits, 14 kid groups held during out-of-school time and five parent groups or (2) a newsletter program consisting of monthly mailings and family-focused healthy lifestyle information. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, 12-months (post intervention) and 24-months (follow-up) post randomization. The primary outcome is child age- and gender-adjusted BMI z-score. Secondary outcomes include child dietary intake assessed with 24-h dietary recall interviews and accelerometer-measured activity levels. The SNAPSHOT intervention is a model of secondary obesity prevention for children that addresses the urgent need for theory-informed, evidence-based and safe weight management programs, delivered by skilled health professionals in accessible settings. This report describes development of the SNAPSHOT trial, including recruitment and randomization procedures, assessments, intervention and implementation plans, and baseline characteristics of the study sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The global burden of water-based lead (Pb) exposure on children is largely unknown; however, the importance of water sources as a path of Pb exposure is receiving increased attention due to recent prominent exposure events related to corroded plumbing infrastructure in the US. This study investigated the contribution of Pb in household drinking and cooking water to Pb levels in blood (PbB) and urine (PbU) within 353 early school-aged children from Montevideo, Uruguay. Additionally, the analysis considered the child's iron status and the water content of iron (WFe) and zinc (WZn) in relation to water Pb and blood/urine Pb concentrations. Lead concentrations for both PbB and PbU were fairly low (M ± SD: 4.2 ± 2.1 μg/dL; Median [5%, 95%]: 1.9 [0.6, 5.1 μg/L, respectively]); however 21% of the sample had a PbB >5 μg/dL but ≤ 10 μg/dL. Overall, there was little evidence of an association between water metal concentrations and children's PbB/PbU. However, when the sample was stratified by children's iron status, WPb was positively related to PbU, but negatively related to PbB in iron-replete children, even after adjusting for WFe and WZn. In iron-deficient children, there was no elevation in PbU with increasing WPb. In this sample of children with low Pb levels, there were no overwhelming relationships between WPb and either PbB or PbU, however, there was some evidence that iron-replete status promotes excretion of WPb. Highlights • Burden of water-based Pb exposure on children in LMICs is largely unknown. • Pb concentrations measured concurrently in two biological matrices: blood and urine. • Child's iron status and water Zn and Fe content considered. • Iron-replete status appears to promote excretion of Pb in urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Elementary Education / Revija za Elementarno Izobraževanje is the property of University of Maribor, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this investigation was to compare isometric test procedures (make vs. break tests by muscle groups) with elementary school girls, ages 9-11, using hand-held dynamometry. Fifty subjects in Grades 3 and 4 performed three trials on four muscle groups using each testing procedure following a preliminary session to allow familiarity with the instrumentation, test procedures, and test positions. Retest measurements were taken in 5-7 days with the order of the test procedures counterbalanced. Four 2 x 2 (Side x Test Condition) ANOVAs, with repeated measures on each factor, were used to analyze the data. Significant Side x Test Condition interaction effects were evident for knee extension, elbow flexion, and shoulder abduction. Except for the knee extension, the break test produced higher values than the make test in all muscle groups, which is in agreement with previous investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the relationships among the AAHPERD Physical Best health related physical fitness test (HRPFT) items to resting blood pressure in 80 boys and 84 girls from the Lanciano, Italy, school system. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly associated with age for both sexes. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for boys was found to be associated with fatness when age was held constant. To examine the relationship between blood pressure and the HRPFT, data were sorted into two groups of students passing or failing to meet the criterion-referenced standard (CRS) by 1-mile run performance and sum of skinfolds. SBP did not differ significantly between groups for either sex. Boys who failed to meet the CRS for 1-mile run performance showed a higher DBP of 4 mmHg when compared to boys who achieved the CRS. The group passing the aerobic fitness and body composition tests tended to perform better on all test items. With the possible exception of DBP for boys, it is concluded that performance on the Physical Best HRPFT is not associated with resting blood pressure in children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children learn better when they socialise with items, tools and people in their environment. Provision of creative fun-filled environment boosts children’s learning.6 Objectives of the study was to assess the exposure level of Mass Media in School children, To determine the impact of Mass Media on behavioural patterns of School children and To determine the relationship between the behavioural patterns of School children and selected demographic variable. The research design adopted for this study is descriptive design. The subjects consisted of 80 School children who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of this study and Stratified random sampling was used to select respondents from each strata. A likert scale was used to assess use of mass media and the impact of mass media on behaviour pattern from the subjects. The data analysis was done with descriptive and inferential statistics. The data was analyzed using the frequency distribution and percentage. The association of the mass media usage & behaviour pattern with the demographic variable was done. The level of significance was set at 0.05.The findings indicates that more than half (53.8%) of the School children had moderate impact of mass media on behavioural pattern, 41.3% of them had mild impact and 5% of them had severe impact of mass media on behavioural patterns. Conclusion of the findings in the study conducted indicate that more than half (53.8%) of the School children had moderate impact of mass media on behavioural pattern, 41.3% of them had mild impact and 5% of them had severe impact of mass media on behavioural patterns also affected academic performance, daily activities & isolation, sleep, dietary pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Medical News story discusses the challenge of minimizing the risk of COVID-19 in kindergarten through 12th grades while maintaining prepandemic educational standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aim to assess the similarities of proportional, phenotypic, and molecular characteristics between the school environment and schoolchildren on methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) isolates. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2016 and August 2016 in eight elementary schools in Guangzhou, China. Nasal swabs from students and environmental swabs from school environments were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses under a multistage stratified cluster cross-sectional survey design were performed to access the prevalence relationship and influencing factors, respectively. Phenotypic and molecular characterizations of MSSA isolates were conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and polymerase chain reaction assays, respectively. Results: In total, 1705 schoolchildren and 1240 environmental samples from 40 classes in eight elementary schools obtained between March and August 2016 were include in this study. The rates of MSSA prevalence among schoolchildren and the environment were 11.44% (195/1705) and 4.60% (57/1240), respectively. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) on the prevalence of MSSA isolates were 1.11 (95% CI, 1.05–1.29; P = 0.010) and 1.04 (95% CI, 1.01–1.07; P = 0.003) for the school or class environment and students, respectively. Similar phenotypic and molecular characteristics were identified between schoolchildren and the environment. A cause and effect relationship could not be established because the study design was cross-sectional. Conclusions: Because of the cross-sectional design, we can reveal the association between school environment and schoolchildren on MSSA, but it is not a cause and effect relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The implementation of vector control interventions and potential introduction new tools requires baseline data to evaluate their direct and indirect effects. The objective of the study is to present the seroprevalence of dengue infection in a cohort of children 0 to 15 years old followed during 2015 to 2016, the risk factors and the role of enhanced surveillance strategies in three urban sites (Merida, Ticul and Progreso) in Yucatan, Mexico. Methods: A cohort of school children and their family members was randomly selected in three urban areas with different demographic, social conditions and levels of transmission. We included results from 1,844 children aged 0 to 15 years. Serum samples were tested for IgG, NS1 and IgM. Enhanced surveillance strategies were established in schools (absenteeism) and cohort families (toll-free number). Results: Seroprevalence in children 0 to 15 years old was 46.8 (CI 95% 44.1–49.6) with no difference by sex except in Ticul. Prevalence increased with age and was significantly lower in 0 to 5 years old (26.9%, 95% CI:18.4–35.4) compared with 6 to 8 years old (43.9%, 95% CI:40.1–47.7) and 9 to 15 years old (61.4%, 95% CI:58.0–64.8). Sharing the domestic space with other families increased the risk 1.7 times over the individual families that own or rented their house, while risk was significantly higher when kitchen and bathroom were outside. Complete protection with screens in doors and windows decreased risk of infection. Seroprevalence was significantly higher in the medium and high risk areas. Conclusions: The prevalence of antibodies in children 0 to 15 years in three urban settings in the state of Yucatan describe the high exposure and the heterogenous transmission of dengue virus by risk areas and between schools in the study sites. The enhanced surveillance strategy was useful to improve detection of dengue cases with the coincident transmission of chikungunya and Zika viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we investigate the prevalence of refractive errors and visual impairment among primary school children in the urban population of Brčko District, Bosnia and Herzegovina. A cross-sectional study included 40 randomly selected classes of children aged 7-16 years attending five different primary schools in Brčko District. The examination included visual acuity testing, ocular motility evaluation, retinoscopy and autorefraction under cycloplegia, examination of the external eye, anterior segment, media and fundus. A total of 1,005 children were enumerated, and 997 (99.2%) were examined. The prevalence of uncorrected, baseline (presenting), and best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or worse in the better eye was 9.9%, 5.9% and 0.5%, respectively. The prevalence of myopia and hyperopia measured with retinoscopy was 17.3% and 3.0% eyes, and measured with autorefraction 20.4% and 3.3% eyes, respectively. Astigmatism was found in 12.9% eyes with retinoscopy and in 18.1% with autorefraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor emotional awareness (EA) seems to play an important role in the aetiology of functional somatic complaints featuring pain as a form of somatisation. The aim of this study was to shed more light on this relationship by investigating the links between pain, somatisation, and emotional awareness in a nonclinical population of 445 children aged 6–10. Assessing pain through the Children's Somatisation Inventory (CSI), a very high percentage of the entire sample complained of experiencing pain at least one site (84.07%) over the preceding 2 weeks. Although no difference in the prevalence of pain (whole) was found when the sample was subdivided by Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale-Children (LEAS-C), a relationship between low level of LEAS-Self and prevalence of headache (H) was detected (χ2=7.69, p=0.02). LEAS (Self) was correlated with the intensity of back pain (BP) (r=-0.12; p< 0.05), H (r=-0.12; p< 0.05) but not with abdominal pain (AP). Pain worsened QoL, and the greatest negative correlation with total KidScreen-10 was found for abdominal pain (r=-0.14; p< 0.01). Our results suggest that low EA is a predictor of somatisation, BP severity, H, and severity of pain in general, but not AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students experiencing chronic health difficulties represent a growing population in public schools. Given the unique challenges faced by these students including increased absences, resulting academic, and social/emotional/behavioral deficits, it is vital that schools are prepared to adequately meet their needs. One of the sometimes daunting tasks faced by these students and their families is the school reentry process, which occurs when the child returns to school following an extended period of time away. The purpose of the current study was to identify and evaluate the extent to which these services are currently being provided within school districts across a large Southeastern state. Results demonstrated that, although schools reported proficiency in the provision of formal school services, adherence to other best practices in school reentry, namely establishing multidisciplinary school reentry teams led by an appointed liaison, developing school reentry protocols and subsequent individualized reentry plans, sharing information with the student's peers, and formally assessing the student prior to or upon reentry, was lacking. Implications for schools and areas for future research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to prove that the quality of the school environment significantly influences students' academic performance. The factors affecting the work environment are accurate lighting which plays an important role in visual tasks, resulting in either visual comfort or visual fatigue. This study presents the results of lighting objectification of a selected university classroom. Specifically, it focuses on detection of the daylight factor, which is a significant criterion for the amount of daylight in the classroom. Its value is a relative magnitude and depends on the correct spatial layout of the classroom. The results of the study indicate the insufficient values of this indicator. At the end, with a software, the solution for replacing the artificial lighting in the classroom is designed, which is a possible alternative for improving the visual comfort of the classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The benefit of school‐based influenza vaccination policy has not been fully addressed in Beijing. Objectives: To evaluate the benefit of school‐based influenza vaccination policy launched in Beijing. Methods: Using existing surveillance and immunization data, we developed a dynamic transmission model to assess the impact of influenza vaccination in school‐going children. The outcome was defined as the averted number of medically attended influenza illnesses and the prevented disease fraction to all children aged 5‐14 years for the 2013/14, 2014/15, and 2015/16 seasons. Results: We estimated that during the three consecutive influenza seasons, the averted number of medically attended influenza illnesses among children aged 5‐14 years was around 104 000 (95% CI: 101 000‐106 000), 23 000 (95% CI: 22 000‐23 000), and 21 000 (95% CI: 21 000‐22 000), respectively. Corresponding prevented fractions to all children aged 5‐14 years were 76.3%, 38.5%, and 43.9%. Conclusions: In Beijing, school‐based vaccinations reduced a substantial number of medically attended influenza illnesses despite seasonal variation in the prevented fraction. This is strong supportive evidence for the continuation of school‐based vaccination programs to reduce the influenza burden in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the dietary water and the intake of beverages play a relevant role in the dietary and hydration patterns of children and few studies provide an overview of them. Objetives: to assess the dietary intake of water, its adaptation to the recommendations and its distribution throughout the day, and the average consumption of beverages by a group of Spanish schoolchildren.Material and Methods: a sample of 262 schoolchildren (139 boys and 123 girls) between seven and 12 years old was studied. A three-day dietary record (one day in weekend) was kept to assess beverage consumption. Dietary water intake obtained was compared to EFSA's adequate intake (AI) and other recommendations, its distribution throughout the day was studied, and personal and anthropometric date were collected too. The data were processed using DIAL and SPSS.Results: the beverages consumed in greatest quantity were water as a beverage, milk and commercial juices and nectars. The average dietary water intake was 1,401 ± 432 ml/day (42% from food and 58% from beverages). Only 20.2% of schoolchildren were above the AIs. Dietary water intake was significantly higher at all intakes in the day in those schoolchildren who were above AIs.Conclusions: based on our results, 79.8% of children do not cover the AIs. For this reason it is important improve their hydration patterns. In this aspect, water as a beverage plays a key role to cover the recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) - a non-invasive indicator of retinal xanthophylls and correlate of brain lutein - has been associated with superior cognitive function among adult populations. Given that lutein accumulation in the brain occurs in early life, it is possible that the cognitive implications of greater MPOD may be evident in childhood. Methods: Participants aged 8-9 years (n = 56) completed MPOD measurements via heterochromatic flicker photometry. Academic performance was assessed using the Kaufman Test of Academic and Educational Achievement II (KTEA). Habitual dietary intake of L and Z was measured among a subsample of participants (n = 35) using averaged 3-day food records. Stepwise hierarchical regression models were developed to determine the relationship between MPOD and academic achievement tests, following the adjustment of key covariates including sex, aerobic fitness, body composition, and intelligence quotient (IQ). Results: The regression analyses revealed that MPOD improved the model, beyond the covariates, for overall academic achievement (ΔR2 = 0.10, P < 0.01), mathematics (ΔR2 = 0.07, P = 0.02), and written language composite standard scores (ΔR2 = 0.15, P < 0.01). Discussion: This is the first study to demonstrate that retinal L and Z, measured as MPOD, is positively related to academic achievement in children, even after accounting for the robust effects of IQ and other demographic factors. These findings extend the positive associations observed between MPOD and cognitive abilities to a pediatric population. Trail registration: The Fitness Improves Thinking in Kids 2 (FITKids2) trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01619826. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two‐week‐long intervention study was performed in two classrooms in an elementary school in Costa Rica. Split‐cooling air‐conditioning (AC) units were installed in both classrooms. During the first week, the air temperature was reduced in one classroom while in the other (placebo) classroom the fans were operated but no cooling was provided. During the second week, the conditions were exchanged to create a 2 × 2 crossover design in which each pupil was their own control. A total of 37 children performed tasks similar to school work and completed questionnaires reporting their thermal sensation and perceptions. Operating the AC units reduced classroom temperature by about 5 K, from about 30 to 25°C. Thermal sensations changed from hot to neutral and slightly cold, and the percentage of children rating the thermal conditions as acceptable increased significantly. Neutral temperature was estimated to be about 27°C. The 11‐year‐old children performed the language and logical‐thinking tasks significantly better in terms of speed at the lower temperature, while the less able pupils performed better on all tasks at the lower temperature. There were no significant effects on accuracy. These results confirm published findings from moderate climates and extend their validity to the tropics. They indicate that acclimatization can increase the optimal temperature for learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately one in four Texas children live in food insecure households. Moreover, food insecurity and chronic hunger exert well-documented deleterious effects on children's physical and psychological health and well-being. We assessed the benefits of a school-based weekend supplemental nutrition program for children identified as at risk for chronic hunger and food insecurity. Program participants received backpacks of shelf-stable food and snacks on Friday afternoons throughout the school year. School personnel provided observations of the children's engagement in behaviors associated with food insecurity, and verbalizations about access to food at home, as well as evaluations of their emotional wellbeing and academic performance. Assessments were made before and after program participation. Repeated measures analyses revealed that, subsequent to participation, (a.) children's engagement in behaviors indicative of food insecurity decreased; (b.) the frequency of children's spontaneous verbalizations revealing insufficient access to food decreased; (c.) evaluations of children's emotional well-being increased; and (d.) academic performance evaluations improved. These effects were independent of age, and replicated across sex. The data suggest that children who take part in such backpack programs may benefit in a variety of ways. Strengths and limitations of the present research as well as recommended avenues for future exploration are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of digital devices has increased tremendously during recent years in Saudi Arabia. Many concerns were raised about the safety of this technology. Objective: To develop an instrument for determining the pattern of use of digital devices, and to investigate the link between the use of digital devices and visual symptoms among students of general education schools. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from the beginning of April 2017 to the end of September 2017 among students of general education schools in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. The study sample included 475 randomly selected participants. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire had two parts: the first part was about personal information of the study participants, while the second part was about the pattern of use of digital devices, associated visual complaints after use, and recommendations to decrease visual health hazards. IBM-SPSS version 22 was used to conduct the statistical analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations with visual and muscular complaints; odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were generated. Chi square goodness-of-fit test was used to compare categorical variable frequencies across different groups. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 475 students completed the questionnaire. Nearly half the respondents were males aged more than 19 years old (p<0.001). Most respondents attended secondary schools (p<0.001). Most users experienced neck or shoulder pain (n=305, 64.2%, p<0.001), followed by headaches (n=301, 63.4%, p<0.001), and visual disturbances (n = 275, 57.9%, p=0.001). The majority of students used cellular phones or tablets (n=389, 83.8%). Half the respondents spent more than 4 hours daily using digital devices (p<0.001) and had 2 or more devices. Most students agreed that decreasing the duration of usage (n=217, 45.7%) and scheduling hours (n=214, 45.1%) are the best solutions to decrease the health hazards of digital devices. Logistic regression analysis identified female gender (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.6-4.8, p<0.001) and exposure to digital devices for more than 2 hours per day (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.4-6.3, p=0.006) as significant predictors of symptoms. Conclusion: A significant proportion of school students were aware that prolonged use of digital devices is associated with visual and muscular complaints. Females and individuals spending more than 2 hours a day using these devices are more prone to visual and muscular complaints. Decreasing the hours of usage is necessary to avoid digital device-related health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to examine characteristics of peak concentrations, including frequency, duration, and relative magnitude, and estimate its contributions to overall daily exposure to BC by activity and microenvironment. We assessed daily personal exposures from August 2015 to January 2016 (75.2% of weekdays and 24.8% of weekend days; 64.1% of school days and 35.9% of holidays) among forty 10–12 years old children living in the Seoul metropolitan area. These children were equipped with a microaethalometer (BC monitor) and recorded a time-activity diary. Pre-administrated questionnaires and follow-up interviews also provided information on children's time-activity patterns. Owing to the absence of a generally accepted threshold, peaks were alternatively defined as BC concentrations higher TWA, the 95th percentile, and the 99th percentile. Peak concentrations made substantial contributions to total daily exposure to BC (peaks ≥ TWA: 60%, peaks ≥95th-percentile: 19%, and peaks ≥99th-percentile: 6%). Average peak levels higher than TWA and the 95th percentile differed significantly by activity and ME. Transportation and cooking led to frequent peak occurrences which disproportionately contributed to daily integrated exposure relative to time spent in these activities. Walking was characterized by occasional brief but high-magnitude peaks exceeding the 99th percentile, which produced the most intense potential dose (0.09% of daily time spent on walking accounted for 1.6% of daily potential dose). It might be attributed to encounters with high emissions sources such as passing/idling vehicles and environmental tobacco smoke. Trips by diesel vehicle produced frequently occurring and long-duration peaks above the 95th percentile that contributed 2% to total daily exposure (corresponding time: 0.3%). Charbroiling meat incurred sustained peaks as intense as those in trips by diesel vehicles. Peaks during commuting showed relatively high exposure intensity on weekdays, possibly because of increased surrounding traffic volume on these days, while those during cooking accounted for a more elevated residential contribution to daily integrated exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of community-based childhood obesity intervention programs do not provide strong evidence for their effectiveness. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the Thao-Child Health Program (TCHP), a community-based, multisetting, multistrategy intervention program for healthy weight development and lifestyle choices. In four Catalan cities, a total of 2250 children aged 8 to 10 years were recruited. Two cities were randomly selected for the TCHP intervention, and two cities followed usual health care policy. Children were selected from 41 elementary schools. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured at baseline and after a mean follow-up of 15 months. Physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet were measured with validated questionnaires. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) models were fitted to determine the intervention's effect on body mass index (BMI) z-score, waist-to-height ratio, Mediterranean diet adherence, and physical activity. Fully adjusted models revealed that the intervention had no significant effect on the BMI z-score, incidence of general and abdominal obesity, Mediterranean diet adherence, and physical activity. Waist-to-height ratio was significantly lower in controls than in the intervention group at follow-up (p < 0.004).Conclusions: The TCHP did not improve weight development, diet quality, and physical activity in the short term. What is Known: • There is inconsistent evidence for the efficacy of school-based childhood obesity prevention programs. • There is little evidence on the efficacy of childhood obesity intervention programs in other settings. What is New: • This paper contributes information about the efficacy of a multisetting and multistrategy Community Based Intervention (CBI) program that uses the municipality as its unit of randomization. • This CBI had no effect on the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In many rural areas of tropical countries such as Indonesia, the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections remains high. At the same time, the burden of allergic disorders in such rural areas is reported to be low and inversely associated with helminth infections. To reduce the morbidity and transmission of helminth infections, the world health organization recommends preventive treatment of school children by providing mass drug administration (MDA) with albendazole. Here, we had an opportunity to evaluate the prevalence of skin reactivity to allergens before and after albendazole treatment to get an indication of the possible impact of MDA on allergic sensitization. Methods: A study was conducted among 150 school children living in an area endemic for STH infections. Before and 1 year after anthelminthic treatment with albendazole, stool samples were examined for the presence of STH eggs, skin prick tests (SPT) for cockroach and house dust mites were performed, blood eosinophilia was assessed, and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in plasma. Results: Anthelminthic treatment significantly reduced the prevalence of STH from 19.6 before treatment to 6% after treatment (p < 0.001). Levels of total IgE (estimate: 0.30; 95% CI 0.22–0.42, p < 0.0001), CRP (estimate: 0.60; 95% CI 0.42–0.86, p = 0.006), and eosinophil counts (estimate: 0.70; 95% CI 0.61–0.80, p < 0.001) decreased significantly. The prevalence of SPT positivity increased from 18.7 to 32.7%. Multivariate analysis adjusted for confounding factors showed an increased risk of being SPT positive to any allergen (OR 3.04; 95% CI 1.338–6.919, p = 0.008). Conclusions: This study indicates that 1 year of MDA with albendazole was associated with a reduced prevalence of STH infections. This study shows that the prevalence of allergic sensitization increases after 1 year of albendazole treatment. Placebo-controlled and larger studies are needed to further substantiate a role of deworming treatment in an increased risk of allergic sensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the Museo Pedagógico Nacional (MPN) organized summer camps for the poorest schoolchildren of both sexes (1887-1926). The Former Students of the Institución Libre de Enseñanza (CAAILE) also organized theirs (1894-1936). Numerous anthropometric variables were taken at the beginning and the end of Camps.Objectives: compare the nutritional status of young people upon arrival in the camps with contemporary references. Analyze the received food and determine its suitability. Check the impact of this diet on the nutritional status of the individuals.Methods: the sample consists of 2937 individuals (1720 males and 1217 females), from 6 to 17 years old. Two age groups have been established (≤ 11 and > 11 years). Diet information in the camps has been collected and its quality estimated, using the KidMed questionnaire. Height, weight, mamillary circumference and right and left dynamometry data were collected. Respective Body Mass Indexes (BMI) have been estimated. Measures at the end of the Camps were compared to those at the beginning of them, according to age and sex. BMI / age and height / age (according to WHO) categories have been also compared at the beginning and the end of Camps, by age group and sex. The software SPSS v.22 and the AnthroPlus of the WHO have been used.Results and Conclusions: diet analysis shows that it was balanced and healthy. Individuals BMI at the beginning of the camp was inferior to that of their contemporaries. The received food had a positive effect on their nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In recent years, air pollutant concentrations in Japan have decreased slightly; however, there are growing concerns about the influences of transnational air pollution on respiratory illness. We aimed to clarify the short-term association between the ambient air pollution and respiratory symptoms among children without asthma, children with asthma not using long-term medications (CA-nonLTM), and those using them (CA-LTM). Methods: A total of 138 children attending 2 primary schools and 71 children with asthma regularly visiting cooperating medical institutions were recruited. Study participants measured peak expiratory flow (PEF) twice a day and recorded coughing, nasal symptoms, and medication use in a diary. Predicted associations between daily air pollutant concentrations and respiratory symptoms, and PEF were evaluated using case-crossover and generalized estimate equation models. Results: Changes in %maxPEF per 10 ppb oxidant (Ox) increase in children without asthma, CA-nonLTM, and CA-LTM were −0.26% (95% CI: −0.49, −0.03), −0.51% (95% CI: −0.89, −0.12), and −0.20% (95% CI: −0.42, 0.01), respectively. The odds ratios for coughing per 10 ppb Ox increase in the Lag0 model were 1.34 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.60), 1.52 (95% CI: 1.12, 2.07), and 1.06 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.20), respectively. These suggested that the Ox concentration has graded effects on %maxPEF and coughing, in the following descending order, CA-nonLTM, children without asthma, and CA-LTM. The Ox concentration was also positively associated with nasal symptoms in children without asthma and CA-LTM. Conclusion: Our results suggest that using long-term medications to manage asthma may play an important role in preventing exacerbation of respiratory symptoms due to air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. South Africa (SA), as a middle-income country, faces the nutrition transition and associated double burden of undernutrition and obesity. School feeding programmes are one way of ensuring that malnutrition in children is addressed, but questions remain about whether they can address both undernutrition and obesity. Objectives. To compare the obesity and stunting outcomes for children receiving different combinations of school feeding programmes in a rural district of SA. Methods. The evaluation involved a comparative design that compared the stunting and obesity levels of three groups of children. Group 1 received one lunch meal a day for a prolonged period, group 2 both lunch and breakfast, and group 3 had started receiving a daily lunch shortly before the commencement of the research. Results. Group 1 had stunting levels in line with the national average. Group 2 had lower stunting levels than those receiving only the lunch meal. Children from group 3 had lower stunting levels than groups 1 and 2. Rates of obesity and overweight were markedly different between the groups. Group 3 had very high rates of overweight and obesity ' above the national average of 28%. In contrast, group 1 had far lower rates of overweight and obesity, and group 2 exhibited the lowest levels. There was a significant decrease in the percentage of learners classified as overweight in group 3 over the 6-month period, from 26.1% to 19.2%. Conclusion. One lunch meal a day is associated with positive outcomes in relation to rates of stunting and obesity, and the lowest rates of obesity were measured when a breakfast meal was added. The addition of a breakfast meal to a lunch feeding programme shows promise, but this requires further investigation to understand whether causal linkages exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The School Dental Service contributes to the reduction of social inequalities in oral health among school children. Aim: To investigate the distribution of School Dental Clinics staffed by School Dental Therapists in Sri Lanka in relation to the distribution of the child population and socioeconomic status. Design: School Dental Clinics were mapped using geographic information system (GIS) software and overlayed with population data of 3–13‐year‐old children (including poverty status). Results: Overall, there was an uneven geographic distribution of the total 422 School Dental Clinics. Sri Lankan children have restricted access to school dental care in a few poverty stricken districts in the Northern, Eastern, North Central, and Uva provinces. When the geographic distribution of children by poverty status was analysed, it was found that in Sri Lanka, only 53% of the most socially disadvantaged children lived within 5 km from a School Dental Clinic, compared to 75% of the least disadvantaged. Conclusion: A coordinated national School Dental Service strategy is needed in response to identified areas of poor or inadequate accessibility to dental services for large parts of the child population, especially those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate whether an association exists between school performance, quality of life, dental caries, and dental pain in children between 6 and 8 years of age.Methods: All 6- to 8-year-old children enrolled in the second year of the six public schools in Paranoá-FD were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. In total, 374 consented. Dental caries was recorded according to the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) index by two trained examiners. Dental pain was assessed during clinical examination. The Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ) was used to assess the oral health-related quality of life, and sociodemographic data were collected. The child's school performance was measured through Provinha Brasil according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and a multivariate regression model were used for data analysis.Results: 185 boys and 189 girls participants with a mean age of 7.2 (±0.5) years were included in the study. The prevalence of dentin carious lesions for this group was 40.6 and 49.2 percent, including enamel-only lesions. The prevalence of dental pain was 2.8 percent. A high performance in reading (63.6 percent) and in mathematics (79.4 percent) was observed and were not associated with the presence of cavitated dentin carious lesions or dental pain. A significant association was found between school performance and the final CPQ score.Conclusion: School performance as measured by the Provinha Brasil examination was not associated with carious lesions or dental pain. Students with lower school performance had higher CPQ scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]