International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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15 pages, 4595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Influences of Stunting, Being Underweight, and Thinness on the Academic Performance of Primary School Girls: The NW-CHILD Study

by Xonné Haywood and Anita Elizabeth Pienaar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 8973; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18178973 - 26 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3014

Abstract

Poor socio-economic status contributes to undernutrition which, in turn, can increase the risk of academic underachievement. This study wants to determine if stunting, being underweight, and thinness show long term relations with academic performance in primary school girls aged 6 to 13 in [...] Read more.

Poor socio-economic status contributes to undernutrition which, in turn, can increase the risk of academic underachievement. This study wants to determine if stunting, being underweight, and thinness show long term relations with academic performance in primary school girls aged 6 to 13 in the North West province of South Africa. A randomized and stratified longitudinal research design including a baseline and two time-point measurements over seven school years was used. The sample included girls aged 6 to 13 years (N = 198) in the North West province of South Africa. Academic performance in the June school assessments and national and provincial assessments in grades 1, 4, and 7 were used to determine academic performance. Independent t-testing was used to determine differences between thinness, underweight and stunted girls as opposed to a reference group with no undernutrition indices. A repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni adjustment analyzed relations over time. Normal weight girls significantly outperformed stunted girls academically (p < 0.05) over time. Stunting had prolonged and significant negative influences on language, mathematics, and grade point average (p < 0.05). Early identification of undernutrition, especially stunting, is important for intervention and the implementation of timely prevention strategies, especially during early childhood years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

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12 pages, 483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Education of Adolescents in the Prevention of HIV/AIDS in the Czech Republic

by Petra Macounová, Hana Tomášková, Anna Šnajdrová, Markéta Stanovská, Martina Polochová, Ivan Tomášek and Rastislav Maďar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 6148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116148 - 7 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4053

Abstract

The number of HIV-positive people in the Czech Republic has trebled over the last decade. An educational programme aimed at the prevention of HIV and STDs in adolescents between 13 and 19 years of age is underway in the Moravian-Silesian Region in the [...] Read more.

The number of HIV-positive people in the Czech Republic has trebled over the last decade. An educational programme aimed at the prevention of HIV and STDs in adolescents between 13 and 19 years of age is underway in the Moravian-Silesian Region in the Czech Republic. All schools in the region have been offered the chance to participate in the programme (on a voluntary basis). The programme consists of an educational lecture and a game with interactive elements; the students perform various tasks in groups. An anonymous paired questionnaire (input/output) was used to assess the efficacy of the programme. In order to evaluate the programme efficacy, descriptive statistics, non-parametric Wilcoxon paired test at the level of significance of 5%, and a model of logistic regression for a dichotomous variable were used. A total of 1210 students took part in the programme. The students’ knowledge improved, on average, by 15.5%. The highest efficacy was observed in the age group of 13–14-year-olds, where the improvement reached 17.9%. The educational programme was effective in raising awareness about STDs. Due to the observed increase in knowledge especially among the youngest participants (13–14 years old), we recommend aiming further interventions at the youngest age groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

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13 pages, 1682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Familial Correlates of Leisure Time Activities among Polish Early School-Age Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Anna Kawalec and Krystyna Pawlas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3704; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073704 - 1 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2616

Abstract

The after-school period may play a critical role in the accumulation of children’s physical activity and sedentary time. The study aimed to characterize familial correlates of early school-age children’s leisure time activities. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a group of 223 children [...] Read more.

The after-school period may play a critical role in the accumulation of children’s physical activity and sedentary time. The study aimed to characterize familial correlates of early school-age children’s leisure time activities. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a group of 223 children (mean age 8.7 ± 0.5) and their parents. The percentage of children with daily leisure time physical activity (LTPA) >1 h was 23.32%, and with daily screen time <2 h was 32.74%. The average children’s leisure time physical activity was significantly higher on weekend days than on weekdays (114.85 vs. 89.43 min, p = 0.005). Similarly, the average screen time was higher on weekend days than on weekdays (95.50 vs. 66.10 min, p < 0.001). The multivariate regression analysis revealed that independent predictors of children’s leisure time physical activity were the father’s education level and the father’s occupational status, whereas at least one parent with higher education correlated negatively with children’s longer screen time. The study showed that children’s leisure time activities are associated with parental education and differ significantly between weekdays and weekend days. These findings underline the need for screening for unfavorable health behaviors among early school-age children, and indicate that health promotion programs should be oriented on both parents and children aiming to improve parental health consciousness, reduce screen time and increase physical activity, especially during the weekend. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

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17 pages, 729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity, Sport and Physical Education in Northern Ireland School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Sinead Connolly, Angela Carlin, Anne Johnston, Catherine Woods, Cormac Powell, Sarahjane Belton, Wesley O’Brien, Jean Saunders, Christina Duff, Orlagh Farmer and Marie Murphy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6849; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186849 - 19 Sep 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6851

Abstract

Internationally, insufficient physical activity (PA) is a major health concern. Children in Northern Ireland (NI) are recorded as having the lowest levels of PA in the United Kingdom (UK). To date, validated and representative data on the PA levels of NI school children [...] Read more.

Internationally, insufficient physical activity (PA) is a major health concern. Children in Northern Ireland (NI) are recorded as having the lowest levels of PA in the United Kingdom (UK). To date, validated and representative data on the PA levels of NI school children are limited. The aim of this study was to provide surveillance data on self-reported PA, sport and physical education (PE) participation of school children in NI. Differences between genders and factors associated with PA were also examined. A representative sample of primary (n = 446) and post-primary (n = 1508) children was surveyed in school using validated self-report measures. Findings suggest that PA levels are low, with a minority of children (13%) meeting the PA guidelines (primary pupils 20%, post-primary pupils 11%). NI school children have lower levels of PA, PE and sports participation than UK and European peers. A trend of age-related decline across all the domains of PA was apparent. The data presented highlighted that females are less likely to achieve PA guidelines, children from lower socio-economic background participate in school and community sport less often, and that enjoyment and social support are important variables in PA adherence. Policy solutions that would support implementation e.g., mandatory minimum PE time, whole school approaches to PA promotion and targeted investment in schools, particularly in areas of deprivation and for females, are suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

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10 pages, 793 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classroom Active Breaks to Increase Children’s Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Province of Naples, Italy

by Francesca Gallè, Pierluigi Pecoraro, Patrizia Calella, Giuseppe Cerullo, Maria Imoletti, Teresa Mastantuono, Espedita Muscariello, Roberta Ricchiuti, Serena Sensi, Carmelina Sorrentino, Giorgio Liguori and Giuliana Valerio

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6599; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186599 - 10 Sep 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2946

Abstract

Background: Classroom Active Breaks (CABs), short active sessions integrated in the school time, have been recognized as a promising tool to reduce sedentary behavior and increase Physical Activity (PA) levels in children. “AulAttiva” is a six-month CABs-based program implemented in primary schools of [...] Read more.

Background: Classroom Active Breaks (CABs), short active sessions integrated in the school time, have been recognized as a promising tool to reduce sedentary behavior and increase Physical Activity (PA) levels in children. “AulAttiva” is a six-month CABs-based program implemented in primary schools of the province of Naples. The aim of this study was to evaluate its effectiveness by comparing PA and sedentary time of participating pupils respect to a control group, considering also their weight status. Methods: Four third-grade classes, each from 4 schools out of 32 participating in AulAttiva, and 4 third-grade classes, each from 4 schools out of 74 that did not take part, were randomly selected. Finally, 58 children composed the intervention group and 57 the control group. Age, gender, weight and height were registered for each participant. Weight status was classified as non-overweight and overweight/obesity. Sedentary time and PA were assessed through accelerometers along a school day. Results: Light PA was 4 min higher in the AulAttiva group with respect to controls (p = 0.046). Within the non-overweight children, the AulAttiva group spent less time in sedentary behavior and more time in light and total PA than controls. No significant differences were found between the overweight/obese subgroups. Conclusions: The results support the effectiveness of CABs in increasing PA during the school day. Greater effects were registered among normal weight pupils, suggesting the possible influence of weight status on children’s participation to the intervention. Further studies are needed to improve the compliance of overweight/obese children to this intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

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19 pages, 409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Parents’ Knowledge about the Development of Self-Esteem in Adolescents and Their Parenting Practice on the Self-Esteem and Suicidal Behavior of Urban High School Students in Nepal

by Ratna Shila Banstola, Tetsuya Ogino and Sachiko Inoue

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6039; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176039 - 19 Aug 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5725

Abstract

Background: Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents worldwide, self-esteem is a strong protective factor, and parents may be able to provide interventions. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine how parents can help enhance their adolescent’s self-esteem and prevent suicidal [...] Read more.

Background: Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents worldwide, self-esteem is a strong protective factor, and parents may be able to provide interventions. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine how parents can help enhance their adolescent’s self-esteem and prevent suicidal behavior among adolescents in Nepal. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to adolescents aged 13–19 years and their parents at eight high schools in three provinces in Nepal (n = 575 pairs). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (bivariate and multivariate regression analyses). Results: The mean self-esteem score of adolescents according to the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was 16.59, and the prevalence of suicidal behavior was 11.3%. Parent’s knowledge about the development of self-esteem in adolescents was significantly positively related to parenting practice (communication, support, positive reinforcement, etc.) (B = 1.0, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.89–1.11) and authoritative parenting style (B = 0.2, 95% CI 0.15–0.25). Parental authoritativeness was positively associated with the self-esteem of their adolescents (B = 0.1, 95% CI 0.01–0.18), while adolescents with authoritarian parents were prone to suicidal risk behavior (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.19). Conclusion: Counseling to parents based on our findings would be helpful to enhance the self-esteem and prevent suicidal risk behavior in their adolescent children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

23 pages, 1139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are Household Expenditures on Food Groups Associated with Children’s Future Heights in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam?

by Sarah E. Weingarten, Kirk A. Dearden, Benjamin T. Crookston, Mary E. Penny, Jere R. Behrman and Debbie L. Humphries

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(13), 4739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134739 - 1 Jul 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2958

Abstract

Household expenditure surveys, routinely conducted in low—and middle-income countries (LMICs), usually include questions pertaining to recent household expenditures on key food groups. When child anthropometrics are also available, such expenditure data can provide insights into household food purchasing patterns that are associated with [...] Read more.

Household expenditure surveys, routinely conducted in low—and middle-income countries (LMICs), usually include questions pertaining to recent household expenditures on key food groups. When child anthropometrics are also available, such expenditure data can provide insights into household food purchasing patterns that are associated with subsequent child growth measures. We used data from 6993 children, born around 2001, from Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam, from the Young Lives younger cohort. We compared associations between two weeks of household food expenditures (in PPP—Purchasing Power Parity adjusted dollars) on food groups and child height-for-age-Z score (HAZ) at subsequent time points to assess longitudinal associations. Total food expenditures, rural/urban residence, maternal and paternal schooling, and child sex were included in our adjusted models because they may affect the relations between household food group expenditures and future child HAZ. In Ethiopia, India, and Peru every extra PPP$ spent on fats was associated with 0.02–0.07 higher future HAZ. In Vietnam every extra PPP$ spent on starches, was significantly associated with a 0.01 lower future HAZ. Across countries, different patterns of food expenditure and procurement may be differentially critical for predicting child HAZ. Our results demonstrate how expenditures on specific food groups can be associated with children’s linear growth. This study provides additional evidence of the utility of longitudinal household food expenditure data in understanding child nutritional status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

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14 pages, 693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Anthropometric and Clinical Features among Preschoolers, School-Age Children, and Adolescents with Obstructive Sleep Apnea—A Hospital-Based Study in Taiwan

by Hai-Hua Chuang, Jen-Fu Hsu, Li-Pang Chuang, Ning-Hung Chen, Yu-Shu Huang, Hsueh-Yu Li, Jau-Yuan Chen, Li-Ang Lee and Chung-Guei Huang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(13), 4663; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134663 - 29 Jun 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2754

Abstract

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with adverse health outcomes; however, little is known about the diversity of this population. This retrospective study aims to investigate age-related differences in the anthropometric and clinical features of this population. A total of 253 Taiwanese [...] Read more.

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with adverse health outcomes; however, little is known about the diversity of this population. This retrospective study aims to investigate age-related differences in the anthropometric and clinical features of this population. A total of 253 Taiwanese children (70 (27.7%) girls and 183 (72.3%) boys) with OSA were reviewed. Their median age, body mass index (BMI) z-score, and apnea-hypopnea index were 6.9 years, 0.87, and 9.5 events/h, respectively. The cohort was divided into three subgroups: ‘preschoolers’ (≥2 and <6 years), ‘school-age children’ (≥6 and <10 years), and ‘adolescents (≥10 and <18 years)’. The percentage of the male sex, BMI z-score, neck circumference, systolic blood pressure z-score, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio tended to increase with age. Adenoid grades tended to decrease with age. Overall, disease severity was independently correlated with neck circumference, tonsil size, and adenoid grade. Increased neck circumference and tonsillar hypertrophy were the most influential factors for younger children, whereas adenoidal hypertrophy became more important at an older age. In conclusion, gender prevalence ratio, anthropometric measures, and clinical features varied with age, and the pathogenic drivers were not necessarily the same as the aggravating ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

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11 pages, 324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring School Climate among Japanese Students—Development of the Japan School Climate Inventory (JaSC)

by Tomoko Nishimura, Manabu Wakuta, Kenji J. Tsuchiya, Yuko Osuka, Hideo Tamai, Nori Takei and Taiichi Katayama

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124426 - 19 Jun 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4014

Abstract

School climate is a significant determinant of students’ behavioral problems and academic achievement. In this study, we developed the Japan School Climate Inventory (JaSC) to see whether it measures school climate properly. To do so, we investigated whether or not the measurement with [...] Read more.

School climate is a significant determinant of students’ behavioral problems and academic achievement. In this study, we developed the Japan School Climate Inventory (JaSC) to see whether it measures school climate properly. To do so, we investigated whether or not the measurement with JaSC varies across sub-groups of varying grade and of gender and examined the relationship between the perception of school climate and the psychological and behavioral traits at individual levels in a sample of Japanese elementary and junior high school students (n = 1399; grade 4–9). The results showed that the measurement was consistent, since single-factor structures, factor loadings and thresholds of the items were found not to vary across sub-groups of the participants. The participants’ perception of school climate was associated positively with quality of life, especially in school (β = 0.152, p < 0.001) and associated negatively with involvement in ijime (bullying) as “victim” and “bully/victim” (β = −0.098, p = 0.001; β = −0.188, p = 0.001, respectively) and peer relationship problems (β = −0.107, p = 0.025). JaSC was found to measure school climate consistently among varying populations of Japanese students, with satisfactory validity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

13 pages, 347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychosocial Well-Being of School-Aged Children Born to Bereaved (Shidu) Families: Associations with Mothers’ Quality of Life and Involvement Behaviors

by Ke Cui, Timothy Sim and Ting Xu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 4166; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17114166 - 11 Jun 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2501

Abstract

Parents who lost their only child in the 12 May 2018 Wenchuan earthquake came to be known as the “shidu” (loss of an only child) parents. After the earthquake, they were beneficiaries of free reproductive health services, and most had another [...] Read more.

Parents who lost their only child in the 12 May 2018 Wenchuan earthquake came to be known as the “shidu” (loss of an only child) parents. After the earthquake, they were beneficiaries of free reproductive health services, and most had another child. This study focuses on the psychosocial well-being of those children born to the shidu parents, and explores factors associated with mothers’ quality of life (QoL) and their involvement with their children. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two primary schools in Wenchuan County. A sample of 192 families was analyzed (147 non-shidu and 45 shidu). The statistical analyses indicated that the children of shidu families had poorer peer relationships than children of non-shidu families. Moreover, shidu mothers’ expectations of their children’s achievements were significantly lower than for non-shidu mothers, but there was no statistically significant difference in the QoL between them. Additionally, a higher home-based involvement of mothers was found to be moderately associated with peer relationship problems of children in shidu families. Therefore, we suggest a future research focus on developing joint activities for parents and children that help to increase emotional communication for the psychosocial development of children in shidu families after disasters in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

12 pages, 863 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Thyroid and Glycemic Status and Food Intake in Children with Excess Weight Who Were Submitted for a Multi-Component School Intervention for 16 Months

by Vinicius J. B. Martins, Andrea R. Filgueiras, Viviane B. P. Almeida, Rúbia C. S. de Moraes and Ana L. Sawaya

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 3825; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113825 - 28 May 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2200

Abstract

We investigated if children with excess weight who submitted to two types of intervention at school for 16 months showed improvements in thyroid and glycemic function and food intake. Children (8–11 years) with a body mass index-for-age (BMI/A) of ≥1 Z score were [...] Read more.

We investigated if children with excess weight who submitted to two types of intervention at school for 16 months showed improvements in thyroid and glycemic function and food intake. Children (8–11 years) with a body mass index-for-age (BMI/A) of ≥1 Z score were divided into two groups: Treatment 1 (n = 73) involved motivation to adopt healthier lifestyle; Treatment 2 (n = 103) involved performing weekly nutritional education, motivational, and physical activities at school. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used. The delta BMI/A were similar after 16 months; Treatment 1 showed higher decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH; median (range)): −0.45 (−3.19 to 2.17) and 0.06 (−4.57 to 1.63) mIU/L, p = 0.001), FreeT3 (−0.46 (−2.92 to 1.54) and −0.15 (−2.46 to 1.38) pmol/L, p = 0.038), and FreeT4 −1.41 (−6.18 to 3.47) and −0.90 (−4.89 to 2.96) pmol/L, p = 0.018), followed by decrease in energy intake (7304 (6806 to 7840) and 8267 (7739 to 8832) kJ, Ptreatment = 0.439, Ptime <0.001, interaction group–time p < 0.001), macronutrients and sugar. A positive correlation between FreeT3 and BMI/A, and a negative correlation with FreeT4 and insulin were found at baseline (r 0.212, p < 0.01; r −0.155, p < 0.01, respectively) and follow-up (r 0.222, p < 0.01; r −0.221, p < 0.01). The decrease in overall diet and particularly sugar intake was accompanied by a greater reduction in TSH and FreeT3 in Treatment 1, demonstrating the impact of dietary intake on thyroid function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

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12 pages, 367 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effects of Anthropometric Growth and Basketball Experience on Physical Performance in Pre-Adolescent Male Players

by Natascia Rinaldo, Stefania Toselli, Emanuela Gualdi-Russo, Nicoletta Zedda and Luciana Zaccagni

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2196; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072196 - 25 Mar 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5148

Abstract

During pre-adolescence, several variables connected to growth and weight status could influence physical performance and technical skills. This study aims to assess the influence of growth-related anthropometric changes, weight status, and basketball experience on physical performance in pre-adolescent basketball players. The sample consisted [...] Read more.

During pre-adolescence, several variables connected to growth and weight status could influence physical performance and technical skills. This study aims to assess the influence of growth-related anthropometric changes, weight status, and basketball experience on physical performance in pre-adolescent basketball players. The sample consisted of 50 male basketball players (12.2 ± 0.4 years-old) included in the U-13 category. Anthropometric characteristics were collected using standard procedures. Physical performance was evaluated by 20 m Dash, T-test, squat jump, countermovement jump, and medicine ball throw. In order to assess growth-related changes, we conducted two surveys within a 10-week time span. Student’s t-test was used to compare the data collected in the two surveys and multiple regression analyses were performed to assess the effects of growth, weight status, and basketball experience on performance. After 10 weeks there was a significant increase in FFM (Fat-Free Mass) and a significant decrease in fat parameters. Moreover, between the two surveys, all motor tests significantly improved. The results of linear regression models showed that changes in %F (percentage of body fat) were significantly associated with speed and agility, while handgrip strength and weight status were associated with upper limb explosive strength. Basketball experience was a significant predictor of all three motor tests. In conclusion, body composition changes, years of experience, and weight status influenced physical performance and players’ motor skills ability, especially speed, agility, and upper limb explosive strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

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12 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Psychosocial Working Conditions in School and Life Satisfaction among Adolescents in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Joakim Wahlström, Sara Brolin Låftman, Bitte Modin and Petra Löfstedt

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5337; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105337 - 17 May 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2822

Abstract

Poor psychosocial working conditions in school have consistently been shown to be associated with adverse health among adolescents. However, the relationships between school demands, teacher support, and classmate support and positive aspects of health have not been explored to the same extent. The [...] Read more.

Poor psychosocial working conditions in school have consistently been shown to be associated with adverse health among adolescents. However, the relationships between school demands, teacher support, and classmate support and positive aspects of health have not been explored to the same extent. The aim of this study was to examine differences in psychosocial working conditions in school and in life satisfaction by gender and by grade, and to investigate the association between psychosocial working conditions in school and life satisfaction among boys and girls, and among students in different grades. Data from the Swedish Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study of 2017/18 were used, consisting of 3614 students in Grades 5, 7, and 9 (~11, 13, and 15 years). Psychosocial working conditions in school were captured by indices of perceived school demands, teacher support, and classmate support. Life satisfaction was measured by the 11-step Cantril’s ladder (using cutoffs at >5 and >8, respectively). Whereas girls reported higher school demands than boys, higher levels of teacher and classmate support were reported by boys. Students in lower grades reported lower school demands but higher levels of teacher and classmate support compared with students in higher grades. Boys and students in lower grades were more likely to report high life satisfaction compared with girls and students in higher grades. Results from binary logistic regression analyzes showed that school demands were inversely associated with life satisfaction, and that higher levels of teacher support and classmate support were associated with high life satisfaction. These results were found for both boys and girls, and for students in all grades. The findings indicate that schools have the potential to promote positive health among students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

16 pages, 767 KiB

Open AccessProtocol

A Multiple Targeted Research Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Trial in Primary School Children Based on an Active Break Intervention: The Imola Active Breaks (I-MOVE) Study

by Alice Masini, Marcello Lanari, Sofia Marini, Alessia Tessari, Stefania Toselli, Rita Stagni, Maria Cristina Bisi, Laura Bragonzoni, Davide Gori, Alessandra Sansavini, Andrea Ceciliani and Laura Dallolio

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6123; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176123 - 23 Aug 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3944

Abstract

Background: Children and adolescents should perform, according to the World Health Organization guidelines, at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per-day in order to avoid the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The school represents a fundamental setting to conduct interventions to [...] Read more.

Background: Children and adolescents should perform, according to the World Health Organization guidelines, at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per-day in order to avoid the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The school represents a fundamental setting to conduct interventions to promote physical activity (PA) and contrast sedentary behaviors. Active breaks (ABs), bouts of 10 min of PA conducted inside the classroom, seem to be a good strategy to promote PA and improve classroom behavior. The aim of this study protocol is to describe the design and the assessment of the Imola Active Breaks I-MOVE study. Methods: The I-MOVE study is a school-based intervention trial, with a quasi-experimental design, performed in a primary school. It involves one experimental-group performing the intervention, focused on ABs, and one control-group. Nine main outcomes are evaluated: PA and sedentary behaviors; health related fitness; motor control development; dietary patterns; anthropometric evaluation; sociodemographic determinants; cognitive function; time-on-task behavior and quality of life. Conclusions: Results from the I-MOVE study will help to clarify the effects of incorporating ABs in the Italian school curriculum as a new public health strategy and an innovative school model oriented to the well-being of children and teachers for the best quality of school life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Growth: How to Promote It in School-Aged Children and Adolescents)

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