Epidemiological Survey of the Prevalence of Non-fatal Injury among Children Aged 5-14 Years in China

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of non-fatal injuries among children aged 5–14 years in China.MethodsData of 21 973 children aged 5–14 years were extracted from the Fourth National Health Service Survey of China carried out between June 15 and July 10, 2008. Injury-related indicators included: history of ever having had an injury, and injury frequency, cause, location and severity.ResultsThe overall prevalence of non-fatal injuries among the children in the previous 12 months was 17.0 per 1000 subjects. The leading causes of non-fatal injuries were falls, animal bites, traffic accidents, falling objects and burns. The majority of children sustained only one injury. The main place of injury was at home in 40% and 54% of urban boys and girls, respectively, at school in 48% of rural boys, and at home and at school each in 33% of rural girls. Medical treatment for one day was the main option for 80% of urban boys and girls, 84% of rural boys, and 72% of rural girls.ConclusionNonfatal injuries among children aged 5–14 years are a serious public health concern in China.     

Personal hygiene practice and school-based health education of children in Anambra State,Nigeria

This study assessed the effect of school-based health education on the practice of personal hygiene by children in primary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria. Three hundred and ninety-five (395) and three hundred and ninety-eight (398) primary school pupils randomly recruited as intervention and control groups were rated on five key personal hygiene practices before, immediately after and three months after school-based hygiene health education. Less than 45% were rated clean before health education in both groups. Immediately after health education, more than 65% in the intervention group were rated clean. There was no change in the control group. The difference was statistically significant. However, there was a statistically insignificant decline in those rated clean three months after cessation of health education. The school-based health education improved the personal hygiene practice of the pupils. There is a need for regular reinforcement to sustain the gains.     

Community acceptance,satisfaction, and support for case management of malaria of various degrees in selected rural communities in Ibadan,Oyo-State

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess communities'' perception and adoption of the evidenced-based malaria diagnosis and case management intervention targeted at under-five children. The effectiveness of trained Volunteer Community Health Workers (VCHWs) to diagnose malaria among under-five children using rapid diagnostic testing kit, provide treatment using Artemisinin Combination Therapy and rectal Artesunate were assessed.DesignA qualitative evaluation study was conducted in October 2015.SettingCommunities in the 6 rural wards in Ona-Ara Local Government Area, Oyo State Nigeria.ParticipantsCaregivers of under-five children, community-based frontline health workers, and community leaders selected using purposively sampling.MethodsNine Focus Group Discussions and 15 Key Informant Interviews were conducted using a pre-tested guide. Data were subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsIt was disclosed that VCHWs promoted people''s access to prompt and appropriate malaria treatment. The communities accepted the VCHWs; the reasons given for this included the following: effectiveness of VCHWs in case management of malaria; good inter-personal relationship with caregivers; and the positive health outcomes associated with services provided by them. In addition, community members expressed satisfaction with the VCHWs and provided them with all the support needed to function throughout the malaria case management intervention. The VCHWs considered the support as a great source of encouragement.ConclusionsThe use of VCHWs to treat malaria was adjudged to be effective and considered acceptable to the communities. The adoption of the intervention and its integration into the primary health system by the government is advocated for in medically underserved rural communities.FundingThis work was supported by UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research & Training in Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland (project ID: A80550 [Nigeria] through funds made available by the European Commission (FP7) for research to improve community access to health interventions in Africa.     

The prevalence,intensity and ecological determinants of helminth infection among children in an urban and rural community in Southern Malawi

Rapid urbanisation and poor town planning in Malawi has been associated with poor environmental hygiene and sanitation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence, intensity and some potential risk factors of intestinal helminth infections among children aged 3 – 14 years in an urban and rural community in Southern Malawi. A randomised cross-sectional survey was conducted in July, 1998. Data were collected through questionnaire interview regarding socio-demographic and environmental conditions from households in both areas. Stool samples were collected from 273 children in the urban community and 280 in the rural. There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the prevalence of helminth infections between the urban and rural communities, 16.5% and 3.6% respectively. Most of the infections were light (93.2% for Ascaris lumbricodes, 85.7% for hookworm). Large variance to mean ratios of egg intensity within age groups and the total study population suggested a high degree of aggregation of the parasites in the communities. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that certain groups of children in the urban community were much more likely to develop helminth infection. They included children who had pools of water/sewage around houses (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.4 ñ 6.5), did not wear shoes (OR a 7.1, 95% CI = 2.7 – 19.2), did not attend school (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.2 ñ 6.5), had mothers who had 4 to 8 years of education (OR = 5.2, 95% CI = 2.0 – 14.0), had mothers below 35 years of age (OR = 4.09, 95% CI = 1.39 – 16.28) and living in an urban community (OR = 5.3, 95% CI = 2.6 – 12.1). Efforts to reduce helminth infections should focus on reducing exposures.     

Community participation and childhood immunization coverage: A comparative study of rural and urban communities of Bayelsa State,south-south Nigeria

Background:

Immunization coverage rates in Nigeria have remained very poor, in spite of numerous programs and strategies, specifically designed to improve coverage. This study was to assess the possible effects of greater community participation on immunization coverage, by comparing the immunization coverage in a rural community with a functional community health committee, with an urban community, with no distinct community structure.

Materials and Methods:

The study was carried out in Ondewari, a rural, riverine community, in Bayelsa State; and Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, south-south Nigeria; using a cross-sectional, comparative study design. The data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, administered on female head of households in both communities, with under-five children; and used to collect information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, the immunization status of children in the household below the age of 2 years, and reasons for none and incomplete immunization.

Results:

A total of 288 respondents were studied in the rural community, while 270 respondents were studied in the urban center. The respondents in the urban center were significantly younger (P<0.01), better educated (P<0.001), and had fewer number of children (P<0.01). The immunization status of children in the rural community was significantly better than those in the urban community (P<0.000). Only 11.46% of the children in the rural community were not immunized, compared to 47.04% in the urban community. However, the dropout rate in the rural community was much higher; with a DPT dropout rate of 77.34%, compared to 12.39% in the urban community. Most of the reasons given in the urban community for the incomplete immunization were linked lack of motivation, and include relocation (11.34%) and the adverse rumor about childhood immunization (17.23%), while the reasons in the rural community were mostly health facility related, and included the absence of the vaccinator (20.46%) and nonavailability of vaccines (26.64%).

Conclusion:

The immunization coverage in the rural community was surprisingly better than that of the urban community, which can be attributed to better mobilization and participation in the delivery of immunization services.     

Prevalence and risk factors for falls in urban and rural older adults in Ekiti State,Nigeria

ObjectivesThis study assessed and compared the risk factors for falls among older adults in rural and urban communities.DesignA comparative cross-sectional approach was used.SettingThe study was conducted among community-living older adults in the rural and urban communities of the most populated Local Government Area (Ado-Ekiti LGA) in Ekiti State.ParticipantsThe study population consisted of 624 persons aged 65 years and above recruited into rural and urban groups using multi-stage random sampling.Main outcome measuresData collected using validated tools and physical measurements were subjected to binary logistic regression to determine the odds of falls with relevant predictor variables among older adults in both groups.ResultsA significantly higher proportion of participants in the urban than the rural group had experienced a fall , and the associated risks include low visual acuity, increasing age, arthritis, hearing impairment, hyperglycaemia and high BMI. Physical activity was a protective factor.ConclusionThis study revealed a high risk of falls among older adults in the urban community. Early diagnosis and management of chronic conditions that increase fall risk and promote physical activity, especially among urban-dwelling older adults, are vital measures to be considered in fall prevention programmes.FundingSelf-funded research     

影响学龄期儿童单纯性肥胖的行为因素研究

目的 调查导致学龄期儿童单纯性肥胖的行为因素,为探讨行为干预对策提供理论依据.方法 采取随机整群抽样法,抽取淄博市城区、农村各3所7～12岁学生3428名,进行调查研究.结果 学龄期儿童单纯性肥胖的总检出率为10.88%(373/3428),城市儿童肥胖率为11.47%(207/1806),农村儿童为10.05%(166/1622),差异无显著性;男童总肥胖率为12.28%(217/1776),女童为9.39%(156/1662),男童与女童的肥胖率差异有显著性(χ2=6.830,P<0.01).不同年龄组肥胖检出率差异无显著性(χ2=1.26,P>0.05).Logistic回归分析显示:坐卧时间过长(看书作业、看电视、玩电脑游戏等)、不喜欢体育运动、进食速度快、喜欢肥腻肉食、不吃早餐、挑食偏食、常吃零食甜食、常吃快餐为主要危险行为因素,户外活动时间较长(每天>2h)为保护性因素.结论 学龄期儿童单纯性肥胖症发生率较高,与不良行为因素密切相关,家庭、学校应采取行为干预措施,以减少儿童单纯性肥胖的发生.     

保定市某小学学生龋齿患病率与相关知识知晓情况调查

目的 了解保定市小学生龋齿患病率情况,掌握其对防治龋齿知识的知晓情况,为小学生早期防治龋齿提出可行性建议。 方法 采用整群抽样的方法,随机抽取保定市某小学 7~12 岁学生 1 441 名,逐一进行口腔检查和相关知识问卷调查。 结果（1）有 977 名小学生患龋齿,患病率为 67.80%。城乡患病率分别为 65.96%、75.94%,农村显著高于城市（χ2=9.900, P=0.002）;6~7 岁年龄组龋齿患病率最高（71.95%）,10~12 岁年龄组患病率最低（61.29%）。（2）在 5 道龋 齿防治知识题目中,城市得分高于农村,女生得分高于男生,3 个年龄组之间差异无统计学意义。 结论 小学生龋齿患病率较高,学校和家长应根据城乡、性别、年龄等不同特点采取有效措施,保护孩子的牙齿健康,降低龋齿患病率。     

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Pupils in Rural North Eastern, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: The study determined the prevalence of intestinal parasitism among pupils in rural schools (Almajiris) in Konduga local Government Area of Borno state. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 257 stool specimens were collected at random among pupils (Almajiris) in rural quranic schools; the stools were processed and examined both macroscopically and microscopically by concentration techniques. RESULTS: The prevalence of intestinal parasitism among the Almajiris was 80.9%. The highest prevalence rate was 97.8% while the least prevalence was 67.4%. The 6-8 years age group had the highest prevalence of 85.7% while the least prevalence of 77.7% in the 13-16years age bracket. Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence of (19.1%) while Trichuris trichiura had the least prevalence of (3.5%). Thirteen pupils in the 5-8 years had multiple parasites; multiple parasitism also occurred in 22 pupils aged 9-12 years and in 11 pupils aged 13-16 years. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence rate of intestinal parasites with attendant risk of intestinal obstruction among the Almajiris in rural north eastern Nigeria.     

Prevalence and Treatment of Children's Asthma in Rural Areas Compared with Urban Areas in Beijing

Background:

The prevalence of childhood asthma has been increasing in China. This study aimed to compare the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of asthmatic children from urban and rural areas in Beijing, China.

Methods:

Schools, communities, and kindergartens were randomly selected by cluster random sampling from urban and rural areas in Beijing. Parents were surveyed by the same screening questionnaires. On-the-spot inquiries, physical examinations, medical records, and previous test results were used to diagnose asthmatic children. Information on previous diagnoses, treatments, and control of symptoms was obtained.

Results:

From 7209 children in rural areas and 13,513 children in urban areas who completed screening questionnaires, 587 children were diagnosed as asthma. The prevalence of asthma in rural areas was lower than in urban areas (1.25% vs. 3.68%, χ² = 100.80, P < 0.001). The diagnosis of asthma in rural areas was lower than in urban areas (48.9% vs. 73.9%, χ² = 34.6, P < 0.001). Compared with urban asthmatic children (56.5%), only 35.6% of rural asthmatic children received inhaled corticosteroids (P < 0.05). The use of bronchodilators was also lower in rural areas than in urban areas (56.5% vs. 66.4%, χ² = 14.2, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of asthma in children was lower in rural areas compared with children in the urban area of Beijing. A considerable number of children were not diagnosed and inadequately treated in rural areas.     

潮州市农村小学生营养知识、态度、行为和体质指数调查与分析

目的 了解潮州市农村小学生营养知识、态度、行为与体质指数(BMI)现状,为提高其健康水平提供科学依据。 方法 2015年5月随机抽取潮州市3所农村小学的983名学生,根据《国家学生体质健康标准》要求,测定学生身高、体重,计算BMI指数,根据BMI判断小学生的营养状况,同时采用自编营养与健康调查表对他们进行问卷调查,用SPSS 11.6对数据进行统计分析。 结果 983名学生中,低体重、超重和肥胖的检出率分别为15.56%、4.88%和1.63%,男生和女生低体重、超重和肥胖的检出率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),男生低体重检出率在六年级时最高,女生则出现在五年级;男生超重检出率以三年级为最高,为6.72%,而女生则出现在四年级,占4.42%;肥胖检出率在潮州市农村小学生中相对较低。农村小学生的营养与健康知识水平较低,并且与文化程度有关;营养态度积极乐观;不良的饮食习惯、三餐比例不合理、营养摄入不均衡等行为广泛存在于小学生中。 结论 潮州市农村小学生营养不良和营养过剩同时并存,营养知识欠缺,有必要加强对农村小学生的营养教育和干预,提高学生的营养知识水平,使学生养成良好的饮食习惯,改善其营养健康状况。      

The risk of road traffic accidents among primary school children in Kuala Terengganu

A case control study was conducted in 1996 among primary school student in Terengganu. The objective of the study is to determine the relationship between road traffic accidents and factors such as socio-economic status, distance from school, number of siblings, behavioural problems, knowledge and attitudes of pupil and their parents towards road safety and parents' educational status. A total of 140 cases was obtained from 3 urban schools and 3 from rural schools. Cases were matched with control according to age sex and locality of residence. There were significant associations between road traffic accidents and pupils' knowledge regarding road crossing (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.19-0.85), parental supervision (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.64) and parents having driving licences (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.856-0.999). Road safety education for pupils and parental supervision are key measures in preventing road traffic accidents among primary school children.     

Prevalence of emotional and behavioural problems in Johor Bahru District school children--comparing three geographical areas

This is a cross sectional community study in Johor Bahru District. The aim of this study is to estimate the overall prevalence of emotional and behavioural deviance among the school children in three different geographical areas, and to identify their correlates. This paper presents the findings of phase one of a two-stage procedure involving a total of 589 children aged 10-12 years. Using the cut-off point validated locally, the prevalence of deviance on the parental scale was 40% in the rural school, 30.2% in the agricultural resettlement (Felda) school and 32.3% in the urban school. On the teachers' assessment, the prevalence of deviance was 40.8% in the rural school, 10.8% in the Felda School and 8.9% in the urban school. There was significantly higher prevalence of deviance in the rural school on the teachers' scale. In the rural school, significantly higher prevalence of deviance was found among boys.     

Prevalence of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) among school children in a rural community in Nigeria

One thousand, one hundred and thirty-five pupils were examined for CSOM in a rural community of Kwara State of Nigeria. The prevalence of CSOM was 73 per 1000 pupils. The highest is seen among the age group of 2-5 years. Unilateral disease was most prevalent (79.5%); 99% of the pupils had tubotympanic disease. Active disease was observed in 27.7% of the cases of CSOM.     

Epidemiology and pattern of paediatric injuries in a developing country: an analysis of 170 injuries

BackgroundPaediatric injuries have significant physical, psychological and socioeconomic consequences. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology and pattern of paediatric injuries presenting at a teaching hospital in Enugu South-East Nigeria.MethodsA retrospective study of injured patients less than 18 years who presented to the Accident and Emergency department of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku/Ozalla, in Enugu Nigeria, was conducted from 1st January to 31st December 2015. Analysis of data was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0.ResultsA total of 1191 children presented to the hospital within the study period and 120 injured paediatric patients (10.1%) with 170 injuries were attended to in the A & E. Adolescents (12 – 17 years) accounted for 34.2% of injuries and males (70%) were more affected than the females. Road traffic crashes and falls were the most common causes of paediatric injuries. There was a significant correlation between age of the children and the aetiology of the injuries (X2 = 28.08, p = 0.001). Bruises/lacerations/abrasions (27.6%) and fractures (27.1%) were the most common types of injuries sustained. The injury severity score (ISS) of the patients ranged from 1–25 with a mean of 6.4 + 2.8. Roadside/street (35%), school (23.3%) and home (21.7%) were the main locations where injuries occurred. Mean injury-arrival interval was 1.2 + 0.7 days. Majority (67.5%) of children had full recovery and the mortality rate was 5.8%.ConclusionRoad traffic crashes and falls were the most common cause of paediatric injuries. Soft tissue trauma and fractures were the predominant types of injuries. Roadside, school and home were the leading locations of childhood injuries. Prevention of road traffic crashes and falls, prompt treatment of injuries, and rehabilitation of injured children will reduce the negative impact of paediatric injuries.     

2004、2008年中山市中小学生近视状况调查

目的 了解中山市中小学生近视状况及其近视程度,为开展该市中小学生近视防治工作提供科学依据。方法采用整群随机抽样的方法,抽取7—18岁中小学校城市男生、女生、农村男生、女生各约2900人进行视力检查。结果2004、2008年该市中小学生近视患病率分别为52．18％、51．65％。其中2004、2008年学生近视患病率,男生分剐为47．67％和47．15％,女生为56．68％和56．16％;城市分别为56．54％和52．7％,农村为47．85％和50．62％。男生和女生、城市和农村学生患病率差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。16～18岁的学生的近视患病率最高,分别为85．42％和84．04％;近视程度随年龄增加而加重,16～18岁组重度近视构成比分别为75．61％和76．56％。结论该市中小学生近视眼患病率较高,近视程度随年龄增高而加重,应针对女生和城市学生采取有效措施保护视力,重点在于做好早期预防。     

广州市花都区儿童蛲虫感染因素调查

目的了解花都区儿童蛲虫感染主要影响因素,为蛲虫病防控工作提供科学依据。方法 2013年在全区乡镇(街道)采用分层随机抽样的方法抽取24所幼儿园24所小学作为调查点,使用问卷进行相关影响因素调查,在每所学校(园)随机调查家长各50名以上,对每所学校(园)的卫生设施及卫生管理措施等现场问卷调查。采用Excel软件进行统计分析。结果 2013年1~3月,在花都区所有乡镇(街道)共调查24所幼儿园和24所小学,调查家长1 963人,学校(园)48所。知晓率:家长对蛲虫的感染、危害及防治等的知晓率为80.95%(1 589/1 963),城区的高于乡(镇)的,分别为82.80%(626/756)和77.55%(963/1 207);卫生行为:个人卫生行为习惯,如饭前便后洗手、剪指甲等,家庭卫生情况,如拖地抹台凳、玩具清洗消毒等,显示城区的优于乡镇的,幼儿比小学生好;学校(园)卫生环境设施及管理制度:如厕所卫生状况、洗手设施配置、室外环境清洗等情况显示,幼儿园比小学好,城区的比乡镇的好。结论个人卫生习惯以及学校(园)的卫生设施及其管理等是影响蛲虫感染的主要因素,今后必须加强健康教育、卫生行为的培养和强化幼儿园及学校的卫生管理。     

Prevalence of overweight and hypertension among rural and urban school going children and association of hypertension with overweight

Overweight is a burning problem of school going children especially in affluent society. So urban children are affected more. Hypertension is a major co-morbidity of overweight. The number of overweight and hypertensive children is increasing and more among urban children. In this study sample was taken from rural and urban school going children of various age groups. The prevalence of overweight and hypertension among rural and urban school going children was obtained and relation between overweight and hypertension was established.     

The Prevalence and Intensity of Urinary Schistoso-miasis Among School Children Living along the Bakalori Dam, Nigeria

Introduction: Children are known to be the major reservior of urinary schistosomiasis in endemic communities. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis among school children living along the Bakalori dam. Methodology: The study was a cross sectional assessment using a pre-tested standardised structured questionnaire interviews. A total of 240 pupils were recruited through a multistage sampling technique. Urine samples from the pupils were examined for the presence of ova of schistosoma haematobium. Results: A total of 125(52.1%) of respondents were 11-12 years old with a mean age of 11.7 +/- 1.4 years. The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school children was found to be 42.1%. The highest age and sex specific prevalence rate was recorded among the 13-14 years age group for both males (43.1%) and females (50.0%). The age, sex, level of school attainment, occupation of respondents' father/guardian and source of water for domestic use were found to have a significant statistical association with the risk of being infected (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis is high. To reverse the situation requires mass chemotherapy, community mobilisation and provision of portable water. Key words: schistosomiasis, prevalence, intensity, school children, dams.