scholarly journals Prevalence of cerumen impaction and associated factors among primary school children in Mwanza city, Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Phillipo Leo Chalya ◽  
Shija B Mabenda ◽  
GUSTAVE BUNABE ◽  
Japhet M Gilyoma ◽  
William Mahalu

Background: Cerumen impaction is a worldwide problem constituting a significant proportion of health problems in many settings and its prevalence varies. There is a paucity of published data regarding this condition in Tanzania with none from Mwanza region. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cerumen impaction and associated factors among primary school children in Mwanza City and to assess the effect of cerumen impaction and its removal on hearing ability Methods and Patients: This was a cross-sectional, community-based study of primary school children with cerumen impaction that was carried out in randomly selected primary schools in Mwanza City between December 2016 and May 2017. Multistage cluster sampling technique was employed to obtain a required number of the study population. Results: Out of the 406 participants, ninety-five (23.4%) had cerumen impacted in their ears. Of these, 56 (58.9%) were males and 39(41.1%) were females. The mean age at presentation was 11.24±8.86 years. Ear bud abuse (83.7%) was the most common predisposing factor for cerumen impaction. Cerumen impaction was found in the right ear of 9 (9.5%) patients and in the left ear in 31 (32.6%) patients and bilateral in 55 (57.9%) of patients. The major presenting symptoms were ear itching, otalgia, hearing loss and tinnitus. Ear syringing was used to remove cerumen impaction and caused significant improvement in hearing thresholds. There were no recorded complications. Conclusion: Cerumen impaction is a common otologic presentation in our sub-region. Ignorance with the profound abuse of cotton buds is the major predisposing factor. Health education is of the essence as treatment is simple and effective.

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 533-542
Author(s):  
Gashaw Garedew Woldeamanuel ◽  
Mohammed Derese Biru ◽  
Teshome Gensa Geta ◽  
Birhan Abera Areru

Background: Visual impairment is one of the major public health problems worldwide, especially in developing countries. Objective: To determine the prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factors among school children in Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in eight primary schools of Gurage Zone. A total of 1064 pupils, of whom589 boys and 475 girls were selected using multistage sampling technique. Socio-demographic characteristics of the participants were collected using structured questionnaires and visual acuity was measured using Snellen’s chart. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the associated factors of visual impairment. Results: The prevalence of visual impairment was 5.2%. Factors significantly associated with visual impairment were age group of 13-18 years (AOR = 9.44, 95% CI = 3.83 – 23.25), school grade level of 5- 8 (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.23 – 7.17), rural residents (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.22 – 5.54), family’s monthly income of less than 2000 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.08 – 7.61) and visually impaired parents (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.06 – 4.39). Conclusion: This study found that the prevalence of visual impairment was 5.2%. Keywords: Visual impairment; primary school children; Gurage Zone; Southern Ethiopia. 


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sisay Tesfaye ◽  
Getamesay Mulatu ◽  
Siraj Hussen

Abstract Objectivesthe aim of this study was to assess hand washing practice before covid-19 pandemic and associated factors among primary school children, Hawassa City, Sidama, Ethiopia MethodAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at primary schools children in Hawassa city, Sidama Ethiopia from February to October 2019. A total of 739 students were selected using multistage sampling techniques. Information about socio demography and associated factors was collected by structured questionnaire.ResultIn this study, about 399 (54%) of the students wash their hands at critical times. Availability of hand washing material, availability soap/ash, availability water and pear influence (AOR =1.75, 95% CI=1.22, 2.23), (AOR = 3.23, 95% CI =2.02, 5.15), (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI=1.07, 2.89),(AOR=0.32 95% CI=0.101,0.98) had higher odds of washing practice respectively.ConclusionThe magnitude of hand washing practice was low in this study before covid -19 pandemic. In this regard, Poor access to hand washing facilities need to strengthen as intervention efforts. Further, health education promotion for hand washing practice could be done in school by Hawassa city administration Education office and better facilities need to avail by the stakeholders.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yemisrach Hailu ◽  
Desta Hiko ◽  
Tamrat Shaweno

Abstract Background Visual impairment refers to reduction of vision resulting in a lower than normal visual acuity. Globally, approximately 1.3 billion adults and children live with some form of vision impairment. Visual impairment is usually asymptomatic, overlooked and affects school performance and other functions. School programs are recommended for early detection and timely interventions. In resource limited countries like Ethiopia, undetected visual impairment, lack of adequate and up-to-date information on the problem remain as huge gaps. Thus, we assessed the prevalence of visual impairment (VI), and the associated factors among children attending government primary schools of Lideta sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods This study was a s chool based cross-sectional study conducted from April to May 2019, using a two staged-cluster sampling method in Lideta sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From the total of 18 government primary schools in Lideta sub-city, 6 were selected using probability proportionate to size (PPS) method. The study population was primary school children aged 7 to 17 in the selected 6 primary schools. A total of 816 primary school children were included in the study. The selected children have undergone screening for the presence of visual impairment and other eye problems. Children’s parents/guardians were interviewed using structured pre-tested questionnaires. Epi-data3.1 and SPSS version 20 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression was performed to check association between dependent and independent variables. Significance was set at p-value <0.05.Results A total of 773 children were examined for visual impairment. Out of the 773 children, 370 (47.9%) were males and 403(52.1) were females with age range 7 to 17 years and the mean age being 11.69 (SD 2.64). The prevalence of impaired vision among school based children was 4.4%. The causes of visual impairment included: Myopia (43%), Astigmatism with or without Amblyopia (31%), Hyperopia with or without Amblyopia (20%) and others. The students not being aware of eye problem (AOR=2.2, 95%CI: 1.08-4.35) was only significantly associated factor with visual impairment.Conclusion Visual impairment is a public health concern, the causes are treatable. Regular school screening programs and affordable treatment should be available.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 216495612110178
Author(s):  
Kidus Fitsum ◽  
Gudina Egata ◽  
Melake Demena ◽  
Berhe Gebremichael

Background Although overweight/obesity is becoming a public health issue in low income countries, there is a paucity of evidence concerning overweight/obesity in Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to assess the magnitude of overweight/obesity and associated factors among second cycle primary school children in Kirkos Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A school based cross-sectional study was conducted among 482 children from May to June, 2019. Data were collected using a questionnaire and checklist. Data were entered using EpiData version 3.1 and exported into SPSS version 22.0. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with overweight/obesity. Level of statistical significance was declared at p ≤ 0.05. Results The overall magnitude of overweight/obesity was 21.2%. The magnitude of overweight was 13.7% while obesity was 7.5%. Vehicle availability, being from private school, not having friend(s), preferring sweet foods, eating breakfast irregularly, watching movies/Television while eating and physical inactivity were the factors significantly associated with overweight/obesity among second cycle primary school children. Conclusions The magnitude of overweight/obesity was high in the study area. Therefore, health and education sectors should promote healthy lifestyle to curb child overweight/obesity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Y. AL Khafaji ◽  
Nadia A Al Rawi

Background: Oral health and nutrition are in interdependent relationship that good nutritional health enhancing good oral health. Nutrition can affect the development and integrity of oral cavity and the progression of oral disease. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of the gingival health condition in relation to the nutritional status, among 10 years old primary school children in urban and rural area in Al-Hillah city. Material and method: Eight hundred ninety one (891) students, aged10 years old, selected randomly from different primary schools, in urban and rural area in Al-Hillah city, were included in this study. Oral examination including of plaque index assessment, which was done according to the criteria by Silness and Loe, in 1964, gingival health conditions was determined according to Loe and Silness, 1963. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI), following the criteria of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth chart (CDC). Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test and ANOVA, p-value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: This study showed that the majority of the sample was found to be with normal gingival health condition. No significant difference was observed between the gingival index in relation to gender, or residence also, no significant result was found, between plaque and gingival index in relation to the nutritional status. Conclusion: The majority of the sample with normal gingiva however the nutritional status had no significant effect on gingival health condition while the urbanization had an effect on oral hygiene


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Mary Vincent Mosha ◽  
Elizabeth Kasagama ◽  
Philip Ayieko ◽  
Jim Todd ◽  
Sia E. Msuya ◽  
...  

Background: Self-reports are commonly used to assess physical activity in children.  Existing self-reports for physical activity have not been validated for use among primary school children in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. In order to understand if primary school children can accurately report their physical activity, we examined the validity of self-reported physical activity against accelerometer measured physical activity. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July, 2018 among four primary schools in Moshi municipal and Moshi rural districts, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.  A total of 51 primary school children aged 9–11 years were enrolled using a simple random sampling technique. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect physical activity related variables. In addition, children wore accelerometers for seven consecutive days to capture physical activity movements. Spearman’s rank test and Bland Altman plots were used for assessing validity and agreement between self-reports and accelerometer moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Results: The mean age of the study participants was 10 (SD=0.8) years. Majority of the study participants were female 32 (63%). A moderate, positive correlation was found between self-reports and accelerometer MVPA (rho=0.36, p=0.009). Accelerometer had higher MVPA compared to self-reports. Children who reported walking to school had higher MVPA for both accelerometer and self- reports compared to children who use other means of transport to school, e.g. school buses (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study found the moderate positive correlation between self-reports and accelerometers. Self-reports are prone to errors due to recall bias, and this interferes their validity.  More research is needed to develop better self-reported measures with specific activities which can easily be recalled by children. Also, researchers have to be aware of self-reports validity limitation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 553-563
Author(s):  
Hussain Sardar ◽  
Rana Muhammad Amir ◽  
Ayesha Khurshid ◽  
Hafiz Ali Raza ◽  
Adeela Manzoor

Purpose of the study: The main purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status of farm families with a special focus on primary school children in Punjab. Methodology: This study was conducted in tehsil Jaranwala, Faisalabad. Five villages and two primary schools were selected from each village randomly. From these schools, 323 children whose fathers were farmers were selected as samples. A cross-sectional research design was used for the present study. In this context, an interview schedule was prepared and face-to-face interviews were administered to collect the required data. Main Findings: The chi-square analysis confirmed that education, and income of parents associated factors had a statistically significant (P<0.05) and positive correlation with BMI. Descriptive statistics indicated poverty was ranked 1st among reasons for malnutrition followed by inappropriate dietary choices and unavailability of healthy foods with mean values of 4.25 and 4.11, respectively. Whereas, children don't want to come to school due to poor health" was ranked 1st in all effects of poor health with a mean value of 4.50. Applications of the study: This study has highlighted the importance of the nutritional status of primary school-going children and also investigates the different factors that inverse impact on their health. This study will be proved helpful among farm families by creating awareness about the nutrition of children. Based on the findings of this study, the urge to the government to take steps to improve the literacy level and build strategies to improve the awareness level of mothers about the nutrition of children, especially in rural areas.  The novelty of the Study: This is the first study that investigates the assessment of the nutritional status of school-going children of farm families in Punjab, Pakistan especially in tehsil Jaranwala, Faisalabad.


Author(s):  
Sunil Pal Singh Chajhlana ◽  
Ramakrishna Narashimha Mahabhasyam ◽  
Maruti Sarma Mannava Varaprasada

Background: The school age period is nutritionally significant because this is the prime time to build up body stores of nutrients in preparation for rapid growth of adolescence. Malnutrition remains the world’s most serious health problem and the single biggest contributor to child mortality, nearly one third of the children in the developing world are either underweight or stunted and more than 30% of the developing world’s population suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. However the data available from urban slums of Hyderabad in this age group is very sparse and hence an attempt has been made to study the same. The objectives were to determine the nutritional status of primary school children and study the factors associated with it.Methods:Study population:  Primary school children (6 to 11 years). Study area: primary schools in urban slums of Hyderabad. Study design: a cross sectional study. Sample size: 412 children. Sampling methods:  Simple random sampling Data collection: By using pre designed and pre tested and pre coded schedule (interview technique, observation, clinical examination). Analysis: By using Microsoft Excel 2007 and Epi Info 3.5.3.Results: The prevalence of underweight was 28.9%, overweight was 9.2% and obesity was 4.4% . Prevalence of stunted height was found among 21.8%. 5.8% children were suffering from Vitamin’ A’ deficiency, 15.0% were suffering from Vitamin B deficiency, and 15.8% were found to be anemic.Conclusions:The prevalence of underweight, Nutritional deficiencies were found to be significantly higher in children of illiterate parents’ and similarly in unskilled worker fathers’ and unemployed mothers. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jace Pillay

Background: Research has provided evidence about the negative impact of school bullying on the academic performance of primary school children, but studies on the prevalence of school bullying and numeracy performance of children are very scant.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of school bullying and numeracy performance among primary school children, and its implications for school-based interventions.Setting: The sample comprised 435 children (56.3% females and 43.7% males; Grades 1–7; median age = 11 years) attending six primary schools in three different education districts in Johannesburg, South Africa.Method: The children self-reported their experience of bullying by peers through a questionnaire. In addition, they completed numeracy tests. For children aged 6 to 9 years, the questionnaire was completed with the assistance of trained field workers.Results: The results following a linear regression with multiple predictors indicated that numeracy was significantly associated with contextual variables such as grade and home language. Bullying was strongly associated with socio-economic indicators such as school quintile and regional situation. These variables are important in early school support interventions directed at improving learner numeracy performance in the primary school.Conclusion: The results show a relatively high percentage of bullying in primary schools in the Johannesburg region. The performance in numeracy was significantly associated with the grade and home language of the learner. Contextual variables related to socio-economic situation of learners such as school quintiles and regional situation had strong associations with bullying.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masuma Pervin Mishu ◽  
Martin Hobdell ◽  
Mahfujul Haq Khan ◽  
Richard M. Hubbard ◽  
Wael Sabbah

Background. Children in low-income developing countries are likely to suffer from undergrowth. Dental caries is another common problem in these countries.Aim. To examine the association between untreated dental caries in primary and permanent teeth with age-adjusted height and weight among 6–12-year-old children in Bangladesh.Design. Social, behavioural, and clinical data were collected from 1699 children in nine different randomly selected primary schools in socially deprived areas of Bangladesh. The associations of age-adjusted weight and height and being underweight with dental caries were examined adjusting for sex, area of residence, socioeconomic position, skipping meals, tooth cleaning, and doctor visits.Results. 26% of the children were underweight and 55% had untreated dental caries. Children with at least one decayed tooth were significantly underweight with odds ratios 1.6 (95% CI 1.1, 2.3) and 1.5 (95% CI 1.1, 2.0) for 6–8-years and 9–12-year-old children, respectively, in the adjusted model. The number of decayed teeth was inversely and significantly associated with the standardized age-adjusted weight.Conclusions. The findings highlight the association between untreated dental caries and being underweight in primary school children in socially deprived areas in low-income developing countries and emphasize the need to integrate oral and general health policies with social policies.


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