Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “school functioning”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 775 records · Page 43Linked to original sources

Relationship between exhaled NO, respiratory symptoms, lung function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and blood eosinophilia in school children.

BACKGROUND: Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) may serve as a non-invasive marker of airway inflammation but its relationship with other commonly used measures has not been evaluated. METHODS: Levels of eNO in a sample of 450 children aged 7-12 years out of a total sample of 2504 school children living in different urban areas near motorways were determined. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the relationship between eNO, impairment of lung function (PEF, FVC, FEV(1) and MMEF), bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), and blood eosinophilia in children with and without atopy as assessed by skin prick testing. RESULTS: Regression analysis showed that wheezing and nasal discharge and conjunctivitis that had occurred during the previous 12 months were positively associated with eNO levels in atopic children (relative increase of 1.48 and 1.41, respectively; p<0.05) but not in non-atopic children. Similarly, BHR and the number of blood eosinophils per ml were positively associated with eNO levels in atopic children (relative increase of 1.55 and 2.29, respectively; p<0.05) but not in non-atopic children. The lung function indices PEF, FVC, FEV(1) and MMEF were not associated with eNO levels. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to conventional lung function tests and symptom questionnaires, eNO is a suitable measure of airway inflammation and its application may reinforce the power of epidemiological surveys on respiratory health.

Bronchitis↗

Fathers and mothers of school-age children with developmental disabilities: parental stress, family functioning, and social support.

Thirty pairs of fathers and mothers who had school-age children with mental retardation and other disabilities were compared with each other and with 32 father and mother pairs of parents of children without disabilities. Responses to family scales indicated that fathers and mothers of children with developmental disabilities did not differ from each other nor from fathers and mothers of children without disabilities in parental stress, family social support, or family functioning. However, parents of children with disabilities experienced a disproportionately greater level of stress relating to their children than did those of children without disabilities. Fathers' and mothers' stress was associated with aspects of family functioning as perceived by themselves and their spouses.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Recovery of memory function following traumatic brain injury in pre-school children.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) may have a profound impact on a child's ongoing development. Various risk factors have been found to predict outcome, but considerable variability remains unexplained. This study used a prospective, longitudinal design to examine recovery of memory function following TBI within the pre school period. Ninety-six children with TBI were divided according to injury severity (mild, moderate, severe), and compared to age and SES matched healthy controls (n = 35). Children were evaluated acutely and at 6,12 and 18 months post-injury using intellectual and memory measures. Results showed a relationship between greater injury severity and poorer intellectual ability. This dose-response relationship was not clearly evident for memory function within the acute phase of recovery, but developed over time, with greater memory impairments evident for children with more severe TBI by 12 months post-injury. Children with mild TBI exhibited few memory problems. Findings are discussed in the context of theories of plasticity and recovery of function.

Amnesia↗

Effect of a hypoglycemic episode on neuropsychological functioning in diabetic children.

The present study investigated neuropsychological functioning in school-age children at various points in time surrounding a hypoglycemic episode using 13 tasks drawn from age-appropriate, standard neuropsychological tests. The results demonstrate the effects of a hypoglycemic episode on neuropsychological functioning even after detectable physical symptoms have subsided. Although we are unable to delineate clearly their temporal course, it appears that the impact of such episodes is transient. In general, the pattern exhibited by these children who have presumably recovered from their mild hypoglycemic episode involved reduced motor performance, attention, and memory. The observed prolonged recovery time of these functions presents important implications for the child in both school and social settings.

Adolescent↗

[The features of the psychophysiological functions in older preschoolers and younger school-age children and the influence on them of social isolation].

Psychophysiological properties and psychophysiological rating as an integral index of human mental efficiency were measured for elder preschool children, 1-2-nd grade students of primary school and also for elder preschool children and 2-nd grade students of boarding school for orphaned children. It was shown development of psychophysiological properties with age. An influence of social isolation caused to slowing down in development of psychophysiological properties, especially of indices of functional level of system and precision of reaction on moving object.

Aging↗

Correlations between motor performance and cognitive functions in children born < 1250 g at school age.

Very low birth weight born children manifest a higher prevalence of motor and cognitive impairments than term children. Seventy-four prospectively enrolled children born < 1250 g underwent testing of motor (Zurich neuromotor assessment ZNA: timed motor performances and associated movements) and cognitive functions (Kaufman-ABC) at age six years. Children with cerebral palsy or mental retardation were excluded. Adaptive motor tasks (pegboard and dynamic balance) and visuomotor cognitive functions were specifically impaired, and a distinct correlation pattern between motor and cognitive abilities was detected. The adaptive fine motor task (pegboard) correlated with visuomotor functions of the Kaufman-ABC ("triangles", r = 0.35; "matrix analogies", r = 0.39), while pure motor tasks of the ZNA (repetitive, alternating, and sequential movements) did not in spite of impaired motor performance. Timed motor performance below the 10th percentile correlated strongly with cognitive delay (IQ < 85: adaptive fine motor: OR 6.0 [95% CI] 4.7-7.3; adaptive gross motor: OR 7.0 [CI 5.6-8.4]; static balance: OR 9.6 [CI 8.2-11.0]). In conclusion, motor deficits in children born < 1250 g without severe disabilities correlate with specific cognitive impairments, in particular of the visuomotor domain. The correlation pattern may indicate specific dysfunction in visuomotor transformation, the intermediate process between visual-perceptual input and motor output. Early assessment of both motor and cognitive functions using standardized assessment tools is important to determine the extent and combination of specific developmental disturbances and to tailor therapeutic intervention.

Child↗

Psychosocial development in adolescents with Turner syndrome.

Turner syndrome is a genetic condition in which part or all of the second X chromosome is missing. Our goal in this study was to examine the psychosocial adjustment of a sample of adolescent girls with Turner syndrome. Subjects included 122 girls with a diagnosis of Turner syndrome (TS) and a control group of 108 girls with no genetic disorder or chronic illness. Subjects were 13 to 18 years of age. A battery of questionnaires assessing social, academic, school, and behavioral functioning was administered. TS girls were seen as having significantly more problems in terms of social relationships and school progress and were more likely to meet criteria for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder than control girls. The TS girls were also rated by a parent as less socially competent (e.g., fewer friends, less time with friends) than the control group. Social difficulties appear to be an area of vulnerability for TS girls. Counseling individuals with Turner syndrome and their families about the need to carefully develop and nurture social skills and relationships may prove useful in advancing the social adaptation of these young women.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

School performance and social-emotional behavior of primary school children before and after a disaster.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this work was to evaluate the cognitive and social-emotional consequences in a general population of primary school children affected by the firework disaster in Enschede, The Netherlands, on May 13, 2000. The explosions caused tremendous damage in the surrounding neighborhood. Twenty-two people immediately died and >1000 were injured. METHODS: This retrospective study assessed school performance and social-emotional behavior before and up to 3 years after the disaster. Objectively measured school test results in spelling and arithmetic/mathematics and multi-informant social-emotional behavioral assessments were compared between exposed and nonexposed primary school children. Multivariate logistic-regression was used to assess the relationship between exposure and cognitive and social emotional functioning. RESULTS: On school performances, the children exposed to the disaster performed over a period of 3 years after the disaster as good as or better than classmates, controls, and a national reference population. Shortly after the disaster, exposed children even seemed to have better school test results than nonexposed children. Two to 3 years after the disaster, a significant effect of disaster exposure was found on social-emotional behavior. Problematic behavior was reported by teachers, parents, and the school doctor. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a limited influence of disaster exposure on school performance in primary school children. This study also shows that teachers and youth health care practitioners especially should be aware of children starting school several years after a disaster. Although very young at the time of a disaster (1-4 years of age), they may experience disaster-related problems.

Achievement↗

[Extent of law compliance and anti-smoking teaching at Spanish schools].

OBJECTIVE: Knowing the degree of fulfillment of the anti tobacco legislation in Spanish schools and the influence that this has on the percentage of smoking pupils. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was carried out among 3050 headmasters of Spanish schools, who were asked about different aspects of the fulfillment of the antitobacco laws in their schools and about the main characteristics of tobacco consumption in their centers. RESULTS: A 80.9% of the headmasters claim that the fulfillment of the legislation is demanded in their centers, and only a 64.9% of them have posters in theirs schools that warn people about smoking ban. Anti tobacco teachings are imparted in a 82.2% of the schools where laws is demanded and only in a 64.8% where is not demanded. The percentage of teachers who, smoke in the presence of the pupils is of a 5.9% in the schools where anti tobacco legislation is demanded and a 12.9% where is not demanded. In the schools where anti tobacco teachings are imparted, a 29% of the pupils have tried tobacco, opposite a 31% who have tried in the schools where these teachings are not imparted. CONCLUSIONS: The, headmasters of the schools, as people in charge of watching over the fulfillment of the anti tobacco legislation in theirs schools, must demand the fulfillment of this one, because this measure is effective in order to improve the global functioning of the schools and to reduce the percentages of smoking pupils and teachers.

Curriculum↗

School connectedness is an underemphasized parameter in adolescent mental health: results of a community prediction study.

There is limited prospective research on the relation between school connectedness (i.e., the extent to which students feel accepted, valued, respected, and included in the school) and mental health symptoms in adolescents. A sample of 2,022 students (999 boys and 1,023 girls) ages 12 to 14 years were measured at 2 time points (12 months apart) on school connectedness and mental health symptoms (general functioning, depression, and anxiety symptoms). School connectedness correlated extensively with concurrent mental health symptoms at both time points (between 38% and 55% covariation with depression, 26% to 46% with general functioning, and 9% and 16% for anxiety symptoms). Using hierarchical linear modeling, school connectedness also predicted depressive symptoms 1 year later for both boys and girls, anxiety symptoms for girls, and general functioning for boys, even after controlling for prior symptoms. The reverse, however, was not true: Prior mental health symptoms did not predict school connectedness 1 year later when controlling for prior school connectedness. Results suggest a stronger than previously reported association with school connectedness and adolescent depressive symptoms in particular and a predictive link from school connectedness to future mental health problems.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Double-blind randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of intravenous gammaglobulin for the management of chronic fatigue syndrome in adolescents.

A double blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in 71 adolescents aged 11-18 years. Inclusion in the trial required fulfilment of the diagnostic criteria, (Fukuda et al., 1994). Three infusions of 1 gm/kg (max 1 litre of 6 gm/100 ml in 10% w/v maltose solution) were given one month apart. The dummy solution was a 10% w/v maltose solution with 1% albumin of equivalent volume for weight. Efficacy was assessed by difference in a mean functional score including school attendance, school work, social activity and physical activity, between baseline, three months and six months after the final infusion. There was a significant mean functional improvement at the six month follow-up of 70 adolescents with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome of average duration 18 months. There was also a significant improvement for both groups from the beginning of the trial to the six month post infusion follow-up. Adverse effects were common with both solutions but not predictive of response. Neither solution could be identified by recipients.

Adolescent↗

School-based crisis intervention: a role for pediatricians.

We have presented an overview of issues to consider in school-based crisis intervention using an organizational model for crisis response within the school. A wide range of ways exist in which pediatricians and other pediatric primary care providers can assist in the development, implementation, and functioning of school-based crisis intervention services for children. Those pediatricians with an interest in this area will find such activities personally and professionally rewarding and will come to appreciate the impact that such services can have on the lives of the students within the school, within their pediatric practices, and within their community.

Child↗

Psychometric study of the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale: prediction of contact with the law and poor school attendance.

The predictive validity of the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) is investigated using the data set generated by the national evaluation of the demonstration service grants funded by the Center for Mental Health Services. Logistic regressions were performed separately for contact with the law and poor school attendance, which were both assessed at 6 months postintake. Other variables included in the model besides the CAFAS total score at intake were age, gender, and family risk factors. The results show that the CAFAS total score at intake was a positive predictor of the likelihood of contact with the law and poor school attendance, even after controlling for age, gender, and risk factors. Furthermore, the CAFAS total score was predictive even after excluding scores on CAFAS subscales, which may have been influenced by absenteeism or delinquency. These findings are consistent with recent research indicating that the CAFAS predicts recidivism in juvenile delinquents.

Adolescent↗

Neurodevelopmental outcome at early school age of children born to mothers with gestational diabetes.

AIMS: To study the metabolic derangements in the second half of pregnancy caused by gestational diabetes, on the long term development of children. METHODS: The neuropsychological function of 32 school age children born to 32 mothers with well controlled gestational diabetes and 57 control children matched by age, birth order, and parental socioeconomic status was studied. RESULTS: There were no differences in head circumference and height, but the children born to diabetic mothers were heavier. The verbal IQ scores of index children below the age of 9 years were lower than those of control children. No differences were found between the groups in various sensory and motor functions and in the Touwen and Prechtl neurological test. The young index group children performed less well than controls in fine and gross motor functions, as observed on the Bruininks-Oseretzky test of motor proficiency. The scores of young children born to mothers with gestational diabetes were also lower than controls on the Pollack tapper test, and there were more index group children who scored abnormally on the parents' Conners questionnaire. No correlation was found between the performance of the index group children on various neurodevelopmental tests and the severity of perinatal complications. The differences tended to disappear with age. CONCLUSIONS: Gestational diabetes, as a result of the metabolic abnormalities in the second half of pregnancy, induces long term minor neurological deficits which are more pronounced in younger children. There does not seem to be any direct relation between the appearance of congenital anomalies and neurodevelopmental outcome.

Child↗

Chronic fatigue syndrome: successful outcome of an intensive inpatient programme.

OBJECTIVE: To study the outcome of adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) following an intensive multi-disciplinary inpatient programme. METHODS: A follow-up questionnaire was distributed to all 57 adolescents who had completed the CFS inpatient programme at the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre. RESULTS: Forty-two adolescents (74%) returned follow-up questionnaires. Immediately following the programme and up to five years after the programme, the majority of participants had returned to school and were functioning better in terms of physical activity and social interactions as compared with before the programme. Before the programme, 94% of adolescents were attending school half-time or less. Up to 5 years after the programme, 78% of adolescents were attending school full-time or with occasional absences only. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary inpatient programme for CFS was successful in helping to rehabilitate this group of adolescents who were significantly incapacitated prior to entering the inpatient programme.

Adolescent↗