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Results for “school functioning”

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At least 1,009 records · Page 56Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Hypothesis-based interventions for tantrum behaviors of persons with developmental disabilities in school settings.

We conducted a functional assessment of problem behaviors of 2 students with developmental disabilities in their classroom environments. Results of the assessments showed that although there were more tantrums in demand than in no-demand conditions, the function of the behavior was to gain attention (positive reinforcement) rather than to avoid or escape demands (negative reinforcement); demand conditions apparently served a discriminative function for the availability of attention. Therefore, intervention was based on the positive reinforcement hypothesis, resulting in a substantial reduction of tantrums for both subjects.

Attention↗
PubMed1994

[Health promotion in the school--fiction or central responsibility of school medicine?].

The causes of the most common diseases are now well known. This knowledge makes it possible to prevent them. Child mortality has been drastically reduced during the present century due to the eradication of infectious diseases. This target was reached by means of general immunization programmes and health education of the entire population. Other diseases were eliminated by changes of nutrition habits (gout) and by active substitution of vitamins (rickets) or by administration of minerals (caries, goitre). Diseases that are responsible for man not attaining his genetic life-span can only be eradicated by changing the style of living. With transmission of modern medical experience it is practicable to promote health and to avoid diseases. It is therefore indispensable to organize early recognition of diseases in children and juveniles, to implement full immunization programmes and to promote health education programmes for children, parents and teachers. Health promotion programmes are only effective if they reach the young people of the entire population. This is only possible through the Public Health service. Health promotion in this sense is no longer a fiction but an all-time duty of school doctors. A basic prerequisite for this function is permanent postgraduate medical education of school doctors and constant cooperation between physicians and educationalists.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Social and emotional adjustment in young survivors of childhood cancer.

An overview is given of the social and emotional adjustment in young survivors of childhood cancer. The results are described in terms of self-esteem, anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress (emotional adjustment), and in terms of behavioral functioning, social competence and school performance (socio-behavioral adjustment). Furthermore, factors related to survivors' adjustment are reported: demographics, illness- and treatment-related factors, coping and social support, and family and parental functioning. Limitations of the studies and consequences for future research are discussed. On the whole, the adjustment of young cancer survivors as a group was reasonably good, but the findings with respect to the emotional and social adjustment were inconsistent. This might be attributed to limitations of the study designs and the fact that the studies were not all directly comparable. In order to gain more insight into the predictors of adjustment, longitudinal studies are recommended, which should include control groups or standardized instruments with norm data, and use cancer-specific measures in addition to generic measures.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2003

Ocular component data in schoolchildren as a function of age and gender.

PURPOSE: To describe the refractive error and ocular components of a large group of school-aged children as a function of age and gender. METHODS: In this report, we describe the refractive error and ocular components of 2583 school-aged children (49.3% girls, overall mean [+/-SD] age 10.0 +/- 2.3). Measurement methods included cycloplegic autorefraction, autokeratometry, videophakometry, and A-scan ultrasonography. For statistical comparisons across gender and age, a critical point of alpha = 0.005 was used to assess significance because of the large sample size and the large number of comparisons made. RESULTS: Of these 2583 children, 10.1% were myopic (-0.75 D or more myopia in both meridians), and 8.6% were hyperopic (+1.25 D or more hyperopia in both meridians). As would be expected, there was a significant effect of age on refractive error (spherical equivalent, p < 0.0001), toward less hyperopia/more myopia. There was no significant difference in the average refractive error between girls and boys (p = 0.0192). Girls had steeper corneas than boys (0.74 D steeper in the vertical meridian and 0.63 D steeper in the horizontal meridian, p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in corneal power with age (p = 0.16). Both older age and male gender were significantly associated with deeper anterior chambers (p < 0.0001 for both). The crystalline lens showed significant thinning with age (p < 0.0001), however, there was no significant difference in the lens thickness between girls and boys (p = 0.66). Both Gullstrand lens power and calculated lens power showed significant effects of age and gender (p < 0.0001 for both). Girls, on average, had Gullstrand lens powers that were 0.28 D steeper and calculated lens powers that were 0.80 D more powerful than boys. Axial length also showed significant effects of age and gender (p < 0.0001 for both). Girls' eyes were, on average, 0.32 mm shorter than those of boys. CONCLUSIONS: These cross-sectional data show a general pattern of ocular growth, no change in corneal power, and crystalline lens thinning and flattening between the ages of 6 and 14 years. Girls tended to have steeper corneas, stronger crystalline lenses, and shorter eyes compared with boys.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Comparative evaluation of functioning of the main systems of the body in urban and rural school children of the Orenburg region].

The paper presents the results of a survey of the physical development and functional status of 513 urban and rural schoolchildren. Rural children showed a higher tension index that urban ones did. The urban pupils had higher indices of mental and physiological functions in the course of learning. The proportion of children with harmonic physical development was found to be higher among rural schoolchildren.

Catchment Area, Health↗
PubMed2000

Discriminant validity of the Wender Utah Rating Scale for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults.

The authors examined the factor structure and discriminant validity of the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) in adults seeking evaluation for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Three factors (Dysthymia, Oppositional/Defiant Behavior, and School Problems) accounted for 59.4% of the variance. In a stepwise discriminant function analysis, age and childhood school problems emerged as significant variables. The classification procedure correctly classified 64.5% of patients. Among those who did not have ADHD, only 57.5% were correctly classified compared with 72.1% among those with ADHD. The WURS is sensitive in detecting ADHD, but it misclassifies approximately half of those who do not have ADHD.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

A national survey of social work services in schools for the deaf.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the role of school social workers and the services they deliver in schools for the Deaf. A 15-item survey was sent to 101 schools for the Deaf in the United States. The survey consisted of questions relating to personal characteristics, work experience, and job responsibilities of school social workers. A 72% response rate was obtained. Results suggest that, in general, social workers in schools for the Deaf perform functions similar to those of other social workers. However, social workers in schools for the Deaf tend to handle more health and financial concerns of students and their families. Social workers in schools for the Deaf lag behind other school social workers in professional training. Approximately a quarter of the surveyed social workers were deaf or hard of hearing.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

The functional assessment of deaf and hard of hearing students.

The study reports on a set of questions added to the 1997-98 Annual Survey of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and Youth designed to take into consideration the functioning of children in their classroom in nine functional areas. Basing information on 30,198 students, the study describes prevalence rates of reported limitations in these functional areas for deaf and hard of hearing students, compares these to rates resulting from the reporting of categorically defined additional disabilities, and examines interrelationships among the items. Results of school estimates of students' functional hearing abilities are presented. The study's findings suggest a broader range and higher prevalence of functional limitations than would be assumed by analyzing categories of additional disabilities alone. The study's findings support the viability of functional assessment through large surveys. The discussion emphasizes the importance of functional assessment for the provision of appropriate educational services to deaf and hard of hearing children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Health effects related to environmental tobacco smoke exposure in children in the United States: data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of prenatal and postnatal smoke exposure on the respiratory health of children in the United States. DESIGN: Nationally representative cross-sectional survey, including questionnaire information, measurements of serum cotinine (a metabolite of nicotine), and pulmonary function measurement, of 5400 US children. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 4 to 16 years in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, October 25, 1988, to October 15, 1994. METHODS: We stratified the study participants into tertiles, on the basis of serum cotinine levels, and used logistic and linear regression modeling, adjusting for known covariates, to determine the effect of high environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure (on the basis of a high cotinine level) on outcomes such as the prevalence of current asthma, the prevalence of frequent wheezing, school absence, and lung function. For children aged 4 to 11 years, we also determined the effect of prenatal maternal smoking on these outcomes. RESULTS: We observed effects of ETS exposure in all age groups, although the effects varied between age groups. Among all children significant effects associated with high cotinine levels were for wheezing apart from cold in the past year (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.8); 6 or more days of school absence in the past year (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4-2.8); and lung function decrements in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (mean change, -1.8%; 95% CI, -3.2% to -0.4%) and the maximal midexpiratory flow (mean change, -5.9%; 95% CI, -8.1% to -3.4%). Although current and ever asthma were not significantly associated with high cotinine levels in the overall group (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.8-2.7, and OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.8-2.2, respectively), they were increased significantly among 4- to 6-year-old children (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 2.2-12.7, and OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-5.1, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We investigated recent ETS exposures as important predictors of respiratory health outcomes in children 4 years and older. Environmental tobacco smoke exposure affects children of all ages, although the exact effects may vary between age groups.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed2004

Current concepts and therapeutic strategies for allergic rhinitis in school-age children.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common debilitating disorder that can adversely affect the quality of life and the academic performance of school-age children. Symptoms during the day can hamper concentration and lead to learning problems. Nocturnal symptoms can cause sleep loss and secondary daytime fatigue, further undermining a child's ability to function well during the school day Oral antihistamines are the foundation of pharmacologic therapy, but there are important differences between the agents. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the diagnostic and treatment challenges posed by AR in school-age children. The paper discusses and compares the available treatment modalities for this age group, with a focus on their beneficial and adverse effects. METHODS: Pertinent articles were identified in the literature through a MEDLINE search (1990-2003). Keywords used were antihistamines cetirizine fexofenadine loratadine desloratadine intranasal corticosteroids and CNS effects. Results of numerous clinical trials of first-generation early second-generation and the newer antihistamines were identified. RESULTS: This review established that the socioeconomic costs of AR are considerable. In children aged > or =12 years, direct US expenditures (eg, physician visits, medications) in 1996 amounted to $2.3 billion. Indirect costs measured by variables such as missed school days and poor performance also have an impact Major concerns include underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment, increasing the risk of serious comorbid conditions such as asthma. Advantages and drawbacks of antihistamines show that first-generation agents (eg, hydroxyzine) are effective and readily available over the counter, but are associated with sedation and the potential for suboptimal dosing. Newer agents, such as cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine, and fexofenadine are effective and safer than the older drugs tie, no cardiotoxicity and less sedation). Of these, fexofenadine has been shown to be beneficial and nonsedating, even at higher-than-recommended doses. Other therapies reviewed include intranasal corticosteroids and leukotriene modifiers. CONCLUSIONS: AR has a considerable negative impact on children in terms of their physical, social, and psychological well-being and academic performance. An appropriate treatment must be effective and tolerable. Of particular importance for enhancing treatment adherence in the school-age population are pleasant taste and ease of use of medication. A drug that has minimal or no sedative or anticholinergic effects is optimal.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Functional outcome of paediatric stroke survivors.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the medical and functional outcome of paediatric stroke survivors. PATIENTS: Patients aged 1 month to 18 years diagnosed with stroke over a 10 year period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Discharge functional outcome data were collected by reviewing therapy, nursing, and other chart notes relating to specific functional tasks. Current functional information, living situation, school placement, and medical outcome data were obtained in the telephone survey. RESULTS: Fifty patients responded. The mean age at event was 8.0 years (range: 7 months to 17 years, 7 months). The mean follow-up time was 70 months. Diagnoses included: haemorrhagic (30%), thrombotic/embolic (46%), and undiagnosed (24%). At follow-up, 76% of the patients were independent in all activities of daily living (ADL), compared to 64% at hospital discharge. Younger age at onset, female gender, history of cardiac disease, and presentation with hemiparesis were significant risk factors for dependence in ADL (p < 0.05), while thrombotic/embolic aetiology demonstrated a trend (p = 0.06). Eighty-four per cent were independent in mobility, compared to 74% at discharge. Forty per cent of the patients had speech and language deficits. Of the school age children, only 50% were in a regular classroom. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents who survive stroke have good outcome for mobility and ADL skills, but more difficulty with language and cognitive recovery. Functional recovery is maintained after discharge, and functional gains occur over time with very little evidence of functional regression. Comorbidities are relatively low. All children in the group returned to a home setting.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effects of diabetes mellitus on the school attendance and school achievement of adolescents.

This study examined the relationship between school absences and neuropsychological functioning in a group of adolescents who developed diabetes mellitus after the age of 5 years, and a demographically-similar group of non-diabetic teenagers. The diabetic group missed significantly more school, performed more slowly on a series of visuomotor tasks, and obtained lower scores on tests of reading, spelling, and arithmetic achievement. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that the cognitive measures were differentially affected by the demographic and school attendance variables. Achievement test performance was best predicted by measures of school attendance, whereas visuomotor test performance was best predicted by demographic characteristics (grade and sex). These results imply that the somewhat lower scores earned by many diabetic youngsters on tests of general knowledge may have a psychosocial basis.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1979

The influence of lower respiratory illness in infancy and childhood and subsequent cigarette smoking on lung function in Sydney schoolchildren.

A prospective study of respiratory illness history and lung function of 10,898 school children in Sydney was begun in 1971. At the first visit, a history of previous asthma and of bronchitis before and after the first 2 years of life was obtained from a parental questionnaire, and maximal expiratory flow-volume curves were recorded. These lung function studies were repeated yearly between 1972 and 1974, at which time a history of respiratory illness during the previous 12 months and a personal smoking history were recorded, Two groups of children from a random selection of primary and secondary schools in Sydney were studied. Their respective mean ages were 8.9 yr (primary group) and 12.6 yr (high school group) in 1971. Mean values for the maximal flow at 50 percent of the forced vital capacity were lower in children with a history of bronchitis and/or asthma than those in the control group. This was true in both age groups in both sexes. No differences were found in the 0.5-s forced expiratory volume or forced vital capacity. The differences in maximal flow at 50 per cent of the forced vital capacity were present again in 1974. In 1974, the data from smokers were compared with those from nonsmokers; small differences were found. The results suggest that bronchitis in infancy and childhood as well as asthma may affect lung function as children grow, that the abnormality may not be detected by the forced expiratory volume, that the abnormality persists, and that it is possible that the abnormality is further affected by smoking.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Implementing the logic model for measuring the value of faculty affairs activities.

In today's environment of increasing accountability in higher education and health care, it is critical that administrative units of a medical school demonstrate the added value of their activities to the school's mission and that these units discriminate those activities that demonstrate the most return on investment. This is particularly important for administrative units whose activities may not be considered essential to the basic functioning of the medical school. For example, admissions would likely be considered an essential administrative unit that the medical school cannot do without, while faculty development might be considered nonessential. Effective measurement systems serve two purposes. They guide decision making throughout the organization and they serve as a basis for evaluating performance. This article describes use of the program logic model to measure the contribution of faculty affairs and development offices to the recruitment, retention, and development of a medical school's teaching faculty, an outcome central to the mission of the medical school. The process of developing and rewarding faculty for teaching is used to illustrate the application of this method in linking activities of faculty affairs and development offices to outcomes that are of importance to the medical school.

Decision Making↗