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PubMed2002

Sleep behavior of South African adolescents.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To survey a large group of South African adolescents about their sleep behavior, daytime behaviors, and morning alertness as compared to those of other teenagers worldwide. DESIGN: Subjects completed a questionnaire about their sleep habits and daytime behaviors on the previous day, and subjective morning alertness at the time of completing the questionnaire. SETTING: Four secondary schools in Johannesburg, South Africa on mid-week mornings. PARTICIPANTS: 825 secondary school students volunteered for this study. INTERVENTIONS: N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The students, (16+/-1 years), 61% female, reported significantly less time in bed (p<0.001) on a school night (453+/-70 minutes), compared to weekend nights (476+/-128 minutes). On the school night, they reported a mean sleep onset latency of 17 minutes, with 45% of the sample falling asleep in less than ten minutes. Short sleep onset latency and short in-bed wakefulness both were positively related to a high sleep efficiency and subjective sleep quality. On the previous day, 72% of the adolescents had consumed caffeinated beverages and 56% had exercised, but these behaviors did not significantly influence their nighttime sleep. The majority (77%) of students had napped the previous day and 8% had taken medication to fall asleep that night. 40% of the students felt that they could fall asleep mid-morning, if given the chance, but their sleepiness was independent of their nighttime sleep quality or duration. CONCLUSIONS: Similarly to teenagers around the world, South African adolescents get insufficient sleep during the week, which they attempt to compensate for on the weekends. A large proportion of the students are also sleepy during the school day, which may influence their academic performance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Reach out and teach someone: generalist residents' needs for teaching skills development.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Family practice residents and students receive substantial teaching from senior residents. Yet, we lack data about residents' needs for teaching skills development, particularly in generalist training. This multicenter, interdisciplinary study describes the learning needs of generalist residents for becoming more effective teachers. METHODS: One hundred medical students, residents, and faculty infamily medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics participated in 11 focus groups and 4 semi-structured key informant interviews at the University of California, Irvine and the University of California, Los Angeles in 2000-2001. RESULTS: Participants agreed that resident teachers fulfill critical roles in medical education, providing powerful, skills-based teaching that can tangibly benefit both residents themselves and their junior learners. House staff often facilitate students' best learning experiences despite inherent risks in serving as teachers and professional role models. Residents need teaching skills training that prepares them to lead clinical teams and teach students essential skills that include history taking and physical examination, critical reasoning, charting, and procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Generalist residents fulfill important roles as practical clinical teachers and role models for junior learners. Future research should address how resident teachers affect learners' clinical skills, academic performance, and professionalism.

California↗
PubMed2002

[Social status and marriage within the medical profession].

BACKGROUND: There are many reasons to expect a high level of homogamy in the medical profession, i.e. that many physicians marry another physician. The question raised here is whether social status--level of academic performance and social origin--influences the probability of finding a partner within the profession. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The answer is based on a sample of 3,500 Norwegian physicians who graduated between 1981 and 1996. Their marriage patterns are analysed by logistic regression models estimating the impact of grades and social origin as well as a number of control variables. RESULTS: A female physician's probability of marrying a male physician increased systematically by grades and was highest among those whose parents had advanced degrees. Among male physicians, the impact of grades varied by social origin. Among men born to parents with a high level of education, their propensity of marrying within the medical profession increased the higher their grades were. Among those without this parental background, no such tendency was found. INTERPRETATION: The results may indicate that female physicians seek to maximize the status of their partners, while men, especially the most ambitious, seek complementary partners. The most attractive men may, however, get early involved in relationships that are not optimal in relation to their career aspirations.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Premenstrual symptoms and depression in a university population.

The correlation between a premenstrual syndrome based on emotional symptoms and primary affective disorder was prospectively studied in 105 college freshmen. Students with premenstrual symptoms were twice as likely as controls to have a history of a serious depressive episodes and twice as likely to have a close family member with depression. Seven percent of women with premenstrual emotional symptoms and none of the controls had an affective episode during the ensuing year. The premenstrual syndrome did not interfere with academic performance and was not associated with any lowering of professional aspirations. The inconsistent results of past research on the relationship between depressive disorder and premenstrual symptoms may have been the consequence of differing definitions in different studies. The final answer on this possible association may result from using a clear definition of premenstrual symptoms based on emotional difficulties and a well defined research oriented criteria for the diagnoses of affective disorder.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Learning disabilities, dyslexia, and vision: a subject review--a rebuttal, literature review, and commentary.

BACKGROUND: In 1998, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAP/AAO/AAPOS) published a position paper entitled "Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia And Vision: A Subject Review," intended to support their assertion that there is no relationship between learning disabilities, dyslexia, and vision. The paper presents an unsupported opinion that optometrists (by implication) have said that vision problems cause learning disabilities and/or dyslexia and that visual therapy cures the conditions. The 1998 position paper follows two very similar and discredited papers published in 1972 and 1981. METHOD: This article critically reviews and comments on the many problems of scholarship, the inconsistencies, and the false allegations the position paper presents. Perhaps the foremost problem is that the authoring committee has ignored a veritable mountain of relevant literature that strongly argues against their assertion that vision does not relate to academic performance. It is for this reason that an overview, drawn from more than 1,400 identified references from Medline and other database sources and pertinent texts that were reviewed, is incorporated into this current article. The AAP/AAO/AAPOS paper is also examined for the Levels of Evidence that their references offer in support of their position. CONCLUSION: The AAP/AAO/AAPOS paper contains errors and internal inconsistencies. Through highly selective reference choices, it misrepresents the great body of evidence from the literature that supports a relationship between visual and perceptual problems as they contribute to classroom difficulties. The 1998 paper should be retracted because of the errors, bias, and disinformation it presents. The public assigns great trust to authorities for accurate, intellectually honest guidance, which is lacking in this AAP/AAO/AAPOS position paper.

Dyslexia↗
PubMed2002

Evaluation of clumsiness in children.

Parents and physicians often dismiss seemingly minor motor difficulties in children. Approximately 6 percent of school-aged children have coordination problems serious enough to interfere with academic performance and social integration. These problems often arise during the early school years and manifest in difficulties with such simple motor tasks as running, buttoning, or using scissors. Increasing evidence shows that rather than improving over time, these motor difficulties remain stable throughout adolescence and adulthood. While these children are initially singled out for motor difficulties, their problems are rarely limited to poor motor coordination. Many of them have a range of associated deficits, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, poor handwriting and drawing skills, and emotional immaturity. Associated problems magnify with time, and as teenagers, these children have higher rates of educational, social, and emotional problems. Diagnosis is determined by taking a careful history that includes a review of fine motor, visual, adaptive, and gross motor milestones, and performing a physical examination. Formal standardized testing may be indicated. Referral to occupational therapy that is appropriately individualized to the needs of each child appears to be effective. To aid in management, the family physician must be aware of this condition, as well as the associated coexisting deficits.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗
PubMed2002

Violence and touch deprivation in adolescents.

The increasing incidence of violence among children and adolescents highlights the importance of identifying at-risk profiles as well as assessing interventions for preventing violence. Empirical research has suggested behavioral, central nervous system, and neurotransmitter/neurohormone dysregulation in violent individuals, including (1) an underaroused central nervous system characterized by right frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) hypoactivation, and (2) a neurotransmitter/neurohormone profile of lower norepinephrine, serotonin, and cortisol, and elevated dopamine and testosterone. The literature also suggests a disproportionate incidence of physical abuse and neglect or the lack of positive physical contact in violent individuals. In the studies we have conducted to date, there has been a relatively high incidence of anger and aggression in high school samples, even those that were relatively advantaged, as well as high levels of depression (one standard deviation above the mean), suggesting significant disturbance in these youth. Adolescents with these profiles also had less optimal relationships with their families, used illicit drugs more frequently, had inferior academic performance, and had higher depression scores. In our cross-cultural comparisons, preschoolers and adolescents were less physically affectionate and more aggressive in the United States versus France. Further, the U.S. youth received less physical affection as preschoolers, and as adolescents they engaged in more self-stimulating behaviors, perhaps to compensate for receiving less physical affection from their parents and peers. This supports the notion that less physical affection (or more physical neglect) can contribute to greater aggression. Massage therapy has been effective with violent adolescents, perhaps because the physical stimulation reduced their dopamine levels and increased their serotonin levels. Their aggressive behavior decreased and their empathetic behavior increased. These preliminary data need to be replicated in a larger sample with a more comprehensive set of measures in the context of identifying a diagnostic profile.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Sleep, sleepiness and school start times: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: High school students are reported to be excessively sleepy, resulting in decreased academic performance, increased psycho-social problems and increased risk of morbidity and mortality from accidents. Early school start times have been noted to contribute to this problem. This report attempts to confirm the relationship of early school start times with decreased sleep and increased sleepiness. METHODS: We examined sophomore and junior students in 2 local high schools with different start times and measured the amount of time slept and sleepiness. RESULTS: We found that students at the early start school reported reduced sleep time and more sleepiness than their counterparts at the later starting school. CONCLUSION: Early school start times are associated with student reports of less sleep and increased sleepiness. Further studies in larger groups are recommended in view of the potential significant impact of sleep deprivation in this age group.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1963

A decade of experience with medical school applicants at the University of British Columbia.

During the decade 1952-1961, 2060 students applied for admission to the University of B.C. medical school. Only 1664 fulfilled the pre-medical requirements. This cluster of eligible applicants changed in size and characteristics as the medical school grew older; in general, the academic calibre of applicant cohorts improved as mean age fell and length of pre-medical training increased. A decline in the number of British Columbia applicants was to some extent balanced by an increase in other applicants.Forty-three per cent of eligible applicants were accepted by the screening committee. In contrast to the applicant cluster, freshman classes contained a disproportionate number of B.C. residents. Acceptance, however, was strongly correlated with good pre-medical academic performance and all M.C.A.T. scores except those for "Understanding Modern Society". Unfortunately, one-quarter of all accepted students withdrew before registration and had to be replaced.These observations are interpreted in terms of student recruitment and the efficiency of the screening committee.

British Columbia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The relationship of the changing structure of families and the health of children.

The changing family structure impacts on the physical and mental health, emotional state and academic performance of children. Children reared in other than a family with both biological parents have increased difficulties. Pediatric dentists will need to consider these realities in their treatment of an increasing diverse population of children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

The pathophysiology, medical management, and dental implications of children and young adults having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is considered to be the most common neurobehavioral disorder among school-aged children. Children who have ADHD exhibit symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are extreme for their age. These symptoms adversely affect academic performance, vocational success, and social-emotional development. The disorder is usually treated with stimulant medications, but on occasion antidepressants and certain antihypertensive agents are used. Dentists caring for individuals with ADHD must be familiar with the manifestations of the disease and its associated features so they can garner the maximum level of cooperation from the patient. They must also be familiar with the drugs used to treat the disorder because many of these pharmaceuticals cause adverse orofacial and systemic reactions and may interact with dental therapeutic agents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Recent developments in U.S. Air Force pilot candidate selection and classification.

Recent U.S. Air Force policy decisions regarding Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) have eliminated the need to classify pilot candidates into training specialties prior to entering primary jet training. Under the new system, specialized training assignments will occur at the completion of primary jet training and will be based on flying and academic performance, student preferences, and aircraft availability. Another significant change to the SUPT program was the development of a refined pilot candidate selection model that reduced potential threats to test compromise and gaming strategies.

Aptitude Tests↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Comparative study of the application of a diagnostic test in postgraduate education, using 2 formats: computerized and printed].

A diagnostic test was applied at the National Autonomous University of Mexico School of Medicine using a two-part format with 42 clinical cases and 210 multiple-choice items. Residents were randomized into two groups: group A (printed test) and group B (computerized test). Academic performance was measured by determination of media, standard deviation, and correct-answer score; the exam was measured by reliability, difficulty index, and discrimination index and question/item assessment were calculated for item analysis. Residents answered a survey questionnaire and time taken to answer was controlled. Results showed that the printed test had higher achievement; there was better reliability for computerized format, and resident opinion was more favorable toward computer use. The two parts of the test were analyzed and results were produced for the first part of the test; in part two, results were very similar. We conclude that lack of experience in computer use could be a determining factor in our results.

Computers↗
PubMed2001

Low-level lead exposure and intelligence in children.

Numerous prospective and cross-sectional studies of the relation between low-level lead exposure and cognitive functioning in children have suggested that intellectual and academic performance declines as lead burdens increase. Kaufman [Arch. Clin. Neuropsychol. (2001)] raises questions regarding interpretive issues along these lines, and therein challenges the wisdom of using the available lead/IQ data complex as an essential element of the decision-making process that leads to policy statements. In this article, we address some of the concerns expressed by Kaufman, and conclude that each of his five points are logically or statistically flawed, as is his overall strategy of critiquing individual studies after methodologically sound meta-analyses have been performed. Kaufman is perhaps correct that the findings from correlational research on low lead levels and IQ loss should be interpreted with caution, but the caution extends equally if not more greatly in the direction of previous research having underestimated the relationship between the two variables in question.

Comment↗
PubMed2003

Psychopathology among senior secondary school students in Ilesa, south western Nigeria.

The prevalence rate of psychopathology and the relationship between psychopathology and some socio-demographic variables and consolidated current drug use were studied in 600 randomly selected senior secondary school students in Ilesa, south-western Nigeria. The 30-item version of the General Health Questionnaire and the WHO student drug use questionnaire were administered for the study. The findings revealed that the prevalence of psychopathology among the study population was 39.5%. There were significant positive associations between psychopathology and belonging to low socio-economic status, coming from a polygamous family and self-rated poor academic performance. The results also showed that although psychopathology was commoner amongst respondents who were engaged in current use of psychoactive substances than those who were not, the difference was not significant. The implications of these findings within the context of the limitations of the study and the importance of effective preventive and therapeutic student mental health services are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Educating nurses in Rhode Island: a lot of diversity in a little place.

Faculty at a baccalaureate nursing program at a state college discuss a multifaceted approach to meeting the needs of a very diverse student population. These students reflect the changing demographics of the state and their education contributes to providing a racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse nursing workforce. The program addresses multiple issues which may impede academic performance. These measures have enhanced and promoted graduates' success on NCLEX-RN. Creative and varied strategies are presented and their implementation and evaluation described.

Cultural Diversity↗
PubMed2004

Comparisons of National Board Part II and NERB's written examination for outcomes and redundancy.

The purpose of this study was to compare students' in-school academic performance with their scores on the North East Regional Board (NERB) of Dental Examiners' Dental Simulated Clinical Examination (DSCE; written) and the written examination given by the National Board of Dental Examiners, Part II (NBDE Part II). A second purpose was to evaluate whether requiring the DSCE in addition to the NBDE II is of benefit in assessing the qualifications of candidates for licensure. Results on the first attempt at passing the two examinations were compared for 836 graduates (1994-2002) of one dental school. Mean scores on the examinations and mean grade point average (GPA) of those who passed the two examinations did not differ. Mean GPAs of those who failed the two examinations also were not significantly different. Scores on the two exams and GPA significantly correlated with each other. Correlation coefficients were higher between GPA and scores on the NBDE II than between GPA and scores on the DSCE. The failure rates on first attempts were 6 percent on the DSCE and 7 percent on the NBDE II. The results of this study suggest that the DSCE does not materially assist in the licensure decision for candidates who passed the NBDE Part II, as the results on the two exams are very similar.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Psychosocial problems of well siblings of children with cancer].

Children with cancer are not the only victims of the effects of the chronic or terminal illness and its treatment. Siblings of childhood cancer patients experience significant psychosocial distress and are isolated from support systems inside and outside the family. Fortunately, the impact of cancer on the patient's family has increasingly become the focus of much research. This article summarizes the issues and problems unique to the healthy brothers and sisters of children with cancer. It characterizes the impact on family functioning, intrapersonal and interpersonal problems, academic performance and psychosomatic symptoms. There is necessary to elaborate and introduce into practice the recommendation of early psychological intervention for healthy sibling and parents as well. Recommendations are needed for integrating preventive intervention and guidelines for caregivers in helping these siblings and their parents.

Adaptation, Psychological↗