Etiology of Diarrhea among Severely Malnourished Infants and Young Children: Observation of Urban-Rural Differences over One Decade in Bangladesh

There is inadequate information on the etiology of diarrhea in severely malnourished (SM) young children. Thus, the study aimed to determine the etiology of diarrhea among severely malnourished (z score ?3.00 SD) children in rural and urban Bangladesh. From the database (2000-2011) of Diarrheal Disease Surveillance Systems (DDSS) at rural Matlab and urban Dhaka hospitals of icddr,b, 2234 and 3109 under-5 children were found severely malnourished (underweight, stunted or wasted) respectively. Two comparison groups [moderately malnourished (MM) and well-nourished (WN)] were randomly selected in a ratio of 1:1:1. Children with all categories of SM were more likely to be infected with Vibrio cholerae (rural—11%;urban—15%), Shigella (16%;9%), Salmonella (1%;2%) and Campylobacter (3%;4%);and less likely to have rotavirus (25%;20%) compared to only one SM category. Isolation rate of Vibrio cholerae was significantly higher among SM both in rural and urban children (7%;13%) than those of MM (5%;10%) and WN (2%;8%) and lower for rotavirus (30%;31%), (34%;43%), (35%;47%) respectively (p 0.01). However, for Shigella it was only higher among rural SM children (11%) [MM (9%), and WN (8%) (p 0.01)]. The isolation rate of Salmonella in SM (2%) was similar to that in MM (2%;p = 0.72) but significantly higher than that in WN (1%;p 0.01) among urban children. Isolation rates of bacterial enteric pathogens were higher but rotavirus was lower in SM children in both rural and urban area with geographical heterogeneity.

Parental Migration’s Effects on the Academic and Non-Academic Performance of Left-Behind Children in Rural China

This study investigates the impact of parental labor migration on the academic achievements and non-academic growth of left-behind children in fourth and seventh grades. Employing survey data collected from rural China in 2014, 2015, and 2016, we examine the effect of parental absence on children's academic achievement using Propensity Score Matching(PSM) and Difference in Difference(DID) methods. The results demonstrate that left-behind children whose parents have migrated for one year have statistically significantly lower academic scores. Academic scores drop lower for fourthgrade students and students from higher-income families. There are also adverse effects on left-behind children's confidence, teacher-student relationships, subjective well-being, and educational expectations if parents migrate for one year. Surprisingly, if parental migration lasts longer(totaling two years), these adverse effects disappear, and student's educational expectations even improve. These results may be because, over time, the adverse effects that occur immediately after parental migration are offset by the positive effects of migration(i.e. higher income). These conclusions can inform migrant parents on ways to utilize their resources to improve the academic performance of their left-behind children.

Obesity, Body Fat Distribution, and Physical Activity in School-age Children: an Urban and Rural Comparison in Valparaíso, Chile

This study analyze the relation between body composition, physical activity （PA）, and sex in Chilean children from rural and urban public educational institutions. The prevalence of obesity （according to BMI） was 30.88% in urban children and 28.93% in rural children. Central obesity presented mainly in the rural girls. Approximately 90% of the participants reported 〈7 h of PA/week, regardless of residential area. In addition, central fat was strongly associated with rural residence; the children reported lower PA levels, and they presented a higher prevalence of central fat. The results reflect the need to implement programs to improve PA conditions in the child urban-rural population.

Emotional and Behavioral Problems of Left-Behind Children in Impoverished Rural China:A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study of First Grade Junior High School

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems and related factors of left-behind children in impoverished rural China(mainly in thefirst grade of junior high school).Methods:A cross-sectional survey of rural households in 27 poverty-stricken counties in 12 provinces across China was conducted using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire(SDQ).Results:The prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems in left-behind children was 11.7%,and that of non-left-behind children was 8.9%.There was statistical difference between the two groups(P<0.01).There are no differences between the two groups in terms of the various factors of SDQ.The incidence of insomnia in the left-behind group was 58.3%,which was higher than that in the non-left-behind group 50.9%(P<0.01);loneliness(62.1%vs.51.8%,P<0.01);running away from home(23.1%vs.18.8%,P<0.01),and self-injury behavior(16.8%vs.12.2%,P<0.01).Left-behind children are more likely to have negative psychological feelings including insomnia,loneliness,self-injury,and run away from home.They also experienced more bullying including maliciously teased by peers,intentionally excluded or isolated,physically threatened or intimidated.All of these factors are associated with their abnormal emotional and behavioural development.Conclusion:The incidence of emotional and behavioral problems of left-behind children in rural areas in poverty-stricken areas is significantly higher than that of non-left-behind children;Logistic regression analysis showed that bullying behavior and abnormal psychological characteristics are significantly associated with left-behind adolescents abnormal emotional and behavioral development.

Dietary Behaviors and Influencing Factors among Rural Left-behind Children Aged below 7 Years in China

Left-behind children comprise a special population inChinese rural areas. According to the 2007 China Census,the number ofleft-behind children aged≤14 years was estimated at 58 million which suggested that these childrencon stituted a

Comparative analysis of urinary schistosomiasis among primary school children and rural farmers in Obollo-Eke,Enugu State,Nigeria:Implications for control

Objective:To determine the prevalence,sex-age related intensity of urinary schistosomiasis and to compare such parameters among rural school children and rural fanners in selected communities in Obollo-Eke located in Southeast,Nigeria.Methods:A cross-sectional survey involving 1 337 school children and farmers was conducted in Obollo-Eke community between September 2006 and July 2007.Demographic data of subjects was collected using a questionnaire prepared for this purpose.Urine samples were collected and examined for haematuria and ova of Schistosoma haematobium(S.haematobium) using Medi-test Combi 9 and sedimentation technique respectively.Results:The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis based on microscopic examination of the urine sediment for the ova of 5.haematobium was 17.5%while the prevalence of haematuria was 15.6%.Infection intensity varied from light to heavy.In general,the prevalence was higher among males(20.8%) than females(14.6%;P】0.05) and was slightly higher among primary school children(18.0%;n=762) than farmers(16.9%;n=575;P】0.05).The age-specific prevalence of schistosomiasis among the study subjects ranged from 8.3%to 21.2%in 0-5 years and 11-15 years age groups respectively.Conclusions:Haematuria and mean egg/10 mL urine (r = 0.95;P【0.01) showed that both procedures are reliable for the diagnosis of the disease and can be used to ascertain the prevalence of the disease in any community.The comparative analysis of urinary bilharziasis among primary school children and rural farmers demonstrated that the infection is moderately high in these two risk population groups at Obollo-Eke.A robust intervention strategy is clearly needed.

Cross-sectional population based study examining the impact of children with asthma on US rural families

Introduction: Approximately 7.1 million US children have asthma. The burden of asthma is disproportionate with ruralUSpopulations experiencing a higher prevalence of the disease. Rural populations experience additional disparities regarding health care access, job availability, and daily living resources. Hence, the family impact of having a child with asthma may be influenced by geographic locale. This impact could be a result of health insurance tied to employment, out of pocket costs, and health care provider availability. Few studies have assessed the impact a child’s asthma has on a family. This study sought to answer the question: What is the impact of children with asthma on US rural families? Methods: Multivariate techniques were performed to examine a single year of data from two connected population-based datasets, the 2007-2008 National Survey of Children’s Health and the 2009-2010 Children with Special Health Care Needs Survey. Children with current asthma defined the study population for both datasets. A logistic regression model was performed for each database. The dependent variable for the first model was child in family currently has asthma, for the second it was rural children with current asthma. Results: The first logistic regression model confirmed that rural children were more likely to have asthma than non-rural children. The second logistic regression model yielded that rural families with a child diagnosed with asthma had greater odds of: not having health insurance, having a parent who stopped working, avoided a job change, or experienced financial problems because of the child’s health. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that rural families experience a disproportionate financial hardship as a result of their child’s asthma. Pharmacist intervention in asthma care in rural areas has the potential to decrease the financial burden for a family while also improving a child’s health.

Preliminary Study on Crime Prevention of Left-behind Children in Rural China

In the process of social and economic development in China,there appears the inevitable problem of crime of left-behind children.Extensive researches and disputes prove that it is,to a greater extent,a social phenomenon resulted from social factors. It is recommended to improve the treatment of migrant workers and solve the problem of school admission for their children,provide effective legal education for those left-behind children whose problem can not be solved in a short term,and supplement the guardianship role to control the crime rate of leftbehind children. Another more effective method is to resume effective control of people's social life through the rural cultural tradition,to fundamentally prevent crime of left-behind children.

Psychological Capital Status of Left-Behind Rural Children in China and Its Relationship with Mental Health

Background:The mental health of left-behind rural children of China has become a prominent social problem.At the same time,psychological capital has become a positive psychological resource to promote personal growth.However,the relationship between psychological capital and mental health of left-behind rural children has not been explored.Method:A total of 332 left-behind rural children were investigated using a questionnaire of psychological capital and mental health scale.The psychological capital status of left-behind rural children and its impact on mental health were analyzed.Results:(1)Left-behind rural children were found to have a psychological capital score of was 3.16±0.56;Gender,age,grade,and school style had no significant effect on psychological capital.(2)Left-behind rural children obtained a mental health score of 2.21±0.5 G and gender,age,grade,and school style had no significant effect on mental health.(3)A significant negative correlation is found between psychological capital and mental health scores of left-behind rural children.Regression analysis shows that psychological capital is negatively correlated with mental health scores.Conclusion:The psychological capital of left-behind rural children can positively predict their mental health,and thus developing the former can promote the latter.

A Probe into the Path of Caring for Rural Children in the Era of “Internet+”

Education is a great cause to achieve national prosperity, national rejuvenation and people’s happiness, and an important way to block the intergenerational transmission of poverty. Rural revitalization, education first. Rural children’s education is an important issue of rural revitalization. This paper takes rural children, especially left behind children and children in distress as the help objects, and uses the advantages of “Internet plus” to improve the system, strengthen family education guidance, integrate social love resources, etc., to solve the problems faced by rural children, such as no guidance in learning, lack of guidance in behavior, lack of care in life, promote the overall healthy development of rural children, and solve the problem of rural education backwardness.

Nutrition and Healthcare for Children from Rural Tibetan Households

Three major programs have been implemented in rural Tibetan areas in order to improve children's nutrition and healthcare,namely antenatal care,infant and young child feeding,as well as school feeding.In terms of effectiveness of service provision,the school feeding program has been put into practice more effectively than the other two for two reasons.First,rural Tibetan families are accustomed to traditional infant and young child feeding practices.Secondly,the lack of incentives for healthcare workers and the shortage of funding have hindered the provision of healthcare to rural families.Therefore,this paper proposes an adjustment of the incentive structure for healthcare providers,a fortification of the village level network of healthcare services,an improvement in the approach to healthcare education for farmers and herders,and the coordination of training courses targeted at the officials and service teams of the healthcare system.

A Survey on English Reading Status of Left-behind Children in Rural Areas of Northern China

Taking Suining County in Xuzhou city of Jiangsu province as the survey subject,this paper is to study the current English reading situation of the left-behind children based on a questionnaire survey of 472 respondents from 4 primary and middle schools in rural areas.The result indicated that there are serious problems in the current situation of English reading among left-behind children in rural areas,which are as follows:insufficient reading time and books,few access to having books,increased digital reading,many reading disabilities,poor reading environment,etc.This paper analyzes the reasons and gives corresponding countermeasures for society,school and family,to improve the English reading condition of rural left-behind children and to better promote their reading ability and habits.It also provides the reference for narrowing the disparity gap of reading resources services between urban and rural China.

Research on The Social Assistance of Left-behind Children in Rural Areas under The Policy of Precise Poverty Alleviation

With the development of economy, a large number of surplus labor force in rural areas has been transferred to cities, resulting in the increasing number of left-behind children in rural areas. Left-behind children are in a critical period of ideological enlightenment, accepting obligation education, outlook on life and world outlook, and the absence of parental care and education has a negative impact on their growth. It is an important problem to solve this problem in every aspect of society.

Twenty-seven Departments Establish a Joint Inter-ministry Meeting System for Care and Protection of Left-behind Children in Rural Areas

According to a document issued by the website of the Chinese government on April 5,in order to enhance the leadership and coordination of care and protection of left-behind children in rural areas and strengthen collaboration and cooperation between departments,

Demographic and socioeconomic determinants of urinary arsenic concentration for elementary school children in Bangladesh

Background:Arsenic(As)is a toxic element that can lead to various health issues in humans.The primary exposure to As is through the consumption of water contaminated with high As levels,particularly in Bangladesh.Previous studies have shown that urinary arsenic(UAs)concentration can reflect As exposure and metabolism in individuals.However,little is known about how other factors,such as age,sex,and socioeconomic status,may affect UAs concentrations in children.Objective:This study aimed to investigate the influence of factors such as age,sex,and socioeconomic status on UAs concentrations in children,in addition to the impact of drinking water arsenic(WAs)levels.Methods:We conducted our study on elementary school-going children aged 8-11 years from rural Araihazar in Bangladesh.We measured UAs(available for a subset of 391 children)and WAs levels and collected information on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.We employed regression analysis and t-tests to analyze the data.Results:Our findings revealed that younger children(β=197.95,95%confidence interval[CI]:111.97 to 283.94),female children(β=93.95,95%CI:8.49 to 179.40),and children with less educated fathers(β=138.03,95%CI:26.47 to 249.58)had higher UAs levels,particularly when they consumed water with high As content.Conclusion:The study concludes that children's As exposure and UAs concentration may vary depending on their age,sex,and socioeconomic status.Therefore,these factors should be considered when assessing the health risks associated with As.

A comparative study on the extracurricularreading environment of urban and rural children in Chongqing Reservoir Area

Purpose: So far, there have been few studies that discussed children’s reading environment in China’s poverty-stricken areas, this study aims to explore differences existed in extracurricular reading environment between urban and rural children in Chongqing Reservoir Area with empirical evidence.Design/methodology/approach: Using a questionnaire survey, empirical data was collected from 105 participants. Then proposed hypotheses and the reliability of the observation variables were respectively examined with ANOVA and factor analysis. The statistical analysis software SPSS19.0 was used to analyze the data.Findings: Our results showed that 1) differences did exist in school and social reading environment between urban and rural children in Chongqing Reservoir Area; 2) differences in family reading environment between urban and rural children in Chongqing Reservoir Area were not obviously observed.Research limitations: The empirical data were collected from only one county of Chongqing Reservoir Area, which may have partially affected the generalization of our conclusions. In addition, the response rate of questionnaires was comparatively low due to a relatively limited research period. Practical implications: This study would provide some reference for governments, libraries, schools and families to consider how to jointly narrow the gap in the extracurricular reading circumstance between urban and rural children in Chongqing Reservoir Area.Originality value: This is one of the first studies to explore similarities and differences in extracurricular reading environment between urban and rural children in Chinese povertystricken areas, which will help research communities to gain a deeper understanding of children’s reading environment in Chinese Reservoir Area.

Investigation of children’s habits of smartphone usage and parental awareness of myopia control in underdeveloped areas of China

AIM: To investigate the behaviors of smartphone usage and parental knowledge of vision health among primary students in the rural areas of China. METHODS: In this school-based, cross-sectional study, a total of 52 606 parents of students from 30 primary schools in the Xingguo County were investigated through an online questionnaire from July 2020 to August 2020. The self-designed questionnaire contained three parts: the demographic factors of both children and parents, parental knowledge and attitude toward myopia, and the preventive treatment of myopia.RESULTS: A total of 52 485 appropriately answered questionnaires were received, showing an effective response rate of 95.1%. The average age of the primary students was 10.1±0.98 y and the prevalence of myopia among the primary students was 40.3%. The age of myopia occurrence in elementary students was significantly correlated with the parents’ educational level(95%CI: 0.82-0.98, P=0.013), children’s gender(95%CI: 1.08-1.20, P<0.001), school location(county or countryside)(95%CI: 0.59-0.66, P<0.001), children’s smartphone ownership(95%CI: 1.09-1.26, P<0.001), and the average time spent on smartphone per day(95%CI: 0.78-0.88, P<0.001). School location in the county town, high family income, and high parents’educational level significantly affected both parents’ myopia awareness and children’s vision-threatening behaviors(P<0.01). Left-behind children showed a higher incidence of vision-threatening habits than those who lived with their parents(P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The results reveal the current situation of myopia development among rural primary school students and their parents. This survey will serve as a guidance for designing myopic prevention policies in the rural areas of China.

Disparities in Oral Health among School-Aged Children in Kansas

Background: The effects of age, rural-urban geographic location, and percentage of Free and Reduced Price Meal Program (FRPMP) participation on children’s oral health outcome measures (untreated decay, treated decay, and sealants) have not been fully explored in Kansas. Methods: The current study utilized a surveillance sample of 140,217 children (grades K through 12) attending 200 schools in Kansas, which requested screening assistance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) from 2012 to 2013. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify significant factors associated with oral health outcome measures. Results: Older children were associated with decreased odds of having untreated decay, and increased odds of having treated decay and sealants. Children attending very rural schools had increased odds of untreated and treated decay and decreased odds of presence of sealants. For every 5% increase in the school-level %FRPMP, the odds of having untreated and treated decay increased by 5% and 3%, respectively. However, %FRPMP was not statistically associated with the presence of sealants. Conclusions: Children attending schools in very rural and rural areas appear to have worse oral health outcomes, as measured by higher proportions of untreated and treated decay, and a smaller proportion of presence of sealants.

Serum immunoglobulin E level of children infected with intestinal parasite in Okada, Nigeria

Children especially in rural areas of Okada have high rates of intestinal parasitosis with a prevalence of 50%. Stool and blood sample were collected of 334 children which comprised of 152 females and 185 males. Intestinal parasitosis was confirmed by direct smear technique and formol-ether concentration method. Serum IgE level was estimated by ELISA method. It was revealed that children between the ages of 11 - 15 years had the highest incidence of intestinal parasite in both sex (73.3% of the males and 62.5% of the females). About 2-fold elevation in serum IgE level was demonstrated. Intervention program including early introduction of health education to children is advocated and environmental sanitation should be encouraged.