UNASSIGNED: A robust association between physical activity (PA) and satisfaction with life (SWL) has been established, wherein self-efficacy has been identified as a mediator across different populations. However, there is a need to further examine the relationship between PA and SWL and whether self-efficacy act a as mediator within different levels of PA among Norwegian adolescents. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore the relationship between levels of PA and SWL by testing for self-efficacy as a possible mediator.
UNASSIGNED: Cross-sectional data from the 2022 Norwegian Ungdata Survey was utilized. Data included demographics and various health data that was collected anonymously. The electronic survey took place in classrooms and was administered by the respective teacher. Permission to access and use data was approved by the Norwegian Agency for Shared Services in Education and Research (SIKT). Statistical analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro by Andrew Hayes for SPSS software.
UNASSIGNED: Descriptive findings revealed that girls reported lower self-efficacy than boys (14.2 vs. 15.5, with a maximum of 20) and lower SWL (6.8 vs. 7.6, with a maximum of 10). About one out of five girls and one out of seven boys reported no days of weekly PA, whereas 4% of girls and 9.5% of boys adhered to the PA-recommendation of 60-min of daily exercise. Associations between PA levels and SWL was mediated by self-efficacy (all p < 0.05), with the highest indirect effect (56.3%) revealed in the association between those adhering to the PA-recommendations and SWL.
UNASSIGNED: Norwegian girls reported more sedentary behavior, less PA, lower self-efficacy, and lower SWL than boys across all grade levels. Mediation analysis revealed that up to 56.3% of the enhancement in SWL among those adhering to 60-min of PA recommendations was explained by increased self-efficacy. Norwegian government and policymakers should promote initiatives and regulations focusing on higher levels of PA to foster a resilient adolescent population with higher individual beliefs and higher subjective wellbeing.

UNASSIGNED: Determine the effects of a multifactorial lifestyle intervention on physical activity (PA), BMI and health-related quality of life (QoL) in obese and overweight adolescents.
UNASSIGNED: Nine schools in India were clustered randomly in a 12-month study with students allocated to a multifactorial intervention (MFI), or exercise only (EX) or control (CON) group. Participants were adolescents aged 11-16 years (n=671). In the MFI group, adolescents and their parents received lifestyle education using a validated booklet combined with a PA intervention for school students. The EX group received school-based PA only; the CON group continued regular activities. Primary outcomes were PA levels measured with the PAQ-A, and BMI; the secondary outcome was health-related QoL. A linear regression statistical model was used to analyse time, group effects and interactions, with Bonferroni correction for within-group differences at baseline (T0) and at 12-weeks (T1) (post-intervention), 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups.
UNASSIGNED: Significant time and group effects observed for all groups with PA scores (p<0.001), with MFI group having largest increase in PA; with BMI (p<0.001) and MFI showing the least gain in BMI; and HRQOL (p<0.001), with MFI group showing greatest improvement in scores. There were significant increases in PA at T1 and T3 time-points with the EX group, and at T3 time-point only for MFI and CON, with MFI group showing largest increase in HRQOL scores. BMI increased significantly for all groups at T2 (MFI p=0.001, EX p<0.001) and T3 (p<0.001), while HRQOL increased significantly for both MFI and EX at both follow-ups (p<0.001).
UNASSIGNED: School-based lifestyle MFI was more effective for improving PA, lifestyle behaviours and HRQOL than exercise alone for adolescents, although BMI was not reduced. MFI with PA could be an effective school-based approach for behaviour modification but BMI has limitations for measuring body composition changes.
UNASSIGNED: CTRI/2019/04/018834 (30/04/2019).

BACKGROUND: Psychopathological disorders are often comorbid diagnosis in eating disorders (EDs). We aimed to assess the presence of psychopathological traits and symptoms associated with EDs in an Italian high school adolescent population.
METHODS: A sample of high school adolescents was enrolled, and demographic and clinical data were collected. Two self-report questionnaires, the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Psychopathology in Adolescence (Q-PAD), were administered.
RESULTS: 548 adolescents (333 F/215 M; 16.89 ± 0.85 years) were included. Symptoms associated with EDs of clinical or high clinical concern were prevalent in a range of individuals, with percentages varying from 26.82% for body dissatisfaction to 51.83% for Interoceptive Deficits. The findings from the Q-PAD assessment indicated the presence of psychological distress, leading to discomfort or challenging situations requiring potential intervention in a percentage of adolescents ranging from 2.93% for psychosocial risks to 23.77% for anxiety. These percentages showed differences between genders (F > M, p < 0.001). Our study also highlighted an association between symptoms of EDs and lifestyle factors within families. We observed correlations between Q-PAD measures and EDI-3 scores, including a positive correlation between Q-PAD and EDI-3 body dissatisfaction (r = 0.7), Q-PAD interpersonal conflicts and EDI-3 interpersonal problems (r = 0.6) and a negative correlation between Q-PAD self-esteem and well-being and EDI-3 ineffectiveness Composite (r=-0.7).
CONCLUSIONS: a substantial prevalence of ED symptoms and psychological distress among high school adolescents were recorded. These conditions are interrelated, suggesting the importance of addressing them comprehensively. Early detection is essential to improve treatment outcomes and to implement preventive strategies.

UNASSIGNED: Limited data about acute respiratory illness (ARI) and respiratory virus circulation are available in congregate community settings, specifically schools. To better characterize the epidemiology of ARI and respiratory viruses in schools, we developed School Knowledge of Infectious Diseases in Schools (School KIDS).
UNASSIGNED: School KIDS is a prospective, respiratory viral testing program in a large metropolitan school district (pre-kindergarten-12th grade) in Kansas City, Missouri. During the 2022-2023 school year, all students and staff were eligible to participate in surveillance respiratory viral testing at school by submitting observed self-administered nasal swabs monthly. Participants could also submit a nasal swab for on-demand symptomatic testing when experiencing ≥1 ARI symptom, including cough, fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, shortness of breath, sore throat, and/or wheezing. Swabs were tested in a research laboratory using multipathogen respiratory polymerase chain reaction assays. Participants were evaluated for ongoing viral shedding by collecting two weekly nasal swabs (i.e., convalescent), following initial on-demand symptomatic testing. Participants were asked to complete an electronic survey to capture the presence and type of ARI symptom(s) before the collection of respiratory swabs.
UNASSIGNED: From 31 October 2022 to 29 June 2023, School KIDS enrolled 978 participants, including 700 students, representing 3.4% of the district student population, and 278 staff members. Participants submitted a median of six surveillance, one symptomatic, and two convalescent specimens during the study period. A total of 6,315 respiratory specimens, including 4,700 surveillance, 721 on-demand symptomatic, and 894 convalescent specimens, were tested. Overall, a virus was detected in 1,168 (24.9%) surveillance and 363 (50.3%) symptomatic specimens. Of the 5,538 symptom surveys sent to participants before scheduled surveillance testing, 4,069 (73.5%) were completed; ARI symptoms were reported on 1,348 (33.1%) surveys.
UNASSIGNED: Respiratory surveillance testing in schools is feasible and provides novel information about respiratory virus detections in students and staff attending school. Schools are an important community setting, and better knowledge of respiratory virus circulation in schools may be useful to identify respiratory virus transmission in the community and assess the impact of effective infection prevention measures.

Dental caries is a global disease that can have disabling effects. In Africa, its prevalence in schools is very variable, due to the great variability of food habits and oral hygiene. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dental caries, associated factors, and to research oral pathologies associated with that dental decay in one circumscription of the city of N\'Djamena.
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 3 schools in the 7th borough of the city of N\'Djamena. A total of 360 pupils aged between 6 and 12 years were recruited between October 2021 and September 2022. Each participant underwent to an oral examination which consisted in looking carefully at the pupil\'s face (cheeks, lips) to note any deformities or possible facial asymmetry, and to check for any sensation of pain in any part of the face. In another hand, the oral examination aimed to look for any decay on all the teeth and determine the category and class of it. Finally, the personal data (age, sex, class, parents\' occupations) of each participant and the results of his oral examination were collected into a database and analyzed.
A total of 185 pupils had at least one decayed tooth, giving a prevalence rate of 51.4%. Among them, 45% had at least 2 decayed teeth. The school attended and snacking between meals were significantly associated with the presence of caries (p<0.05). Teeth 36 (lower left first molar) and 46 (lower right first molar) were the most often affected by caries (21% and 22% respectively). The mixt DMF index was 0.6 and the overall frequency of decayed teeth was 51.9%. According to Black\'s classification, class II caries was the most prevalent (48%), while according to Baume\'s classification, category II was the most prevalent (54%). The time of brushing, the material and the type of product used significantly influenced the appearance of caries (p<0.05). Participants with dental dyschromia had more tooth decay.
Caries was prevalent in the targeted schools and represented a real problem for pupils. Implementing an oral health policy based on preventive dentistry by raising awareness among children and their parents would contribute to the proper education of pupils.

BACKGROUND:  Childhood vision impairment (VI) has a significantly harmful effect on both health and social outcomes.
OBJECTIVE:  To assess the causes of childhood VI, to determine obstacles to accessing eye care services and to develop a strategy for the childhood eye care system in African nations.
METHODS:  This systematic review was conducted by searching several online databases, including; Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Ebsco and Medline. They focussed on articles available between 2003 and 2023. These studies were conducted to evaluate the causes of childhood VI and to assess obstacles to accessing eye care services in African countries.
RESULTS:  The main causes of childhood VI in African nations can be avoided with timely diagnosis and an appropriate management strategy. The leading obstacles to accessing childhood eye care services were a lack of availability, accessibility and affordability. In addition to these barriers, we found that there are concerns with quality of services, primary health care system, geographic barriers, incorrect health beliefs, inappropriate parental perception, a lack of knowledge, attitudes and inadequate practices related to paediatric eye care.
CONCLUSIONS:  The main causes of childhood VI were uncorrected refractive error (RE), amblyopia, cataract and corneal opacities that can be avoided with timely diagnosis and an appropriate management strategy. While the main obstacles to accessing childhood eye care services were a lack of availability, accessibility, affordability and healthcare system.Contribution: The recommended strategy for childhood eye-care services includes models for delivery and training.

UNASSIGNED: Rapid testing for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections was an essential step in reducing the spread of the virus and monitoring pandemic development. Most mandatory standard pandemic testing in Germany has been performed in schools and daycare facilities. We investigated the influence of behavioral and attitudinal characteristics of children and caregivers on their acceptance of (i) antigen-based nasal swab rapid and (ii) oral saliva-based pooled Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests.
UNASSIGNED: Conducted through a cross-sectional survey between November and December 2021, with 1962 caregivers and 581 children/adolescents participating, the study evaluated the acceptability of each testing method on a six-point scale. Participants scored one test method conducted on their child at one of six levels with 1 and 6 denoting \"excellent\" (1) and \"inadequate\" (6), respectively. We considered demographic variables, vaccination status, child mental health (measured by the SDQ-questionnaire), and facility type (kindergarten, primary school, secondary school) as covariates.
UNASSIGNED: Results reveal a preference for saliva-based PCR tests over nasal swabs by about one grade, particularly among parents of unvaccinated children, especially if their child expressed future vaccination reluctance. Testing acceptance was lower among children with mental health issues, primary school-aged, and those with less-educated parents. Perception of test accuracy and convenience influenced attitudes, favoring saliva-based PCR tests. Moreover, children with mental health issues felt less secure during testing.
UNASSIGNED: To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the influence of different testing methods on testing acceptance for SARS-CoV-2 in children and caregivers. Our study identifies predictors of lower acceptance of public health surveillance measures and enables the development of educational programs on testing and vaccination tailored to the needs of specific target groups. Moreover, we demonstrate that test acceptance in vulnerable groups can be enhanced by careful choice of an appropriate testing method.

In Swedish school health services, local initiatives have been taken to use physical activity on prescription (PAP) to encourage physically inactive children to become more active. Previous research shows that interprofessional collaboration plays a crucial role in promoting physical activity in children, as well as in promoting health in schools. However, there is a lack of knowledge about PAP for children in the school setting, including how medical and educational staff can work together to encourage children who have been recommended PAP. Therefore, this study aims to explore the perceived facilitators and barriers concerning interprofessional collaboration regarding physical activity on prescription in the school setting, as viewed from the professionals\' perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 professionals who work with the method in school settings. The data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The results reveal both barriers and facilitators for interprofessional collaboration on PAP in the school setting, as perceived by professionals. Organizational and structural obstacles within school institutions hinder collaboration, while a shared commitment to PAP, characterized by consensus-building, acts as a facilitating factor. PAP for children in a school setting is still an unexplored area and further research is required.

BACKGROUND: Learning Health Systems (LHS) - characterised by cycles of evidence generation and application - are increasingly recognised for their potential to improve public health interventions and optimise health impacts; however there is little evidence of their application in the context of public health practice. Here, we describe how an Australian public health unit applied a LHS approach to successfully improve a model of support for implementation of a school-based physical activity policy.
METHODS: This body of work was undertaken in the context of a strong research-practice partnership. Core LHS capabilities included: i) partnerships and stakeholder engagement; ii) workforce development and learning health communities; iii) multi-disciplinary scientific expertise; iv) practice data collection and management system; v) evidence surveillance and synthesis; and vi) governance and organisational processes of decision making. Three cycles of data generation and application were used. Within each cycle, randomised controlled trials conducted in NSW primary schools were used to generate data on the support model\'s effectiveness for improving schools\' implementation of a government physical activity policy, its delivery costs, and process measures such as adoption and acceptability. Each type of data were analysed independently, synthesised, and then presented to a multi-disciplinary team of researchers and practitioners, in consult with stakeholders, leading to collaborative decisions for incremental improvements to the support model.
RESULTS: Cycle 1 tested the first version of the support model (composed of five implementation strategies targeting identified barriers of policy implementation) and showed the model\'s feasibility and efficacy for improving schools\' policy implementation. Data-informed changes were made to enhance impact, including the addition of three implementation strategies to address outstanding barriers. Cycle 2 (now, testing a package of eight implementation strategies) established the model\'s effectiveness and cost-effectiveness for improving school\'s policy implementation. Data-informed changes were made to reduce delivery costs, specifically adapting the costliest strategies to reduce in-person contact from external support personnel. Cycle 3 showed that the adaptations minimised the relative cost of delivery without adversely impacting on the effect.
CONCLUSIONS: Through this process, we identified an effective, cost-effective, acceptable and scalable policy implementation support model for service delivery. This provides important information to inform or support LHS approaches for other agencies seeking to optimise the health impact of evidence-based interventions.

School nurses are in a key position to promote children\'s physical activity. They engage all children in health dialogues and use different approaches to inform children about physical activity and motivate them to change their physical activity level. In a school context, it is important to explore and problematize school nurses\' views of children\'s physical activity and the influence of these views on their professional practice in the school health service. Identifying and problematizing school nurses\' views of physical activity would enable them to create improved guidelines and equivalent ways of working in the future. Therefore, this study aims to discursively explore Swedish school nurses\' views on school children\'s physical activity and its promotion and elucidate them through a discursive framework based on sensitizing concepts. This study uses a qualitative research design with a constructivist grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 school nurses. The analysis resulted in a core category describing how school nurses use intertwined views to lead children from sedentarity to physical activity. Furthermore, the school nurses\' practices were identified in three categories: fostering everyday movement as a tool for health, battling children\'s sedentarity under difficult conditions, and promoting everyday movement and compensating for unequal access. The results indicate that school nurses lack common and clear guidelines for their mission to promote physical activity to children, which may lead to inequality in access to physical activity for children and young people.