The initial development of a social services program in a college health setting is presented, with discussion regarding causes, methods, and outcomes. Both empirical and anecdotal data which were influential in the initial formation of the program are reviewed, in the context of an examination of the research literature relating to this area. The actual development and implementation of the program is followed through its first year of existence. Outcomes are presented in the form of qualitative data analysis and case studies. Discussion of the results and recommendations for both future research and improvements to the program are presented.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters’ Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Department of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Research has shown that more than 90% of the scholars, use backpacks, worldwide. The backpack has the ability to transport books, sports equipment and clothing between school and home, climaxing in a capacity that may affect posture. Therefore, it is noted that a backpack, which is not carried correctly, fitted improperly and/or over packed may pose a threat to the scholar’s posture Aim: To determine the effect between a novel and school-issued backpack in terms of postural symmetry measurements (photographic measurements), when compared to no backpack, on high school adolescent standing posture. Method: This research was a quantitative descriptive cross sectional experimental design. Each participating scholar underwent a BMI, height and weight screening, prior to inclusion into the data collection process. One hundred asymptomatic scholars, aged between 12 to 14 years, were recruited using convenience sampling. Thereafter, digital photographic images of each scholar was taken in 3 groups, i.e. no Backpack, with a school-issued backpack (Backpack A) and a novel backpack (Backpack B). These digital photographic images were then uploaded, by the researcher, onto the Posturepro 8 Computer Postural Software System. The objective measurement tool (Posturepro 8 Computer Postural Software System) calculated, in degrees, the postural measurements of the scholars’ neck, shoulder and pelvis, by manually constructing lines (horizontal and vertical) between the anatomical landmarks (bilaterally). IBM SPSS version 21 was used to analyse the data. A two-tailed p value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Parametric summary statistics such as mean and standard deviations were used to describe the outcomes in each group. Postural measurements were compared between the pairs (i.e. no Backpack versus Backpack A, no Backpack versus Backpack B and Backpack A versus Backpack B) using paired sample t-tests. A one sample t-test was used to compare the symmetry measurements to a null hypothesis value of 0. Results: The mean age of the one hundred scholars was 13.5 (± 0.6 SD) years. The age of the scholars ranged between 12 and 14 years. This research was performed to determine which backpack (A or B) performed better in maintaining the scholar’s posture (with no backpack). A direct comparison was performed with no Backpack to that of Backpack A and Backpack B. The comparison for each of the differences closest to zero (‘0’) in the no Backpack, Backpack A and Backpack B groups was performed using a one sample t-test. The values closer to zero (‘0’) indicated a normal postural symmetry. None of the postural symmetry measurements were significantly different from zero in all 3 groups as the mean differences were very close to zero. Therefore, when comparing Backpack A to Backpack B, this research showed that there was no significant differences between the two backpacks when looking at postural symmetry (p=0.05). Conclusion: The trends observed in this study partly supported the claims by the company (‘Improved Postural Alignment for You’) of the novel backpack. The novel backpack (Backpack B) showed significant differences in some instances when assessing other outcome measurements, but showed no significant difference when comparing postural symmetry between the two backpacks. Further studies need to be done incorporating all aspects of postural analysis, and not just postural symmetry measurements.

published_or_final_version / Sports Science / Master / Master of Science in Sports Science

Darbo tikslas: Įvertinti privalomų profilaktinių sveikatos patikrinimų apimtis ir vyresnio mokyklinio amžiaus moksleivių bei mokyklose dirbančių visuomenės sveikatos priežiūros specialistų požiūrį į juos. Darbo uždaviniai: Išsiaiškinti moksleivių privalomųjų profilaktinių sveikatos patikrinimų apimtis ir dokumentų pildymo kokybę. Įvertinti vyresniųjų klasių moksleivių požiūrį į privalomus profilaktinius sveikatos patikrinimus bei palyginti miesto ir kaimo moksleivių, merginų ir vaikinų požiūrius. Įvertinti mokyklose dirbančių visuomenės sveikatos priežiūros specialistų požiūrį į privalomus profilaktinius moksleivių sveikatos patikrinimus . Tyrimo metodika. Darbe buvo derinama kiekybinė ir kokybinė tyrimo metodologija. Kaišiadorių rajone 2007 m. apklausta 280 vyresniųjų klasių moksleivių: 55 proc. merginų ir 45 proc. vaikinų iš jų 57 proc. tiriamųjų gyvena mieste ir 43 proc. -kaime. Statistinė duomenų analizė atlikta SPSS 12.0 duomenų analizės paketu. Diskusijoje dalyvavo 6 visuomenės sveikatos priežiūros specialistai. Analizuota į mokyklos sveikatos kabinetus patenkanti sveikatos pažymų informacija. Rezultatai. Nustatyta, kad sveikatos pažymą į mokyklą atnešė absoliuti dauguma (97,4 proc.) moksleivių, tačiau sveikatą jie tikrinasi dažniausiai todėl, kad į mokyklą reikalaujama atnešti pažymą (61,9 proc. merginų ir 51,2 proc. vaikinų bei daugiau kaip pusė moksleivių gyvenančių mieste ir kaime). Iš mokykloms pateiktų pažymų tik 34,98 proc. buvo pilnai užpildytų. Daugiau kaip... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Aim of the Study: To assess the range of compulsory preventive health check-ups and the sudents as well as school health care specialists‘ attitude towards them. Objectives of the Study: To evaluate the range of compulsory preventive health check-ups and and the quality of document filling in Kaišiadorys District. To assess the attitude of senior class students towards compulsory preventive health check-ups, and to compare the difference between the attitude of students living in the town and countryside. To assess the attitude of school health care specialists towards compulsory preventive health check-ups. Methods of the survey The qualitative (interview) and quantative methods were combined in the study. In 2007, an ananymous questionnaire survey was carried out, during which 280 people were interviewed: 55% of girls and 45% of boys. 57% of those interviewed lived in the town and 43% of them were rural residents. The statistic analysis of data was performed on the basis of documents SPSS 12.0/w. Six health care specialists working in the schools of the district also participiated in the survey.. The information of health certificates presented to the school health rooms was taken as a basis of the analysis. Results It has been determined that the total (97,4 % ) of students presented health certificates, however, they went for check-ups because school demands the health certificate (61.9 % of girls and 51.2 % of boys more than half of both students living in the... [to full text]

There are estimated to be 840,000 people living with HIV in China (1) of whom 65% are estimated to be in the 16-29 year age group. Since the end of the Cultural Revolution and the opening of China to Western influence, traditional cultural norms have rapidly eroded and China is described as being in the middle of a sexual revolution (2). People are increasingly engaging in behaviours exposing them to the risk of contracting HIV which is spreading from the traditionally high risk populations to the general population via the heterosexual route (3). Comprehensive prevention strategies are necessary to prevent further spread (4). There is evidence that the observed increase in sexual activity is not accompanied by adequate knowledge of HIV transmission. 79% of 18-25 year olds know that HIV/AIDS can be transmitted by sexual intercourse, but a mere 30% know that correct and consistent condom use can protect against HIV transmission (5).<br /> <br /> This exploratory study investigated the factors that influence safe sexual practices amongst female Chinese university students, enabling or preventing them from taking responsibility for their reproductive health. The literature search revealed this to be a largely unexplored area. The study was undertaken amongst third year male and female students, recruited from the Department of Comparative Literature and Media Studies at the Zhongshan University in Guangzhou, China. Data was predominantly collected using two male and two female focus group discussions. Three key informant interviews supported and contextualised the findings. The study revealed that the factors influencing female students&rsquo / ability to adopt safe sexual practices are complex. The recognised shortcomings of sex education in China (6) are compounded by the taboo of sex and the pressure placed on students for the achievement of good grades.<br /> <br /> The university environment exerts a powerful influence. The ease with which mutually beneficial same sex friendships develop in the dormitory can be contrasted with the difficulties faced by couples attempting to conduct relationships. The restrictive university environment has the effect of driving relationships underground. Gender roles are deeply entrenched. The need to conform to the ideal pure, na&iuml / ve, and non-inquiring female stereotype affects a female student&rsquo / s ability to source sexual health information, negotiate safe sex, and to adopt safe sexual practices. Two distinct male stereotypes emerged: the traditional more gender equal male, and the liberal male who believes in an earlier age of sexual initiation and condones multiple sexual partners. All students are aware of HIV but have misconceptions about the specifics of HIV transmission, believing that HIV can be transmitted by kissing, from unclean baths and from doctors. Some students were of the belief that poor personal hygiene is an indicator of possible HIV positive status. Students were confused by condom quality issues. As they had received no formal condom training students relied on reading the package instructions or working it out for themselves.<br /> This small exploratory study resulted in the production of rich and surprising findings. These are incorporated into recommendations for future research and a comprehensive sex education programme at the university. Abstinence and mutual monogamy should be emphasised. Gender stereotypes that influence behaviour and choice of sex education materials should be acknowledged. Negotiation skills training should be incorporated together with condom and contraceptive advice. A sexual health page on the student website and a training programme for students to become peer-to-peer sex educators should be introduced.

In this study, the relationship between the risk factors of perfectionism and depression and eating disorder symptomatology was examined. A sample of female undergraduates completed the following three measures: the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), and the Questionnaire for Eating Disorder Diagnoses (Q-EDD). Results indicated that perfectionism is significantly positively correlated with depression. Higher levels of perfectionism were also associated with the presence of eating disorder symptoms, whereas lower levels of perfectionism were associated with the absence of eating disorder symptoms. Finally, an increase in perfectionism levels was predictive of eating disorder symptoms. Directions for future research and clinical implications are discussed. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

The problem with which this study was concerned was that of developing a valid and reliable physical fitness test for college women which could be readily administered to large groups in a short period of time.

The Health Belief Model was used to study HIV/AIDS beliefs of 419, 18 to 24 year old, never married, sexually active, heterosexual college students and predict their AIDS preventive behaviors from a larger sample of 662 college students. The structural properties of the scales used were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. Recent preventive behaviors were predicted in a LISREL Structural Equation Modeling analysis.

A avaliação vocal é realizada predominantemente por meio da avaliação perceptivoauditiva, sendo dependente de conhecimentos teóricos prévios e de treinamento prático e dinâmico. Entretanto, ainda são escassas as iniciativas educacionais que se utilizam das novas tecnologias para o ensino da avaliação perceptivoauditiva da voz. A utilização de estratégias com novas tecnologias de informação e comunicação, hoje tão presentes e familiarizadas no meio universitário, apresentam o intuito de facilitar e otimizar o processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Desta forma, este estudo teve o propósito de elaborar e avaliar um curso a distância em um ambiente virtual de aprendizagem sobre essa temática. Elaborou-se um curso a distância sobre a avaliação perceptivoauditiva da voz organizado em quatro módulos principais: 1. Noções básicas de anatomia e fisiologia da fonação; 2. Ouvindo vozes; 3. Avaliação perceptivoauditiva da voz e 4. Aplicabilidade da avaliação perceptivoauditiva da voz, além de um adicional com vídeos sobre curiosidades e sugestão de material complementar para estudo. O ambiente virtual de aprendizagem (AVA) também apresentou diversas ferramentas educacionais como textos, imagens ilustrativas, videoaulas, vídeos, arquivos de áudio, atividades práticas individuais, fóruns, além de recursos de interatividade entre alunos e tutora. Este material foi antecipadamente avaliado por três especialistas que avaliaram o material positivamente como uma inovadora e importante ferramenta educacional que poderá ser utilizada na formação de estudantes na área de voz. Foram convidados a participar do curso a distância, 133 alunos do 1o ao 4o ano de um curso de graduação em Fonoaudiologia de uma Universidade do interior paulista. Concordaram em participar 33 estudantes e desses, nove concluíram o curso. Os alunos responderam a avaliações de conteúdo nos momentos pré e pós-curso, de forma presencial e a avaliações de cada módulo, realizadas por meio de questões específicas e atividades práticas, no próprio site. Ao término do curso os alunos também responderam a uma avaliação motivacional do AVA. Observou-se diferença estatisticamente significante na média de acertos nas provas pré e pós-curso dos alunos, nas questões teóricas (p= 0,031), nas práticas (p=0,000) e no total (p=0,002), demonstrando que o material elaborado foi capaz de aumentar o conhecimento dos estudantes a respeito de seu tema. O AVA apresentou alto índice de satisfação motivacional e foi avaliado por todos os participantes como um curso impressionante, de acordo com o instrumento de avaliação motivacional utilizado. Conclui-se que foi possível elaborar um ambiente virtual de aprendizagem (AVA), em formato de curso a distância, sobre a temática da avaliação perceptivoauditiva da voz e que o material elaborado apresenta um importante potencial de ensino e aprendizagem sobre esse tema. / The vocal assessment is predominantly performed through auditory-perceptual assessment, being dependent on prior theoretical knowledge and practical and dynamic training. Meanwhile, educational initiatives that use new technologies for auditory-perceptual assessment are still scarce. The using of strategies with new information technologies and communication, nowadays so presents and acquainted in the university environment, show in order to facilitate and optimize the process of teaching and learning. Thus, this study aimed to develop and evaluate a distance learning course in a virtual learning environment on this theme. It was elaborated a distance learning course on auditory-perceptual assessment of voice organized into four main modules: 1. Basic anatomy and physiology of phonation; 2. Hearing voices; 3. Auditory-perceptual assessment of voice and 4. Applicability of auditory-perceptual assessment of voice, as well as an additional with videos of curiosities and suggesting complementary material to study. The virtual learning environment (VLE) also presented several educational tools such as text, illustrative images, video classes, videos, audio files, individual practical activities, forums, and interactivity between students and tutor. This material was evaluated advance for three experts, who evaluated the material positively as an innovative and important educational tool that can be used in training students in the voice area. Were invited to participate to the distance learning course, 133 students from 1st to 4th year of an undergraduate degree in Speech Therapy of a University in the São Paulo interior. Agreed to participate 33 students, which nine completed the course. Students responded the evaluation of content in pre-and post-course, in person and the evaluations of each module, carried out through specific issues and practical activities on the site. At the end of the course the students also answered a motivational assessment of VLE. It was possible observed statistically significant difference in the mean score in the tests from pre and post course of the students, the theoretical issues (p = 0.031), in practice (p = 0.000) and overall (p = 0.002), demonstrating that the prepared material was able to increase knowledge students about their subject. The VLE showed high level of motivational satisfaction and it was evaluated by all participants as an impressive course, according to the motivational assessment tool used. Concluded that it was possible to develop a virtual learning environment (VLE), in the distance course format, on the issue of auditory-perceptual assessment of voice and that the prepared material has a significant potential for teaching and learning on this theme.

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar o impacto da saúde sobre o desempenho escolar de alunosda quarta série do ensino fundamental em todo o Brasil no ano de 2005 e 2007. No Brasil, a carência de bases de dados contendo simultaneamente indicadores de saúde e de desempenho escolar dificulta as pesquisas sobre o tema. Como alternativa, este estudo utiliza dados agregados referentes à oferta de serviços de saúde no município e microrregião, provenientes do DATASUS e da Pesquisa Assistência MédicoSanitária, como proxy da saúde dos alunos da quarta série nos municípios. Os dados para o desempenho escolar dos alunos são provenientes da Prova Brasil 2005 e 2007. Dessa forma, a unidade de observação passa a ser a microrregião, e não o aluno. A hipótese a ser testada é se a oferta de serviços de saúde na microrregião afeta o desempenho médio dos alunos dessa microrregião. Utilizase inicialmente uma análise de regressão linear contendo as variáveis indicadoras de saúde como regressores em uma crosssection para 2005. Em seguida, a análise é feita em painel, com observações de 2005 e 2007. Os resultados indicam que há impacto positivo, mas apenas em alguns indicadores e, mesmo assim, o impacto é pequeno. Outra abordagem é a utilização de surtos de dengue em municípios para determinar se existe impacto negativo no desempenho escolar dos alunos de municípios com surto. Para estimação nessa abordagem foi utilizado matching . Os resultados dessa análise indicam impacto negativo, porém sensível à escolha das variáveis e de algoritmos de estimação. / The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of health on the school proficiency of students in the fourth grade of elementary school in Brazil in the years 2005 and 2007. In Brazil, the lack of data containing simultaneously indicators of health and school proficiency makes it harder to research on the subject. As an alternative, this study utilizes aggregated data, like the offer of health services in cities, taken from DATASUS and Pesquisa Assistência MédicoSanitária, as a proxy for the health of students of the fourth grade in the cities. The data for school proficiency of students comes from Prova Brasil 2005 and 2007. That way, the observation unit becomes the city, not the student. The hypothesis to be tested is whether or not the offer of health services in a city can affect the school proficiency. Initially a linear regression is utilized containing indicators of health variables as regressors in a crosssection in 2005. Next, the analysis is made in panel data, with observations of 2005 and 2007. The results show that there is positive impact, but only in a few indicators of health and, even then, the impact is small. Another approach was to utilize dengue outbreaks in cities as a way to determine whether there was a negative impact in the school proficiency of students that resided in a city with an outbreak. Matching was used for the estimation in this approach. The results of this analysis indicate a negative impact, but sensible to the choice of variables and estimation algorithms.