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Occurrence of Bacteria and Viruses on Elementary Classroom Surfaces and the Potential Role of Classroom Hygiene in the Spread of Infectious Diseases

Bright, K. R., Boone, S. A., Gerba, C. P. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:50:47 PST

The presence of microorganisms on common classroom contact surfaces (fomites) was determined to identify the areas most likely to become contaminated. Six elementary classrooms were divided into control and intervention groups (cleaned daily with a quaternary ammonium wipe) and tested for heterotrophic bacteria. Three classrooms were also tested for norovirus and influenza A virus. Frequently used fomites were the most contaminated; water fountain toggles, pencil sharpeners, keyboards, and faucet handles were the most bacterially contaminated; desktops, faucet handles, and paper towel dispensers were the most contaminated with viruses. Influenza A virus was detected on up to 50% and norovirus on up to 22% of surfaces throughout the day. Children in the control classrooms were 2.32 times more likely to report absenteeism due to illness than children in the intervention classrooms and were absent longer (on average). Improved classroom hygiene may reduce the incidence of infection and thus student absenteeism.

Athletes at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death

Subasic, K. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:37:40 PST

High school athletes represent the largest group of individuals affected by sudden cardiac death, with an estimated incidence of once or twice per week. Structural cardiovascular abnormalities are the most frequent cause of sudden cardiac death. Athletes participating in basketball, football, track, soccer, baseball, and swimming were found to have the highest incidence of sudden cardiac death. Screening of athletes prior to participation in competitive sports usually falls short of recommended guidelines. Poorly defined legislation and the absence of a national standard for sports physicals have contributed to inadequate health screenings of athletes. This article will describe the incidence and causes of sudden cardiovascular death in young athletes as well as guidelines intended to prevent this unfortunate problem.

School Nurses and Teachers : Attitudes Regarding Inclusion of Breastfeeding Education in School Curricula

Spear, H. J. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:55:05 PST

School nurses and middle and high school teachers (N = 107) participated in a survey that explored their attitudes and behaviors related to the inclusion of breastfeeding content to highlight the scientific and exceptional health advantages of breastfeeding and to promote a breastfeeding culture. Although some participants believed that breastfeeding content should not be part of school curriculum, the vast majority (86.9%) agreed that the benefits of breastfeeding should be taught to high school students; and over half (57.9%) supported teaching about the value of breastfeeding to middle school children. School nurses are well positioned to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors among student populations and play a pivotal and important role in the promotion of a breastfeeding culture and related positive behaviors.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a School-Based Coping Intervention for Latina Adolescents

Garcia, C., Pintor, J. K., Lindgren, S. — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:50:56 PDT

Latino girls (Latinas) experience disproportionate rates of emotional distress, including suicidal ideation, which may be indicative of inadequate coping abilities. Prevention of mental health problems, a U.S. public health priority, is particularly critical for Latina adolescents due to lack of access to mental health treatments. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of Project Wings, a 14-session stress management/coping intervention. Latinas in school (ages 15-21) met weekly for 2-hr with two bilingual experienced facilitators to participate in sharing circles, relaxation exercise, and skill building. Intervention participation and post-intervention focus group data were analyzed. Fall semester intervention (n = 10) occurred during school (72% attendance rate); spring semester intervention (n = 11) was after school (84% attendance rate). Focus group data confirmed acceptability. Latina adolescents will participate in a school-based, group-based stress management/coping intervention. The findings offer insights about intervention recruitment and retention that are specifically relevant to school nurses. Future research includes intervention testing using a randomized study design.

Sixth-Grade Boys' Perceived Benefits of and Barriers to Physical Activity and Suggestions for Increasing Physical Activity

Robbins, L. B., Talley, H. C., Wu, T.-Y., Wilbur, J. — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:50:55 PDT

Interventions are needed to reduce the high overweight prevalence noted among boys in early high school. Because decreased physical activity (PA) is a factor for weight gain and a decline in boys' PA occurs across the middle school years, a need exists to intervene, as soon as boys reach middle school, to help them get adequate PA. The purpose of this study was to explore perceived benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, enjoyment or activity preferences, and situational or environmental influences related to PA among sixth-grade boys (N = 40). Each boy participated in one of seven focus groups. Having an average weight was the most important benefit. The most prominent personal barrier focused on being unmotivated. Environmental barriers included lacking equipment and places for PA. Suggestions for increasing boys' PA were identified. Findings have implications for nurses interested in designing interventions to assist boys of this age in achieving PA recommendations.

Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea by School Adolescents in ILE-IFE, Nigeria

Ogunfowokan, A. A., Babatunde, O. A. — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:50:56 PDT

Dysmenorrhea is a problem that girls and women face and often manage themselves with or without support from health professionals. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among adolescents with dysmenorrhea (N = 150) in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The aims of the study were to determine their knowledge of menstruation and primary dysmenorrhea, assess the severity of pain they experienced during an episode of primary dysmenorrhea, and determine the management strategies they adopted. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Findings revealed the adolescents had a knowledge deficit regarding menstruation and dysmenorrhea, 58% of respondents reported pain between face 4 and face 10 on the Faces Pain Scale and the majority used inappropriate methods to manage primary dysmenorrhea. School nurses are able to assist adolescents and their mothers in proper management of primary dysmenorrhea.

Tourette Syndrome: Information for School Nurses

Golder, T. — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:47:47 PDT

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurobehavioral disorder that consists of simple and complex tics. This disorder can significantly affect a child’s self-esteem and academic success. Although some believe that only adults are affected, this disorder occurs most frequently in early childhood and symptoms decrease with age. Diagnosis of this disorder can be difficult due to the high incidence of comorbidity of other psychiatric illnesses, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disease, and depression. Early recognition of the disorder allows positive interventions geared toward controlling tics and provides an outlet for tic release. Children and families who are affected by the disorder may attempt to hide the behaviors due to embarrassment of tics. The school nurse is instrumental in working with parents, staff, and other children to assure understanding of the disorder, provide coordination of care, and provide a safe outlet for the child to release the stress of tics during the school day.

Social Environment and Problem Behavior: Perceived School Safety, Gender, and Sexual Debut

March, A. L., Atav, A. S. — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:47:47 PDT

In 2007, 48% of U.S. students of grades 9 to 12 had experienced sexual debut, 7% before the age of 13 years. Preventing early intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases, adolescent pregnancy, and the loss of educational opportunity are important concerns for nurses and educators. A secondary data analysis of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) 2003 provided data identifying the relationships among age at sexual debut, gender, location of residence, and perceived school safety (PSS) as framed by the theory of problem behavior. Mean age at sexual debut was 14.4 years. Males were younger at sexual debut than females. Students reporting positive PSS were older at sexual debut. Age at sexual debut was significantly associated with PSS, gender, and location of residence. School nurses are positioned to identify evidence-based programs, facilitate the development of collaborative interventions to improve PSS, and change trajectories of sexual activity leading to poor health outcomes in adolescents and health risk behaviors in adults.

Head Injuries in Children

Pennington, N. — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:50:26 PDT

School nurses play a crucial role in injury prevention and initial treatment when injuries occur at school. The role of school nurses includes being knowledgeable about the management of head injuries, including assessment and initial treatment. The school nurse must be familiar with the outcomes of a head injury and know when further evaluation is indicated. Developing a head injury protocol in the school setting is one strategy to make sure that all involved are able to consistently and effectively respond to a head injury and prevent a possible negative outcome. The combination of a protocol, nursing judgment, and best practices can ensure that all means are used to take care of children when a head injury is sustained. These strategies will help to increase the safety of children at school. A systematic approach to the management of these types of injuries is essential for preventing possible complications.