A study of the influence of school and home environments on the health of children
Date
2008
Authors
Edirisinghe, G. G. D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Peradeniya
Abstract
This study examines environmental threats against child health. The existing information and results of a previous study completed by the National Education commission was compiled and analyzed. The sample has been drawn from the NEREC* study under the title “National Assessment of achievement of Grade 4 pupils in Sri Lanka”. The dataset consist of 2731 students from 143 schools and it covers 9 provinces.
The objective of this study was to identify relationship of health status of children and the school and home environments. The techniques of chi-square test, Likelihood ratio test, Cramer’s test were used in the analysis of data. Factor analysis was used as data redundant method. In order to find relationship between children health and explanatory variables logistic regression method was applied. Results of logistic regression analysis confirmed that lower income levels, type of residence, number of extra books available at home and mother’s occupation are the main factors which influence the child health in home environment. Availability of a work table, availability of an activity corner, and community categories of primary students were identified as significant factors that affect child health in the school environment. The same approach has been adopted to identify children with malnutrition. Malnutrition also has shown a relationship within the household environment. SPSS Software was used as the statistical tool.
Description
Keywords
Statistics & Computer Science