Assessing prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems in suspended middle school students.

Schools are seeing an influx of disruptive behaviors related to an increase in emotional and behavioral issues. In the adolescent population, emotional and behavioral problems are manifested in a variety of forms and often result in some form of discipline within the school setting. Although discipline punishes the unwanted behavior, it does nothing to address the reason for the behavior. This study examined the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems among middle school students who have been suspended. Students who are suspended are the very children at risk for social, emotional, and mental health problems. Results from the study indicate significance in some of the 14 subcategories of the Student Behavior Survey tool, lending support toward the conclusion that emotional and behavioral problems may be associated with suspensions. Advocating for assessment of emotional and behavioral needs should be considered for students with discipline problems that lead to suspension.

An oral health education program for Latino immigrant parents.

A high prevalence of dental caries in the pediatric population is a major health problem. At highest risk are low-income minority groups, including refugee and immigrant populations. Consequences of oral disease include pain, difficulty eating and speaking, poor school performance, and poor self-esteem. Parent involvement in oral health education is crucial. This program provided oral health education for Latino immigrant parents in a northern California school district. A pretest-posttest was administered to measure changes in oral health knowledge and reported oral health behaviors following two sessions of oral health education. This program provides a framework for school nurses who are in an ideal position to implement similar programs that address the oral health needs of the pediatric population, particularly those of the Latino immigrant community.

Increasing self-efficacy and knowledge through a seizure education program for special education teachers.

Since the passage of the 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act and the 1986 PL99-457 amendment, many children aged birth to 3 years with special health care needs are enrolled in early intervention programs. Educators working in early intervention services often need to respond to and manage seizure activity and medical emergencies for special needs children. To do so, they need to have knowledge and confidence in their ability to intervene effectively. This intervention study was designed to address the knowledge and self-efficacy of 28 special needs educators on seizure management. The intervention resulted in increased knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy related to seizure management and their ability to interact supportively with families.

The effect of body position and mattress type on interface pressure in quadriplegic adults: a pilot study.

A convenience sample of 20 adults with quadriplegia was studied to determine preferred position and mattress to minimize occurrence of pressure ulcers. Lower positions produced lower interface pressures. A pressure-relieving mattress reduced interface pressures more than a pressure-reducing mattress.