Age Children Research Articles

Normal Values of Nerve Conduction Studies in Children Aged 7 Days to 14 Years Referred to Electrodiagnosis Clinic of Iranian Children's Medical Center

Background: The normal values of nerve conduction studies (NCS) are different in children compared to adults. Moreover, racial and geographical factors can affect these values. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the normal NCS values in children of different ages. Methods: The present cross-sectional study included children referred to the Electrodiagnosis Clinic of the Children's Medical Center in Iran, who had normal NCS results based on the references and had no exclusion criteria. The patients were divided into 8 age groups (7 days to one month, 1 - 3 months, 3 - 6 months, 6 - 12 months, 1 - 2 years, 2 - 4 years, 4 - 6 years, and 6 - 14 years), and the NCS was performed using a Nihon Kohden electromyogram. The NCS values in the normal range were included in the analysis. Results: The normal ranges of amplitude and conduction velocity of 4 motor nerves (median, ulnar, deep peroneal, and tibial) and 2 sensory nerves (median and medial plantar), as well as the F-wave latency values of 2 nerves (ulnar and tibial), were established as the reference values for the pediatric patients. Conclusions: The NCS parameters of Iranian children were slightly different from the normal references reported by studies in other countries. Moreover, the SNAP and CMAP amplitudes and motor conduction velocity of these children usually reached the normal values of the adult population earlier.

A follow up investigation of placental pathology, responsive parenting, and preschool children’s executive functioning and language development

ABSTRACT Despite documented effects linking underlying placental diseases and neurological impairments in children, little is known about the long-term effects of placental pathology on children’s neurocognitive outcomes. In addition, maternal responsivity, known to positively influence early postnatal cognitive development, may act to protect children from putative adverse effects of placental pathology. The current study is a follow up of medically healthy, term born, preschool age children, born with placental pathology. A sample of 118 children (45 comparison children with normal placental findings, 73 born with placental pathology) were followed when children were 3–4 years old. In comparison to children born to mothers with normal placentas, placental pathology was associated with poorer performance in the executive function involving cognitive flexibility, but not inhibitory control or receptive language. Maternal responsivity was observed to be marginally protective on the impact of placental pathology risk on cognitive flexibility, but this was not seen for either inhibitory control or receptive language.

Barriers to preschool aged children's participation in swimming lessons in New South Wales, Australia.

To understand barriers to uptake of subsidised swimming lessons by children aged 3-6 years old ('preschool aged children'), including from priority populations, in New South Wales (NSW). A thematic analysis of 4191 qualitative responses from parents/carers of preschool aged children describing barriers that resulted in their child's non-participation in subsidised swimming lessons in the past 12 months was conducted. Data, including parent/carer sociodemographic variables, were collected through registrations for the NSW Government's First Lap voucher program. Seven overarching barriers to participation were identified: (1) child's disability or health needs; (2) swimming lesson affordability; (3) family or personal circumstances; (4) lack of or poor availability of swimming lessons; (5) parent/carer availability, including to fulfil participation requirements; (6) COVID-19 and (7) deprioritisation of formal swimming lessons due to parent/carer perceptions relating to its importance. These may limit the uptake of swimming lessons in preschool aged children, particularly those who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, living with a disability, from low socioeconomic families and living in regional and remote areas. Structural barriers must be addressed to increase uptake of swimming lessons in preschool aged children, particularly in priority populations, to reduce drowning risk. SO WHAT?: Evidence-based policy initiatives, with robust evaluation, should seek to address the availability and flexibility of swimming lessons, including for priority populations; complexities associated with supervision requirements; poor awareness of parents/carers of the importance of swimming for preschool aged children and the lack of continuity of swimming for children in out of home care.

COMPARISON OF ORAL CLONIDINE AND ORAL MIDAZOLAM AS PRE-MEDICATION FOR PEDIATRIC SURGERY IN CHILDREN

Objectives: The objectives of the study are to compare the efficacy and safety of oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) and oral clonidine (3 μg/kg) as pre-medicant in pediatric age children undergoing surgical intervention. Methods: The present study was conducted at the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Medicine, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Postgraduate Institute, Indore (M.P.). We had included 60 children undergoing pediatric surgical intervention during the study period of 1–1/2 years of age 2–10 years. These children were randomized to receive either midazolam or clonidine. After obtaining consent from the parents, these children were included in the study. Pediatric separation anxiety score (PSAP) was used for the assessment of anxiety and mask acceptance scale was used for the assessment of mask acceptance. Comparison of means between the two groups was done using unpaired “t” test, and association between two non-parametric variables was done using Pearson Chi-square test. A p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The mean age in midazolam group was 5.50±3.18 years and in clonidine group was 5.56±4.44 years. The mean age was comparable between the two groups (p=0.954). In both groups, there was male predominance. Mask acceptance was also better in clonidine group compared to midazolam group (p=0.001). Sedation was more in clonidine group compared to midazolam group, but it was not statistically significant (p=0.136). Wake-up behaviors of the patients were comparable between the two groups (p=0.777). The hemodynamics were comparable between the two groups at majority of the time intervals (p>0.05). We found clonidine to be better in comparison to midazolam in providing sedation and patients were easily consolable compared to midazolam group patients. Conclusion: We conclude that clonidine as a pre-medicant in patients undergoing pediatric surgical intervention is better as compared to midazolam with slightly higher sedation in clonidine group. We recommend the use of clonidine as a pre-medicant in patients undergoing pediatric surgical intervention.

Formation of Elementary Mathematical Concepts in Junior Schoolchildren with Speech Impairment

The article presents the practical aspects of studying the formation of elementary mathematical representations in younger students with speech impairment. The specificity of elementary mathematical representations in younger schoolchildren with speech impairment is analyzed. During the experimental study, it was found that at the ascertaining stage of the experiment, children of primary school age with speech disorders showed low levels of formation of elementary mathematical representations. A program was developed that consists of three stages: preparatory, main and final. A feature of the main stage was the inclusion in the classes not only of tasks for the development of counting skills and mathematical representations, but also of motor exercises. At the control stage of the experiment, the indicators of the development of elementary mathematical representations became higher in the experimental group, which indicates the effectiveness of the use of a psycho-correction program aimed at the growth of elementary mathematical representations of children of primary school age with speech impairment.

Effect of zinc supplement on duration of acute watery diarrhea from 6 months to 5 year aged children.

Objective: To determine the effect of Zinc supplement on duration of acute watery diarrhea from 6 months to 5 year aged children. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Pediatric Unit, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, Pakistan. Period: 1st July 2022 to 31st December 2022. Material & Methods: A total of 100 children aged from 6 months to 5 years presenting with acute watery diarrhea were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 equal groups. In Group-A patients were given oral Zinc supplement at a dose of 20mg daily while in Group-B children were not given oral zinc supplement. Follow up visit was set on day 3 after start of treatment. Primary outcome was set as frequency of diarrheal episodes during 24 hours while the secondary outcome was character of stool. Results: The Mean±SD of age in this study was 13.51±6.27 months with an age range of 6-30 months. The ratio of male gender was higher than female (59% Vs 41%). Clinical outcomes showed a significant decrease in frequency of diarrheal episodes (3.88±1.11 vs 4.58±1.03, p=0.001) and in number of children with watery stool (42% vs 70%, p=0.05) in Group-A compared to group-B. Number of children recovering from diarrhea was higher in group-A compared to group-B (14% vs 2%, p=0.026). Conclusion: Zinc supplement significantly reduces frequency of diarrheal episodes and improves character of stool in children with acute watery diarrhea aged from 6 months to 5 year.

FRI050 A Cross-sectional Study Of Parental Outdoor Play Preferences And Association With Child Overweight And Obesity

Abstract Disclosure: I. Gavryutina: None. R. Bochner: None. V. Chin: None. R. Bargman: None. Background: Childhood obesity is highly prevalent among certain populations of New York City (NYC). Objectives: This cross-sectional study examined the associations between parental attitudes about outdoor activities and playground utilization on child overweight and obesity. Methods: A questionnaire was developed and distributed among parents of 1-13 aged children at ambulatory pediatric clinics in Brooklyn, New York. Parents were asked about time spent outdoors and factors, that can affect it, such as outdoor temperature, winter season, precipitation, concerns about overall safety and COVID-19. Anthropometric data was collected on children and demographic data on both children and parents. Children were divided into 2 groups - those above and below 85% of BMI and associations between parental outdoor play preferences and beliefs with pediatric overweight and obesity were studied. Unadjusted and adjusted relationships between outdoor play preferences and child with BMI ≥85% were analyzed. Results: Of 104 children included in the study 57 were of normal weight and 47 were overweight or obese. The parents of children in both groups were mostly immigrants. There was no statistically significant difference in child age, sex, race, ethnicity and birth country between children with BMI <85% and with BMI ≥85% (P > 0.05, NS). Most parents of children with BMI <85% reported frequent playground utilization, considered longer hours to spend outside on weekdays, reported a larger total temperature range for outdoor playground utilization and a lower tolerable minimum temperature compared to parents of children with BMI ≥85%, p<0.05. Only having a parent born outside of the US remained a significant predictor of overweight and obesity in the final model. Conclusions: Parents of children with BMI<85% are more willing to spend time outdoors, regardless of weather, tolerate wider temperature ranges and lower temperature minimums, have less concern about wet weather and their children are housebound for shorter periods. Immigrant parents are protective against overweight. Concern must be paid to factors that affect outdoor activity in cold climates and mitigation strategies developed to improve children’s health. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Assessment of the relationship between bilingualism indicators and indicators of cognitive and emotional development of children of senior preschool age

This article is devoted to assessing the relationship between indicators of bilingualism and indicators of cognitive and emotional development in preschool children. Various measures were used to assess the level of bilingualism, including active language proficiency, comprehension, and switching between languages. During the study, it was found that the level of auditory-verbal intelligence remained at an average level, although the level of visual working memory turned out to be higher in children studying in the Yakut language. Children who study in the Yakut language showed higher visual working memory scores. However, the levels of development of auditory-verbal working memory were at an average level. In children who study in the Yakut language, the auditory-verbal memory turned out to be lower compared to visual memory. In children studying in Russian, the auditory-verbal working memory was more highly developed, while the level of cognitive control associated with restraining momentary manifestations and reactions corresponded to the age norms. Physical control was at a fairly high level. Also, during the diagnostic process, data were obtained on the emotional development of children. Children who master the Russian language during the learning process showed better results.

The COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on family leisure activities of working parents with pre-school aged children

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdown in South Africa led to the closure of leisure spaces, and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, forcing parents who were non-essential employees to work from home. This created a crisis for families, with significant consequences for family leisure time and activities. This paper explored the impact of the pandemic for parents with pre-school aged children (PSAC) and aimed to identify changes to family leisure during this period. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires (n = 140) among parents at three selected ECD centres in Cape Town. The findings indicated that participants experienced higher emotional and tiredness levels because of the pandemic-induced changes, often neglecting themselves in their attempt to balance work, life and care for their PSAC, without their traditional support structures. The findings confirm a significant impact on family leisure, with leisure activities decreasing, and switching from outdoor, relational to home and family-based activities. The study identifies the type of leisure activities and changes caused by the pandemic and the effect it had on parents’ work-life balance and overall wellbeing.

Prevalence of Rotavirus, Adenovirus, and Hepatitis A Virus in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Somalia

Rotavirus, one of the viral infectious agents that is transmitted mainly through the fecal-oral route and spreads easily in regions with poor sanitation conditions, is the most common causative agent of acute gastroenteritis in children under five years of age worldwide, and enteric adenoviruses are other frequently encountered causative agents of gastroenteritis in childhood. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is also transmitted in similar routes and is endemic in regions with poor sanitation conditions and limited access to clean water and is usually acquired in early childhood in these regions. In this study conducted in Mogadishu Somalia, rotavirus and adenovirus antigen test (immunochromatographic rapid test) results in patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in the 9-month period between February 2019 and October 2019 and ELISA based HAV antibody test results studied in 2018-2019 were retrospectively examined and it was aimed to determine the distribution of positivity rates of these viruses by age, gender, and year. During the study period, 1136 patients (mean age 6.33±12.36) were tested for rotavirus and adenovirus antigens, and 362 patients (mean age 21.26±18.45) were tested for anti-HAV IgM/IgG antibodies. The positivity rates of rotavirus and adenovirus were found as 17.8% and 5.1%, respectively. The positivity rates of anti-HAV IgM and IgG antibodies were 26.5% and 85.4%. The age group with the highest rotavirus test positivity was babies under one year old (27.3%), positivity rate was also high in children aged 1-2 years old (20.9%), and this distribution was similar for adenovirus. Although a small number of patients were tested in under five years of age, anti-HAV IgG seropositivity was 60% and above in all age groups. The highest anti-HAV IgM positivity rates were observed in children 2-<5 and 5-15 years of age, 52.9% and 44% respectively. Rotavirus antigen positivity was found at high levels in the three-month period covering June, July, and August 2019. In July (2019), it was observed that the number of rotavirus and adenovirus antigen test requests were increased, and also, at the same time the highest positivity rates for both viruses were observed; 31.2% and 9.5% for rotavirus and adenovirus. Rotavirus and enteric adenovirus co-infection was detected in 2.4% (27/1136) of the patients, and 23 (85.2%) of these were under five years of age children. Our study results show that children under the age of two are especially affected by rotavirus and adenovirus infections in Somalia and indicate that HAV infections are acquired at an early childhood. We can say that it may be useful to review vaccination programs as an important public health measure to reduce the burden of mortality and morbidity associated with HAV and rotavirus, which have a high prevalence and also have protective vaccines.

Teaching programming and computational thinking in early childhood education: a case study of content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge.

Programming and computational thinking (CT) have been progressively incorporated into early childhood education to prepare children for the digital age. However, little is known about the content knowledge (CK) and pedagogical knowledge (PK) possessed by early childhood teachers in this domain. To address this gap, we conducted a case study of an early childhood teacher in China who had experience developing and implementing an unplugged programming and CT curriculum. The triangulation of data sources was established to collect evidence from videotaped observations, interviews, and lesson plans. For the CK, analysis of these findings revealed that the teacher had a more robust understanding of CT concepts (e.g., sequences, conditionals, and loops) compared to CT practices (e.g., decomposition, debugging) and CT perspectives (e.g., perseverance, choices of conduct). In terms of PK, the teacher could apply the general pedagogical knowledge but was relatively weak in using content-specific pedagogical knowledge. As the first endeavor to investigate an early childhood teacher's CK and PK in teaching programming and CT, this study provides significant implications for improving teachers' professional knowledge and teaching effectiveness in this burgeoning area.

Poisonous substances and geographical distribution of poisoning in hospitalized children based on data from 25 hospitals in China from 2016 to 2020

Objective: To investigate the poisonous substances and geographical distribution of poisoning in children in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study. The clinical data of 8 385 hospitalized children from January 2016 to December 2020 were extracted from the FUTang Updating Medical Records database. These children aged 0 to 18 years and were admitted due to poisoning. They were grouped according to age (newborns and infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, adolescents), place of residence (Northeast China, North China, Central China, East China, South China, Southwest China, Northwest China), and mode of discharge (discharge under medical advice, transfer to another hospital under medical advice, discharge without medical advice, death, other). The poisonous substance and causes of poisoning in different groups were analyzed. Results: Among these 8 385 children, 4 734 (56.5%) were male and 3 651 (43.5%) female, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.3∶1. The age was 3 (2, 7) years. The prevalence of poisoning was 51.8% (4 343/8 385) in toddlers, 16.5% (1 380/8 385) in adolescents, 14.8% (1 242/8 385) in preschoolers, 14.4% (1 206/8 385) in school-age children, and 2.5% (214/8 385) in newborns and infants. Drug poisoning accounted for 43.5% (3 649/8 385) and pesticide accounted for 26.8% (2 249/8 385). Drug poisoning was more common in adolescents (684/1 380, 49.6%) and toddlers (2 041/4 343, 47.0%); non-drug poisoning was more common in school-age children (891/1 206, 73.9%), of which carbon monoxide was mainly in newborns and infants (41/214, 19.2%) and food poisoning in children of school age (241/1 206, 20.0%). Regarding regional characteristics, drug poisoning was more frequent in South China (188/246, 64.2%) and non-drug poisoning was more frequent in Southwest China (815/1 123, 72.5%). For drugs, anti-epileptic drugs, sedative-hypnotic drugs and anti-Parkinson's disease drugs had a higher proportion of poisoning in North China (138/1 034, 13.0%) than that in other regions. For non-drug poisoning, pesticides (375/1 123, 33.3%), food poisoning (209/1 123, 18.6%) and contact with poisonous animals (86/1 123, 7.7%) were more common in Southwest China than in other regions; carbon monoxide poisoning was more common in North China (81/1 034, 7.6%) and Northwest China (65/1 064, 6.3%). In Central China, poisoning happened more in toddlers (792/1 295, 61.2%) and less in adolescents (115/1 295, 8.8%) than in other regions. Regarding different age groups, poisoning in adolescent happened more in Northeast China (121/457, 26.5%), North China (240/1 034, 23.2%), and Northwest China (245/1 064, 23.0%). The rate of discharge under medical advice, discharge without medical advice, and mortality rate within the 5 years were 77.0% (6 458/8 385), 20.8% (1 743/8 385), 0.5% (40/8 385), respectively. Conclusions: Poisoning is more common in male and toddlers. Poisonous substances show a regional characteristic and vary in different age groups, with drugs and insecticides as the most common substances.

Trends in the prevalence of common ocular conditions and comparison of ophthalmic outpatient utilisation related to these conditions in children with and without various types of disabilities: analysis of nationwide population-based data from Taiwan, 2014–2019

ObjectiveThe study objectives were to investigate trends in the prevalence of common ocular conditions among children with and without disabilities; to compare the prevalence of these conditions in children with...

Experiences and Attitudes of Parents about Children’s Free Time at Children’s Sports Playgrounds

The importance of children’s stay at children’s playgrounds is important for the overall development of children. Numerous studies support children’s stay at playgrounds to develop social, cognitive, and psychomotor skills. The goal of this study was to determine the attitudes of parents of early and preschool children about children’s stay at playgrounds and parents’ experiences with the equipment of children’s playgrounds. Also, this study aims to correlate factors that affects children´s visit to playground. For the research, a questionnaire was constructed that contains units that examine the equipment of children’s playgrounds, attitudes about the frequency of visits to children’s playgrounds, and attitudes about the importance of visiting children’s playgrounds. The research is carried out online and includes the population of parents of children of early and preschool age in the Republic of Croatia. The results of this research show the proximity of children’s playgrounds, from 100 to 250 meters, to the respondent’s place of residence. In all regions, the greatest availability is space for jogging and walking, while the least available space is for table tennis. Multiple regression analysis showed a statistically significant correlation of R=0.45 between visiting children’s playgrounds and parents’ attitudes and opinions about children’s playgrounds. Our results show that the distance of children´s playgrounds largely depends on their attendance, but their equipment is not important for children’s physical activity.

THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN'S SPEECH DEVELOPMENT

Reforms in the education system and the law on the state language require changes in the methodology and practice of forming children's speech, in particular, developing the speech of older children of preschool age. These changes are reflected in normative educational and methodological literature to a certain extent. However, they need to be approached critically from the point of view of current requirements. Most of the Methodist scientists correctly emphasize the conditions for the development of children's speech in kindergartens.

Are children with gallstone disease more overweight? Results of a matched case-control analysis.

Gallstone disease (GD) is increasingly common among children, possibly caused by an unhealthy food environment and the associated unhealthy lifestyle. In this study, we investigate the association between body weight and gallstone risk in a cohort of prospectively recruited children with GD. We analysed 188 children with gallstones (50.0% girls, median age 9.8 years) and 376 children without stones who were age- and gender-matched to cases in a ratio of 2:1. Cases were prospectively recruited at three Polish university centres (Warsaw, Katowice and Bialystok). Gallstones were diagnosed by either abdominal sonography or by a history of cholecystectomy. Matched controls without gallstones were selected from 22,412 children taking part in nationally representative polish health surveys (OLA and OLAF studies) which provided height and weight data for randomly selected pre-school (2.5-6 years) and school aged (7-18 years) children and adolescents. Analysis of the age- and gender-matched cases and controls demonstrated that patients with GD had significantly higher BMI (P = 0.02) and BMI z-score (P < 0.01) than children without stones. Children with gallstones were more frequently overweight (35.6%, P < 0.01) and obese (12.2%, P < 0.01) than controls (18.4% and 6.7%, respectively). Regression analyses showed that BMI, BMI z-score, overweight and obesity were all associated with increased GD risk (all P < 0.05). Overweight and obesity are common in children with cholelithiasis. Given the prevalence obesity in children we should expect an increasing prevalence of gallstones and stone-related complications in youths and in adults.

Feeding practices and nutritional status of children (6-23 months) in an urban area of Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

Background: The first 1,000 days of a child’s life is a critical window for growth faltering, deficiencies, and common childhood illnesses. Even with optimum breastfeeding, children 6-23 months are at higher risk of being undernourished if they do not receive adequate and appropriate complementary feeding. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the nutritional status of children 6-23 months and find the association between sociodemographic profile and nutritional status. Materials and Methods: Mothers of 411 children of age 6–23 months in an urban area of Raipur were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire based on the WHO indicators to record their complementary feeding practices. Weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was taken to assess the nutritional status. Overall and specific (sex-wise and severity-wise) prevalence rate of stunting, wasting, and underweight were calculated. The distribution of these according to various factors like infant and young child feeding practices, and details of study subject and family were calculated. Chi-square test of significance was applied to find the association between nutritional status and independent variables and their strength of association. Results: The prevalence of wasting was 25%, underweight 30%, and stunting 15%. Statistically significant association of underweight with age of the parents, both mother and father, was observed (P &lt; 0.05). Minimum dietary diversity was achieved by only 4.1% and minimum acceptable diet by 2.4% children. Conclusions: The prevalence of wasting and undernutrition was assessed. Complementary feeding indicators were unsatisfactory among children. Ending all forms of malnutrition is the global goal. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that directly affect or indirectly influence nutrition have to be recalled at this stage and addressing malnutrition is a key element required to achieving them.

Relation between Parenting Style of Primary School Age Children and their Psychosocial Behaviors

Relation between Parenting Style of Primary School Age Children and their Psychosocial Behaviors

Effectiveness of educational guidelines about social media misuse and electronic extortion on knowledge, attitudes and digital skills of school age children

Effectiveness of educational guidelines about social media misuse and electronic extortion on knowledge, attitudes and digital skills of school age children

Schistosoma haematobium infection and morbidity risk factors for pre-school age children in western Angola: A knowledge, attitudes and practices survey.

Urogenital schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a poverty-related disease conditioned by behavioural practices. Our objective is to evaluate the awareness, mindset and habits about urogenital schistosomiasis in the community of Cubal (Angola), as well as its association with infection and urinary tract morbidity in pre-school age children. A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitudes and practices at home was conducted between February and May 2022 with 250 participants. Overall, 93.6% of those surveyed had some prior knowledge about schistosomiasis and, among all the symptoms associated with this disease, blood in the urine was the best known (54.4%). Nevertheless, 57.6% obtained a medium knowledge score. Regarding attitude, the majority of respondents had a high attitude score (79.2%) with 96.0% willing to participate in mass drug administration campaigns. Laundry in the river was the most common risk practice (61.2%) and 55.2% out of the total were classified with a low practice score. Low knowledge about symptoms and transmission by caregivers was the outstanding risk factor for infection in pre-school age children (OR = 16.93, 95%CI: 3.93-72.82), and lack of knowledge that avoiding entering the river prevents schistosomiasis was the main risk factor for morbidity in PSAC (OR = 8.14, 95%CI: 1.14-58.25).