Parental Assessment Research Articles

Assessment of Parents' Knowledge about Home Health Care Management to Children with Beta Thalassemia Major

Thalassemia is a hereditary condition that affects the formation of globin chains. Beta thalassemia is characterized by either a total loss of manufacture globin (β-thalassemia major) or a partial loss of globin manufacture (β-thalassemia minor). This type of inherited anemias is found in Mediterranean and Southeast Asian communities. Objective: Assessment of parents' knowledge regarding home health care management related to children with β-Thalassemia Major. Methodology: A descriptive study design was carried out at Thalassemia Center in Al-Najaf City during the periods 25 ͭͪ February 2021 to 15 ͭͪ March 2022. Non-probability (purposive) sample of (35) parents were selected from thalassemia center (22 mothers and 13 fathers). Results: The finding shows that 77.1% of parents are resident in urban. The monthly income, over than half (54.3%) of parents consider their income to be barely sufficient. The sources of information about disease among parents; (88.6%) of parents are getting information from medical team. The parents are demonstrating poor knowledge level in most domains about home health care management of child with beta thalassemia major. Conclusion: The current study shows that there is a significant inadequacy in the parents' knowledge of the child with beta thalassemia major. Recommendation: Providing educational guidelines, posters, pamphlets and manuals about thalassemia and should be available at each parents in wards and encourage parents to get use from them.

Blended Learning Modality in the New Normal Inputs Localized Learning Management System Proposal

Blended learning is the combination of online distant learning being used in the schools. In the city where connectivity is proven, there are students who can adapt and yet there are also students who do not have a connectivity. In this way problem arises. We asked parents about this platform and from the parents themselves agreed from the school survey favored the digital modular learning. But in other localities preferred other modalities of learning. A lot of research involves teachers but seldom on the parents’ side. This is the researcher’s attempt to hear from the side of the parents and be a contributor to the effectiveness of Blended learning modality in Rizal High School.
 This study aimed to determine the Blended Learning Modality in the new normal and propose an input localized learning management system in the school. Specifically, it sought to answers the following problems: 1) what is the profile of parents’ respondents in terms of the following variables: Age; Educational background; Type of Internet connection; Gadget Access at home? 2) What is the assessment of respondents in the blended learning modality of the school in terms of the following variables: Platform & Support and Governance and Challenges encountered in the blended learning modality by the group of respondents? 3.) Is there significant relationship in the assessment of parents towards blended learning modality in terms of type of internet connection they have at home? 4. What proposal from the parents as inputs in the localized blended learning modality of Rizal High School? The descriptive method of research employed in this study. The subjects of the study were the parents at Rizal High School primarily the researcher’s handled section.

Preliminary study of the social withdrawal (hikikomori) spectrum in French adolescents: focusing on the differences in pathology and related factors compared with Japanese adolescents

BackgroundSocial withdrawal (hikikomori) has become an internationally recognized phenomenon, but its pathology and related factors are not yet fully known. We previously conducted a statistical case-control study on adolescent patients with hikikomori in Japan, which revealed the non-specificity of pathology in patients with hikikomori. Further, environmental factors, such as the lack of communication between parents and Internet overuse, were found to be significant predictors of hikikomori severity. Here, we aimed to conduct a similar preliminary case-control study in France and to compare the results with those from the study conducted in Japan.MethodsParents of middle school students who underwent psychiatric outpatient treatment for hikikomori (n = 10) and control group parents (n = 115) completed the Child Behavior Checklist to evaluate their child’s psychopathological characteristics and the Parental Assessment of Environment and Hikikomori Severity Scales, as in our previous study in Japan. We compared the descriptive statistics and intergroup differences in France with those from the previous study conducted in Japan. In the multiple regression analysis to find predictors of hikikomori severity in French and also Japanese subjects, the same dependent and independent variables were chosen for the present study (both differed from the previous study). These were used in order to make accurate intercountry comparisons.ResultsThe comparisons revealed no differences in the pathology of hikikomori between Japan and France. Specifically, both studies found similarly increased scores for all symptom scales, with no specific bias. However, the statistical predictors of hikikomori severity in France (lack of communication between parents and child and lack of communication with the community) differed from those in Japan (lack of communication between parents).ConclusionHikikomori in Japan and France could be considered essentially the same phenomenon; moreover, our findings demonstrated the universal non-specificity and unbiasedness of the hikikomori pathology. This suggests that hikikomori is not a single clinical category with a specific psychopathology; instead, it is a common phenotype with various underlying pathologies. However, different strategies may be required in each country to prevent the onset and progression of hikikomori.

The Perception and Experience of Parents of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate Concerning the Use Pre-Surgical Infant Orthopedics: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: A transitory period prior to the surgical correction of cleft lip and palate (CLP) is associated with adverse impacts, which may require a medical intervention. Pre-surgical infant orthopedics (PSIO) is deemed to reduce the functional and psychological burden, offering a transition until the definite surgical intervention. Aim: To assess the attitude of Iraqi mothers concerning the application and management of pre-surgical orthopedic appliances in children with cleft lip and palate, taking consideration of the mothers’ occupational status. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in the College of Dentistry at Baghdad University from 5 January 2020 to 4 December 2021. A questionnaire form was validated based on existing data related to the assessment of parents’ satisfaction concerning PSIO. Results: A concern related to the impression procedure was reported by a minority of the participants (6.8%) and it was associated mainly to the perceptions of housewives’ vs. working mothers (p < 0.05). The perceived infants’ discomfort during the impression procedure reported at 11.9% was significantly associated with housewives’ status (p < 0.05). In general, the vast majority of respondents considered the impression as being non-invasive (96.6%). Most mothers found no difficulties in following the instructions of the specialist regarding the insertion of the PSIO and/or taping the elastic bands (62.7%). Respondents believed that CLP infants routinely require PSIO treatment. Interestingly, only a minority of mothers performed an Internet search to look for information about PSIO (7%). The majority indicated the PSIO treatment as beneficial for their infant and a substantial proportion of respondents were satisfied with the outcomes of PSIO, encouraging other parents to consent the PSIO treatment. Conclusion: In general, mothers broadly acknowledged the primary concept of PSIO and accepted the proposed treatment, with a positive attitude towards pre-surgical CLP management, regardless their socio-economic status. They seemed to understand well the expected benefits of PSIO, including feeding improvement, normalization of speech, and optimization of future surgical outcomes.

Risks of Social Exclusion Among Children in ECEC Settings: Assessments by Parents and ECEC Teachers

Recognizing children at risk of social exclusion (RSE) is one of the key prerequisites for providing direct and appropriate support to children and their families. Timely and proper identification of children at RSE requires collaborative and team-based assessments that include standardized procedures outlined in protocols to accommodate child personality, family factors, and other needs. The objective of the research is to analyze the capacities of early childhood education and care (ECEC) teachers to assess the RSE of children by comparing their assessment with the assessment of parents. We used the data about 443 children between 5 and 7 years of age who were attending 10 ECEC institutions in Croatia. Children were assessed with two versions of the questionnaire. Data were analyzed on a descriptive level, and Cohen’s kappa coefficient was used to determine the agreement between parents’ assessments and ECEC teachers’ assessments. It was found that at least 30% of children in Croatian ECEC institutions had one or more RSE. The results indicate a low proportion of children at RSE recognized both by parents and by ECEC teachers. The Croatian ECEC teachers are not familiar with information that is important for a child’s development, such as poverty, quality of family relationships, and involvement in specialized treatments. These data highlight the need to improve the capacity of Croatian ECEC teachers to participate in the process of assessing the RSE of children.

Результаты мониторинга здоровья детей дошкольного возраста в Вологодской области: педагогическая интерпретация

. Introduction. The health status of the child population depends on many factors. If in infancy and early age, biomedical and social factors have a greater influence, then in preschool, the family's lifestyle and standard of living, the quality of medical care become more important. The relevance of an in-depth study of the health of preschool children is also due to the fact that there are no allocated data on morbidity from 3 to 6 years in official statistics. Accordingly, it is not possible to analyze the age-specific characteristics of the child's health and development. Therefore, it becomes necessary to study this topic using sociological methods. Considering that the majority of children, from 3 to 6 years old, attend preschool educational institutions, the purpose of the study was to assess the quality of medical care for preschool children in Vologda Oblast. Materials and Methods: in 2017-2020, within the framework of the monitoring "Study of the conditions for the formation of a healthy generation", the object was families with children from 0 to 18 years old living in the Vologda region. Results. The publication presents the selective results of assessing the opinions of parents about health, the organization of medical care for children from 3 to 6 years old, a cohort born in 2014. The conducted research allows us to draw the following conclusions: parents and pediatricians note a low level of health of preschool children. At the same time, satisfaction with medical services in the assessments of parents shows the presence of certain problems: low availability and high cost of drugs. One of the reasons for this situation is the withdrawal from the state of the educational organization of medical workers.

Patient-reported outcomes in a Chinese cohort of osteogenesis imperfecta unveil psycho-physical stratifications associated with clinical manifestations

BackgroundOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare congenital disorder of the skeletal system, inflicting debilitating physical and psychological distress on patients and caregivers. Over the decades, much effort has been channeled towards understanding molecular mechanisms and developing new treatments. It has recently become more apparent that patient-reported outcome measurements (PROM) during treatment, healing and rehabilitation are helpful in facilitating smoother communication, refining intervention strategies and achieving higher quality of life. To date, systematic analyses of PROM in OI patients remain scarce.ResultsHere, utilizing a PROM Information System, we report a cross-sectional and longitudinal study in a southern Chinese cohort of 90 OI patients, covering both the child and adult age-groups. In the child group where both self and parental surveys were obtained, we identified two clusters of comparable sizes showing different outlooks in physical mobility and emotional experiences. One cluster (Cluster 1) is more negative about themselves than the other (Cluster 2). A concordance of 84.7% between self and parental assessments was recorded, suggesting the stability and validity of PROM-based stratification. Clinical subtyping, deformity, leg length discrepancy, and limited joint mobility were significantly associated with this stratification, with Cluster 1 showing higher percentages of severe phenotypes than Cluster 2. Since OI is a genetic disorder, we performed genetic testing on 72 of the 90 patients, but found no obvious association between genotypes and the PROM stratification. Analyses of longitudinal data suggested that patients tended to stay in the same psychological state, in both clusters. Adult patients also showed a continuous spectrum of self-evaluation that matches their clinical manifestations.ConclusionBy systematically analyzing patient-reported outcomes, our study demonstrated the link between the sociopsychological wellbeing of OI patients, and their clinical manifestations, which may serve as the basis for evaluating clinical interventions and help achieve better patient-centric medical practices. The lack of genotype-PROM association may be due to the diverse mutational spectrum in OI, which warrants further investigation when a larger sample size is available.

ADHD misdiagnosis: Causes and mitigators.

ADHD diagnoses increase discontinuously by a child's school starting age, with young-for-grade students having much higher ADHD diagnostic rates. Whether these higher rates reflect over-diagnosis or under-diagnosis remains unknown. To decompose this diagnostic discrepancy, we exploit differences in parent and teacher pre-diagnostic assessments within a regression discontinuity strategy based on school starting age. We show that being young-for-grade or male generates over-assessment of symptoms specifically from teacher assessment. However, under-assessments of the oldest students in a grade, especially the oldest females, account for a large part of the observed school starting age assessment gap. We argue that this difference by sex and higher school starting age effects in lower-income schools may exacerbate known gaps in educational attainment by gender and socioeconomic status. Importantly, we fail to find evidence that teachers who receive special education training make such errors.

Psychological adjustment in disclosing and non-disclosing heterosexual-couple families following conception with oocytes or spermatozoa from identity-release donors

Research questionIs there a relationship between disclosure and psychological adjustment in heterosexual-couple families following oocyte donation and sperm donation when the child is 7 years old? DesignThis was a cross-sectional study of heterosexual couples with 7- to 8-year-old children conceived with identity-release oocyte donation (n = 83, response rate 56%) or sperm donation (n = 113, response rate 65%). Participants individually completed instruments for the assessment of parents’ emotional distress (HADS), parenting stress (SPSQ) and relationship quality (ENRICH), and their child's psychological adjustment (SDQ-Swe) and reported whether they had talked with their child about their donor conception. ResultsAbout half of parents had talked with their child about their donor conception (oocyte donation 61%, sperm donation 58%). Separate analyses for mothers and fathers showed no main effects of disclosure or type of donation on the outcomes, nor were there any interaction effects. Overall, mothers and fathers in oocyte donation and sperm donation families were found to be well adjusted, reporting within-normal range levels of anxiety, depression and parental stress, and a high relationship quality. The children were well adjusted, with low levels of emotional and behavioural problems. ConclusionsOverall, the present results confirm previous research indicating that early disclosure of the donor conception to children is not associated with negative outcomes for parents or children. Heterosexual couples using oocyte or sperm donation should be informed that disclosure when the child is 7–8 years old is not detrimental to the psychological adjustment of families.

Motivational interviewing versus conventional caries prevention strategies in high-caries-risk children and families: a non-randomised trial.

Background This study compared the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) and conventional caries prevention (CCP) for primary (caries increment) and secondary outcomes (caries intensity, gingival health, caregiver-reported oral health-related knowledge, behaviours and attitudes) over 12 months.Methods High-caries-risk children and caregivers received CCP or MI with comprehensive dental care. Fidelity was monitored using MI treatment integrity code 4.2.1. Caries increment, intensity and gingival health were measured at baseline, six and twelve months. Readiness Assessment of Parents Concerning Infant Dental Decay questionnaires recorded oral health-related knowledge, behaviours and attitudes.Results In total, 86 caregiver-child dyads (CCP = 51; MI = 35) were recruited. The mean difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) in caries increment (ΔdICDAS1-6mfs + DICDAS1-6MFS) was significantly higher with MI compared to CCP at six (MI 2.3 [1.2, 3.5] vs CCP 0.6 [0.1, 1.0]; p <0.001) and twelve (MI 4.3 [2.5, 6.0] vs CCP 1.2 [0.6, 1.8]; p <0.001) months. Multivariate analysis with CCP as reference group, odds ratio (95% CI) for new/progressed caries (Δdecayed, missing and filled surface score [permanent] + decayed, missing and filled surface score [primary] >0) at six and twelve months were 18.2 (4.0, 81.7); p <0.001 and 12.6 (3.3, 47.8); p <0.001, respectively. The MI group reported positive behaviours and attitudes.Conclusions CCP was more effective in reducing caries increment when behaviour change technique was incorporated into the preventative strategies as per current paediatric dentistry guidelines.

L1 and L2 vocabulary and word combinations of preschool children from migrant families in Italy

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the L1 and L2 linguistic profiles of preschool bilingual children of migrants, to compare the evaluations of their parents and teachers, and to identify the children with low L2 lexical skills. Method: The expressive vocabulary and word combinations of these bilingual children were assessed with the MacArthur Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MB-CDI) short-form questionnaire, by both parents, to evaluate L1 and L2-Italian, and teachers, to evaluate L2. Interviews were carried out with the parents to collect the demographic and linguistic variables. Data and analysis: The sample comprised 60 preschool bilingual children of migrants (chronological age: 37–62 months) with 15 first language (L1) minority backgrounds, and exposed to L2-Italian. A total of 60 families and 44 nursery school teachers also participated. Conclusion: Almost two-thirds (61.4%) of these preschool bilingual children of migrants showed greater expressive vocabulary in L2 than L1. The children’s word combinations were advanced in L2 in 84.8%, and in L1 in 27.1%. Parents attributed higher language skills in L2-Italian to their children than teachers, although assessments of parents and teachers were correlated. Almost a quarter of the children (24.6%) showed low lexical skills in L2, which is explained by shorter exposure time to L2 at school. Originality: The characteristics of the L1 and L2 linguistic profiles of preschool bilingual children have been little studied to date, although these children are increasingly present in school contexts. There is the need to identify children who are slow in acquisition of L2, along with the contextual-linguistic factors that explain this slowed language acquisition. Implications: The availability of a relevant and rapid tool (MB-CDI questionnaire) to estimate knowledge in L1 and L2 that is suitable for migrant parents and teachers provides important information for assessment of the L2 skills of such bilingual children of migrants.

RARE-03. Vision-related quality of life in patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma – results of KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2000 / 2007

Abstract BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) has become a critical component of therapeutic outcomes in the survivors of childhood-onset adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (CP) patients. Visual deficiency adversely affects daily functioning and QoL. This study aimed to report the vision-related QoL and associated factors in CP patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 120 CP patients recruited between 2001 and 2019 in KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2000/2007 were included in this study. Mean age at CP diagnosis was 10 years (range: 1.3-16.8 years); age at study was 18 years (range: 6-33 years). The primary outcome measures were QoL assessed by PEDQOL, functional capacity measured by Fertigkeitenskala Münster-Heidelberg ability scale and risk factors associated with decreased QoL during 3 years follow-up in CP patients with and without visual impairment (VI). RESULTS: The most common presenting symptoms were headache (42%), VI (20%), and growth retardation (12%). After diagnosis, VI defined as visual acuity less than 20/40, was found in 87 (70%) patients. Ophthalmologic examination and PEDQOL score were evaluated at three months, one year, and 3 years after CP diagnosis. A difference in the parental assessment of CP patient social functioning within the family was found between patients with and without VI in the first year (48 vs. 39, p=0.017) and third year (43 vs. 37, p=0.011). For the PEDQOL domain autonomy, a difference in self- (51 vs. 45, p=0.029) and parental (47 vs. 42, p=0.048) assessment was observed 3 years after diagnosis. In terms of risk factors, tumor volume more than 21 mm3, incomplete tumor resection and optic atrophy at initial presentation were associated with VI during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: VI has an impact on QoL after CP. Accordingly, early detection of VI, together with the assessment of the patient’s QoL and the provision of adequate support during follow-up plays an important role in minimizing adverse late effects after CP.

A Comparative Study of Adolescent Social Withdrawal (Hikikomori) in Japan and France

IntroductionPreviously, we conducted a statistical case-control study of adolescent Hikikomori patients in Japan using the Parental Assessment of Psychological, Behavioral and Environment Scales. That study did not reveal any pathologies specific to Hikikomori patients. On the other hand, environmental factors such as “lack of communication between parents” and “overuse of the Internet” were shown to be significant predictors of Hikikomori severity.ObjectivesIn this study, using the same methodology as our previous study in Japan, we conducted a case-control study in France. The following questions were examined : (1) whether the pathology of Hikikomori patients in Japan and France is the same, and (2) whether the environmental factors associated with the severity of Hikikomori are the same in Japan and France.MethodsUsing CBCL and our original scales, we descriptive-statistically compared clinical and subclinical psycho-behavioral characteristics of adolescent Hikikomori patients and a control group. In addition, environmental factors that make Hikikomori more severe were clarified by multiple regression analysis.ResultsThe results showed that there was no difference in the pathology of Hikikomori between Japan and France. On the other hand, the statistical predictors of Hikikomori severity were “lack of communication between parents and children” and “Lack of communication with the community,” which differed from those in Japan.ConclusionsAlthough it is safe to assume that Japanese and French Hikikomori’s pathology is generally the same, different strategies may be needed to prevent the onset of Hikikomori and to stop it from becoming severe.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Evaluation of the content of assessment frameworks used for screening prospective foster parents in the north west province, South Africa

Purpose of the study: To propose a universal assessment and screening framework for prospective foster carers within Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and Ruth Mompati districts in the North-West Province, South Africa.&#x0D; Methodology: This study used a quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach, principally directed by an evaluation paradigm. The above-mentioned strategy was backed by the adoption of a cross-sectional survey design (Creswell, 2014). The researchers were able to quantify the degree of agreement between two or more respondents thanks to the fully-crossed design. To examine the inter-rater agreement of the five specified assessment frameworks, data were collected from respondents at one point in time using a self-developed, paper-based survey using a 5-point Likert scale.&#x0D; Main Findings: As seen by differences in sample frameworks according to the quantitative component of this study, there is a lack of standardization in the use of assessment frameworks during the screening and assessment of potential foster parents. Furthermore, these frameworks were not always subjected to scientific scrutiny and best practice evaluation.&#x0D; Applications of the study: There is a need to standardize processes that will lead to higher-quality practices and client services in the long run. This research will help to develop a consistent, uniform baseline framework for assessing foster placements, as well as identify viable screening instruments and improve the structure of assessment processes. &#x0D; Novelty/Originality of the study: This research proposes that by identifying ideal framework elements and gathering information regarding them in existing assessment frameworks, evidence-based practice in foster care, specifically in the screening and assessment of potential foster parents, can be improved.

Validation of the Assessment of Parent and Child Adversity (APCA) in Mothers and Young Children

ABSTRACT Objective Advancing understanding of how early adversity arises, manifests, and contributes to health difficulties depends on accurate measurement of children’s experiences. In early life, exposure to adversity is often intertwined with that of one’s caregivers. We present preliminary psychometric properties of a novel measure of adversity, the Assessment of Parent and Child Adversity (APCA), which simultaneously characterizes parents’ and children’s adversity. Methods During pregnancy, women reported their past adverse experiences. When their children were ages 3–5 years (47% female), 97 mothers (71% White, 17% Hispanic/Latinx) completed the APCA, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the Benevolent Childhood Experiences scale. They reported their current symptoms of depression and anxiety and their child’s emotional and behavioral problems. Using the APCA, we distinguished between maternal adversity during different life periods and obtained metrics of child witnessing of and direct exposure to adversity. Results The APCA demonstrated validity with other measures of maternal adverse experiences, maternal positive childhood experiences, and maternal symptoms of psychopathology. Children whose mothers experienced greater adversity, particularly in the prenatal period, had more emotional and behavioral problems, as did children who were directly exposed to greater adversity. Conclusions The APCA has good usability and validity. Leveraging the ability of the APCA to distinguish between adversity during different life stages and originating from different sources, our findings highlight potentially distinct effects of different aspects of maternal and child adversity on difficulties in maternal and child mental health.

Community views on ‘Can perinatal services safely identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma?’

AbstractFamily and extended kinship systems which nurture healthy, happy children are central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Since colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have been impacted by intergenerational cycles of trauma, stemming from colonial violence, genocidal policies and discrimination, including the forced removal of children from their families. Becoming a parent offers a unique life‐course opportunity for trauma recovery and preventing intergenerational trauma. However, identifying or ‘recognising’ complex trauma carries significant risk of harm for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents due to reactive prenatal child protection involvement potentially compounding experiences of trauma, and limited benefits due to lack of culturally appropriate support. The Aboriginal‐led participatory Healing the Past by Nurturing the Future project aims to co‐design safe, accessible and feasible perinatal awareness, recognition, assessment and support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma. This paper presents views of 38 workshop participants to determine prerequisites for ensuring benefits outweigh risks of assessment to safely recognise parents experiencing complex trauma, consistent with screening criteria. Six essential elements were identified from thematic analysis: high‐quality holistic care; cultural, social and emotional safety; empowerment, choice and control; flexible person‐centred approaches; trusting relationships; and sensitive, skilled communication.Key Practitioner Messages The impacts of colonisation and rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait children in out‐of‐home care mean that there can be a myriad of issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents with regard to perinatal child protection involvement. The benefits must outweigh the risks of identifying parents experiencing complex trauma. Assessment must be offered within foundations of supportive relationships and holistic care in culturally‐safe, empowering settings, where choices are respected and skilled communication approaches are used.

PARENTAL BELIEFS ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN’S EXPRESSION OF NEGATIVE EMOTIONS: REEXAMINING THE FACTORIAL STRUCTURE OF TWO MEASURES AND THEIR DISCRIMINANT VALIDITY

The Display of Negative Emotions scale and The Social Consequences Of Negative Emotions scale are two understudied questionnaires that assess parents’ emotion beliefs about their children’s expression of negative emotions. Therefore, the aims of this study were to ascertain the factorial structure of both questionnaires, to reexamine the internal consistency of each instrument’s scales, and to assess the age- and gender-related discriminant validity of the measures. The two questionnaires were administered by a web-based survey to a sample of 253 Portuguese mothers with children of elementary school age (6–12 years). A two-factor solution (expression of submissive emotions, expression of dominant emotions) was preferred for the first questionnaire, and a single-factor solution emerged for the second questionnaire. Both measures revealed good internal consistency, but while the former was able to identify gender differences, the latter discriminated between age groups. The simultaneous use of these questionnaires is recommended for an informative assessment of parents’ beliefs about their children’s expression of negative emotions.

Assessment of parents´ knowledge regarding phenylketonuria and its affecting factors: a cross-sectional study.

Introductionthe management of phenylketonuria (PKU) is complex. Practical skills and knowledge of individuals taking care of PKU patients are important for treatment compliance. This study investigated parents´ knowledge about PKU and its affecting factors. The study group consisted of 62 parents of PKU patients.Methodsdata were collected using a ready-made questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, PKU and dietary treatment. Total knowledge score (KS) was calculated by giving 5 points for each correct answer.Resultsthe study included 34 mothers and 28 fathers; 90.3% of patients were diagnosed during the newborn screening program, 6.5% between ages 1 and 2, and 3.2% at age 6 or after. Among all, 38.7% presented to their follow-up appointments with their mothers, 61.3% with both their parents and none with their father alone. Mothers answered all questions more accurately than fathers. Mothers´ and fathers´ mean KSs were 73.97 ± 12.72 and 53.04 ± 22.25, respectively. The highest KS was obtained among parents whose children were 13 years of age or older.Conclusionthe presence of another family member, parents´ education level, working status and professional qualifications, previous training on PKU and family´s economic status were the affecting factors. Creating a PKU dietary plan requires knowledge and diligence. Patients and their parents should be periodically informed about the disease and dietary treatment in order to increase their level of knowledge.

Parent and Teacher Assessments of Social-Emotional Competence in Three-Year-Old Children: Does Sibling Status Matter?

Valid information on early social-emotional competence is essential to diagnose, treat, and prevent behavioral problems in children and adolescents. Particularly in young children, social-emotional competence is frequently measured using parent and teacher ratings that frequently exhibit low agreement. Therefore, the present study on n = 532 three-year-olds (47% girls) examined whether sibling status might explain discrepancies between the two informant groups. First, multi-trait multi-informant analyses explored the construct validity of a short measure of three facets of social-emotional competence. Then, group comparisons evaluated the size of the observed method effects for only children and children with siblings. Results showed low convergent validity between parent and teacher ratings for aggressive behavior, cooperative behavior, and emotional self-regulation. Sibling status in the family contributed little to the observed discrepancies between parents and teachers. Thus, a comprehensive assessment of social-emotional competence in children requires a multi-informant approach to capture the construct breadth.

Obesity in Polish Children and Parents' Perception of Their Children's Weight Status: The Results of the SOPKARD-Junior Study.

One way to counteract the spread of obesity in children is its early recognition by parents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether parents’ perception of their children’s BMI category was consistent with their actual BMI assessment and to determine potential influential factors. The study was conducted as part of the “A program for the early detection of risk factors for lifestyle diseases SOPKARD-Junior” (SOPKARD-Junior), a preventive health program implemented in public elementary schools from 2017 to 2019. The results from 381 children with a mean age of 11.67 (SD = 1.52) were analyzed. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Surveys were conducted to assess parents’ perceptions of their child’s weight, along with their sociodemographic status. Nearly one in three parents were unable to correctly identify their children’s weight; 25.0% underestimated it, and 6.0% overestimated it. Underestimation was observed along with an increase in the children’s BMI weight category, with as many as 57.1% of parents of obese children misclassifying their weight. The child’s BMI was the only significant predictor of incorrect assessment. Polish parents cannot properly assess their children’s BMI, especially when their child is overweight or obese. In children, weight and height measurements should be taken regularly, rather than allowing weight category to be dependent upon parental weight assessments.