Parental Awareness Research Articles

Discrepancy of human papillomavirus vaccine uptake and intent between girls 9–14 and their mothers in a pilot region of Shanghai, China

ABSTRACT Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake remains low in China, especially among girls. Recently, China has initiated a pilot program on HPV immunization for girls aged 9–14 years. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in Minhang district of Shanghai, a pilot region for the program, to investigate HPV vaccination status among mothers and their daughters 9–14. A total of 1031 parents and 1122 daughters 9–14 were included. Of them, 18.6% of mothers and 4.5% of daughters had been vaccinated with HPV vaccines or made an appointment; additionally, 62.7% and 78.4% intended to receive vaccination but did not make an appointment. Notably, 6.2% of parents did not intend to receive vaccination for themselves (or their wives) but intended to vaccinate their daughters. Moreover, we calculated parental knowledge and awareness scores toward HPV infection and vaccination. Both scores were significantly higher among the parents who had received HPV vaccination than those who intended to across mothers’ vaccination status (P < .001 for knowledge and P = .019 for awareness), whereas similar between the two groups across daughters’ vaccination status (P = .694 and P = .737). Parents believed mothers had a significantly higher susceptibility to HPV infection and lower health consequences, compared to daughters 9–12 (P = .002 and P < .001) or those 13–14 (both P < .001). In conclusion, HPV vaccine uptake remains a discrepancy between mothers and their daughters 9–14. However, their intents to receive HPV vaccination were both high. Parental knowledge and awareness may improve vaccination intent for daughters 9–14 in China. It warrants a certain health education toward susceptibility to HPV infection and health consequences.

Examination of STEM Parent Awareness in the Transition from Preschool to Primary School

This study, which aims to examine STEM parent awareness in the transition from preschool to primary school, used a survey model, one of the quantitative research designs. The study group consisted of 400 parents with children aged 5–7 years (preschool and primary school age) who participated in the study voluntarily from different provinces of Turkey. The STEM Parent Awareness Scale, was used to collect data. The STEM Parent Awareness Scale evaluated parents’ STEM awareness in knowledge and attitude. Data collection took place online using volunteer participants. Data analysis consisted of descriptive analyses using quantitative data and MANOVA to analyze the STEM awareness of parents with preschool children and the STEM awareness of parents with children in primary school. Data analysis revealed that STEM parent awareness did not differ according to the children’s education levels but the parents’ and the children’s STEM education status. To raise awareness, the authors recommend organizing training activities, courses, and workshops for families and increasing STEM studies in out-of-school activities.

Frequency of Patterns and Risk Factors of Acute Accidental Poisoning Among Children of Age 5-10 Years

Background &amp; Objective: Poisoning in children is a leading cause of fatalities across the globe; around 2% of injury related deaths are incriminated due to accidental poisoning in the developing countries.1The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of patterns and contributing factors of acute accidental poisoning among children of age 5-10 years. Methods: A cross-sectional type of study was done at the Jinnah Hospital, Lahore from November 20, 2018 to May 20, 2019. All accidental poisoning patients were enrolled. General and specific management steps were carried out in all the cases. After discharge they were kept on follow up in Pediatrics Outdoor Patient Department. Information regarding their demographic data was noted in the proforma. The patterns and contributing factors of acute accidental poisoning among children were identified. SPSS v23.0 was used to assess the obtained data. Results: Age range in this study was from 5 to 10 years. Mean age of child was 7.3±1.6 years. Among 145 children, 89(61.4%) were males and 56(38.6%) were females. The result of the study were unsafe storage of household poison 94(64.8%), inadequate supervision 91(62.8%), working mother 49(33.8%), low SES 19(13.1%) and illiterate mother 13 (9.0%). Conclusion: Unsafe storage of household poison 94(64.8%) was the most common factor followed by inadequate supervision 91(62.8%), working mother 49(33.8%), low SES 19(13.1%) and illiterate mother 13 (9.0%).There is a need to arrange health promotion and protection programs at various levels through projects, brochures and electronic media campaigns so that the awareness of parents can be raised regarding accidental poisoning and they can observe preventive measures in the future to reduce its incidence .

'Moving towards understanding', acceptability of investigations following stillbirth in sub-Saharan Africa: A grounded theory study.

To explore the views of women, partners, families, health workers and community leaders of potential investigations to determine the cause(s) of stillbirth, in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia. Grounded theory. Tertiary facilities and community settings in Blantyre, Malawi, Mwanza, Tanzania and Mansa, Zambia. Purposive and theoretical sampling was used to recruit 124 participants: 33 women, 18 partners, 19 family members, 29 health workers and 25 community leaders, across three countries. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a topic guide for focus. Analysis was completed using constant comparative analysis. Sampling ceased at data saturation. Women wanted to know the cause of stillbirth, but this was tempered by their fear of the implications of this knowledge; in particular, the potential for them to be blamed for the death of their baby. There were also concerns about the potential consequences of denying tradition and culture. Non-invasive investigations were most likely to be accepted on the basis of causing less 'harm' to the baby. Parents' decision-making was influenced by type of investigation, family and cultural influences and financial cost. Parents want to understand the cause of death, but face emotional, cultural and economic barriers to this. Offering investigations will require these barriers to be addressed, services to be available and a no-blame culture developed to improve outcomes. Community awareness, education and support for parents in making decisions are vital prior to implementing investigations in these settings.

Investigation of children's habits of smartphone usage and parental awareness of myopia control in underdeveloped areas of China.

To investigate the behaviors of smartphone usage and parental knowledge of vision health among primary students in the rural areas of China. In this school-based, cross-sectional study, a total of 52 606 parents of students from 30 primary schools in the Xingguo County were investigated through an online questionnaire from July 2020 to August 2020. The self-designed questionnaire contained three parts: the demographic factors of both children and parents, parental knowledge and attitude toward myopia, and the preventive treatment of myopia. A total of 52 485 appropriately answered questionnaires were received, showing an effective response rate of 95.1%. The average age of the primary students was 10.1±0.98y and the prevalence of myopia among the primary students was 40.3%. The age of myopia occurrence in elementary students was significantly correlated with the parents' educational level (95%CI: 0.82-0.98, P=0.013), children's gender (95%CI: 1.08-1.20, P<0.001), school location (county or countryside) (95%CI: 0.59-0.66, P<0.001), children's smartphone ownership (95%CI: 1.09-1.26, P<0.001), and the average time spent on smartphone per day (95%CI: 0.78-0.88, P<0.001). School location in the county town, high family income, and high parents' educational level significantly affected both parents' myopia awareness and children's vision-threatening behaviors (P<0.01). Left-behind children showed a higher incidence of vision-threatening habits than those who lived with their parents (P<0.01). The results reveal the current situation of myopia development among rural primary school students and their parents. This survey will serve as a guidance for designing myopic prevention policies in the rural areas of China.

PEMBIASAAN KEGIATAN KEAGAMAAN PADA ANAK USIA DINI MENDORONG PERKEMBANGAN NILAI-NILAI AGAMA

This study was intended to determine the inculcation of religious values in early childhood through the habituation of religious activities in KB SRIWIJAYA. This research is included in qualitative research, so the problem is discussed through field studies conducted at KB SRIWIJAYA. Data obtained from several sources by means of observation, unstructured interviews, and documentation. From all the data that has been obtained then processed with descriptive analysis. This research has found that the inculcation of religious values in early childhood in KB SRIWIJAYA is carried out every day and the learning is more devoted on Friday. In every activity KB SRIWIJAYA tries to include religious values in each of the activities carried out, for example accustoming students to recite prayers before and after doing activities. The results of the inculcation of religious values can be seen from the attitude of students and students who have begun to change for the better, the awareness of parents who initially paid less attention to the development of children's religion now become more motivated to always pay attention to the development of children's religion, as well as the KB SRIWIJAYA institution have the trust of students' parents and the community that KB SRIWIJAYA is able to produce a generation of qualified Muslims and Muslims.

Prevalence of Pediculosis in Baquba City, Diyala Province

Background: Pediculosis capitis is an infectious disease caused by an ectoparasite human insect, can be seen with the naked eye, which often causes scalp itching, it is not a dangerous disease but annoying diseases. Pediculosis capitis is an endemic parasitosis affecting many countries of the world ,also it is prevalent in Iraq, often affects the children ,it is an ubiquitous problem in children have high resistance to some pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of pediculosis in Baquba city and to determine certain epidemiological criteria related to pediculosisز Patients and Methods: This cross-section study has been done on 155 patients affected by lice who were visit dermatological clinical out patient in Baquba teaching hospital Diyala, Iraq, from the first of November 2020 to the thirty of August 202, history and physical examination was done by the dermatologist, and a sheet of special questionnaire was used for every patient. Results: The results show that children less than 10 years were 59(38.06%) out of 155 who were mostly affected. It was more in females, they were 123(79.35%), while males they were 32(20.64%). Girls less than 10 had a higher percentage, 39(25.16%) out of 123 females, than other age groups. People living in urban and rural areas were equally affected; in urban areas they were 73(47.09%) while in rural areas they were 82(52.90%). Pediculosis was highly distributed among students; they were 58(37.41%) out of 155.The most significant symptom of pediculosis was scalp itching people who suffered from itching were 131(84.51%) while people who had no symptom were 24(15.48%). There was no relationship between pediculosis capitis infections and the family size. It was more prevalent in families living in overcrowded homes; they were 76(49.03%) out of 155 who had only two bedrooms. Pediculosis capitis was more common in summer months in April they were 21(15.54%) in May they were 24(16.48%) in June they were 21(15.54%) in July they were 22(14.19%). Conclusion: Pediculosis were more prevalent among school-age children, so we must spread awareness among the student about how lice are transmitted not to share hair comb or hair clips, also raising awareness of parents about the use of effective and beneficial treatments to eliminate the disease.

Prevalence of Pediculosis in Baquba City, Diyala Province

Background: Pediculosis capitis is an infectious disease caused by an ectoparasite human insect, can be seen with the naked eye, which often causes scalp itching, it is not a dangerous disease but annoying diseases. Pediculosis capitis is an endemic parasitosis affecting many countries of the world ,also it is prevalent in Iraq, often affects the children ,it is an ubiquitous problem in children have high resistance to some pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.&#x0D; Objective: To estimate the prevalence of pediculosis in Baquba city and to determine certain epidemiological criteria related to pediculosis.&#x0D; Patients and Methods: This cross-section study has been done on 155 patients affected by lice who were visit dermatological clinical out patient in Baquba teaching hospital Diyala, Iraq, from the first of November 2020 to the thirty of August 202, history and physical examination was done by the dermatologist, and a sheet of special questionnaire was used for every patient. &#x0D; Results: The results show that children less than 10 years were 59(38.06%) out of 155 who were mostly affected. It was more in females, they were 123(79.35%), while males they were 32(20.64%). Girls less than 10 had a higher percentage, 39(25.16%) out of 123 females, than other age groups. People living in urban and rural areas were equally affected; in urban areas they were 73(47.09%) while in rural areas they were 82(52.90%). Pediculosis was highly distributed among students; they were 58(37.41%) out of 155.The most significant symptom of pediculosis was scalp itching people who suffered from itching were 131(84.51%) while people who had no symptom were 24(15.48%). There was no relationship between pediculosis capitis infections and the family size. It was more prevalent in families living in overcrowded homes; they were 76(49.03%) out of 155 who had only two bedrooms. Pediculosis capitis was more common in summer months in April they were 21(15.54%) in May they were 24(16.48%) in June they were 21(15.54%) in July they were 22(14.19%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Pediculosis were more prevalent among school-age children, so we must spread awareness among the student about how lice are transmitted not to share hair comb or hair clips, also raising awareness of parents about the use of effective and beneficial treatments to eliminate the disease.

The Treatment Perspective of Pediatric Condyle Fractures and Long-Term Outcomes.

In our study, the characteristics, treatment approach and long-term outcomes of condyle fractures treated in the pediatric plastic surgery and reconstruction unit in the last 10 years were evaluated. This study consisted of two retrospective and prospective sections with the participation of pediatric patients with condylar fractures who were treated in the Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery clinic of a university hospital in the last 10 years. In the retrospective section, data were obtained from the electronic patient records and patient files regarding the treatment applied, as well as the characteristics of the patient and condyle fractures. In the perspective section, patients were invited to the clinic and the effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for IBM 25 package program. It was determined that 55.8% of the pediatric patients had accompanying facial fractures, and 72.4% had unilateral condyle fractures. It was determined that 59.5% of the pediatric patients underwent intermaxillary fixation (IMF). Physical complications were seen in 6.75% in the long term after treatment. Falling from height and traffic accidents, which are the most important factors in the occurrence of condyle fractures, should be eliminated by increasing parental attention and awareness. Surgical treatment should be considered in the treatment of pediatric condyle fractures, especially if there are accompanying facial and mandible bone fractures.

Parental mindfulness and externalizing problems in Chinese adolescents: Parenting anxiety and negative parenting as mechanisms

AbstractObjectiveThe current study aims to examine parenting anxiety and negative parenting practices as intervening variables in the relation between parental dispositional mindfulness and Chinese adolescents' externalizing problems.BackgroundParental dispositional mindfulness is negatively associated with their adolescents' adjustment difficulties through both positive and negative parenting practices in Western samples. However, research does not support these same pathways of effects among Eastern samples. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative mediators of the link between parental mindfulness and lower adolescent adjustment problems in Eastern cultures. The present study addresses this need by examining parenting anxiety as a mechanism linking parental dispositional mindfulness, negative parenting practices, and Chinese adolescents' externalizing problems.MethodsParticipants were 624 adolescents (aged from 9 to 18 years, M = 12.69 years, SD = 2.30) and their parents from urban areas in Southeast China. Parents completed questionnaires on their dispositional mindful awareness, parenting anxiety, and negative parenting practices, and adolescents reported on their externalizing problems.ResultsStructural equation modeling revealed that the indirect relation between parental dispositional mindful awareness and adolescents' externalizing problems was significant, with parenting anxiety and negative parenting practices as the first and second intervening variables.ConclusionThe results highlighted the importance of parenting anxiety in the relation between parental mindful awareness and parenting.ImplicationsIt suggested that mindfulness‐based parenting interventions may help alleviate parenting anxiety, which may further improve parenting behaviors and indirectly decrease adolescents' externalizing problems.

Parental knowledge about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and attitudes to infant immunization with monoclonal antibodies

Background Ninety percent of all children are infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) within their first two years of life. RSV is the main cause behind hospitalization of infants with lower respiratory tract infections. A new monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunization may prevent RSV in all infants. This cross-national study aimed to examine parental knowledge about RSV and attitudes to such RSV immunization. Research design and methods Based on a literature study, a questionnaire was designed and applied in a survey carried out in China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK, and the US. Eligible respondents were expecting their first baby or parents of children <24 months old who were open to vaccination. Results Parental acceptance of immunizations relies on perceptions of the preventable disease. In 5627 parents, only 35% reported basic or good level of knowledge about RSV. Recommendation from health care professionals and inclusion in immunization programs were crucial to their acceptance of RSV immunization. If recommended and informed about its efficacy and safety, most parents would accept RSV mAb immunization for their infants. Conclusions Infant RSV infections are highly prevalent, yet parental awareness of RSV is poor. Country variations call for targeted communication about RSV and immunization.

Behavior in fulfilling nutritional needs for Indonesian children with stunting: Related culture, family support, and mother's knowledge.

Stunting in children has adverse consequences such as a decrease in cognition, language, and academic performance. Most of the children in Indonesia were diagnosed with stunting. The aim of this study was to measure factors affecting behavior in fulfilling nutritional needs among children under the age of 5 years with stunting. This study used a cross-sectional design. Data were collected from mothers who had children under the age of 5 years (6-48 months) in Talang village, Pamekasan Regency, Madura using a self-report questionnaire. The total sample in this study was 120, selected using a random sampling technique. The independent variables were maternal characteristics, culture, family support, and mother's knowledge, while the dependent variable was the behavior in fulfilling nutritional needs among children. We used a self-report questionnaire to measure variables. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors affecting the behavior of fulfilling nutrition interventions. We used a statistical significance p < 0.05. Culture, family support, and knowledge were factors that affecting behavior of fulfilling nutritional needs among children under the age of 5 years with stunting, 0.279 (OR = 0.279, 95% CI: 0.084-0.920, p = 0.036); (OR = 2.435, 95% CI: 1.270-4.667, p = 0.007; OR = 4.860, 95% CI: 1.548-15.261, p = 0.724), respectively. Behavioral in Fulfilling nutritional needs determines the health status of children. Therefore, the awareness of parents, knowledge, and multisectoral is needed to prevent stunting among children.

Epidemiological study to assess the status of measles vaccination in under five children and factors associated, in a peri-urban area, Asudgaon village, in Raigad district, Maharashtra, India

Background: Measles continues to be a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in India. Measles is considered one of the leading vaccine-preventable causes of child mortality worldwide. Major reasons for low vaccine coverage exist within the health care system itself, which creates barriers to obtaining immunization. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, epidemiological study that aimed to examine the coverage of measles vaccination among under-five children of Asudgaon village. All under-five children residing in every 5th household of the village were included(n = 445). After obtaining consent from the mother, data was collected from her using a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed in SPSS 23. Results: There was a total of 100 children eligible for the study. Overall, 41% of children were fully immunized against measles, 37% were partially immunized, 5% were immunized to date and 17% were not immunized. The most reasons for partial or non-immunization for measles were inadequate knowledge about immunization (19%), unawareness of days of vaccination(n = 14%), the child being ill at the time of vaccination, husband or mother-in-law against vaccination, fear of effects, and others. The Chi-square test indicates a significant association between mothers’ education and measles vaccination. Conclusion: Immunization status needs to be improved through education, increasing awareness, and counseling of parents regarding immunization and associated misconceptions as observed in the study.

Nexus between Branding of Education and Parental School Choice: Evidence from Islamabad, Pakistan

The educational system in Pakistan is in a dismal position ever since it was established. The government sector has lost credibility with the public and is no longer the first option for parents due to inadequate, consistent, and effective policies and basic infrastructure. Parents are actively choosing the private sector schools for their children. Since denationalization during late 1970s, the private sector has grown steadily. It has expanded during past two decades, establishing new standards for outstanding education, but concerns about the rising class divide affecting social equality have also arisen. The existing literature supports private schools' growing role in expanding enrollment and resolving quality and access issues, but little is stated about their influence on society. Private schools are subtly attacking social justice and equality by increasing the social stratification and widening the socioeconomic difference. Private schools' branding techniques influence parents' choosing a junior and a high school for their children. Most of the research in this field has focused on exploring how the problems of quality, access, and other variables influence students' decisions about which schools to attend. However this research is aimed at exploring on a very basic issue: why are private schools favored because of their "branding"—the branding that has strengthened the status awareness in parents and school choice that has joined the realm of class conflict with several dimensions. The state's obligation to deliver at certain level of essential services has been privatized and sold out in the open market. The middle class's preference is migrating from public to private schools, with the goal of purchasing financial stability in order to gain access to a better-paying jobs and social circles. Today, schooling is not more than just getting an education; it's also a way to show wealth and social standing.

Is it Good to be Born as a Late Preterm Infant?

Background: This study conducted at the Clinic for Children’s Diseases of the University Clinical Hospital Mostar, aims to highlight the characteristics, frequency, course, most common complications and treatment outcomes of pregnant women and their late preterm infants according to gestational age. Methods: This study is a retrospective epidemiologic study for the period from 1/1/2018 to 31/12/2021. The study included all the preterm infants who were born at a gestational age from 34+0/7 to 36+6/7 weeks and their mothers. Results: In the period under study, a total of 7178 infants were born, of which 253 (3.52%) were late preterm infants. The results show that most mothers were between 30 and 39 years of age, pregnant for the first time with a single pregnancy, delivered by caesarean section, with complications in 53.1% of the pregnancies. All the analyzed pathological conditions were more common in the pregnancies which ended at 34 weeks. Our results indicate that the late preterm babies had a good birth weight (53.8%) and high vitality scores (93%) at birth, but these scores were not confirmed on the first day of life. A significant number of late preterm infants had some pathological condition which was treated in the intensive care units (ICU) (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: The study concludes that half of the pregnant women had risk factors which were the basis for the preterm births and the development of complications in the late preterm infants. Furthermore, despite good birth weight and vitality scores at birth, only one fifth of the late preterm infants were not treated with medications or developed pathological conditions, whereas only one third required no intensive care treatment. It is, therefore, necessary to improve the monitoring and understanding of such pregnancies, implement antenatal corticosteroid therapy, and increase parental awareness to ensure long-term and frequent monitoring of late preterm infants by pediatricians.

High Prevalence and Lack of Parental Awareness of Pediatric Hypertension Among a Low-income Sample in Worcester, MA.

To identify frequency and correlates of hypertension in a low income, ethnically diverse, sample of children as well as to assess parental awareness of hypertension. This cross-sectional study included parent-child dyads (n = 228), from which physical measurements of the child, and parent reported survey measures were collected. Child's blood pressure percentile was determined via 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical practice guidelines and categorized as normal (< 90th percentile), elevated (≥ 90th percentile to < 95th percentile), or hypertensive (≥ 95th percentile). Bivariate multinomial logistic regression models assessed the relative risk ratio for potential correlates of blood pressure categorization and frequency distribution of parental awareness of blood pressure status was examined. Median child age was 8.1 years (IQR 6.5-9.9). Half were female, 61.8% were Latino and 15.8% were Non-Latino Black. Median body mass index (BMI) percentile was 83.6 (IQR 58.4-97.1) and 31.6% exceeded the 95th percentile. AAP criteria for hypertension and elevated blood pressure were met by 30.7% and 14.3% of children respectively. After full adjustment, the relative risk of categorization as hypertensive versus normal increased by a factor of 1.16 (95% CI 1.02-1.3) per 10-unit increase in BMI percentile, and 0.86 (95% CI 0.74-1.0) per one-year increase in age. Less than five parents (redacted due to low sample size) reported their child having a history of high blood pressure. In this low income, racially/ethnically diverse sample, we observed levels of hypertension and elevated blood pressure considerably higher than national estimates. However, in contrast, extremely low parental awareness was observed.

Factors Influencing Parental Acceptance of Trans Children and Young People: Findings from Trans Pathways

Trans youth are at high risk of mental health difficulties and negative life events. Strong parental support is highly protective however there is little understanding of what factors facilitate the process of parental understanding and acceptance of a child’s gender identity. We aimed to better understand a) preexisting factors influencing levels of parental acceptance of their child’s gender identity; b) the factors parents find helpful in facilitating acceptance of their child’s gender identity once they become aware; and c) how parents experience extended family, cultural and religious reactions. Using cross-sectional survey data, we explored the experiences of parents and guardians (N = 194). Quantitative data were primarily analyzed using Bayesian regression models and qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Several factors were salient in influencing parental acceptance, including the nature of their child’s gender identity, and levels of awareness and acceptance of the child’s gender identity at time of initial parental awareness. Multiple factors aided acceptance, including information, peer support, and the quality of the dyadic relationship. Findings provide a better understanding of how parental acceptance of a child’s gender identity develops. We provide recommendations on what may help parents to optimally support their child, such as accessible, good-quality information.

Knowledge and Attitude of Parents towards Oral Health Care Needs of their Children in Abbottabad, KPK, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Aim:&#x0D; The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and attitude of parents about oral health care needs of their children in Abbottabad, District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods:&#x0D; A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among parents of young children that included teachers, doctors and general population in Abbottabad, district of KPK province, Pakistan. Non-probability, convenience sampling technique was used. The data was obtained via self-administered and structured questionnaire for knowledge and attitude of parents related to oral health care needs of their children; which was distributed among the parents through online resources. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 24. Descriptive statistics and Chi Square test were performed. P value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.&#x0D; Results:&#x0D; This study showed that the selected sample had relatively good knowledge regarding the importance of primary teeth. 74.2% of parents were of opinion that children’s teeth should be brushed properly to prevent dental caries. Among parents, mothers had adequate knowledge about dietary (91.4%) and feeding (73.6%) practices. Also, parents (79.4%) had an idea about effects of deleterious oral habits on permanent teeth and two-third (62.9%) of the total number knew that early removal/ decay of primary teeth will have an effect on permanent teeth.&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; Parental awareness and attitude towards their children’s oral health was found to be relatively good. However, parents of young children need to be more educated in terms of first and regular dental visits in order to be able to maintain a sound primary and permanent dentition.

Frequency of Salmonella serotypes among children in Iran: antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm formation, and virulence genes

Background/significanceSalmonella gastroenteritis causes significant morbidity among pediatric patients, mainly in developing world, such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Concurrently, data from MENA countries like Iran, regarding prevalence of Salmonella serotypes, antimicrobial susceptibility, and biofilm production is scarce.Material & methodsSlide agglutination was used to determine the serogroup of 140 Salmonella isolates recovered from 4477 stool specimens collected from children with gastroenteritis, and isolates were serotyped by PCR assay. The antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates to five first line drugs was assessed by disk diffusion assay using CLSI guidelines. Semi-quantitative evaluation of biofilm production was done by microtiter plate assay followed by PCR detection of biofilm-associated virulence genes csgD, pefA, and bcsA for each isolate.ResultsNearly 94% of Salmonella isolates were recovered from ≤ 5-year-old patients, and 99% of isolates were non-typhoidal. While we found extensive diversity among Salmonella isolates, serogroup D (46%) predominated, and Salmonella Enteritidis (41%) was the most common serotype that showed the highest antimicrobial susceptibility rate (> 96%). For the first time in Iran, S. Newport serotype from human specimens was isolated. Most isolates were sensitive to all test antimicrobials, but 35% of isolates were not-typed (NT) that showed the highest resistance with 48% being resistant to ≥ 1 test antimicrobial. Majority of isolates made weak (or no) biofilm, and we found a weak association between antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm production, or virulence genes csgD, pefA, and bcsA.ConclusionsThe most effective measure that may control pediatric salmonellosis outbreaks is raising awareness of parents of preschoolers about food safety. Isolation of highly diverse Salmonella serotypes, including many commonly isolated from animals, indicates widespread contamination of the food chain. Majority of serotypes were sensitive to first-line antimicrobials, thus presently, pediatric Salmonella infections in this region may be controlled by conventional antimicrobials. However, despite the current trend, an imminent emergence of resistant Salmonella strains is foreseen, since various serotypes resistant to > 1 antimicrobial agent are typically associated with animals. Our results warrant further investigation that includes correlation analysis of clinical data regarding treatment outcomes, and serotype attributes like virulence genes.

Timing of energy intake and BMI in children: differential impacts by age and sex.

Body weight regulation may be influenced by the timing of food intake. The relationship between children's BMI and their daily pattern of energy consumption was investigated using data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008-2019. The sample included 6281 children aged 4-18 years. Linear and logistic regression models investigated the timing of energy intake (103 kJ) as a predictor of BMI (kg/m2) and healthy weight status. The models showed that children aged 4-10 years who consume more energy content after 20:00, in comparison with less energy content, had a significantly higher BMI (young girls: β = 0·159; 95 % CI 0·003, 0·315; P = 0·05; young boys: β = 0·166; 95 % CI 0·028, 0·304; P = 0·02). Similar findings were also present for boys aged 11-18 years (β = 0·091; 95 % CI 0·003, 0·180; P = 0·04), though logistic regression findings were contradictory (OR = 0·9566; 95 % CI 0·926, 0·989; P = 0·009). However, older girls who consumed more energy content in the morning had a significantly lower BMI (β = -0·464; 95 % CI -0·655, -0·273; P < 0·001) and a lower probability of non-healthy weight (OR = 0·901; 95 % CI 0·826, 0·982; P = 0·02). Physical activity reduced the likelihood of unhealthy weight status. The data suggest that food consumption later in the day in childhood and into adolescence may increase the risk of a higher BMI, especially for less active children. Developing guidance on appropriate meal timings and recommended energy distribution throughout the day could promote healthier lifestyles. Doing so may help increase parental awareness of timing of food intake and its potential impact on BMI.