Benefits For Children Research Articles

Training programs in communication skills for healthcare professionals caring for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families: A systematic review of healthcare professionals' behavioral impact and children's health outcomes.

Effective communication has potential benefits for children, their families, and healthcare professionals. Although communication skills training programs are essential for healthcare professionals, their effects remain unclear. This review summarized existing communication skills training programs and evaluated their impact on healthcare professionals' behavior and the health outcomes of children with life-threatening conditions and their families. This systematic review was performed in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook version 6.4. On January 21, 2024, we searched the following databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. The included studies' risk of bias was assessed using a revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized controlled trials 2. Owing to insufficient data and high heterogeneity, we could not perform a meta-analysis, so the findings were described narratively. We identified nine studies, which included various diseases, training programs, and outcome measurement tools and timings. Among the nine studies, five of the six studies that assessed healthcare professionals' behaviors reported that the interventions had improved them (low certainty of evidence). Only two studies reported on the quality of life and anxiety experienced by children and their families, with no clear difference between intervention and control groups. Communication skills training for healthcare professionals may improve their behaviors toward children with life-threatening conditions and their families. Measurement tools and timings must be standardized. Future research should develop training programs and assess their impact on children and their families, incorporating the perspective of children.

A Technology-Based Intervention for Enhancing Cognitive Flexibility in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

<span id="docs-internal-guid-ef8b71bf-7fff-43c3-ae2f-e025b176c9ee"><span>Cognitive flexibility is the most impaired executive function among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Technology-mediated executive function training has several benefits for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The aim of our study was to test the effectiveness of a digital intervention program to reduce errors in cognitive flexibility tasks in children ASD. To achieve our goal, we conducted a single-case experiment involving 3 participants with ASD aged between 9 and 14 years old. We used single-case experiment with alternative treatments to see if there are differences in cognitive flexibility when training was with or without technological tools. Based on the results, there was a decrease in the number of errors in both the technology-free and technology-based interventions, with no significant evidence of one intervention being more effective than the other. Future studies should include larger samples and increased number of intervention sessions. </span></span>

Factors Associated with Stunting in Posyandu in an Underdeveloped Area of Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Papua

Background: Studies have shown that numerous variables were significantly associated with stunting including knowledge of mothers and level of education. However, the study on nutrition knowledge and nutrition benefits among mothers was limited in Papua. This study aims to explore the prevalence of stunted children in this area and to determine whether the knowledge on healthy nutrition and taking iron supplements are associated with stunted children among mothers who have children under 5 years. Methods: This study as a cross-sectional study was done in 2022. It involved mothers who brought their children under 5 years old to integrated health posts and signed informed consent. Data on balanced nutrition and nutritional benefits for children were collected through a questionnaire consisting of 26 questions with true/false answers. While mothers completed questionnaires on nutrition knowledge, nutrition benefits, and sociodemographic data, height and weight of their children were measured. Results: A total of 496 mothers participated in this study, the mean age of mothers was 30.42±6.40 years. Based on mothers’ characteristics, the majority of mothers went to high school, were unpaid, and consumed iron supplements during pregnancy (98.2%). There was a 10% stunting incidence in this study. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, having children aged 1 to 20 months old (odds ratio (OR)=0.11; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.03–0.64) and knowledge of nutritional benefits (OR=0.62; 95% CI=0.40–0.95) decreased the odds of stunting. Conclusion: A comprehensive program about nutrition should be available, particularly for mothers. This study also suggests that interventions to increase nutrition knowledge among mothers with children aged under 2 years should be prioritized.

Attitudes of Israeli Early Childhood Educators Who Work in Kibbutz, Rural Villages and Cities Towards Their Community and Its Significance for Children

ABSTRACTThe societal context of community is of critical importance in understanding its effect on pedagogic practice in ECEC, and yet, the role of community in ECEC is taken for granted by both scholars and practitioners. Little is known about the attitudes of ECEC educators towards their communities and how they affect children. This research examines the perspectives of Israeli ECEC educators from three ecologies: Urban, village and kibbutz and the way in which they are expressed in their practice. Semi‐structured interviews with 24 educators were conducted and analysed thematically. Israeli educators from all three ecologies were characterised as viewing community focused on children yet moving beyond the kindergarten itself, standing in contrast to the commonplace among teachers elsewhere in the world, where community involvement is limited to parents helping their children with academic tasks. Other findings reveal two central themes: Family involvement and the overall conception of community which point to differences among educators in the three ecologies. Regarding family involvement, urban educators limited and controlled parent participation, while their village and kibbutz colleagues were more inclusive by integrating children into the life of the wider community. Regarding concepts of community, urban educators understood community in a utilitarian sense while village and kibbutz educators understood community as an essential building block of the kindergarten program for the benefit of children with mutual support and obligation between the ECEC setting and the surrounding community. The research findings shed light on the significance of the interplay between the wider community and ECEC and the importance of developing educational models that are sensitive to local cultural contexts.

Can Family Policies Enhance Fertility? An Ex Ante Evaluation Through Factorial Survey Experiments.

This article explores the family policies-fertility nexus by assessing the potential impact of parental leaves, childcare services, and child benefits on fertility through a factorial survey experiment (FSE). We focus on Italy, where persistently low fertility rates are often linked to limited welfare support for families. We surveyed 4,022 respondents aged 20-44 and exposed them to various scenarios characterized by different family policy packages. We asked them to ascribe short-term fertility behavior to a fictitious couple under each scenario. Results show that each family-friendly policy envisioned positively impacts ascribed fertility. The availability of full-time, public childcare services seems more relevant than higher child benefits, whereas more generous and gender-equal parental leaves are perceived as less relevant. However, results suggest that only a consistent mix of financial benefits, parental leave schemes, and childcare provisions can boost fertility. In contrast, marginal changes in single policy levers are most likely ineffective. The FSE reveals that a couple's socioeconomic status is perceived as more important than family policies for fertility: ascribed fertility increases when both partners are employed and household income is high. We conclude by discussing the policy implications of our findings.

Parents' perception of the promotion of physical activity as part of the Purzelbaum project in Swiss daycare centers

Introduction Already in early childhood, physical activity (PA) is important for healthy development. Parents are a significant influencing factor on PA behavior (Su et al., 2022), and are therefore, involved in the “Purzelbaum”-daycare project to promote PA (radix, 2011). Purzelbaum is a one-and-a-half-year training program that certifies “movement-friendly” daycare centers upon completion. This study examines whether the participation and perception of PA by parents differs in daycare centers with or without Purzelbaum certification. Methods Between February and April 2024, parents from daycare centers in various Swiss cantons were invited to complete an online questionnaire about PA in daycare centers. In addition to demographic data, five questions assessed the perception of PA. On a Likert scale, parents rated the extent to which they felt that PA is part of the daycare center's daily routine, the importance of PA, and the extent to which children have the opportunity to be physically active. In addition, they were asked to what extent parents are informed by the daycare centers about the topic of PA and whether the daycare centers offer parent-child activities involving PA. The Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test (in SPSS) was used for analyses. Results Parents (n=353; mean age=37.93, SD=5.24; 86% completed Bachelor; 73% female; mean # of days children spent in daycare=2.39, SD=1.00; 84 Purzelbaum and 278 non-Purzelbaum daycare centers) completed the questionnaire. Age and education differed significantly between the two groups (p=.033 and p=.006, respectively). No group differences were for sex and number of days children spent in daycare (ps>.05). Parents from Purzelbaum daycare centers are more likely to feel that PA is part of everyday life (mpb=3.83, SD=.41; mnpb=3.60, SD=.63; p=.023), that it is highly valued (mpb=3.70, SD=.54; mnpb=3.21, SD=.74; p<.001) and that the children can be physically active at any time in the daycare center (mpb=3.61, SD=.54; mnpb=3.36, SD=.77; p=.034). They also stated more frequently that the daycare center informs them about the child's PA behavior (mpb=3.44, SD=.65; mnpb=2.82, SD=.95; p<.001) and that there are parent-child activities involving PA at daycare center festivals (mpb=3.10, SD=.88; mnpb=2.34, SD=.93; p<.001). Discussion/Conclusion Parents of children in Purzelbaum daycare centers consider PA to be more present in the daycare center than parents of children in non-Purzelbaum daycare centers. They also seem to be better informed about the children's PA behavior and benefit more frequently from joint PA in the daycare centers. Purzelbaum therefore appears to have a positive influence on parents. Whether the perceived PA affinity of the Purzelbaum daycare centers influences PA in the families and whether the PA behavior of the children is actually influenced by the Purzelbaum certification needs to be investigated in further studies. References Caspar, C., & Knecht, C. (2011). Konzept Purzelbaum: Bewegung und gesunde Ernährung in der Kindertagesstätte. RADIX. Su, D. L. Y., Tang, T. C. W., Chung, J. S. K., Lee, A. S. Y., Capio, C. M., & Chan, D. K. C. (2022). Parental influence on child and adolescent physical activity level: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(24), 16861. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416861

Peran Orang Tua dalam Membudayakan Literasi Membaca di Rumah Pada Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun

This study aims to examine the influence of parents in creating reading habits in children through positive examples and environmental support. This study uses a literature study method. The information used in this study was collected from various literature sources, such as books, papers, magazines, articles, journals, and theses related to this research topic. The data was analyzed in a qualitative descriptive manner. The results of the analysis show that by providing appropriate reading materials, making reading a daily routine, and providing fun motivation, parents can increase children's interest in reading. Although challenges such as time constraints and the influence of technology can hinder these efforts, the positive impacts of reading habits, such as increased language skills, concentration, and imagination, provide long-term benefits for children's development. Therefore, the role of parents is very vital in cultivating reading activities at home which will have a positive impact on children's academic and emotional development

Effect of ligamentum teres uteri preservation in laparoscopic high hernia sac ligation in children with indirect inguinal hernia.

Routinely separating the ligamentum teres uteri (LTU) intraoperatively remains an unresolved issue for female children undergoing surgery for indirect inguinal hernia (IIH). To identify the effect of LTU preservation in laparoscopic high hernia sac ligation (LHSL) in children with IIH. The participants were 100 female children with unilateral IIH admitted from April 2022 to January 2024 to the Pediatric Surgery Department of Zhangzhou Municipal Hospital of Fujian Province. They were categorized based on LTU retention into the control group (n = 45 cases), which underwent LTU ligation intraoperatively, and the experimental group (55 cases), which had the LTU preserved intraoperatively. All children underwent LHSL. This study comparatively analyzed the operation time, hospitalization time, blood loss, postoperative recurrence rate, and complications (repeated pain in the inguinal region, foreign body sensation in the inguinal region, bloody exudation at the inguinal incision, and incision infection), which were all comparable between the two groups. The above results indicate that LTU preservation during LHSL exerts certain therapeutic benefits for children with IIH. LTU preservation does not increase hospitalization time, blood loss, postoperative recurrence rate, and complications, which is safe and feasible, compared with conventional LTU ligation. LHSL with LTU preservation should be performed if conditions permit, which is worth popularizing.

Psychosocial Well-Being in Families of Autistic Children and Effect of Service Dogs: An Exploratory Study

Service dogs (SDs) have been shown to provide multi-faceted benefits for autistic children, with some benefits also extending to family members. The main objectives of this study were to explore the relationships between psychosocial well-being, family functioning, parent anxiety, and parent–child relationships in families of autistic children, and to investigate the effects of integration of an SD. A cross-sectional approach was used to collect data from three groups of parents of autistic children: (1) families approved for an SD but waitlisted, (2) families in the training process but not yet paired with an SD, and (3) families with a child matched with an SD. Parents completed an online questionnaire including validated tools. Children’s autism-related symptoms correlated with different aspects of family experience and quality of life, and parents’ anxiety scores were related to children’s social anxiety and difficulties associated with parenting an autistic child. Family functioning was associated with children’s autistic characteristics, parents’ anxiety, and the quality of the parent–child relationship. In families of children paired with an SD, children’s autistic symptoms were related to parental attachment with the SD. These findings underscore the need for further research on the assessment and implications of autism-related symptoms for children acquiring an SD.

Dancing With children or dancing for children? Measuring the effects of a dance intervention in children’s confidence and agency

ABSTRACT Dance has benefits in children’s development, including increased self-confidence, physical and mental growth. While much research explores preschool children’s experiences in dance courses, most studies involve pre-designed choreographies led by adults. Some argue that young children have limited ability to create their own choreography. This research challenges that by giving children the opportunity to co-create choreographies, with practitioners, using music of their choice. A new dance framework, Dancing with Dr E, was implemented over 5 months in five preschool classrooms in London. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with practitioners. The findings revealed numerous instances where children’s participation increased, showing excitement and multimodal communication. There was a noticeable increase in children’s confidence, by becoming more vocal about their needs and ideas. Due to the limited number of participants and the absence of a control group, further research on the effects of dance education in children’s confidence and agency is recommended.

Parents’ perceptions and practices of children’s risky play in Hong Kong

Risky play provides various benefits to child growth and development. The culture of overprotection among Hong Kong parents have decreased young children’s opportunities to engage in play that involves physically challenges. This study expanded our understanding of parents’ views and behaviors on allowing their preschool children opportunities for risky play. Two hundred and three parents of children aged 2 to 8 years completed a questionnaire regarding their understanding and practices of risky play, and their attitudes toward risk-taking. Parents perceived risky play as more appropriate for boys at a younger age than for girls. Parents with higher education background were more likely to allow children to engage in risky play at a younger age. Moreover, a significant relationship was identified between parents’ own attitudes towards risk-taking and the views on their child’s age for involvement in risky play. Qualitative analysis further revealed that parents acknowledged the roles of risky play in enhancing physical development of children, and in having benefits for children’s mental health. However, parents perceived risky play as something having possibility of leading to accidents. Implications on parent education relating to risk as an essential learning process on child development and as a way to build resilience are discussed.

Experiences of patients talking about mental illness with their children: a qualitative study.

Many adults with mental illness have dependent children; these parents must navigate decisions about whether and what to tell their children about the illness. Parents are often influenced by shame and guilt about their disorder, and a desire to protect their children from distress. Communication about parental mental illness can have important benefits for children's psychological outcomes; professionals could be central in facilitating these conversations. This study explored parents' experiences of talking to children about their mental illness and the role of their clinical team in this process. Fifteen parents with a mental illness under NHS care in England participated in qualitative interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using an inductive coding approach following the principles of thematic analysis. Thematic analysis identified 4 themes: 1. Factors that affect what children are told about parental mental illness, 2. Perceived benefits of talking to children about parental mental illness, 3. Experience of 'who' talks to children about parental mental illness, 4. Role of healthcare professionals in supporting families to talk about parental mental illness. There was wide variation in what information was shared with children, influenced by fears about how to share particular diagnoses and the impact of the information on parents themselves and their family. Participants reported that no professionals had asked them what their children knew about their mental illness or offered advice on how to have these conversations, but all would have welcomed this guidance. Improving communication about parental mental illness requires targeted training programs for professionals and age-appropriate resources for families. This study emphasizes the critical role of fostering effective communication about parental mental illness to enhance children's mental health and strengthen family functioning.

The teaching-learning process of children in the context of music as a tool in pedagogical actions: an integrative literature review

Early childhood education is crucial for fostering creativity and promoting cognitive, emotional, and social well-being in children. Music plays a fundamental role in this process, facilitating early language acquisition and communication skills. Using a systematic approach, studies published from 2020 to 2024 were identified and analyzed through databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and SciELO. Inclusion criteria prioritized research exploring the integration of music into pedagogical practices, highlighting its cognitive, emotional, and social benefits for children. The methodology involved searching for specific keywords and applying Boolean operators to refine searches. After a rigorous screening process, 13 articles were selected for detailed analysis, addressing topics ranging from the impact of music on cognitive development to its application in formal and informal educational programs. Data analysis highlighted music as an effective tool for enriching learning experiences, enhancing language skills, and promoting the holistic development of children, contributing to more inclusive and effective pedagogical practices in early childhood education.

Does Teacher and Peer Racial/Ethnic Match Play a Role in Preschool Absenteeism?

ABSTRACT Research Findings: A significant number of children are regularly absent from preschool inhibiting their early learning and development. Yet, there has been little exploration of the conditions under which absenteeism may be lower. One such condition may be teacher and peer racial/ethnic match (REM), which may improve home-school connections and promote better attendance. This study examined the extent to which REM with teachers and peers is associated with absenteeism and whether these associations vary for White, Black, and Latine children. Our descriptive findings confirm that absenteeism rates in preschool are high, and that racial/ethnic match is unequally distributed, with Black and Latine children being less likely to have a match with their teachers than White children. Our inferential findings showed that teacher and peer REM were not associated with preschool absenteeism, and there were no differences for White, Black, and Latine children. Practice and Policy: Although there were no associations between REM and absenteeism, children benefit from diverse teachers in other ways, and it is critical to continue to invest in increasing representation among teachers of color in preschool. Moreover, the fact that over 10% of children were chronically absent from preschool underscores the need to investigate factors that influence attendance.

The Effects of Socioeconomic Contextual Factors on Racial Differences in CFSR-3 Permanency Outcomes.

We examined the role of state and county socioeconomic contextual characteristics in explaining Black-White child differences in permanency within one year of foster care entry. We estimated race-specific hierarchical linear models consisting of individual-level demographic and case characteristics of children, state and county socioeconomic contextual factors, and CFSR-3 performance-improvement plans. Findings showed that socioeconomic contextual characteristics were significantly associated with permanency for Black and White children in different ways. Rises in per capita income increased permanency for Black and White children. Conversely, increases in unemployment and SNAP recipiency decreased permanency for Black and White children. Expansions in public welfare benefits for children in female headed households increased permanency for White children but decreased permanency for Black children. County variation in effects and the permanency gap between White and Black children imply the need for further race-specific research on the efficacy of localized, cross-system responses that address socioeconomic conditions.

Comparison of Serum Vitamin D Status in Critically ill and Non-critically ill Children and its Relationship with Illness Severity and Clinical Outcomes: A Case–Control Study

Abstract Background: The role of vitamin D in immune function is well-established in adults, but remains unclear in children. Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill versus non-critically ill children and the correlation between vitamin D level with illness severity and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based, case–control study involving 35 critically ill and 35 non-critically ill children aged 1 month to 18 years. Serum Vitamin D levels were determined and categorized. Severity of illness of the critically ill group was classified based on calculated modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, and participants were followed-up until discharge or demise. Results: Median values of vitamin D levels in the critically ill (78.2 ng/mL) and the non-critically ill (60.3 ng/mL) were significantly different (P = 0.003). None of the children in both groups were found to be vitamin D–deficient. There was no significant correlation between vitamin D levels and severity of illness (P = 0.69). Children with overdose, non-toxic levels were less likely to die when compared with those in the optimal range of vitamin D, with odds ratio (95%CI) 0.05 (0.004–0.65). Conclusion: Serum vitamin D deficiency was uncommon in our cohort of critically ill children and was not related to severity of illness, mortality, or length of hospital stay. Although routine vitamin D assessment and supplementation has been proposed to boost the immune system of critically ill adults to help them recover faster, it may not be of added benefit in children.

Selumetinib in adults with NF1 and inoperable plexiform neurofibroma: a phase 2 trial.

The MEK inhibitor selumetinib induces objective responses and provides clinical benefit in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and inoperable plexiform neurofibromas (PNs). To evaluate whether similar outcomes were possible in adult patients, in whom PN growth is generally slower than in pediatric patients, we conducted an open-label phase 2 study of selumetinib in adults with NF1 PNs. The study was designed to evaluate objective response rate (primary objective), tumor volumetric responses, patient-reported outcomes and pharmacodynamic effects in PN biopsies. The objective response rate was 63.6% (21/33 participants). Median maximal PN volume decrease was 23.6% (range: -48.1% to 5.5%). No disease progression relative to baseline PN volumes occurred before data cutoff, with a median of 28 cycles completed (range: 1-78, 28 d per cycle). Participants experienced decreased tumor pain intensity and pain interference. Adverse events (AEs) were similar to those of the pediatric trial; acneiform rash was the most prevalent AE. Phosphorylation ratios of ERK1/2 decreased significantly (ERK1 median change: -64.6% (range: -99.5% to 90.7%), ERK2 median change: -57.3% (range: -99.9% to 84.4%)) in paired PN biopsies (P ≤ 0.001 for both isoforms) without compensatory phosphorylation of AKT1/2/3. The sustained PN volume decreases, associated improvement in pain and manageable AE profile indicate that selumetinib provides benefit to adults with NF1 and inoperable PNs. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02407405 .

Health Benefits in a Cohort of Children 6 Months After Tonsil Surgery in Relation to the Perioperative Period: An Observational Prospective Cohort Study.

Tonsil-surgery is a common treatment for tonsillitis and upper-airway obstruction. Health benefits are a key point of clinical concern. Aim: To evaluate health benefits 6-months after pediatric tonsil-surgery and to examine the influence of the perioperative period on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Participants, 198 children (4-17 years) who underwent tonsillectomy ± adenoidectomy on infection-related indications (TE ± A infec , n = 46), tonsillectomy ± adenoidectomy due to upper-airway-obstruction (TE ± A obstr , n = 44), or tonsillotomy ± adenoidectomy due to upper-airway-obstruction (TT ± A obstr , n = 108). Data were collected via a postoperative pain-diary, and 6-month-questionnaires. The Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI) evaluated HRQoL. An additional questionnaire assessed disease-specific benefits, including open-ended-questions to capture what the children wanted to convey to other children scheduled for surgery. QoL-score after surgery was positive in all indication/surgical-method groups. The highest GCBI-scores were seen in the subscale-scores for physical health and vitality. Comparing TE ± A obstr and TT ± A obstr , no significant differences were noted in the total-score or in the subscores. No differences in GCBI-scores were seen between subgroups of patients divided by postoperative pain intensity and duration. No differences in frequency or loudness of snoring or ENT-infections were seen between the groups, and satisfaction rates were high. The information that the children considered essential to share with others covered details of the day of surgery, including the anesthesia, nutrition, pain and pain relief, and well-being after surgery. All indication/surgical-method groups reported improvements regarding the health benefits of surgery, with the most pronounced effect being seen for physical health and vitality. TE ± A and TT ± A showed similar benefits in cases of obstructive and infection problems. Postoperative pain had no impact on QoL at the 6-month follow-up. Children's memories of the surgery can provide direction for management and improvements in children's care. Pain management needs to be optimized to improve recovery.

An evaluation of the collateral child and parent outcomes of telehealth-delivered behavioral sleep intervention for Autistic children

An evaluation of the collateral child and parent outcomes of telehealth-delivered behavioral sleep intervention for Autistic children

Moving to lower poverty neighborhoods offers broad benefits for children with asthma, regardless of sex or other baseline characteristics

Moving to lower poverty neighborhoods offers broad benefits for children with asthma, regardless of sex or other baseline characteristics