Child Health Research Articles

Maintaining Children's Mental Health: Revealing Teacher Strategies During Offline Learning for Early Childhood

Purpose – School preparation in response to the new government policy for face-to-face learning requires the active roles of teachers and students, particularly concerning children's mental health. The importance of addressing children's mental health during the transition from online to face-to-face learning needs more attention. The purpose of this research is to identify and describe the strategies employed by teachers in maintaining children's mental health during face-to-face learning at Playgroup Jaya Lestari in Kalinyamat Wetan Village, Tegal City. Design/methods/approach – This research adopts a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques used include observation, interviews, and documentation. The subjects of this research are educators, including principals and teachers. The data analysis techniques applied are data reduction, data display, and verification. To test the validity of the data, source triangulation was used, involving teachers and students at Playgroup Jaya Lestari. Findings – The results indicate that strategies employed by teachers to maintain children's mental health during face-to-face learning include using both individual and group approaches. These strategies emphasize the roles and functions of teachers as inspirers, mentors, and more. Teachers can maintain children's mental health by organizing learning activities that involve play, ensuring children remain happy, cheerful, and free from stress or laziness. These strategies are reinforced through their direct application in teaching and learning activities. Research implications/limitations – The findings highlight the importance of increased awareness of children's mental health, which impacts developmental psychology and the learning process. This research underscores the necessity for educators to focus on mental health early in the educational environment. Practical implications – The research demonstrates the need for effective strategies for teachers to maintain children's mental health during the learning process. It also emphasizes the importance of institutional readiness to address future challenges and the necessity for collaboration with professionals in psychology to tackle early childhood mental health issues. Originality/value – This study provides a new perspective by examining the mental health of children in relation to Early Childhood Development psychology and the role of teachers in this developmental process. Paper type Research Paper

Analysis of Social Factors on Immunization Refusal in Jungkat Village

Analysis of Social Factors on Immunization Refusal in Jungkat Village

Education of Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors for Students of UPT SPF SD Negeri 101900 Lubuk Pakam

Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) is behavior that is implemented in daily life based on initiatives originating from learning outcomes so that it can change individuals or groups so that they can play an active role in their health in society. School-age children are children who are in childhood, which is clearly in contrast to adulthood. During childhood, there are generally many health problems that are critical in determining the quality of a child's health in the future. Community service is the key to efforts to spread knowledge about PHBS. This community service was carried out for elementary school students in grades 4, 5, and 6 at SD Negeri 101900 Lubuk Pakam, as many as 100 people. This activity will play a role in raising students' awareness of implementing PHBS behavior and infectious disease prevention behavior at school. This activity is held through counseling, and public campaigns, where PkM will be able to increase understanding about washing hands before and after carrying out activities, brushing teeth, not littering, and not snacking carelessly. Evaluation of this activity is carried out through review activities by asking questions to elementary school students. The results of this PkM show that there has been a significant increase in awareness, knowledge, and prevention efforts in implementing PHBS at SD Negeri 101900 Lubuk Pakam. It is hoped that students will remain consistent in implementing PHBS in their daily activities.

Education of Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors for Students of UPT SPF SD Negeri 101900 Lubuk Pakam

Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) is behavior that is implemented in daily life based on initiatives originating from learning outcomes so that it can change individuals or groups so that they can play an active role in their health in society. School-age children are children who are in childhood, which is clearly in contrast to adulthood. During childhood, there are generally many health problems that are critical in determining the quality of a child's health in the future. Community service is the key to efforts to spread knowledge about PHBS. This community service was carried out for elementary school students in grades 4, 5, and 6 at SD Negeri 101900 Lubuk Pakam, as many as 100 people. This activity will play a role in raising students' awareness of implementing PHBS behavior and infectious disease prevention behavior at school. This activity is held through counseling, and public campaigns, where PkM will be able to increase understanding about washing hands before and after carrying out activities, brushing teeth, not littering, and not snacking carelessly. Evaluation of this activity is carried out through review activities by asking questions to elementary school students. The results of this PkM show that there has been a significant increase in awareness, knowledge, and prevention efforts in implementing PHBS at SD Negeri 101900 Lubuk Pakam. It is hoped that students will remain consistent in implementing PHBS in their daily activities.

Effects of Heavy Metal Pollution on the Element Distribution in Hydrobios.

At a time when heavy metal pollution is increasing, assessing the levels of contamination and associated health risks is crucial. Samples of water, aquatic plants, and fish were collected from four key areas of heavy metal pollution prevention and control in Zhejiang Province. The levels of elements were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). A human health risk model was also developed. The study revealed that heavy metal pollution in the five industrial zones exceeded the national standard for Class V water. Elements like arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) exceeded permissible levels in aquatic plants across all industrial zones; the exception was lead (Pb). Moreover, the heavy metal concentrations in subject fish tissues collected from each industrial area exceeded safe limits, especially in the gut. According to the human health risk evaluation model, the health risk (1.12 × 10-3) and children's health risk (1.10 × 10-3) in these prevention and control zones surpassed the maximum acceptable human risk values. In conclusion, heavy metal elements, along with other pollutants, accumulate and become concentrated in the examined aquatic plants and fish. These pollutants move through the food chain, impacting the entire aquatic ecosystem and posing a health risk to nearby populations.

Counseling on Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors (PHBS) at State Primary School 101900 Lubuk Pakam

Implementing Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) among elementary school children is very important to prevent disease, build healthy habits from an early age, improve learning achievement, reduce absenteeism, and create a clean school environment. With continuous education and active participation from all parties, including teachers, students and parents, PHBS can become a strong foundation for children's health and well-being, both now and in the future. The aim of this counseling is to form clean and healthy living habits from an early age in children at SD Negeri 101900 Lubuk Pakam. With a comprehensive and continuous educational approach, it is hoped that children can internalize clean and healthy living behavior as part of their daily routine. The method used is a pretest before presenting the material, then continuing with an explanation or presentation of material about the importance of PHBS and practicing it directly, such as washing hands, brushing teeth, environmental cleanliness, after that, a posttest or observation of the implementation of PHBS is carried out again, with 60 counseling participants. counseling place at SD Negeri 101900 Lubuk Pakam. From the results of the activity, it can be seen that before the counseling was carried out, the majority of participants had little knowledge about PHBS and after the counseling was carried out the majority had good knowledge and the participants also understood the importance of PHBS and were able to practice it correctly. It was concluded that it is important to carry out PHBS counseling or explanations at SD Negeri 101900 Lubuk Pakam to increase knowledge and change behavior and create an environment that supports health and well-being for the entire school community.

우간다 동부 부탈레자 주 모자보건 증진 사업의 비용편익분석

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of a Uganda Butaleja Maternal Newborn and Child Health Project which has been implemented by a Korean NGO from 2015 to 2018. Originality: Economic evaluation has been acknowledged as a crucial method for gauging the effectiveness of international development cooperation projects in the health sector, but it is being carried out on a limited basis due to limitations in financial and human capabilities. It is significant that the economic evaluation was conducted to complement the limitations of existing cost-benefit analysis studies. In particular, it is meaningful in that it confirmed the economic feasibility of integrated maternal and child health projects that combine hardware and software, including capacity building, awareness improvement, and behavioral change. Methodology: This study employs cost-benefit analysis and evaluates the economics of the targeted project through (i) Net Present Value (NPV), (ii) Cost-Benefit Ratio (BCR), and (iii) Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR). Additionally, sensitivity analysis has been conducted to mitigate potential errors in the assessment process. Result: The cost-benefit analysis yields a NPV of $83,909,933, an EIRR of 71%, and a BCR of 21. The project is deemed cost-effective, as the net present value exceeds 0, the EIRR surpasses the social discount rate, and the BCR is greater than 1. Conclusion and Implication: The results of this study confirmed that integrated maternal and child health ODA projects that combine hardware and software are economically effective, even when long-term maintenance costs are included.

Addressing the Twin Threats: Combating Child Stunting and Poverty Among Indonesian Farmworker Families

This study identifies the underlying factors contributing to child stunting and poverty among Indonesian farmworker households. We use logistic regression and the Indonesian Family Life Survey to measure this study. The findings indicate that social and demographic factors significantly influence poverty among farming families. Families with more farming businesses and land ownership are less likely to be poor. However, there is no significant link between agricultural productivity and child stunting. Positive factors for child nutrition include exclusive breastfeeding for at least two years and a father's higher education level. In contrast, older maternal age and larger household size increase the likelihood of child stunting. The study highlights the importance of social and demographic factors in addressing poverty and child health in agricultural settings. Parental education and breastfeeding practices play crucial roles in preventing stunting. To address these issues, policies should focus on educating parents about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and early childhood nutrition. Supporting farming families by increasing agricultural productivity and land ownership is essential. Developing targeted nutritional programs for children in larger households and those with older mothers can help prevent stunting.

A Real-Time System for Monitoring Vital Signs to Protect Kids' Health

Strengthening healthcare services is the first step to improving children's lives, and improving primary healthcare is a key part of this. Individuals can be involved in their healthcare by using personal health information systems, which provide engaging medical tools to the public. Our goal is to provide a smart system with a GSM network that can fully monitor the health and safety of kindergarten children. This system works using GSM technology, a computer, temperature and heartbeat sensors, and an LCD screen. When the system detects an odd temperature or heart rate, it immediately alerts the parents through the GSM network. Our younger students' health and safety are protected by this reliable method, which works well for kids of all ages and has been thoroughly tested and proven

학령기 아동의 행복과 그릿의 관계

Purpose : This study explores the influence of children’s happiness on their grit for successful growth and development, while investigating the moderating role of positive parenting attitudes. It aims to provide insights into children's mental health and internal development. Methods : The analysis employs secondary data from the 11th (2018) Panel Study of Korean Children. Participants' socio-demographic characteristics, children's grit, positive parenting attitudes, and variables associated with children's happiness were extracted. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and hierarchical regression were employed to assess the moderating effect. Results : A positive correlation was found between parenting attitudes of both parents and the children's happiness and grit. Adding interaction terms of positive parenting attitudes and a child's happiness to the relationship between happiness and grit increased the explanatory power from 28.5% to 29.1%. Positive parenting attitudes have a moderating effect. Conclusion : To enhance children’s grit, interventions must address individual happiness and promote positive parenting attitudes. Prioritizing children's psychological well-being is crucial, highlighting the importance of cultivating positive parenting approaches. Tailored interventions for child well-being and parenting attitudes are essential.

Evaluation of the Neonatology Unit in the Care of Sick Newborns at the Institute of Child Nutrition and Health (INSE)

Evaluation of the Neonatology Unit in the Care of Sick Newborns at the Institute of Child Nutrition and Health (INSE)

Navigating changes: reflecting on children and young people’s experiences of public health and social measures during the COVID-19 pandemic- a purposive, qualitative follow-up from a national probability sample

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic brought abrupt changes and disruption to the lives of children and young people. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore how participants navigated national lockdowns (including school closures), social restrictions, and the reintegration back into pre-pandemic routines. Twenty children, young people and parents were purposively sampled from the Mental Health of Children and Young People’s Survey, 2020. We identified three major themes through thematic analysis, with participants discussing (1) learning experiences, (2) emotions and coping, and (3) decompression and discovery. Experiences during the pandemic were highly variable. Participants emphasised the importance of social and familial connections, access to engaging learning environments, and structure/routine in promoting health and well-being.

The Role of Cerebrospinal Fluid High-Sensitivity C–Reactive Protein (CSF hsCRP) in Distinguishing Bacterial Meningitis from Aseptic Meningitis

One of the most prevalent serious diseases in newborns and infants is meningitis. Aseptic meningitis is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis and often has a better prognosis. CRP level is the most useful criterion for diagnosing feverish children with significant infections. Objective: The present study aimed to determine the level of CRP in CSF of bacterial meningitis, and aseptic meningitis for early prediction of meningitis and remove the lapse in its treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Immunology Department of The Children’s Hospital & the Institute of Child Health from Jan 2022 to Jan 2023. The present study enrolled patients who had meningitis symptoms (fever, headache, vomiting, and neck stiffness), aged between >2 years to 12 years, both male and female gender. The CRP levels of all patients were measured using the agglutination method. Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 26.0. Results: Of the total 45 patients, 20 (44.4%) were males and 25 (55.6%) were females. The mean age of patients was 5.98+2.792 years. From total, 29 (64.4%) had bacterial meningitis while 16 (35.6%) had aseptic meningitis. The 09 (31.03%) bacterial meningitis patients had positive CRP (>3.0mg/L). The present study showed a statistically significant association between CSF-CRP results with bacterial and aseptic meningitis (p=0.003). Conclusions: While awaiting the results of other confirmatory tests, CSF-CRP can be utilized as an early diagnostic tool for the identification of bacterial and aseptic meningitis. Additionally, it could aid in the early diagnosis of aseptic vs bacterial meningitis.

Burden of out-of-pocket payment for maternal healthcare and its catastrophic effects in the era of free maternal and child health policy in Ghana

BackgroundGhana introduced a free maternal healthcare policy within its national health insurance program in 2008. Despite this, there are reports of significant out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for maternal healthcare in Ghana. This study examines OOP payments for maternal healthcare services and their catastrophic effects, including the correlates of catastrophic OOP payments. MethodsCross-sectional quantitative data were collected from 414 mothers through health facility exit interviews in two regions of Ghana. Catastrophic OOP payments were computed by expressing total health expenditure as a percentage of household total expenditure and non-food expenditure at various thresholds (5 %, 10 %, 20 % and 25 %). The correlates of catastrophic OOP payments were assessed using logistic regression models. ResultsThe median OOP payments for maternal healthcare was GH₵866.5(US$109.3). The median non-medical OOP cost (GH₵479[US$ 59.9]) was higher than the median medical OOP cost (GH₵296.5[US$ 37.1]). The median OOP cost was higher for delivery (GH₵454[US$56.8]) compared to ANC (GH₵356.5[US$44.5]) and PNC (GH₵21.5[US$2.6]). Non-medical supplies comprise 58 % of the total OOP payments. About 73 % and 90 % of respondents spent more than 5 % of their annual household total and non-food expenditure on maternal healthcare, respectively. Rural areas and care at private facilities were significantly associated (AORs<1; p-values<0.05) with lower probabilities of incurring catastrophic OOP expenditure. Tertiary education was associated (AORs> 1; p-values<0.05) with a higher probability of incurring catastrophic OOP payments. ConclusionOOP payments for maternal care are still prevalent in Ghana. We call for a reform of Ghana’s free maternal healthcare policy to include non-medical supplies within its benefit package.

The Role of Cerebrospinal Fluid High-Sensitivity C–Reactive Protein (CSF hsCRP) in Distinguishing Bacterial Meningitis from Aseptic Meningitis

One of the most prevalent serious diseases in newborns and infants is meningitis. Aseptic meningitis is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis and often has a better prognosis. CRP level is the most useful criterion for diagnosing feverish children with significant infections. Objective: The present study aimed to determine the level of CRP in CSF of bacterial meningitis, and aseptic meningitis for early prediction of meningitis and remove the lapse in its treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Immunology Department of The Children’s Hospital &amp; the Institute of Child Health from Jan 2022 to Jan 2023. The present study enrolled patients who had meningitis symptoms (fever, headache, vomiting, and neck stiffness), aged between &gt;2 years to 12 years, both male and female gender. The CRP levels of all patients were measured using the agglutination method. Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 26.0. Results: Of the total 45 patients, 20 (44.4%) were males and 25 (55.6%) were females. The mean age of patients was 5.98+2.792 years. From total, 29 (64.4%) had bacterial meningitis while 16 (35.6%) had aseptic meningitis. The 09 (31.03%) bacterial meningitis patients had positive CRP (&gt;3.0mg/L). The present study showed a statistically significant association between CSF-CRP results with bacterial and aseptic meningitis (p=0.003). Conclusions: While awaiting the results of other confirmatory tests, CSF-CRP can be utilized as an early diagnostic tool for the identification of bacterial and aseptic meningitis. Additionally, it could aid in the early diagnosis of aseptic vs bacterial meningitis.

Association between Active Commuting and Lifestyle Parameters with Mental Health Problems in Chilean Children and Adolescent.

Little is known about the association between active commuting (i.e., walking or cycling to school) with lifestyle parameters and mental health in youths. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between mental health problems and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress with lifestyle (i.e., food habits, screen time, physical activity, and sleep quality), active commuting, and gender. A total of 511 children and adolescents (boys, n = 249; girls, n = 262) aged 10 to 17 years participated in the study. Lifestyle parameters and mental health were evaluated using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Girls reported higher levels of anxiety (p = 0.001), depression (p = 0.001), and stress (p = 0.001). Mental health problems showed a positive association with gender (girls, β = 3.06, p < 0.001) and a negative association with food habits (β = -0.65, p = 0.019). Anxiety was positively associated with gender (β = 7.88, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with food habits (β = -0.23, p = 0.019). Gender (girls) and food habits were also associated with symptoms of depression (β = 2.29, p < 0.001 and β = -0.27, p = 0.005, respectively). Finally, active commuting was inversely associated with stress (β = -1.24, p = 0.008), and stress was positively linked to gender (β = 2.53, p < 0.001). Active commuting, lifestyle parameters, and gender were associated with mental health in children and adolescents. Moreover, girls reported higher levels of anxiety, symptoms of depression, and stress.

The Effects of Maternal Iron and Folate Supplementation on Pregnancy and Infant Outcomes in Africa: A Systematic Review.

Iron and folate deficiency are prevalent in pregnant women in Africa. However, limited research exists on the differential effect of oral iron-only, folate-only, or Iron Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation on adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes. This systematic review addresses this gap, focusing on studies conducted in Africa with limited healthcare access. Understanding these differential effects could lead to more targeted and potentially cost-effective interventions to improve maternal and child health in these settings. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The primary exposures were oral iron-only, folate-only, or IFA oral supplementation during pregnancy, while the outcomes were adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes. A qualitative synthesis guided by methods without meta-analysis was performed. Our qualitative synthesis analysed 10 articles reporting adverse pregnancy (adverse birth outcomes, stillbirths, and perinatal mortality) and infant outcomes (neonatal mortality). Consistently, iron-only supplementation demonstrated a reduction in perinatal death. However, evidence is insufficient to assess the relationship between iron-only and IFA supplementation with adverse birth outcomes, stillbirths, and neonatal mortality. Findings suggested that iron-only supplementation during pregnancy may reduce perinatal mortality in African women. However, evidence remains limited regarding the effectiveness of both iron-only and IFA supplementation in reducing stillbirths, and neonatal mortality. Moreover, additional primary studies are necessary to comprehend the effects of iron-only, folate-only, and IFA supplementation on pregnancy outcomes and infant health in the African region, considering rurality and income level as effect modifiers.

Human Milk Banks in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan: One Step Forward and Two Steps Backward

Introduction: In June 2024, Karachi’s largest public health sector Pediatric Hospital, announced its “Shariah Compliant” Human Milk Bank, which the Sindh Government inaugurated as a Maternal and Child Health milestone. This received public and scholarly backlash, and the bank's operations were closed within ten days. This was intensified by the fatwas from the clerics claiming that the protocol was not pragmatic and that the procedural requirements of a truly Sharia-compliant human milk bank could not be met. This issue has garnered significant attention and speculation from major stakeholders over the decades, and it is imperative to delve into its ethical, religious, and legal dimensions. The facts support the need to develop a resource, yet the social, cultural, religious, and legal aspects cannot be undermined. Clinicians, scholars, ethicists, theologians, community members, and all other stakeholders in Pakistan must engage in discourse and propose a resolution to this debate.

What matters in good health status of 1-year-old children? - A cross-sectional study of the perinatal factors.

A healthy child can make way for a healthy adult. Some of the factors that can be used to determine the health of a young child are nutritional status of the child, the developmental milestones achieved, and frequency of illness. The health status of children and associated factors are determined. This is a community-based cross-sectional study with 271 participants. The height and weight of the child were measured; questions were asked regarding developmental milestones achieved and frequent illnesses. An interview schedule was used to enquire about the determinants of health status. Descriptive statistics were done; Chi-square test and regression were used to determine association between the health status of children and determinants. A total of 127 (46.86%) were found to have a good health status. Family type (Chi square value 9.568; P value = 0.002), birth spacing (Chi square 20.540; P value < 0.001), term or pre-term birth (Chi square 4.598; P value = 0.032), chronic medical problem in the child (Chi square 11.074; P value = 0.001), and immunization status of the child (Chi square 5.666; P value = 0.017) were found to have significant association with the health status of the child. By logistic regression, pre-term child birth and family type were found to have higher odds. For better health of the child, specific focus on birth spacing, term birth of baby, better care of the ill, and complete immunization play vital roles.

The Gaziantep Model: Integrated Mother-Child Health Services for Healthy Communities After Disasters

This article discusses the Gaziantep Model, which focuses on integrated mother-child health services in the aftermath of disasters, with a particular focus on the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey. The model emphasizes the importance of maternal and child health in building healthy communities post-disaster and offers a comprehensive approach to address physical and mental health. The Gaziantep model uses a hybrid structure of mobile and fixed healthcare services to provide care at both individual and societal levels. It also recognizes the importance of healthcare staff's well-being. The article highlights the significant impact of the earthquakes, including damage to healthcare facilities and the strain on healthcare personnel, especially in regions with a high population of Syrian refugees. Gaziantep, with its existing maternal and infant mortality challenges, serves as a suitable province for implementing this model. The article emphasizes the long-term consequences of disasters on maternal and child health, including increased risks during pregnancy, mental health issues, and developmental challenges for children. The Gaziantep model aims to foster collaboration among various agencies and organizations, develop targeted interventions, and collect data to improve maternal and child health, reduce burnout among medical personnel, and enhance the overall well-being of communities. It involves the partnership of Gaziantep University, the ZERU Association, Gaziantep Provincial Health Directorate, and Gaziantep Municipality. Overall, the Gaziantep Model offers a comprehensive approach to address the unique healthcare needs of mothers, children, and families in the aftermath of disasters, with a focus on collaboration and long-term community health.