Benefits For Children Research Articles

Paid Family and Medical Leave: Policy Statement.

Paid family and medical leave (PFML) helps parents balance the competing obligations of work, personal illness, and family. PFML is needed when adding a new member of the family or when a family member or individual becomes acutely or chronically ill. The United States lacks universally available PFML, despite the benefits for child and family health and well-being. Universally available PFML is a key component of improving the health of children and families and is critically needed in the United States.

Long-term effects of unintended pregnancies carried to term on mothers and children

Abstract Background Research on psychological effects of unintended pregnancies that are carried to term presents mixed results, and evidence on long-term associations is scarce. The aim of the current study was to examine effects of unintended pregnancies carried to term on both mothers and children, up to 16 years postpartum. Methods This study is based on the Dutch population-based birth cohort study ‘Amsterdam Born Children and their Development’ (ABCD-study), which included pregnant people in 2003 (n = 7784) and is still following these mothers and their children. Structural Equation Models were analyzed per time-point, examining associations between unintended pregnancy and maternal psychosocial distress, and children’s internalizing- and externalizing problems, while controlling for co-occurring risks. Further, mediating effects via maternal mental health and bonding on children were assessed. Results Around 5 years postpartum, pregnancy mistiming was positively associated to maternal psychological distress. Antenatal psychological distress was a much stronger predictor of maternal psychological distress than unintended pregnancy. Pregnancy mistiming was a significant predictor of internalizing and externalizing problems and unwanted pregnancy of internalizing problems in the children from these pregnancies, around 5 years postpartum. These associations were mostly mediated by maternal mental health and poorer maternal bonding. All associations were no longer present at 12 and 16 years postpartum. Conclusions Unintended pregnancies often coincide with maternal mental health problems, and results showed that associations between unintended pregnancy and both mother’s and children’s psychosocial problems are strongly influenced by maternal mental health. Therefore it is important to improve maternal mental health for the benefit of both mother and child, rather than on the isolated effect of unintended pregnancy. Key messages • Carrying an unintended pregnancy to term impacts psychological health in both mothers and their children up to 5 years but no longer at 12 or 16 years postpartum. • The effects of unintended pregnancy on psychological health in mothers and children are mostly explained by maternal mental health and bonding, so the focus should be on improving these.

Estimated lifetime impact of a school-based intervention for mental health: A microsimulation study

Abstract Background The prevalence of childhood mental health problems is increasing. School-based interventions have the potential to reduce poor mental health and mental health inequalities. Our aim was to estimate the long-term costs and benefits of the Incredible Years Teacher® Classroom Management (IY-TCM) intervention in primary schools compared to no intervention. Methods LifeSim, an existing microsimulation model, was used to estimate the lifetime costs and benefits of IY-TCM by linking short-term changes in SDQ based on a previous trial in primary schools (Cluster RCT: 2075 children aged 4-9 years with a 30-month follow-up) to long-term health, social, economic and wellbeing outcomes. Benefits were measured in quality adjusted life years and wellbeing adjusted life years. We examined subgroup based on deprivation, conduct scores and parental depression. Results Microsimulation modelling estimated small gains in lifetime outcomes including reduced conduct disorder in adolescence and depression in adulthood. Estimates indicate IY-TCM could be cost-effective with a large amount of uncertainty (Net monetary benefit (NMB)=£21, Estimated CI = -£195, £240). IY-TCM was estimated to be more cost-effective for those with high deprivation (NMB = £231, Estimation CI - -£99, £231) and high conduct problem scores (NMB=£315, Estimated CI = £45, £483). Total net social benefit for a typical year size group was estimated to be £111m. Conclusions IY-TCM could be cost-effective compared to no intervention with a large estimated social benefit supporting wider implementation of IY-TCM, but results indicate a large amount of uncertainty. Greater benefits and higher certainty of cost-effectiveness for children with conduct problems and those living in a deprived area suggest IY-TCM has the potential to reduce mental health inequalities and may be more cost-effective for schools with higher deprivation and/or a high prevalence of conduct problems. Key messages • The Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management intervention for mental health in primary schools could be considered cost-effective but there is a large amount of uncertainty. • Greater benefits for children with conduct problems and those living in a deprived area indicates the intervention has the potential to reduce mental health inequalities.

Communication Intervention in South Africa: Advocating for the Listening and Spoken Language Approach

Adhering to Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) guidelines is critical for the timely identification and management of infants with hearing impairment. Early intervention specifically focusses on family-centred communication interventions, of which the Listening and Spoken Language–South Africa (LSL-SA) approach is available for children with hearing impairment in South Africa. Studies have evidenced significant benefits for children with hearing impairment enrolled in LSL-SA compared to those enrolled in Traditional Speech-Language Therapy (TSLT), that is, age-equivalent communication outcomes, shorter duration of therapy until discharge, meritorious academic performance and integration into a hearing society. Despite these positive outcomes related to the LSL-SA approach, significant contextual barriers hinder effective implementation nationwide.Contribution: The successful implementation of EHDI guidelines in South Africa hinges on overcoming barriers through tailored healthcare strategies and contextualised delivery. Adapting frameworks such as LSL-SA to fit the local context is crucial for advancing equitable access to EHDI services, positively impacting children with hearing impairment and their families. This article highlights the systemic challenges in South Africa in optimising resources by adopting linguistically appropriate and culturally responsive early intervention approaches to champion hearing healthcare initiatives. Effective collaboration among diverse stakeholders is essential for enhancing the uptake of EHDI guidelines and translating policy into impactful communication interventions. Implementing the core principles of the LSL-SA approach will not only ensure access to this specialised service for suitable candidates but may also alleviate specific barriers to EHDI implementation within TSLT approaches.

I Prefer to Look at an Animal Rather than at a Human: Visual Attention of Neurotypical Children and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) During One-Time First Exposure to an Assistance Dog

Interacting with animals often provides numerous benefits for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One potential explanation for this is that children with ASD exhibit particular visual attention to animals. This study aimed to characterize the visual attention patterns towards humans and animals in children with ASD compared to neurotypical (NT) children during one-time first exposure to an assistance dog. Forty children participated (18 ASD, 22 NT). The interventions were videorecorded. Three categories of visual attention (gaze, glance, and mutual gaze) directed towards assistance dogs and human professionals were coded using ethological methods. Both the children with ASD and the NT children gazed more frequently at the assistance dog than at the professional. However, although infrequently, both groups shared more mutual gazes with the professional than with the assistance dog. Both the NT children and the children with ASD preferred to gaze rather than to glance at, or share mutual gazes with, the assistance dogs. The attention patterns of the NT children towards the professionals were consistent, whereas those of the children with ASD were not. Statistical linear models revealed that a child’s status (ASD/NT) was the only factor influencing the frequency and duration of the visual behaviors observed. These results confirm that individuals with ASD exhibit particularly focused attention towards animals.

Unmasking Health and Inclusivity: Health Benefits of Traditional Indian Games for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disability

Abstract Background: Physical activity plays a vital role in enhancing the health benefits and decreasing sedentary behaviors in children with neurodevelopmental disability. Adapted physical education by means of traditional games might have the potential to maximize the health benefits of children with neurodevelopmental disability. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the value of traditional games in imparting health benefits in children with neurodevelopmental disability. Methodology: After a detailed review, the research paradigm has been framed to list and compile the traditional games of South India using Nisaratana Sangasubana framework to enhance health benefits for children with neurodevelopmental disability. Data Synthesis: The location of the data, the data-gathering, data-storage, data analysis (using modified Roper and Shapira strategies), and validation of data are done. Reflective Remarks: Finally, the list of traditional games which potentially have health benefits for children with neurodevelopmental disability has been obtained.

Efficacy of high-dose vitamin D supplementation vs. solifenacin or standard urotherapy for overactive bladder dry in children: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

To investigate the efficacy of high-dose vitamin D supplementation (VDS) plus standard urotherapy (SU) in managing pediatric overactive bladder dry (OAB-dry), specifically in children with (1) vitamin D levels between 20 and 35 ng/mL and (2) heightened baseline symptom severity. In this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, eligible children (n = 303) were assigned to 8 weeks of VDS + SU group, solifenacin (SOL) + SU group, or SU alone group. The primary outcome was voiding frequency; secondary outcomes included urgency, nocturia, quality of life (QoL), pediatric lower urinary tract symptoms scores, and patient satisfaction. Among 303 participants, 197 (65%) had vitamin D levels between 20 and 35 ng/mL, and 119 (39%) exhibited heightened baseline symptom severity. In both subgroups, VDS + SU resulted in significantly greater improvements in voiding frequency compared to SOL + SU and SU alone. In the vitamin D subgroup (20-35 ng/mL), the median difference in voids/day between VDS + SU and SOL + SU was 2.0 (95% CI, 1.0 to 3.0; P = 0.003) and 3.2 compared to SU alone (P < 0.001). In the heightened symptom subgroup, the median difference was 3.0 (95% CI, 2.0 to 4.0; P < 0.001) vs. SOL + SU and 5.0 (95% CI, 4.0 to 6.0; P < 0.001) vs. SU alone. The VDS + SU group generally outperformed the other groups in various secondary outcome measures. High-dose VDS plus SU has significant therapeutic benefit in children with OAB-dry in those with vitamin D levels between 20 and 35 ng/mL and with more severe symptoms, compared to SOL + SU or SU alone.

Transforming lives in autism spectrum disorder treatment through acupuncture: A case report

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and narrow interests. Given the high prevalence of ASD and the lack of specific pharmacological treatments, there is a pressing need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Acupuncture has shown promise in improving the clinical symptoms of ASD. This report presents the case of a 6-year-old girl diagnosed with ASD, intellectual developmental disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and articulation disorder. She underwent Liu&amp;rsquo;s pediatric neurological rehabilitation acupuncture therapy (PNRAT) for over 2 years. The treatment involved specific scalp acupuncture techniques targeting cognitive and linguistic rehabilitation. After the treatment course, the patient showed significant improvements in cognitive, linguistic, social, and behavioral symptoms, transitioning from limited verbal communication and marked social difficulties to thriving in a mainstream school setting. This case highlights the potential of Liu&amp;rsquo;s PNRAT as an effective intervention for ASD. The observed improvements suggest that acupuncture may offer valuable therapeutic benefits for children with ASD, contributing to the growing interest in its potential as an adjunct therapy. Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and explore synergies with conventional therapies.

Promoting social and emotional learning (SEL) in settings through emotion coaching practice: a model of engagement for practitioner use

ABSTRACT Emotion Coaching (EC) is a universal, relational approach focussed on promoting emotional wellbeing through attuned relationships. Adults coregulate children to understand different emotions they experience, why they occur and how to manage them. EC was introduced into UK educational settings in 2010 to promote children’s social and emotional learning (SEL) and build resiliency. With evidence of child and practitioner benefit, it is an adaptable ‘technique’ to manage dysregulated children and emotional situations. This paper, reports on educational practitioners’ EC experience. An inductive study, using semi-structured interviews, captured experiences and perceptions of 21, EC trained practitioners. Using constructivist grounded theory, analysis identified the fundamental role of the practitioner’s emotional identity and emotional awareness; recognised practice integration was influenced by practice opportunity and reflection with colleagues and acknowledged the need for managerial support to normalise and sustain EC in settings. With use, practitioner emotional awareness increased, suggesting modification in emotional identity, creating the opportunity to reaffirm, reconsider and re-engage in practice. Integration of EC practice was viewed as an ongoing journey, being described as ‘a way of being and a way of becoming’. The model of EC engagement conceptualised practice integration as a recursive cycle, starting and returning to the practitioner, with sequential, incremental stages. Through attuned child and adult interactions, EC confers, normalises and sustains symbiotic advantage. The model proposed is a practical tool, to guide planning, delivery and monitoring of practice integration.

Labor supply effects of a universal cash transfer

I investigate the labor supply effects of the introduction of an exceptionally large unconditional cash benefit. I exploit the unique design of the child benefit program in Poland to identify the effects of the monthly transfer in a difference-in-differences design. The transfer had no short-term effects but caused sizable negative medium-term effects on household labor supply. In the medium run, population estimates indicate that for every extra 100 dollars in monthly child benefit transfers households received, they reduced their after-tax earnings by 25 dollars, spent 32 dollars on consumption, and saved 43 dollars. These negative labor supply effects are much larger and much more precisely estimated among households with low socioeconomic status. Additional evidence shows that the program had a positive impact on investments in human capital and home production efficiency.

Impact of Weight Status on Hemodynamic Parameters and Aerobic Fitness in School-Aged Children: A Study in a Rural School Community.

Maintaining a high level of physical activity provides significant health benefits for children, particularly in enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness and maintaining a healthy weight. This study aimed to investigate the impact of weight status on children's hemodynamic parameters and aerobic fitness levels. This cross-sectional study included 350 rural primary school children (146 boys and 204 girls) aged 11-13 years, randomly selected from two schools in the King Cetshwayo District, KwaDlangezwa area of KwaZulu-Natal. The anthropometric measurements recorded included height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference, with percentiles calculated using Cole's Lambda, Mu, and Sigma method. Additionally, skinfold measurements were obtained at four sites (biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac). Hemodynamic measurements included systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. Aerobic fitness was assessed using the 20 m shuttle run test, which evaluated speed, level, and age. The healthy group demonstrated significantly lower ratios in several measurements compared to those of the overweight group, i.e., the VO2max was 6% higher (<0.001), the waist-to-hip ratio was 6% lower (<0.001), the body fat percentage was 16% lower (<0.001), the waist circumference was 12% lower (<0.001), and the resting heart rate was 3% lower (p ≤ 0.055). Differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were also observed, with the systolic pressure 2% lower (p ≤ 0.116) and the diastolic pressure 3% lower (p ≤ 0.086) in the healthy group. The study revealed a significant association between body weight status, aerobic fitness, and blood pressure parameters. Conducted in rural primary schools in KwaDlangezwa, KwaZulu-Natal, the research highlights notable correlations among weight status, aerobic competence, and blood pressure (BP) in children aged 11 to 13 years. The findings indicate that children with a healthy body weight showed higher VO2max levels and a reduced risk of developing childhood obesity and hypertension, unlike their overweight or obese peers, who displayed lower aerobic fitness and higher blood pressure.

Do Not Forget the Spine MRI in Children With Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita: High Prevalence of Tethered Spinal Cord and Preliminary Clinical Findings Following Detethering.

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) encompasses congenital conditions with joint contractures in 2 or more joints. Patients with AMC may have scoliosis and neural axis malformations. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of tethered spinal cord (TSC), characterized by a low-lying conus medullaris, and secondarily, present preliminary findings following surgical untethering in children with AMC. Patients 18 years of age and younger with a diagnosis of AMC and a spine MRI were identified. The presence of a TSC was defined as a low-lying conus with termination at or below the lower third of the L2 vertebral body. A pediatric neurosurgeon and a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon independently reviewed MRIs. The medical records of patients with AMC who underwent untethering were examined to evaluate preoperative and postoperative clinical findings. The prevalence of TSC in our AMC patients was compared with published normative data using χ2 analysis. Forty-two of 105 AMC patients (40%) had TSCs. There was a greater percentage of patients with AMC and a TSC compared with the unaffected population (P<0.0001). Sixteen patients underwent detethering through filum terminale sectioning. Nine patients had preoperative neurological deficits in addition to their AMC. There were no postoperative complications. All patients had improvement in their bowel and bladder symptoms within 3 months after their detethering procedure. TSC is more prevalent in the pediatric population with AMC compared with those without AMC. MRI is recommended for all patients with AMC due to its high prevalence. Although not a benign procedure, surgical detethering may have potential benefits for children with AMC. Level IV-therapeutic study.

Involving children and young people in supportive cancer care research: the value of FDS grant funding and charitable partnerships

INTRODUCTION Involvement of children and young people in research has a multitude of benefits for children, researchers and the quality of the research itself. Despite the benefits of involvement, this is not always completed or reported in practice. METHODS This paper looks at the involvement of children and young people during a research study exploring the acceptability of photobiomodulation for mucositis management. It considers the importance of costing involvement into grant funding, and the value of charitable partnerships in conducting research with patient and public involvement. RESULTS Children and young people with experience of cancer, and their parents, were involved at the stages of grant application, research design, data analysis and dissemination. Involvement of families resulted in changes to inclusion criteria, plain language summaries and participant information documents. They provided insight into data analysis, and designed and filmed co-created video outputs to support acceptability of the treatment, dissemination of the research and research involvement of other children. Involvement was supported both practically and financially by charitable partnership with the Candlelighters children’s cancer charity as well as research grant funding from the Royal College of Surgeons of England’s Faculty of Dental Surgery. CONCLUSIONS Child and parent contributors shaped the research project, resulting in changes to the study design, data analysis and co-creation of video resources. Charitable partnership and flexibility of involvement supported diversity in the context of paediatric cancer research. Researchers should consider what they can contribute in return to child contributors and charities who provide support.

THE BENEFITS OF NON-BIOLOGICAL THERAPY IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

Introduction – Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by three main problems, namely the presence of communication disorders, impaired reciprocal social interaction with the surrounding environment, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behavior patterns in the first 3 years of age. In Indonesia, there were around 112,000 ASD sufferers in 2012, while in 2015 it was estimated that 1 in 250 children had ASD, or around 134,000 people. Methods – The author used the literature review method by collecting the results of several kinds of literature on ASD, and non-biological therapy and their benefits in ASD children. The literature on non-biological therapy and its benefits in ASD children is limited to 2011-2021. Results – Autism is a lifelong disorder, so it is important to recognize it as early as possible, and parents need to understand the problem. It's important to remember that the cause of autism is unknown, and no single drug has been found that can cure ASD, but some therapies can suppress ASD symptoms that can help ASD lead a more productive life by reducing symptoms and improving skills. Discuss – There is no definitive therapy that can cure ASD, but therapy is aimed at improving ASD symptoms. Non-biological therapy which includes behavioral therapy (such as TEACCH or ABA) is currently used as first-line therapy for ASD. Conclusion – Symptoms that appear in ASD children vary widely, therefore the therapy given is individual and depends on the circumstances and symptoms that appear. There are many types of non-biological therapies for ASD, such as ABA, TEACCH, PECS, Caregiver-mediated Intervention, Parent-mediated Communication, SIT, and AIT. These therapies have been shown to have benefits in improving ASD symptoms such as communication skills, social interaction, and behavior, where each therapy has different benefits in each type. These therapies are given to everyone as needed. Keywords: non-biological, children, autism.

Exploring Message Framing's Impact on Parent-Child Communication about Sport-Related Concussions in Youth Sports

Recognizing the pivotal role parents play in shaping their children’s attitudes and behaviors regarding sport-related concussions (SRCs), this study investigates message framing on parents’ intentions to discuss SRCs with their children. More specifically, parents were encouraged to talk to their children about the importance of recognizing SRCs and well as reporting them to their coach. In doing so, one message emphasized the benefits of youth athletes recognizing and reporting SRCs and the other highlighted the barriers. Among 249 parents with a child between the ages of 9 and 15, parents perceived benefits to SRC communication positively predicted communication intentions, while SRC knowledge and barriers had no effect. Knowledge interacted with both barriers and benefits to predict parent communication intentions. The study underscores the importance of carefully crafted messaging promoting parent-child SRC communication, highlighting the need for interventions emphasizing parents to initiate conversations about SRC with their child by highlighting the benefits of child reporting and recognizing SRCs. The results are discussed with an emphasis on the practical implications of these findings with a focus on promotional efforts aimed at parents and youth coaches.

Literacy Promotion: An Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice: Technical Report.

Early literacy promotion in pediatric primary care supports parents and caregivers reading with their children from birth, offering counseling in interactive, developmentally appropriate strategies and providing developmentally and culturally appropriate and appealing children's books. This technical report reviews the evidence that reading with young children supports language, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Promoting early literacy in pediatric primary care offers a strengths-based strategy to support families in creating positive childhood experiences, which strengthen early relational health. An increasing body of evidence, reviewed in this report, shows that clinic-based literacy promotion, provided with fidelity to an evidence-based model, has benefits for children, for parents and caregivers, and for pediatric physicians and advanced care providers as well. Reading with young children supports early brain development and the neural "reading network," and improves school readiness. High-quality literacy promotion is especially essential for children who face disparities and inequities because of social factors, systemic racism, and socioeconomic risk. All families benefit from high-quality and diverse books and from developmentally appropriate guidance supporting interactions around books and stories. Thus, literacy promotion can be a universal primary prevention strategy to strengthen families and support healthy development. Partnerships at community, local, and state levels offer opportunities for integration with other programs, services, and platforms. Literacy promotion in primary care pediatric practice, recognized by the AAP as an essential component since 2014, has become increasingly common. There are successful models for public funding at federal, state, county, and municipal levels, but sustainable funding, including payment to pediatric physicians and advanced care providers, remains a need so that the benefits of pediatric early literacy promotion and the joys of books and shared reading can truly be offered on a population level.

Reinforcement Processing as a Predictor of Behavioral Treatment Response in the ADHD Summer Treatment Program

ABSTRACT Background Behavioral interventions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are well-established interventions, but not all children benefit from these approaches. One factor that may accurately predict treatment outcomes is how individuals process reinforcement. Objective The present study examined the association between reinforcement processing and treatment response to a well-established behavioral intervention for ADHD, the Summer Treatment Program (STP). Methods Participants included two cohorts of patients from a Midwest academic medical center STP (n = 47). Reinforcement processing was assessed via a parent-rated questionnaire and computerized neuropsychological tasks. Behavioral improvement was determined from weekly parent- and counselor-rated measures of children’s behavior over the course of the STP, as well as from STP behavioral data. Repeated measures mixed-linear models were used to determine associations between the reinforcement processing predictors and behavioral ratings. Results Greater parent-rated child impulsive/fun-seeking behavior was significantly associated with both greater counselor- and parent-rated behavioral difficulties. However, greater parent-rated child reward responsiveness was significantly associated with lower counselor-rated behavioral difficulties. Objective, task-based measures did not have any significant associations. Conclusions Impulsive/fun-seeking behaviors appear to be the strongest predictor of behavioral treatment response, with results suggesting that children with high rates of these behaviors might benefit from higher rates or values of positive reinforcement to outweigh the immediate reinforcement gained by negative behavior. Reward responsiveness results suggest that a match between a child’s specific reward preferences and the types of reinforcement provided by a behavioral intervention may also be important to treatment outcomes.

IPNA clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and management of children with IgA nephropathy and IgA vasculitis nephritis.

IgA nephropathy and IgA vasculitis with nephritis, albeit rare, represent two relatively frequent glomerular conditions in childhood. Compared to adults, pediatric IgA nephropathy has a more acute presentation, most frequently with synpharyngitic macrohematuria and histologically with more intense inflammation and less intense chronic damage. Management of these conditions is controversial and supported by little high-quality evidence. The paucity of evidence is due to the disease heterogeneity, its inter-ethnic variability, and the difficulty of extrapolating data from adult studies due to the peculiarities of the condition in children. IgA vasculitis with nephritis is a kidney manifestation of a systemic disorder, typical of the pediatric age, in which both the diagnosis of kidney involvement and its management are poorly defined, and an interdisciplinary approach is crucial. Both conditions can have a profound and long-lasting impact on kidney function and the global health of affected children. The International Pediatric Nephrology Association has therefore convened a diverse international group of experts from different disciplines to provide guidance on the recommended management of these conditions in children and to establish common definitions and define priorities for future high-quality, evidence-based collaborative studies for the benefit of children.

Health effects of introducing an unconditional child benefit in Poland: Evidence from a difference in differences analysis

The association between income and health is well-documented, yet the impact of unconditional child benefits on health in high-income countries remains unclear. This study evaluates the health effects of a generous unconditional child transfer introduced in Poland in 2016. We employed a difference-in-differences methodology using 2010–2019 data from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC). Our analysis compared health outcomes between parents eligible for the child benefit and a control group of childless individuals and parents of ineligible children. The introduction of the child benefit was associated with a 2.7 percentage point increase in reporting very good self-perceived health among beneficiaries. The improvement was more significant among the lower-income half, and there was a notable decrease in unmet medical and dental needs by 1.4 percentage points. The policy significantly improved health outcomes, suggesting the potential of unconditional cash transfers to enhance health in high-income countries, particularly for economically disadvantaged groups.

Research on the preferences of maternity clothing shoppers

The article presents the results of a marketing study conducted to determine the preferences of buyers of clothes for expectant mothers. According to the survey results, we see the need to increase the range of comfortable, beautiful and mobile clothes for pregnant women. With the increase in the number of children, the need for clothes for women expecting a child increases every year. Naturally, expectant young mothers have a question about How to choose the right clothes during pregnancy. Women always want and strive to look stylish, appropriate and beautiful. During pregnancy, it is sometimes difficult to choose the right and beautiful clothes. So, pregnancy is a time when it is necessary to monitor the state of health for the benefit of the unborn child. Of course, during this period it is very difficult to choose clothes that will look stylish and will not harm the child's health. Maternity clothes should take into account the changed state of the body, mood, as at this time the appearance changes. To do this, in this research paper, we conducted a survey among pregnant women about which style and silhouette of clothes would be more comfortable. The results presented in our work help in the design and modeling of pregnant women's clothing.