Children In Florida Research Articles

Assessing Variability in Children’s Exposure to Contaminants in Food: A Longitudinal Non-Targeted Analysis Study in Miami, Florida

Food is essential for human survival; however, food can be an important route of exposure to contaminants. This study investigated the presence and distribution of anthropogenic contaminants in food consumed by families with small children in South Florida, United States, evaluating seasonal and socio-economic variabilities in chemical composition. QuEChERS protocols, followed by non-targeted analysis (NTA) using an LC-Orbitrap HRMS system, were used for the comprehensive screening of organic contaminants. The compounds were annotated and identified with the Compound Discoverer (CD) software, and contaminant distributions were analyzed using boxplots and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results showed significant seasonal and socio-economic differences in contaminant distributions (p < 0.05). In the wet season, a predominance of polymers and surfactants, such as dodecanedioic acid and N-dodecylacrylamide, were found in food, which might be due to increased transport of industrial pollutants during increased precipitation, while plasticizers (e.g., bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) and drugs (e.g., warfarin) were more prevalent during the dry season, which could be related to less dilution effects in this period. A higher abundance of 1-nitrosopiperidine, present in cured meats, was noted in food from upper socio-economic classes, while the lower class showed higher abundance of benzocaine, a common topical anesthetic.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis Meningoencephalitis in Three Pediatric Patients in Florida, USA.

Eosinophilic meningoencephalitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis has been reported in several southern U.S. states and Hawai'i. We present the first locally acquired human cases of A. cantonensis meningoencephalitis in three children in Florida, occurring between June 2021 and January 2022. Clinicians should be attuned to this possible diagnosis in this region.

Geospatial Analysis of Pediatric Burns Reveals Opportunities for Injury Prevention

BackgroundGeospatial analysis is useful for identifying hot spots for preventable injuries and for informing prevention efforts. We hypothesize that specific populations of children in South Florida are at increased risk of burn injury. MethodsWe used a regional burn center registry to geocode burn cases treated from July 2013 to December 2022 for patients <18 years. Spatial analysis was utilized to identify high-density areas and potential spatial clusters of patients living in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. Sociodemographic factors, burn etiology, and physiologic characteristics were analyzed using geospatial and statistical analyses. Results689 patients (58% male, median age 2 [1–8] years) were identified. The annual incidence of burns was 5.5 per 100,000 children. There was no seasonal variation in injury patterns. Most patients were Black (51%) and non-Hispanic (73%). Scald burns (72%) represented the most common etiology, followed by flame (10%) and contact with hot objects (9%). Most patients (58%) required inpatient admission. Scald and contact burns occurred in younger patients compared to other mechanisms (median [IQR] age: 2 [1–6] vs. 8 [4–12] years, p < 0.001). Race, ethnicity, and insurance status were not associated with inpatient admission (all p > 0.05). Overall, there was a higher rate of pediatric burn injuries affecting Black residents, with a paucity of injuries in predominately high-income areas. ConclusionsA disproportionate amount of pediatric burn injuries occur in low-income and predominantly Black neighborhoods. Additionally, scald and contact burns are a target for injury prevention in South Florida. These data may inform public health implementation to reduce morbidity in vulnerable populations. Level of EvidenceLevel III. Type of StudyRetrospective comparative study.

What About the kids? A Multimethod Approach to Understanding Law Enforcement Policies Pertaining to the Arrest of Children in Florida

What About the kids? A Multimethod Approach to Understanding Law Enforcement Policies Pertaining to the Arrest of Children in Florida

Effects of sex, race, and ethnicity on primary and subspecialty healthcare use by autistic children in Florida: A longitudinal retrospective cohort study (2012–2018)

BackgroundAutistic children and youth have high rates of co-occurring conditions,but little is known about how autism subgroups (girls, non-White children) access healthcare to treat them. The purpose of this longitudinal retrospective cohort study was to investigate differences by sex, race, and ethnicity in non-acute (primary and subspecialty) healthcare use by autistic children and youth. MethodWe used the OneFlorida Data Trust to measure healthcare use for 82,566 autistic children ages 1–21 (2012–2018). We investigated (1) the odds of using any healthcare and (2) annual healthcare usage rates. We adopted a logistic regression and multiple linear regression for each of the dependent variables (total non-acute, primary care, gastroenterology (GI), developmental-behavioral pediatrics (DBP), psychiatry/psychology, neurology, and total subspecialty visits), adjusting for potential confounders (sex, race, ethnicity, age at visit, insurance type, urbanicity, and co-occurring conditions). ResultsAutistic boys had significantly higher odds of any neurology and psychiatry/psychology visits, but lower annual rates of primary care, GI, and neurology visits. Black/African American autistic children had significantly higher odds of any primary care, DBP, and neurology visits, but lower odds of any GI visits, and lower annual rates of primary care, GI, DBP, and neurology visits. Hispanic/Latinx autistic children had significantly higher odds of any primary care, DBP, and neurology visits, but lower odds of psychiatry/psychology visits; and higher annual rates of neurology visits, but lower annual rates of GI, DBP, and psychiatry/psychology visits. ConclusionsWe found significant differences by sex, race, and ethnicity in non-acute healthcare use by autistic children.

Basic Approach to Prevalence of Iron-Deficiency Anemia among Pregnant Women and Children in South Florida before 2003

Obviously iron deficiency is determined as the most prevalent nutritional problem in the world today. It is provoked by a lack of iron in the diet. In South Florida, since pregnant women tend to neglect prenatal care, the prevalence of anemia primarily occurs during the first and second trimesters of their pregnancy. Accordingly, medical studies show that premature deliveries, low birth weight, birth defects, infant mortality, etc. result from iron deficiency anemia. In this, birth defects are, however, considered as quite associated with folic acid deficiency anemia. That explains why, this paper also deals with the study published by the March of Dimes on folic acid and pregnancy. In addition, the paper approaches qualitatively the socioeconomic and sociocultural aspects of the disease according to eight (8) interviews conducted in Broward and Miami Date counties to highlight the existing preventive programs for vulnerable population such as women, infants and children in South Florida, USA.

A mixed methods study reviewing consumer experiences for oral health treatment in Medicaid-eligible children in Florida.

Oral health is essential to a person's overall health, well-being, and dignity; unfortunately, dental caries, which can cause pain and difficulty eating, affect approximately 50percent of children between 6 and 8 years old. This is in part because Medicaid-eligible children face numerous obstacles obtaining dental care. To date, there are 74 million Americans who do not have dental coverage or access to dental services, which is strongly associated with race, class, gender, and ethnicity. The objective of this research was to identify barriers to accessing and utilizing children's Medicaid oral health care and services, to evaluate care delivery and quality, and to assist in establishing a more consumer-driven approach. A mixed methods study was conducted throughout the state of Florida, using qualitative and quantitative data collection to seek answers to these questions. There were 422 surveys and 39 interviews distributed to Medicaid-eligible families and individuals across the state; data collection focused on experiences with oral health care, gaps in current access to Medicaid dental care, and concerns when utilizing care. Our study shows the majority of barriers parents face when accessing Medicaid oral health care are due to logistical access issues, such as cost, appointment wait-times, and confusion surrounding which dental providers accept specific insurance plans. The findings also highlight how location, race, language, and ethnicity impact families who lack preventive dental health services access and how, in turn, families view their own access to dental services. Ultimately, there exists an avenue to implement programs and policies that address existing disparities in oral health to improve health outcomes by increasing access to care and reducing cultural and socioeconomic barriers.

Sex differences in the effects of physical and sexual abuse on the odds of past 30-day opioid misuse among Florida justice-involved children

Aim Opioid misuse is a severe threat to justice-involved children and adolescents. Identifying risk factors and sex differences is critical to design accurate risk assessments and person-centered interventions. Stress theory and research posit that abuse may be linked to opioid misuse, and the consequences may be harsher for females. The study tests the hypothesis that physical and sexual abuse will individually and cumulatively increase the risk for opioid misuse, and females will have a higher risk than males. Methods A statewide sample of 79,960 justice-involved children in Florida were examined. Opioid misuse, illicit and non-medical use, was measured by urine analysis or self-disclosure within the past-30 days. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed. Marginal effects were estimated to investigate the interaction between abuse and sex. Results Over 2000 youth met the criteria for opioid misuse. One-third of female opioid users experienced both physical and sexual abuse. Compared to those with no history of physical or sexual abuse, those who were physically abused had 43% higher odds of opioid misuse, those who were sexually abuse had 78% higher odds, and those who experienced both had twice as high odds of opioid misuse. The individual and combined effects of these abuse types were higher for females. For example, female youth who were sexually abused had 2.7-times higher odds of opioid misuse than males who were sexually abused. Conclusion Intervention efforts can be improved by integrating physical and sexual abuse into risk assessments and tailoring assessments by sex.

1) Prevalence of Peanut and Tree-nut Allergies Among Children in Florida

1) Prevalence of Peanut and Tree-nut Allergies Among Children in Florida

A Bastard by Any Other Name: A Requiem for the End of Disproportionate Treatment Toward Out of Wedlock Children in Florida’s Probate System

A Bastard by Any Other Name: A Requiem for the End of Disproportionate Treatment Toward Out of Wedlock Children in Florida’s Probate System

Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Appendices: Glossary and Additional Resources

The new Florida 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems: Leader’s Activity Guide helps leaders address the 4-H Science Initiative and is part of the Environmental Sciences Framework, OUR NATURAL WORLD. This framework includes the basic premise that aquatic/marine environments are important in children’s lives, particularly to those children in Florida. The 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems curriculum provides an opportunity for young people to practice a variety of life skills while learning marine science concepts. The curriculum also utilizes science inquiry as a way for young people (9-14) to gain a deeper curiosity about the natural world. Written by Karen Blyler and Joy Jordan, and published by the UF Department of 4-H Youth Development, November 2014.&#x0D; 4H352/4H352: Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Appendices: Glossary and Additional Resources (ufl.edu)

Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Facilitator Evaluation

The new Florida 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems: Leader’s Activity Guide helps leaders address the 4-H Science Initiative and is part of the Environmental Sciences Framework, OUR NATURAL WORLD. This framework includes the basic premise that aquatic/marine environments are important in children’s lives, particularly to those children in Florida. The 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems curriculum provides an opportunity for young people to practice a variety of life skills while learning marine science concepts. The curriculum also utilizes science inquiry as a way for young people (9-14) to gain a deeper curiosity about the natural world. Written by Karen Blyler and Joy Jordan, and published by the UF Department of 4-H Youth Development, November 2014.&#x0D; 4H353/4H353: Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Facilitator Evaluation (ufl.edu)

Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Lesson 4: Coastal Ecosystems—Beach, Estuary, Marsh &amp; Swamp

The new Florida 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems: Leader’s Activity Guide helps leaders address the 4-H Science Initiative and is part of the Environmental Sciences Framework, OUR NATURAL WORLD. This framework includes the basic premise that aquatic/marine environments are important in children’s lives, particularly to those children in Florida. The 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems curriculum provides an opportunity for young people to practice a variety of life skills while learning marine science concepts. The curriculum also utilizes science inquiry as a way for young people (9-14) to gain a deeper curiosity about the natural world. Written by Karen Blyler and Joy Jordan, and published by the UF Department of 4-H Youth Development, November 2014.&#x0D; 4H350/4H350: Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Lesson 4: Coastal Ecosystems: Beach, Estuary, Marsh, and Swamp (ufl.edu)

Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Lesson 3: Aquatic Ecosystems—Lakes, Springs &amp; Rivers

The new Florida 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems: Leader’s Activity Guide helps leaders address the 4-H Science Initiative and is part of the Environmental Sciences Framework, OUR NATURAL WORLD. This framework includes the basic premise that aquatic/marine environments are important in children’s lives, particularly to those children in Florida. The 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems curriculum provides an opportunity for young people to practice a variety of life skills while learning marine science concepts. The curriculum also utilizes science inquiry as a way for young people (9-14) to gain a deeper curiosity about the natural world. Written by Karen Blyler and Joy Jordan, and published by the UF Department of 4-H Youth Development, November 2014.&#x0D; 4H349/4H349: Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Lesson 3: Aquatic Ecosystems: Lakes, Springs, and Rivers (ufl.edu)

Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems: Leader’s Activity Guide—Introduction

The new Florida 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems: Leader’s Activity Guide helps leaders address the 4-H Science Initiative and is part of the Environmental Sciences Framework, OUR NATURAL WORLD. This framework includes the basic premise that aquatic/marine environments are important in children’s lives, particularly to those children in Florida. The 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems curriculum provides an opportunity for young people to practice a variety of life skills while learning marine science concepts. The curriculum also utilizes science inquiry as a way for young people (9-14) to gain a deeper curiosity about the natural world. Written by Karen Blyler and Joy Jordan, and published by the UF Department of 4-H Youth Development, November 2014.&#x0D; 4H346/4H346: Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems: Leader's Activity Guide—Introduction (ufl.edu)

Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Lesson 5: Marine Ecosystems—Coral Reefs &amp; Open Ocean

The new Florida 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems: Leader’s Activity Guide helps leaders address the 4-H Science Initiative and is part of the Environmental Sciences Framework, OUR NATURAL WORLD. This framework includes the basic premise that aquatic/marine environments are important in children’s lives, particularly to those children in Florida. The 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems curriculum provides an opportunity for young people to practice a variety of life skills while learning marine science concepts. The curriculum also utilizes science inquiry as a way for young people (9-14) to gain a deeper curiosity about the natural world. Written by Karen Blyler and Joy Jordan, and published by the UF Department of 4-H Youth Development, November 2014.&#x0D; 4H351/4H351: Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Lesson 5: Marine Ecosystems: Coral Reefs and Open Ocean (ufl.edu)

Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Lesson 1: Aquatic and Marine Ecosystem Connections

The new Florida 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems: Leader’s Activity Guide helps leaders address the 4-H Science Initiative and is part of the Environmental Sciences Framework, OUR NATURAL WORLD. This framework includes the basic premise that aquatic/marine environments are important in children’s lives, particularly to those children in Florida. The 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems curriculum provides an opportunity for young people to practice a variety of life skills while learning marine science concepts. The curriculum also utilizes science inquiry as a way for young people (9-14) to gain a deeper curiosity about the natural world. Written by Karen Blyler and Joy Jordan, and published by the UF Department of 4-H Youth Development, November 2014.&#x0D; 4H347/4H347: Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Lesson 1: Aquatic and Marine Ecosystem Connections (ufl.edu)

Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Lesson 2: Wetland Ecosystems—Freshwater Marshes and Swamps

The new Florida 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems: Leader’s Activity Guide helps leaders address the 4-H Science Initiative and is part of the Environmental Sciences Framework, OUR NATURAL WORLD. This framework includes the basic premise that aquatic/marine environments are important in children’s lives, particularly to those children in Florida. The 4-H Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems curriculum provides an opportunity for young people to practice a variety of life skills while learning marine science concepts. The curriculum also utilizes science inquiry as a way for young people (9-14) to gain a deeper curiosity about the natural world. Written by Karen Blyler and Joy Jordan, and published by the UF Department of 4-H Youth Development, November 2014.&#x0D; 4H348/4H348: Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems—Lesson 2: Wetland Ecosystems: Freshwater Marshes and Swamps (ufl.edu)

Impact of Trauma System Preparedness on the Outcomes of Severe Child and Adolescent Injuries.

Severe child trauma poses a heavy burden upon the public's health and the nations' economies, in terms of mortality, morbidity, and disability. The burden varies by the maturity level of the adopted trauma system. This work aimed to identify the impact of trauma system maturity upon the outcomes of care of severely injured children. Discharge data for hospitalized trauma children in Florida (mature trauma system) and Indiana (immature trauma system) were retrospectively analyzed. All severely injured children, 1-15years of age with an injury severity score ≥25 during 1999-2000 were included. Assessment involved the differences in specified treatment procedures, survival rates, hospital length of stay, and the need for post-hospital institutional care. Analysis revealed that Indiana children significantly stay longer in hospital, and that no differences in the rates of patient mortality, discharge home, and selected procedures were found. Trauma system maturity impacts the volume and complexity of interventions, as well as the mortality, morbidity, and disability associated with the severe child and adolescent trauma. The cost of such burden could be directed to improving quality of the state's injury management services.

Impact of trauma system preparedness on the outcomes of severe injuries among child populations.

Severe child trauma poses a heavy burden upon the public's health and the nations' economies, in terms of mortality, morbidity, and disability. The burden varies by the maturity level of the adopted trauma system. This work aimed to identify the impact of trauma system maturity on the outcomes of care of severely injured children. Discharge data for the hospitalized trauma children in Florida (mature trauma system) and Indiana (immature trauma system) were retrospectively analyzed. All severely injured children, 1-15years of age with an injury severity score ≥25 during 1999-2000 were included. Assessment involved the differences in specified treatment procedures, survival rates, hospital length of stay, and the need for post-hospital institutional care. Analysis revealed that Indiana children significantly stay longer in hospital, and that no differences in the rates of patient mortality, discharge-home, and selected procedures were found. Trauma system maturity impacts the volume and complexity of interventions, as well as the mortality, morbidity, and disability associated with severe children and adolescent trauma. The cost of such burden could be directed to improving the quality of the state's injury management services.