Children In Spain Research Articles

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Associated Factors in Children in Spain, 2017: Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with biological, multicausal and polygenic origins. The true prevalence of ASD has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of ASD in children aged 3 to 14 years in Spain and to analyze the factors associated with it. A cross-sectional observational study using data from the 2017 National Survey of Health in Minors in Spain. Primary outcome was the diagnosis of ASD, and sociodemographic, behavioral, health-related, the use of health services, household and medication use variables was analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression model with a correction for modelling rare events was fitted. Complex sampling was undertaken, using the survey elevation factor in the analysis. A total of 4409 children were included, and there were 26 children with ASD, for a prevalence of 0.59%, representing 29,143 children with ASD. Factors significantly associated were male sex, having visited a psychologist, and/or a speech therapist in the past year, presenting probable problems with peers, antisocial behavior, taking antibiotics and taking other medications. The findings of this study may be useful to inform health policies and develop strategic plans to identify and address the needs of children with ASD.

Finger Configurations and Kindergarteners’ Mathematical Abilities

ABSTRACT Previous research has demonstrated a link between children’s ability to name canonical finger configurations and their mathematical abilities. This study aimed to investigate the nature of this association, specifically exploring whether the relationship is skill and handshape specific and identifying the underlying mechanisms involved. Five-year-old children in Spain (N = 143) were assessed on their ability to name canonical finger configurations and analogous representations (buildings on a hill), alongside a range of mathematical skills (counting, knowledge of the verbal count sequence, single-digit arithmetic, and subitizing). Findings indicated that five-year-olds only recognize single-hand canonical finger configurations as summary symbols, processing them holistically. However, no direct association was found between the ability to recognize these configurations and the assessed mathematical skills. Notably, only the ability to name finger configurations corresponding to larger numbers (requiring enumeration) was associated with children’s arithmetic skills, suggesting that these configurations elicit combinatorial processes that are handshape specific. The implications of these findings for cognitive development and mathematical assessment are discussed, highlighting the potential for finger configurations as a tool for fostering mathematical understanding and the need for further exploration of their cognitive underpinnings.

Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oral Health Problems among Children in Spain

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the association between symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oral health in a representative sample of the Spanish population aged 6–14 years. We also examined the contribution of several sociodemographic and behavioral determinants of children/adolescents and their family environment. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 3,402 subjects aged between 6 and 14 years from the Spanish National Health Survey. The presence of ADHD symptoms was determined using the self-reported hyperactivity/inattention subscale of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Oral health was assessed using five indicators: caries, extraction, restorations, gingival bleeding, and the presence of teeth in poor condition (e.g., broken or misaligned). Logistic regressions were used to examine the association between the presence of ADHD symptoms and oral health indicators. These models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, lifestyle variables, and oral hygiene behaviors relating to both the children and their parents. Results: Compared to children without ADHD symptoms, children with ADHD symptoms had a higher risk of caries (fully adjusted odds ratio: 2.16; 95% confidence interval: 1.66–2.82), extraction (1.42; 1.09–1.85), restoration (1.47; 1.19–1.82) and gingival bleeding (1.64; 1.11–2.41). The increased risk of caries was maintained when the analyses were restricted to middle/high social class families and children with low sugar intake, good oral hygiene behaviors and regular dental visits. Conclusions: Children with ADHD symptoms in Spain had worse oral health indicators than those without ADHD symptoms. Our results suggest that the association of ADHD symptoms with caries was independent of socioeconomic level, cariogenic diet, frequency of toothbrushing, and dental visits.

Prevalence of childhood obesity in Spain and its relation with socioeconomic status and health behaviors: Population-based cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the current state of childhood overweight and obesity in Spain, and its relationship with socioeconomic status and health-related behaviors. MethodsPopulation-based cross-sectional observational study, based on the 2017 National Health Survey in minors in Spain. This study included all children surveyed who were aged 1–14 years. Childhood obesity was estimated from the z-score of the body mass index. ResultsThe study included 4882 children aged 1–14 years (mean 7.5). The prevalence of obesity was 18.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 18.5–18.7), while 13.5% (95% CI 13.4–13.6) were overweight. These figures represent over a million children in Spain who are obese and nearly 750,000 who are overweight. A north–south geographic gradient was apparent, with higher prevalence of unhealthy body weight in southern Spain. Factors associated with childhood obesity were low socioeconomic status, poor diet and sedentarism, among others. ConclusionsChildhood overweight in Spain is strongly associated with socioeconomic status and other factors such as diet and sedentarism. Multidisciplinary public health interventions are needed to reduce this serious health problem in children.

AfroSpanish identity from an ‘experiential’ perspective: Desirée Bela-Lobedde in conversation with Dosinda García-Alvite

In this interview Desirée Bela-Lobedde talks about some of the themes she examines in her book Ser mujer negra en España (2018) [Being a Black Woman in Spain], where she writes about growing up as a racialized child in Spain, the erasure of African subjects’ presence in Spanish national history and how structural racism still exists in Spain, affecting all institutions, including the school system. The interview took place in New York on March 7, 2024. It was conducted in Spanish and subsequently translated into English by the interviewer.

Professional Insights into Navigating Support for LGBTI Children in Spain

Professional Insights into Navigating Support for LGBTI Children in Spain

Prevalence of childhood obesity in Spain and its relation with socioeconomic status and health behaviors: Population-based cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the current state of childhood overweight and obesity in Spain, and its relationship with socioeconomic status and health-related behaviors. MethodsPopulation-based cross-sectional observational study, based on the 2017 National Health Survey in minors in Spain. This study included all children surveyed who were aged 1–14 years. Childhood obesity was estimated from the z-score of the body mass index. ResultsThe study included 4882 children aged 1–14 years (mean 7.5). The prevalence of obesity was 18.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 18.5–18.7), while 13.5% (95% CI 13.4–13.6) were overweight. These figures represent over a million children in Spain who are obese and nearly 750,000 who are overweight. A north–south geographic gradient was apparent, with higher prevalence of unhealthy body weight in southern Spain. Factors associated with childhood obesity were low socioeconomic status, poor diet and sedentarism, among others. ConclusionsChildhood overweight in Spain is strongly associated with socioeconomic status and other factors such as diet and sedentarism. Multidisciplinary public health interventions are needed to reduce this serious health problem in children.

Retrospective study of acute mastoiditis in children in Spain attended in a Pediatric Emergency department

ObjectiveTo analyze the cases of acute mastoiditis, characteristics, management and complications in children attended in the emergency department. MethodsRetrospective study of acute mastoiditis in a Spanish tertiary hospital over a 6-year period (2018–2023). ResultsOne hundred two episodes of acute mastoiditis were analyzed (54% males, median age 1.8 years). Microorganisms were isolated in one third of cases, mainly Streptococcus pyogenes (64% of ear secretion cultures). Complications occurred in 27.5%, primarily subperiosteal abscess. A younger age, absence of vaccination schedule, previous history of otitis, cochlear implant carriers or white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels were not associated with complications. Complicated cases had longer hospitalizations. Treatment included antibiotics, corticosteroids, and surgery in 50% of cases. ConclusionsThis study shows an increase of acute mastoiditis during 2023, with a relevant role of S. pyogenes. A younger age, absence of vaccination, personal history of otitis or cochlear implant, blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels were not associated with complications.

Adaptation and Validation of the MapMe Body Image Scales in Spanish Parents of Schoolchildren.

Childhood overweight and obesity is a worldwide problem and to treat it parents' detection has to be improved. The MapMe Body Image Scales (BIS) are a visual tool developed to improve parental perception of child weight in the United Kingdon (UK) based on British growth reference criteria. The aim of this study was to make a transcultural adaptation and validation of the MapMe BIS in Spain based on International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut offs A descriptive cross-sectional study was done. First, a translation and cultural adaptation was carried out. A total of 155 10-11-year-old children and their parents participated in this study. Children were measured to calculate their weight status, Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Percentage (BFP) and Waist Circumference (WC), and their parents completed a purpose designed questionnaire about their perception and satisfaction of child's body weight status using the adapted BIS. Test-retest reliability, criterion validity and concurrent validity of the adapted BIS were analyzed. This study shows that the adapted MapMe BIS has good psychometric properties and is a suitable visual scale to assess parental perception of weight status in 10 and 11-year-old children in Spain.

Retrospective study of acute mastoiditis in children in Spain attended in a Pediatric Emergency department

ObjectiveTo analyze the cases of acute mastoiditis, characteristics, management and complications in children attended in the emergency department. MethodsRetrospective study of acute mastoiditis in a Spanish tertiary hospital over a 6-year period (2018–2023). ResultsOne hundred two episodes of acute mastoiditis were analyzed (54% males, median age 1.8 years). Microorganisms were isolated in one third of cases, mainly Streptococcus pyogenes (64% of ear secretion cultures). Complications occurred in 27.5%, primarily subperiosteal abscess. A younger age, absence of vaccination schedule, previous history of otitis, cochlear implant carriers or white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels were not associated with complications. Complicated cases had longer hospitalizations. Treatment included antibiotics, corticosteroids, and surgery in 50% of cases. ConclusionsThis study shows an increase of acute mastoiditis during 2023, with a relevant role of S. pyogenes. A younger age, absence of vaccination, personal history of otitis or cochlear implant, blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels were not associated with complications.

Activation and local inhibition in the bilingual child’s processing of codeswitching

Codeswitching has been used as a tool to investigate how the properties of the two language systems interact in the bilingual mind with relatively few studies investigating bilingual children. We target two groups of L1-Spanish–L2-English children in Spain to address language activation and language inhibition in the processing of codeswitching between a determiner (DET) and a noun (N). We investigate how the mental representation of the formal features involved is responsible for the sensitivity to grammatical gender, which in turn affects how bilinguals’ language activation and inhibition processes are at play and shape processing. We target both the directionality of the switch (English-DET–Spanish-N vs. Spanish-DET–English-N) and the type of implicit gender agreement mechanism (in the case of Spanish-DET–English-N switches) by using offline acceptability judgment data and eyetracking during reading data. Results suggest lower processing costs of English DET switches and higher ones of non-congruent Spanish DET switches. We interpret the preference for classifying the non-gendered Ns along the lines of the gendered Ns in the gendered language as evidence for the integrated representation hypothesis which states that both Ns depicting the same concept are connected in the mind of the bilingual.

Parálisis facial, la importancia de realizar una buena historia clínica

Facial palsy poses a wide differential diagnosis in pediatrics, especially when it is accompanied by symptoms that make it doubtful whether Bell's palsy is present. It is essential to perform a correct anamnesis to rule out diagnoses that require early detection and treatment to improve the prognosis. Lyme disease (EL) is one of the possible causes of facial palsy, having been seldom described in children in Spain. We present the case of an 11-years-old male with diagnosis of facial palsy associated with B. burgdorferi infection with favorable evolution after treatment with doxycycline.

Changes in prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities in secondhand smoke exposure in Spanish children, 2016-2019.

Children are vulnerable to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, especially those with lower socioeconomic status. This study assesses the changes in prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities in SHS exposure in children younger than 12 years old in Spain between 2016 and 2019. We conducted two cross-sectional studies among representative samples of households with children aged <12 years in Spain, in 2016 (n=2411) and 2019 (n=2412). Families were interviewed to assess children's SHS exposure in private settings and outdoor public venues and their adoption of home and car smoke-free rules. We used the education level of the home main earner as a proxy for socioeconomic position. Changes over time in the prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities of SHS exposure and smoke-free rules were estimated through adjusted Poisson regression models with robust variance according to sociodemographic covariates (adjusted prevalence ratios, APRs). In 2019, 70.5% of children were exposed to SHS in Spain. No changes between 2016 and 2019 were found for overall SHS exposure, exposure at home, and at school entrances. SHS exposure increased at public transport stations (APR=1.24; 95% CI: 1.03-1.49) and outdoor hospitality venues (APR=1.17; 95% CI: 1.07-1.29) while it decreased in cars (APR=0.74; 95% CI: 0.56-0.98) and parks (APR=0.87; 95% CI: 0.77-0.98). Households with lower education level had higher prevalence of SHS exposure at home in 2019 compared with those with university studies (primary: APR=1.30; 95% CI: 1.11-1.51; secondary: APR=1.12; 95% CI: 1.00-1.25) and were less likely to adopt home indoor smoke-free rules (primary: APR=0.88; 95% CI: 0.79-0.99; secondary: APR=0.95; 95% CI: 0.89-1.02). Socioeconomic inequalities in SHS exposure at home persisted between 2016 and 2019 (p>0.05), while decreased in smoke-free rules in cars (p=0.039). Reported SHS exposure among children in Spain remained high between 2016 and 2019. Inequalities persisted at home, highlighting the need for measures to reduce such exposure with an equity perspective.

SURROGACY: THE LEGISLATION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND THE KINGDOM OF SPAIN

The article analyzes the legislation of the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Spain regulating registration of surrogacy. The legal problems of registering children in Spain born to a surrogate mother in another state are highlighted. The author focuses on the European practice of recognizing paternity and motherhood of genetic parents in order to ensure the child interests. However, Western countries require a court decision of the country in which the child was born in favor of the genetic parents, which contradicts the family legislation of the Russian Federation.

Increase in Incidence Rates and Risk Factors for Multidrug Resistant Bacteria in Septic Children: A Nationwide Spanish Cohort Study (2013-2019).

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in children is a growing concern, particularly among septic patients, given the need for first-right dosing. Our aim was to determine the incidence rates and factors associated with MDR-sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), using data from the Spanish ENVIN-HELICS PICU registry between 2013 and 2019. The rate of MDR bacteria among septic children ranged between 5.8 and 16.2% throughout this study period, with a significant increase since 2015 (p = 0.013). MDR-gram-negative bacteria (92%), particularly EBL-Enterobacterales (63.7%), were the most frequent causative microorganisms of MDR-sepsis. During this study period, sixteen MDR-sepsis (32.6%) corresponded to intrahospital infections, and 33 (67.4%) had community-onset sepsis, accounting for 10.5% of the overall community-onset sepsis. Independent risk factors associated with MDR-sepsis were antibiotics 48 h prior to PICU admission (OR 2.38) and PICU onset of sepsis (OR 2.58) in >1 year-old children, and previous malnourishment (OR 4.99) in <1 year-old children. Conclusions: There was an alarming increase in MDR among septic children in Spain, mainly by gram-negative (ESBL-Enterobacterales), mostly coming from the community setting. Malnourished infants and children on antibiotics 48 h prior to PICU are at increased risk and therefore require closer surveillance.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Children With Nonsevere Tuberculosis in Spain.

To assess the prevalence and characteristics of nonsevere TB among children in Spain. It has been recently demonstrated that these children can be treated with a 4-month regimen instead of the classical 6-month treatment regimen, with the same effectivity and outcomes, decreasing toxicity and improving adherence. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a cohort of children ≤16 years of age with TB. Nonsevere TB cases included smear-negative children with respiratory TB confined to 1 lobe, with no significant airway obstruction, no complex pleural effusion, no cavities and no signs of miliary disease, or with peripheral lymph-node disease. The remaining children were considered to have severe TB. We estimated the prevalence of nonsevere TB and compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes between children with nonsevere and severe TB. A total of 780 patients were included [46.9% males, median age 5.5 years (IQR: 2.6-11.1)], 477 (61.1%) of whom had nonsevere TB. Nonsevere TB was less frequent in children <1 year (33% vs 67%; P < 0.001), and >14 years of age (35% vs 65%; P = 0.002), mostly diagnosed in contact tracing studies (60.4% vs 29.2%; P < 0.001) and more frequently asymptomatic (38.3% vs 17.7%; P < 0.001). TB confirmation in nonsevere disease was less frequent by culture (27.0% vs 57.1%; P < 0.001) and by molecular tests (18.2% vs 48.8%; P < 0.001). Sequelae were less frequent in children with nonsevere disease (1.7 vs 5.4%; P < 0.001). No child with nonsevere disease died. Two-thirds of children had nonsevere TB, mostly with benign clinical presentation and negative microbiologic results. In low-burden countries, most children with TB might benefit from short-course regimens.

Clinical and economic hospital burden of acute respiratory infection (BARI) due to respiratory syncytial virus in Spanish children, 2015–2018

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in children, causing frequent outpatient visits and hospitalizations. Our study aimed to describe the clinical and direct economic burden of ALRI hospitalizations related to RSV in children in Spain and the characteristics of patients and their episodes. In this retrospective study, ALRI hospitalizations in children aged < 5 years for 2015–2018 were reviewed using anonymized administrative public hospital discharge data from Spain. Three case definitions were considered: (a) RSV-specific; (b) RSV-specific and unspecified acute bronchiolitis (RSV-specific and bronchiolitis); and (c) RSV-specific and unspecified ALRI (RSV-specific and ALRI). The study reported a mean of 36,743 yearly admissions potentially due to RSV, resulting in a mean annual cost of €87.1 million. RSV-specific codes accounted for 39.2% of cases, unspecified acute bronchiolitis for 20.1%, and other unspecified ALRI codes for the remaining 40.6%. The mean hospitalization rate per 1,000 children was 55.5 in the first year of life, 16.0 in the second, and 5.4 between 24 and 59 months. A considerable proportion of cases occurred in children under two years old (> 80.4%) and even during the first year of life (> 61.7%). Otherwise healthy children accounted for 92.9% of hospitalizations and 83.3% of costs during the period. Children born preterm accounted for 1.3% of hospitalizations and 5.7% of costs. The findings revealed that RSV still contributes to a high burden on the Spanish health care system. Children under one year of age and otherwise healthy term infants accounted for most of the substantial clinical and economic burden of RSV. Current evidence potentially underestimates the true epidemiology and burden of severe RSV infection; thus, further studies focusing on the outpatient setting are needed.

FRI-153 - Microbiological analysis of acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children in Spain

FRI-153 - Microbiological analysis of acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children in Spain

Gendered division of housework and childcare and women’s intention to have a second child in Spain

The Gender Revolution Theory forecasts a rise in fertility as gender equality increases and permeates the private sphere. However, empirical evidence across different societies has not always been conclusive, which suggests further research on the relationship between gender equality and fertility is needed. This research aims to assess the impact of the distribution of housework and childcare within the couple on one-child mothers’ fertility intentions in Spain. The educational expansion in recent decades has facilitated women’s mass entry into the workforce in this country. Nevertheless, the distribution of unpaid labour remains quite gendered and public support for families is scarce, making family/work balance challenging, especially for women. Using data from the 2018 Spanish Fertility Survey, the results suggest that when the distribution of housework is highly unbalanced between mothers and fathers, women are less likely to intend to have a second child. In contrast, unequal childcare workload does not substantially impact their intention to have a second child. Furthermore, whereas women’s satisfaction with the distribution of housework and childcare does not seem to moderate the effect of distribution, their education level slightly does. University-educated women are more likely to revise their fertility intentions downwards when the distribution is highly unequal.

Pendidikan Agama Islam dan Strategi Melawan Radikalisasi Kekerasan di Spanyol

Spain’s public schools need Islamic religious education to prevent terrorism. This is because many children in Spain’s schools are Muslim, which means they need to be educated about Islamic religious ideas. This is why Spain passed a law for Islamic religious education in public schools. They also passed new legislation that emphasized adaght against Islamic terrorism. These laws gave teachers of Islamic Education a significant role in countering Islamic terrorist messages and preventing violent radicalization.