Children In Community Research Articles

Impact of the Welsh Government Flying Start programme on children’s BMI and immunisation uptake

Flying Start (FS) is the Welsh Government’s targeted Early Years programme for families with children under 4 years of age who live in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Wales. The programme aims to mitigate the impact of poverty which is linked to poor life outcomes in early childhood. In particular, this study aims to investigate the impact of FS programme on FS children’s health outcomes in the form of Body Mass Index (BMI) and immunisation uptake, using linking analysis. The datasets linked to the FS cohort are respectively the Child Measurement Programme (CMP) and the National Community Child Health (NCCH). CMP consists of routinely taking height and weight measures of children in reception year to monitor BMI, whereas the NCCH is used to monitor health surveillance programmes, including immunisation. This project will use linked data to investigate the prevalence of fully immunised children across different levels of engagement with FS programme (normal and under-engagement). It will also look at prevalence of different BMI thresholds (underweight, overweight, and normal weight) and differences in mean BMI scores by FS programme engagement levels. In particular, chi-square will be used to explore differences in the proportion of fully immunised children and BMI thresholds, and t-test will be used to identify between-group differences in mean BMI scores. Results from this programme will inform of long-term health outcomes in relation to Early Years programmes. It will also help policy target resources and inform relevant interventions to support the healthy growth of children.

Micronutrient intake inadequacies in Northwest Ethiopian children aged 6–23 months

The early stages of childhood are a crucial period of life for health, with inadequate nutrition impacting physical growth, cognitive development, and the immune system. A considerable proportion of children are affected by micronutrient intake inadequacy and deficiency across the globe. Evidence on micronutrient intake among children aged 6–23 months is limited in Northwest Ethiopia, where there is a divergence between production and dietary consumption practices compared to other regions of the country. This study aimed to determine micronutrient inadequacy and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months. From February 1 to February 18, 2023, 435 children aged 6–23 months participated in a community-based cross-sectional study in the North Mecha District of the Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. The study participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. A multiphasic interactive 24-h dietary recall was used to collect dietary intake data via an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The interviews were conducted with the mothers of the selected children. Nutrient values for the selected 12 micronutrients were calculated using the NutriSurvey 2007 software and food composition tables from Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya. SPSS version 25 was used for the remaining parts of the analysis. The Nutrient Adequacy Ratio and Mean Adequacy Ratio were calculated to evaluate the nutrient intakes. To identify the factors associated with overall micronutrient intake inadequacy, a binary logistic regression analysis was performed, with statistical significance determined at a p-value < 0.05. The overall prevalence of micronutrient intake inadequacy was 64.7% (95% CI 59.9, 69.2). The odds of inadequacy of micronutrient intake were 2.8 times higher among children aged 6–8 months than children aged 9–23 months (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI 1.71, 4.59). Children with paternal education unable to read and write and primary school incomplete were 3.1 (AOR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.26, 7.70) and 2.4 (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.01, 5.73) times more likely to have micronutrient intake inadequacy, respectively, compared to children with paternal education of primary school completed and above. The likelihood of micronutrient intake inadequacy was 1.8 times higher among children from mothers who had an unfavorable nutrition-related attitude than those from mothers who had a favorable attitude (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.02, 3.05). Inadequate intake of micronutrients was shown to be highly prevalent among children aged 6–23 months. Child age, paternal education, and maternal nutrition-related attitude were significantly associated with micronutrient intake inadequacy. Integrating community-guided nutrition interventions targeting nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes of parents is critical in addressing the inadequate micronutrient intake of children in the study community, where production is not a major problem.

Developing community-based physical activity interventions and recreational programming for children in rural and smaller urban centres: a qualitative exploration of service provider and parent experiences

BackgroundChildren’s physical inactivity is a persisting international public health concern. While there is a large body of literature examining physical activity interventions for children, the unique physical activity context of low-density communities in rural areas and smaller urban centres remains largely underexplored. With an influx of families migrating to rural communities and small towns, evaluations of health promotion efforts that support physical activity are needed to ensure they are meeting the needs of the growing populations in these settings. The aim of this community-based research was to explore service providers’ and parents’ perspectives on physical activity opportunities available in their community and recommendations toward the development and implementation of efficacious physical activity programming for children in rural communities and smaller urban centres.MethodsThree in-person community forums with recreation service providers (n = 37 participants) and 1 online community forum with the parents of school-aged children (n = 9 participants) were hosted. An online survey and Mentimeter activity were conducted prior to the community forums to gather participants’ views on the barriers and facilitators to physical activities and suggestions for activity-promoting programs. The service provider and parent discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed following a deductive approach guided by Hseih and Shannon’s (2005) procedure for direct content analysis. A code list developed from the responses to the pre-forum survey and Mentimeter activity was used to guide the analysis and category development.ResultsSeven distinct categories related to the existing physical activity opportunities and recommendations for programs in rural communities and smaller urban centres were identified during the analysis: (1) Recovery from Pandemic-Related Measures, (2) Knowledge and Access to Programs, (3) Availability, (4) Personnel Support, (5) Quality of Programs and Facilities, (6) Expenses and Subsidies, and (7) Inclusivity and Preferences.ConclusionTo improve the health and well-being of children who reside in low-density areas, the results of this study highlight service provider and parent recommendations when developing and implementing community-based physical activity programs and interventions in rural and smaller urban settings, including skill development programs, non-competitive activity options, maximizing existing spaces for activities, and financial support.

Mental Health Aftercare Availability for Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth in New York City.

The goal of our study was to describe the availability of community child and adolescent mental health services, trauma-informed care, and the geographic accessibility of these services for juvenile justice-involved (JJ) youth who received mental health services while in secure detention. Data collection occurred through direct contact with the child and adolescent outpatient clinics listed on the New York State Office of Mental Health website. Zip codes were collected from the juvenile secure detention census. Of the clinics contacted, 88.5 percent accepted JJ youth; however, 43.5 percent accepted them on a conditional basis. Only 62.1 percent offered trauma-informed care, including evidence-based interventions and unspecified care. Although 84.5 percent of the clinics that would accept this population reported currently accepting new patients, reported wait times were as high as six or more months. When JJ residents' home zip codes and those of the clinics were geographically mapped, there were few clinics in the zip codes where most residents lived. The clinics that accepted youth on a conditional basis often refused high-risk patients, essentially ruling out a large majority of this population. The geographical inaccessibility of these clinics limits their ability to provide care for this vulnerable population.

Determination of appropriate policy targets to reduce the prevalence of stunting in children under five years of age in urban-poor communities in Indonesia: a secondary data analysis of the 2022 Indonesian national nutritional status survey

ObjectiveBased on previous studies, urban-poor societies are very vulnerable to stunted children under five. The study aims to determine the appropriate policy targets to reduce the prevalence of stunted under-five...

Home visits versus fixed-site care by community health workers and child survival: a cluster-randomized trial, Mali.

To test the effect of proactive home visits by trained community health workers (CHWs) on child survival. We conducted a two arm, parallel, unmasked cluster-randomized trial in 137 village-clusters in rural Mali. From February 2017 to January 2020, 31 761 children enrolled at the trial start or at birth. Village-clusters received either primary care services by CHWs providing regular home visits (intervention) or by CHWs providing care at a fixed site (control). In both arms, user fees were removed and primary health centres received staffing and infrastructure improvements before trial start. Using lifetime birth histories from women aged 15-49 years surveyed annually, we estimated incidence rate ratios (IRR) for intention-to-treat and per-protocol effects on under-five mortality using Poisson regression models. Over three years, we observed 52 970 person-years (27 332 in intervention arm; 25 638 in control arm). During the trial, 909 children in the intervention arm and 827 children in the control arm died. The under-five mortality rate declined from 142.8 (95% CI: 133.3-152.9) to 56.7 (95% CI: 48.5-66.4) deaths per 1000 live births in the intervention arm; and from 154.3 (95% CI: 144.3-164.9) to 54.9 (95% CI: 45.2-64.5) deaths per 1000 live births in the control arm. Intention-to-treat (IRR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.88-1.19) and per-protocol estimates (IRR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.87-1.18) showed no difference between study arms. Though proactive home visits did not reduce under-five mortality, system-strengthening measures may have contributed to the decline in under-five mortality in both arms.

A Case Study on the Application of a STEAM Education Program for Children in a Community Child Center: Focusing on Creative Problem-Solving and Interpersonal Skills

Objectives: This study aimed to observe the behavior of early grade elementary-school children enrolled in a community child center regarding creative problem-solving and interpersonal skills during the STEAM education program using qualitative research methods.Methods: The 10th STEAM education program was conducted from May to July 2023 at a community child center. With the consent of the participants, six early grade elementary-school children from the community child center were selected. The collected data were investigated to determine qualitative changes in participants’ behavior and thinking. The data were analyzed according to the criteria for creative problemsolving and interpersonal skills.Results: This study classified three stages of change in children while implementing the STEAM education program. In the 1st to 3rd sessions, the results were classified as “Problem-solving through profound exploration and observation” and a “Lack of interest and participation motivation” in creative problem-solving skills, and “Communication lacking consideration” in interpersonal skills. In the 4th to 9th sessions, they were categorized as “Idea presentation through divergent thinking” and “Perseverance toward achieving goals” in creative problem-solving skills and “Decision-making through role allocation” and “Sharing resources and cooperative communication” in interpersonal skills. In the 10th session, they were analyzed as “Effective self-expression and acceptance of others” in interpersonal skills.Conclusion: This study is significant because it supports the development of creative problem-solving and interpersonal skills of children in a community child center through the STEAM education program. This suggests the potential to contribute to the diversity and quality improvement of community childcare programs.

Circulating immune complexes and G6PD deficiency predict readmissions for blackwater fever and severe anemia in children with severe malaria in Eastern Uganda.

Recently, there has been an unexplained increase in the incidence of blackwater fever (BWF) in Eastern Uganda. In this study, we evaluate the association between immune complexes, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, and the occurrence and recurrence of BWF in children with severe malaria (SM). Between 2014 and 2017, children aged six months to <4 years hospitalized with SM and community children (CC) were recruited at two hospitals in Central and Eastern Uganda. We measured serum circulating immune complexes (cIC) and their relationship to SM complications and post-discharge outcomes and evaluated effect mediation through G6PD deficiency. 557 children with SM and 101 CC were enrolled. The mean age of children was 2.1 years. Children with SM had higher cIC levels than CC, p<0.001. After controlling for age, sex, and site, cIC were associated with severe anemia, jaundice, and BWF (adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 7.33 (3.45, 15.58), p<0.0001; 4.31 (1.68, 11.08), p=0.002; and 5.21 (2.06, 13.18), p<0.0001), respectively. cIC predicted readmissions for SM, severe anemia, and BWF (adjusted incidence rate ratios (95% confidence interval): 2.11 (1.33, 3.34), p=0.001; 8.62 (2.80, 26.59), p<0.0001; and 7.66 (2.62, 22.45), p<0.0001), respectively. The relationship was most evident in males where the frequency of the G6PD African allele (A-) was 16.8%. G6PD deficiency was associated with increases in cIC in males (p=0.01) and mediation analysis suggested G6PD deficiency contributes to recurrent severe anemia and BWF via increased cIC. Immune complexes are associated with hemolytic complications and predict recurrences in SM survivors.

Mixed-method examination of early maladaptive schemas and coping among children at a child advocacy center.

The present study examined (a) the presence of early maladaptive schemas and coping responses in children who have experienced maltreatment, (b) the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and coping responses, and (c) how qualitative findings compare to previous theoretical structures in quantitative studies. There were 100 participants (Mage = 10.72 years, SD = 3.35; 64 girls, 30 boys, six transgender/nonbinary), with 70% identifying as White. Data were collected in collaboration with a community child advocacy center through forensic interviews in cases of reported child abuse. Early maladaptive schemas were assessed using an adapted version of the Dusseldorf Illustrated Schema Questionnaire for Children. Coping responses were assessed using the COPE Inventory. Information about individual and abuse factors was gathered from case reports. Child advocacy center staff completed the measures based on information obtained during forensic interviews. All assessed early maladaptive schemas were endorsed in this sample; children reported an ability to adapt through the use of socially supported and self-sufficient coping responses. Hierarchical cluster analysis examining word similarity within coded texts demonstrated that subjugation and self-sacrifice were most strongly related. This mixed-method study integrating children's voices contributes a new perspective on early maladaptive schemas and coping responses that can provide education to multidisciplinary teams involved in forensic interviews. However, limits to generalizability must be considered given that the sample was derived from one region in the U.S. Midwest. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Assessing childhood community experiences

Community-level childhood experiences make up important aspects of early life that are associated with long-term health outcomes. However, to date, there have been no validated measures that assess community-level experiences during childhood. Thus, we aimed to develop and validate a measure that would assess community-level experiences associated with both risk and resilience. Data were collected from 577 undergraduate participants (68.7% female). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic strategies were used to examine the factor structure of the Childhood Community Experiences Scale (CCES) comprised of the Community Risk Scale and the Community Protective Scale. Convergent validity and predictive utility of the CCES with existing measures of individual risk and resilience and adult psychosocial functioning were also examined. Results indicated a 5-factor solution for the Community Risk Scale and a 6-factor solution for the Community Protective Scale to fit the data best. Further, results suggest the convergent validity and predictive utility of the CCES with measures of adult psychosocial functioning. This measure allows for a brief, self-report assessment that can be used to assess childhood community-level risk and protective factors.

The Influence of “The Little Prince” on Communication Between Asylum-Seeking Children and Their Host Community Peers

Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Syrians have sought refuge in various nations, with Türkiye notably emerging as a prevalent destination. Due to Türkiye’s “open door” policy, rougbly 3.5 million Syrians have been conferred temporary protected status, with nearly half being children. Given the recent mass migrations, enduring migration flows, and substantial numbers of asylum-seeking children, fostering respect for diversity among children has become crucial. This research, therefore, was conceptualized to offer solutions within school social work aimed at promoting peace for asylum-seeking children facing segregation/discrimination. The study focuses on transforming the attitudes of host community children toward asylum-seeking children through literary works specifically “The Little Prince.” Utilizing a Parallel Mixed Methods Design, 30 participants were selected via purposive sampling. The study investigated: “How does the implementation of school social work through literary works influence respect for differences, tolerance and love among children?” The findings suggest that integrating school social work practices with artistic mediums, particularly literary works, should be considered for social work interventions targeting children and their social environments within educational programs in Türkiye.

Examining the Relationship Between Lead Exposures in Community Drinking Water Systems and Child Blood Lead Levels in Illinois

Examining the Relationship Between Lead Exposures in Community Drinking Water Systems and Child Blood Lead Levels in Illinois

Patterns of adverse childhood experiences and community environments

Patterns of adverse childhood experiences and community environments

Assessment of urine metabolite biomarkers for the detection of S. haematobium infection in pre-school aged children in a rural community in Zimbabwe

Early diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis is key to its control and elimination. The current gold standard microscopic examination techniques lack sensitivity in detecting light Schistosomiasis infections in pre-school aged children thus it is urgent to develop diagnostic tools that may be integrated into control programs. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of urine metabolite biomarkers using a chemical reagent strip in the detection of S. haematobium infection in pre-school aged children. A case-control study was conducted involving 82 pre-school aged children that were age and sex matched. Urine samples were collected for 3 consecutive days and were evaluated using urine filtration gold techniques as the gold standard method. The samples were simultaneously measured for metabolite biomarkers specifically haematuria, proteins, ketones, nitrites, glucose, bilirubin and urobilinogen using chemical reagent strips. Pearson correlation test was used to measure the relationship between S. haematobium infection and the urine metabolite biomarkers. The diagnostic performance of urine biomarkers were correlated with the microscopic examination urine filtration technique. Haematuria (r = 0.592, p = 0.0001) and proteinuria (r = 0.448, p = 0.0001) were correlated to S. haematobium infection. Negative correlations with p > 0.05 were recorded for ketones and urobilinogen. Highest sensitivity was 65.9 % (CI, 49.4 - 79.9) for haematuria whilst protein (albumin) biomarker had a lower specificity value of 43.9 % (28.5 - 60.3). Inversely, highest sensitivity was 87.8 % (73.8 - 95.9) for proteinuria whilst haematuria had a lower sensitivity value of 82.9 % (67.9 - 92.8). The positive predictive values ranged from 57.7 % (41.6 - 72.2) to 79.4 % (65.5 - 88.7) whereas negative predictive values ranged from 70.8 % (60.8 - 79.2) to 52.0 % (48.7 - 55.3). With respect to diagnostic efficiency, haematuria had a fair diagnostic performance with an area under the curve of 0.76 followed by proteinuria with proteinuria whilst the remaining metabolites fail discriminating ability with an area under the curve of <0.5. Although haematuria and protein biomarkers in urine are moderately sensitive and specific, they are important morbidity indicators of urogenital schistosomiasis in pre-school aged that may be utilised during screening in schistosomiasis control programs. We recommend comprehensive analysis of biomarkers using metabolomics techniques to identify novel urine biomarkers.

The organisation for economic co-operation and development's international early learning and child well-being study: Here we go again!

This colloquium brings information about a second cycle of OECD's International Early Learning and Well-being Study (IELS) to the early childhood community, and offers a further critique of the approach to comparative research that the IELS embodies.

Associations between indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and sleep-disordered breathing in an urban sample of school-aged children

Environmental risk factors may contribute to sleep-disordered breathing. We investigated the association between indoor particulate matter ≤2.5µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) and sleep-disordered breathing in children in an urban US community. The sample consisted of children aged 6-12years living in predominantly low-income neighborhoods in Boston, Massachusetts. Indoor PM2.5 was measured in participants' main living areas for 7days using the Environmental Multipollutant Monitoring Assembly device. High indoor PM2.5 exposure was defined as greater than the sample weekly average 80th percentile level (≥15.6μg/m3). Sleep-disordered breathing was defined as an Apnea-Hypopnea-Index (AHI) or Oxygen-Desaturation-Index (ODI) (≥3% desaturation) of ≥5 events/hour. Habitual loud snoring was defined as caregiver-report of loud snoring (most or all the time each week) over the past 4weeks. We examined the associations of PM2.5 with sleep-disordered breathing or snoring using logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders. The sample included 260 children (mean age 9.6years; 41% female), with 32% (n=76) classified as having sleep-disordered breathing. In a logistic regression model adjusted for socioeconomics and seasonality, children exposed to high indoor PM2.5 levels (n=53) had a 3.53-fold increased odds for sleep-disordered breathing (95%CI: 1.57, 8.11, p=.002) compared to those with lower indoor PM2.5. This association persisted after additional adjustments for physical activity, outdoor PM2.5, environmental tobacco smoke, and health characteristics. Similar associations were observed for snoring and indoor PM2.5. CONCLUSIONS: Children with higher indoor PM2.5 exposure had greater odds of sleep-disordered breathing and habitual loud snoring, suggesting that indoor air quality contributes to sleep disparities.

Taking charge of change: building community ownership for educational change with Indigenous communities

Education is often posed as the harbinger of progress in discourses related to the development of marginalised Indigenous communities. However, since they entered the mainstream schools in the 1960s, the four Indigenous communities of Gudalur, India have experienced various forms of injustice in seeking formal education. This article draws from the work of the Vishwa Bharati Vidyodaya Trust, a community-driven organisation that has been working on matters related to the education of these four communities since 1996, and two research initiatives that captures the community’s voices on their experiences and aspirations related to education, to put forth recommendations for practice that is geared towards greater equality and justice for the children of Indigenous communities. Rooted in the belief that the active participation of the community is crucial to devising solutions that truly address in a sustainable manner the historical injustices faced by them, the article outlines various interventions at different sites of learning that builds community ownership and nurtures a meaningful continuum between the home and school environment of the children.

Third Father’s Authority in Family Upbringing in Palestinian Society

This study aims to analyze the impact of the third father’s authority on the family upbringing processes of children in the Palestinian community and to evaluate the effect of using technological media on children’s educational and cognitive achievement. Additionally, it examines the influence of the recreational and behavioral content of technological media on children’s behavior and habits and analyzes the impact of technological media on children’s social interactions and social relationships. This study used the descriptive-analytical method, with the study population consisting of all Palestinian children aged between 6-14 years in the West Bank governorates. The study sample comprised 413 children. The results showed a statistically significant impact of the third father’s authority on family upbringing processes in the Palestinian community. The use of technology for educational and cognitive purposes enhances children’s academic and cognitive achievement. Moreover, the recreational and behavioral aspects of technological media have a positive effect on children’s behaviors and provide rich recreational experiences, in addition to improving their social interactions and communication skills. Based on these results, it is recommended to set specific time schedules for technology use, guide children towards beneficial educational content, choose games that promote positive values, and encourage physical and social activities to ensure balanced and healthy development for children.

Peran Standar Pengelolaan PAUD dalam Meningkatkan Perkembangan Sosial Anak Usia Dini

This research discusses the role of preschool management standards in improving early childhood social development in Indonesia. preschool plays a crucial role in children's development, with curriculum, teaching methods, infrastructure, and parental and community involvement being key elements in ensuring quality education. Good preschool management standards can create a conducive learning environment, encourage healthy social interactions, and support the development of children's social skills. The research uses the literature study method by collecting data from various relevant sources such as books, scientific journals, articles and official documents. The analysis shows that Total Quality Management (TQM) indicators, such as leadership, commitment, customer focus, data measurement and analysis, and continuous improvement, can be applied in preschool management to improve service quality. Although there are implementation constraints, such as uneven quality of preschool and lack of a comprehensive assessment system, this study provides recommendations to improve access to educational resources, develop an objective assessment system, and increase parental and community involvement. With collaborative efforts from various parties, the quality of early childhood education in Indonesia can be improved, ultimately supporting children's optimal social development.

A Rare Case Report of Constriction Band Syndrome at the Wrist in a Child (Dhaga Syndrome)

ABSTRACT There are instances when elastic/thread bands are worn on the wrist, especially in infants or children in certain communities for either decorative or religious purposes. In case, it is worn for a long time, it burrows through the skin and soft tissues while going completely un-noticed, causing constriction and resulting in distal edema and loco-regional infection. The rare case discussed here is of a 3 years old female child who presented with circumferential constriction, swelling, and discharging sinuses around the right wrist for 7 months. The case was diagnosed on MRI and subsequently successfully managed surgically. The clinico-radiologic features and details of the case are discussed herein.