Sociodemographic Characteristics Of Children Research Articles

Disentangling Associations of Neighborhood Street Scale Elements With Physical Activity in Mexican School Children

Promoting outdoor play and participation in sports and organized physical activities in children may depend on neighborhood characteristics. This study investigated associations between neighborhood streets and physical activities among Mexican children ( N = 1,509, 6-11 years). Child sociodemographic characteristics and physical activity were measured in schools in Guadalajara ( n = 10), Mexico City ( n = 13), and Puerto Vallarta ( n = 3), Mexico, in 2012. Street segments within an 800 m radius around each school were measured using the Pedestrian Environment Data Scan. Most (75.8%) played outdoors; 47.4% participated in sports and 40% in organized physical activities. Fewer path obstructions and more pedestrian amenities were associated positively with outdoor play. Greater street cleanliness, more pedestrian amenities, and more path obstructions were associated with less participation in sports or organized activities. Walkability was negatively associated with all physical activities. Fostering safe and appealing streets may help promote outdoor play time, but not sports participation, for Mexican children.

Determinants and processes of HIV status disclosure to HIV--infected children aged 4 to 17 years receiving HIV care services at Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Tanzania, Centre of Excellence (COE) in Mbeya: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundDisclosure of HIV sero-status to HIV-infected children is associated with reduced risk of death and better adherence to antiretroviral drugs. However, caregivers find it difficult to determine when and how they should disclose the HIV sero-positive status to HIV-infected children. In this study, we assessed the determinants and processes of HIV status disclosure to HIV-infected children aged 4 to 17 years receiving HIV care services at the Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Tanzania, Centre of Excellence (COE) in Mbeya.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among 334 caregivers of HIV positive children attending the Baylor COE in Mbeya, Tanzania. Data were collected using quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics of children and caregivers using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-Info version 3.5.1 and analyzed using STATA version10. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) associated with disclosing HIV positive status to HIV-infected children. Qualitative data were collected on the processes used in accomplishing the HIV status disclosure event using case histories and key informant interviews and analyzed manually using latent analysis techniques.ResultsAbout one-third of the caregivers (32.6 %) disclosed the children’s HIV sero-positive status to them. Disclosure was more likely among children 10 years or older (adjusted OR [AOR] = 8.8; 95 % CI: 4.7, 16.5), caregivers with knowledge about HIV disclosure (AOR = 5.7; 95 % CI: 2.3, 13.7) and those earning more than Tsh 99,999 (US $62.5) per month (AOR = 2.4; 95 % CI: 1.3, 4.5). Qualitative findings showed that caregivers used a diversity of approaches to complete the HIV status disclosure event including direct, third-party, event-driven and use of drawings.ConclusionsOur study shows that disclosure is common among older children and is largely driven by the caregivers’ knowledge about HIV status disclosure and monthly earnings. HIV status disclosure was accomplished through a variety of approaches. These findings suggest a need to provide caregivers with knowledge about HIV status disclosure approaches to improve HIV status disclosure to HIV-infected children.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12887-015-0399-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of Educational Program on the Management of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media among Children.

Background. Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) remains one of the most common childhood chronic infectious diseases worldwide, affecting diverse racial and cultural groups in both developing and industrialized countries. Aim of the Study. This study aimed to assess the impact of educational program on the management of children with CSOM. Subjects and Methods. An experimental study design was used. This study included 100 children of both sexes of 2 years and less of age with CSOM. Those children were divided into 3 groups: group I: it involved 50 children with CSOM (naive) who received the designed educational program; control group: it involved 50 children who were under the traditional treatment and failed to respond; group II: those children in the control group were given the educational program and followed up in the same way as group I and considered as group II. Tools of the Study. Tool I is a structured questionnaire interview sheet for mothers. It consists of four parts: (1) personal and sociodemographic characteristics of child and (2) data about risk factors of otitis media (3) assessment of maternal practice about care of children with suppurative otitis medi (4) diagnostic criteria for suppurative otitis media. Tool II is the educational program: an educational program was developed by the researchers based on the knowledge and practices needs. This study was carried out through a period of 9 months starting from September 2013 to May 2014. The educational program was implemented for mothers of children with CSOM in the form of 5 scheduled sessions at the time of diagnosis, after one week, 1, 3, and 6 months. Results. There were significant differences between children who received the educational program and control group regarding the response to treatment after one and 3 months. The percentages of complete cure increased progressively 32%, 60%, and 84% after 1, 3, and 6 months in group I while they were 24%, 44%, and 64% in group II, respectively. Cure (dry perforation) was 64%, 36%, and 12% among children of group I after 1, 3, and 6 months while it was 64%, 44%, and 24% in group II, respectively. The percentages of compliance to the educational program improved with time in both groups: 44%, 64%, and 80% in group I and 32%, 48%, and 56% in group II after 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The percentages of cure were statistically significantly higher among children with complete compliance with the educational program in both groups in comparison to those with incomplete compliance (P = 0.000 for both). Conclusions. From this study we can conclude that the majority of children with CSOM had one or more risk factors for occurrence of the disease; the educational program is effective for management of CSOM (whether cure or complete cure); the higher the compliance of mothers with the program the higher the response rate; regular followup and explanation of the importance of the program played an important role in the compliance with the program.

Racial socialization practices among African American fathers: A profile-oriented approach.

Employing a latent profile analytic approach, this investigation identified racial socialization patterns among African American fathers. In addition, this study explored whether profiles varied by father and child sociodemographic characteristics. Participants were 166 African American fathers (M 32.20, SD 8.26) of adolescents (M 12.60, SD 2.20). Analyses revealed that a 5-cluster solution fit the data most optimally. Identified profiles were (a) infrequent racial socializers, (b) negative racial socializers, (c) positive racial socializers, (d) low race salience socializers, and (e) race salience socializers. Results provided partial support for sociodemographic variation across racial socialization. Implications for multidimensional perspectives on African American fathers’ racial socialization practices are discussed.

Nursing Perception of the Children Hospitalized in a University Hospital

The study was carried out in order to determine the nursing perception of children hospital patients between the ages 6-18. The descriptive cross-sectional study was realized between the dates of February 2013-Februaru 2014 with children hospital patients. No sample selection was made and a sample was created out of the 206 children who accepted to participate the study. The data collection was prepared in line with literature and expert opinion; and the data collecting form, consisting of children's socio-demographic characteristics and written and pictured questions about the nursing perception was used. 51% of the participating children were girls and their average of age was 12,22±3,22. 46,1% of the children were hospital patients due to a chronic illness and 31,6% mention that they have experienced hospitalization many times. When the children were asked about the responsibilities of the nurses; while 74,8% gave the answer that they give an injection, 1,9% responded that they play with us. When the perception of nurses shown to the children through facial expressions according to age groups were analysed; 68% marked good-humoured, 25,2% tired, 3,9% sad and 2,9% angry. In line with the findings of the study it was seen that the children percept the nurse as good-humoured and besides of that they are more interested in concrete interferences and rarely add play to care. In line with these results it can be recommended that the nurses increase and support applications regarding appropriate psychosocial care in order to decrease the stress of the hospitalized children due to the illness and treatment and to convert the crisis to a benefit.

Variations in the influence of parental socialization of anxiety among clinic referred children.

This study examined the relations between parental socialization of child anxious behaviors (i.e., reinforcement, punishment, modeling, transmission of information) and child anxiety and related problems at varying child sensitivity levels. Data corresponding to 70 clinic-referred children (M age = 9.86 years; 50% girls; 49% Hispanic/Latino, 51% Caucasian) showed that for children with low (but not high) anxiety sensitivity, anxiety-related parental socialization behaviors were associated with more child anxiety and depression symptoms. Findings also indicated that parental socialization of anxious behaviors and anxiety sensitivity functioned similarly in the prediction of anxiety and depression across Caucasian and Hispanic/Latino children. There were no significant mean level variations across child sociodemographic characteristics in general, but anxiety-promoting parenting behaviors were twice as high in Hispanic/Latino compared to Caucasian families.

Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Chinese Caregivers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study

The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in China. Two hundred and seventy-three caregivers were surveyed using questionnaires on HRQOL, family functioning, coping style, social support, and caregiver burden. Besides socio-demographic characteristics of children with ASD and their caregivers, results demonstrate that family functioning, coping style, social support, caregiver burden are predictors of HRQOL in caregivers of children with ASD, and these predictors correlated with each other. These results indicate that comprehensive intervention, which focuses on improving caregivers' coping strategies, social support (especially from family members and friends) and family functioning, and on releasing caregiver burden, should be provided to caregivers of children with ASD.

Análise Comparativa do Perfil de Crianças em Acolhimento Institucional nos Anos de 2004 e 2009

The study presents a comparative analysis of the aspects that characterized the child population served in a host institution in the metropolitan region of Belém, Pará, the years of 2004 (n = 287) and 2009 (n = 249). Variables were compared regarding sociodemographic characteristics of children, the reason for the host, age at entry into the institution and length of stay. The results show that the profile of the population served has undergone major changes: in five years, increased the age at which children entered the institution, which may prevent or mitigate the consequences generated by deprivation of parental care, but also extended the time they remained satisfied by the service, and this is one aspect that aggravates their condition of vulnerability. These data support the argument that it is necessary to monitor over time these and other characteristics of this population, to tailor the management of care services to their developmental demands.

Television viewing through ages 2-5 years and bullying involvement in early elementary school

BackgroundHigh television exposure time at young age has been described as a potential risk factor for developing behavioral problems. However, less is known about the effects of preschool television on subsequent bullying involvement. We examined the association between television viewing time through ages 2-5 and bullying involvement in the first grades of elementary school. We hypothesized that high television exposure increases the risk of bullying involvement.MethodTV viewing time was assessed repeatedly in early childhood using parental report. To combine these repeated assessments we used latent class analysis. Four exposure classes were identified and labeled “low”, “mid-low”, “mid-high” and “high”. Bullying involvement was assessed by teacher questionnaire (n = 3423, mean age 6.8 years). Additionally, peer/self-report of bullying involvement was obtained using a peer nomination procedure (n = 1176, mean age 7.6 years). We examined child risk of being a bully, victim or a bully-victim (compared to being uninvolved in bullying).ResultsHigh television exposure class was associated with elevated risks of bullying and victimization. Also, in both teacher- and child-reported data, children in the high television exposure class were more likely to be a bully-victim (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.42-3.13 and OR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.75-7.74 respectively). However, all univariate effect estimates attenuated and were no longer statistically significant once adjusted for maternal and child covariates.ConclusionsThe association between television viewing time through ages 2-5 and bullying involvement in early elementary school is confounded by maternal and child socio-demographic characteristics.

Socio-demographic profile of HIV infected children accessing care at pediatric clinic of a tertiary level hospital in North India

Background: An increasing number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected children are being identified and registered for Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART). The parents of HIV infected children are more likely to die and thus render the children orphan. The socio-demographic characteristics of children with HIV infection are different than the other children of the same age group. So it is important to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of HIV infected children and ascertain factors associated with orphan-hood. Methods: During 2010-11, a hospital based descriptive study was done where one hundred fifty six children registered at the pediatric chest clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Delhi and their caregivers were included in the study. Semi-structured, pretested interview schedule was used for data collection through face to face interview. Results: Nearly half of the children were in age group of 5-9 years (mean age 8.1 ± 3.45 years) and two-thirds (73.3%) were male. In 66% of children both parents were HIV infected, in 17.3% cases either parent was infected. None of the parent was reported to be HIV positive in 16.7% of children. The prevalence of orphan-hood was 39.1% with majority as paternal orphans. The primary caregiver was either the surviving parent (82.0%) or extended family members and 87.8% of children were living with their parents/surviving parent. Conclusion: The prevalence of orphan-hood among the HIV-positive children was high. It might lead to significant health consequence for the children. Larger community-based studies are needed to determine the true magnitude of orphan-hood.

Prevalence and determinants of obesity among primary school children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

BackgroundChildhood obesity has increased dramatically and has become a public health concern worldwide. Childhood obesity is likely to persist through adulthood and may lead to early onset of NCDs. However, there is paucity of data on obesity among primary school children in Tanzania. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of obesity among primary school children in Dar es Salaam.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted among school age children in randomly selected schools in Dar es Salaam. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken using standard procedures. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m2). Child obesity was defined as BMI at or above 95th percentile for age and sex. Socio-demographic characteristics of children were determined using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to determine association between independent variables with obesity among primary school children in Dar es Salaam.ResultsA total of 446 children were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 11.1±2.0 years and 53.1% were girls. The mean BMI, SBP and DBP were 16.6±4.0 kg/m2, 103.9±10.3mmHg and 65.6±8.2mmHg respectively. The overall prevalence of child obesity was 5.2% and was higher among girls (6.3%) compared to boys (3.8%). Obese children had significantly higher mean values for age (p=0.042), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (all p<0.001). Most obese children were from households with fewer children (p=0.019) and residing in urban areas (p=0.002). Controlling for other variables, age above 10 years (AOR=3.3, 95% CI=1.5-7.2), female sex (AOR=2.6, 95% CI=1.4-4.9), urban residence (AOR=2.5, 95% CI=1.2-5.3) and having money to spend at school (AOR=2.6, 95% CI=1.4-4.8) were significantly associated with child obesity.ConclusionsThe prevalence of childhood obesity in this population was found to be low. However, children from urban schools and girls were proportionately more obese compared to their counterparts. Primary preventive measures for childhood obesity should start early in childhood and address socioeconomic factors of parents contributing to childhood obesity.

Evaluating the effect of energy dense foods on children’s weight status using a cross-lagged panel design

C Durao, A Oliveira, P Moreira, M Severo, A Guerra, H Barros, C Lopes Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Predictive Medicine and Public Health, University of Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal Faculty of Nutrition Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal Department of Pediatrics, University of Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal Contact: kdurao@netcabo.pt Background Energy dense foods (EDF) have been suggested as risk factors for childhood overweight, but evidence to clarify their importance and longitudinal research are still warranted. Our objective was to study the temporal associations between consumption of EDF and weight status in children from 2 to 4 years of age. Methods The present study involved 453 children evaluated at 2 and 4 years of age, enrolled in the Portuguese birth cohort – Generation XXI. Socio-demographic characteristics of children and mothers were evaluated in face-to-face interviews. Children’s weight status was assessed through BMI z-scores according to the WHO Child Growth Standards. Consumption of EDF (snacks, soft drinks, sweets and cakes) was assessed by Food Frequency Questionnaire. Linear regression and structural equation models with cross-lagged design were used to estimate the temporal associations between consumption of EDF and BMI z-scores. Results After adjustment for maternal preconception BMI and education, frequency of consumption of EDF at 4 years was significantly predicted by frequency of consumption of these foods at 2 years ( = 0.707, p < 0.001), and children’s BMI zscores at 4 years were predicted by their BMI z-scores at 2 years ( = 0.737, p < 0.001). In the cross-sectional analysis, consumption of EDF at 2 years was significantly associated with BMI z-scores at the same age ( = 0.163, p = 0.014) but, after adjustment, the association was on the threshold of statistical significance ( = 0.129, p = 0.054). At 4 years, consumption of EDF was not significantly associated with current BMI ( = 0.009, p = 0.800). Regarding the cross-lagged effect of EDF consumption at 2 years on BMI at 4 years, after adjustment for maternal characteristics and BMI z-score at 2 years, no significant association was observed ( = -0.017, p = 0.752), as well as between BMI z-scores at 2 years and EDF consumption at 4 years ( = 0.027, p = 0.659). Conclusions Consumption of EDF at 2 years was associated with later consumption of these foods. The effect of consumption on BMI at 4 years seems to be indirect, related with the association between consumption and BMI at 2 years of age. Key messages Dietary habits acquired early in life track into later ages. Therefore, early dietary modifications may prevent posterior inadequate dietary habits such as the high consumption of EDF. In addition to other environmental factors, intervention programs focused at overweight prevention may have to include a special focus on EDF since early ages.

Abdominal Adiposity and Caregiver Recall of Healthcare Provider Identification of Child Overweight in the United States, 2001–2010

A minority of overweight or obese children are identified as such by a healthcare provider (HCP). The aim of this study was to examine characteristics of caregiver-reported HCP identification of overweight or obesity and whether it is associated with children's waist circumference (WC). This was an observational study using a nationally representative sample of 14,694 children (2-15 years of age) from the 2001-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Proxy respondents (i.e., caregivers) for 4906 overweight or obese (BMI≥85th percentile) children reported whether an HCP had ever told them that their child was overweight. Multi-variable logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between reported HCP identification of overweight and child sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics. Over 75% of caregivers of overweight or obese children did not recall being notified of their child's weight status by an HCP, though this proportion has decreased over the past decade. A significant WC by weight status interaction indicated abdominal adiposity was positively associated with reported HCP identification for obese children, but not for overweight children. Lower levels of reported HCP identification were observed for overweight children, compared to obese children; among obese children, those with lower levels of abdominal adiposity were less likely to be identified as overweight by an HCP, according to caregivers. Reasons for this finding remain unclear. Providers may be relying on a child's appearance, rather than universally screening all patients for overweight. Additionally, a variety of parent and provider characteristics may influence weight-related communications and caregiver recall of such information.

Low Birth Weight and Parental Investment: Do Parents Favor the Fittest Child?

Do parents contribute to birth weight disparities in status attainment? This study uses a nationally representative sample of 8,550 children and 1,450 twins from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort to investigate whether, as recent studies have suggested, parents favor healthier children. Children with poor health are found to receive fewer parental investments, including breast‐feeding and quality parent–child interaction, but results from between‐ and within‐family regression models, using low birth weight as a proxy for child health, find no evidence that parents compensate for or reinforce child health endowments. Instead, birth‐weight disparities in parental investment are linked with observable family, maternal, and child sociodemographic characteristics. Our results raise doubts about the utility of human capital models to explain health disparities in parental investment and shed new light on the broad spectrum of disadvantage faced by children with poor health.

The effect of special health care needs and health status on school functioning

BackgroundPast studies have shown that specific child conditions are associated with poor school outcomes. A national health survey with noncategorical measures of health and indicators of school functioning offers the opportunity to examine this association. ObjectivesTo compare links between two health measures (children with special health care needs and general health status) and multiple school outcomes. MethodsThe analysis was based on 59,440 children aged 6–17 years from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health. Child health was assessed using the Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) screener and a question on general health status. CSHCN were classified by the complexity of their health care needs. Indicators of school functioning included special education use, many problem reports, repeated a grade, lack of school engagement, and many missed school days. ResultsOverall 22% of children were identified as CSHCN: 13% with more complex needs (C-CSHCN) and 9% with medication use only (CSHCN-RX). Approximately 17% of children were in less than optimal health. After controlling for a child's sociodemographic characteristics C-CSHCN had an increased risk of all of the negative school outcomes compared to children without SHCN, while CSHCN-RX had an increased risk of only one school outcome (many missed school days). Children in less than optimal health were at an increased risk of all negative school outcomes compared to children in optimal health. ConclusionsThe CSHCN screener and health status question identify related, but distinct, groups of children with worse outcomes on the indicators of school functioning.

Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy and Failure of the Georgia First Grade Criterion‐Referenced Competency Test

Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) has been reported to be associated with impaired measures of cognitive function, but it remains unclear whether exposure to MSDP has an impact upon offspring school performance. We examined the association between MSDP and failure of the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) among Georgia first grade students. A retrospective cohort was created by deterministically linking 331 531 children born in Georgia from 1998 to 2002 (inclusive) to their individual CRCT education records from 2005 to 2009. We evaluated the association between MSDP (yes/no) and failure of the CRCT Reading, English/Language Arts (ELA), and Mathematics tests, with adjustment for maternal and child sociodemographic characteristics and birth outcomes. Log-binomial models estimated the risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Conditional models were fitted to paired sibling data. MSDP was associated with CRCT failure with an adjusted risk ratios for Reading: 1.16 [95% CI 1.12, 1.21]; ELA: 1.12 [95%CI 1.10, 1.15]; and Mathematics: 1.13 [95%CI 1.10, 1.16]. The association remained significant in paired sibling analyses. MSDP may have independent long-term effects on offspring school performance, which does not appear to be through smoking-related adverse birth outcomes.

Childhood Road Safety Behaviors in China: A Cross-Sectional Study of Guangzhou City

Objective: This article examines traffic safety behaviors for different types of road users among children aged 0 to 17 years in Guangzhou, China. Methods: A stratified cluster sample of 7034 children from pediatric clinics (816 children aged 0–2 years who are receiving vaccines), kindergartens (1148 children aged 3–5 years), primary schools (2410 children aged 6–11 years), and secondary schools (2660 children aged 12–17 years) was collected by self-reported questionnaire surveys. The respondents were instructed to respond to each behavior question, using response choices scoring from 0 to 3. An 18-item-weighted Road Safety Behavior Index (RSBI), including 5 items for walking, 7 items for cycling, 2 items for public transport, and 4 items for private motor vehicles, was developed to quantify the child road safety behaviors and further investigate their interrelations with the sociodemographic factors among different age groups and travel categories. A higher RSBI indicates a lower risk of childhood road safety. Results: Results from statistical analysis indicate that (1) the effects of children's sociodemographic characteristics on the RSBIs differ greatly concerning each particular travel category; and (2) RSBIs are associated more with child-related characteristics than with parent-related characteristics as the age of the children's group increases. The research findings from analyzing the self-report questionnaires were further validated with field observational records, medical records, and police records. Conclusions: The article concludes with some recommendations for preventing the increasing toll of road traffic injury among Chinese children, which include (1) continuing educational efforts to increase knowledge of road safety and reduce traffic risk behaviors for children and their parents; (2) creating a safe and convenient environment for walking, cycling, and public transport travelers; and (3) promoting legislation and enforcement such as the mandatory usage of bicycle helmets and child passenger restraints.

Low Birth Weight and Parental Investment: Do Parents Favor the Fittest Child?

Do parents contribute to birth weight disparities in status attainment? This study uses a nationally representative sample of 8,550 children and 1,450 twins from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort to investigate whether, as recent studies have suggested, parents favor healthier children. Children with poor health are found to receive fewer parental investments, including breast-feeding and quality parent-child interaction, but results from between- and within-family regression models, using low birth weight as a proxy for child health, find no evidence that parents compensate for or reinforce child health endowments. Instead, birth-weight disparities in parental investment are linked with observable family, maternal, and child sociodemographic characteristics. Our results shed new light on the broad spectrum of disadvantage faced by children with poor health, and raise doubts about the utility of human capital models to explain birth weight disparities in parental investment.

Parents' Perceptions of Benefit of Children's Mental Health Treatment and Continued Use of Services

The authors examined the association of demographic and clinical characteristics, family history, and type of treatment among children receiving outpatient mental health services and parents' perception of treatment benefit. They also examined whether perceived benefit was related to continued use of services at six-month follow-up. Parents of children age six to 12 years who were first-time patients at one of nine clinics participating in the Longitudinal Assessment of Manic Symptoms (LAMS) study completed the Parent General Behavior Inventory Ten-Item Mania Scale. Parents of children with scores of 12 or higher (N=1,124) were invited to participate in a follow-up study, and 621 agreed. During baseline assessment after the first outpatient visit and at six-month follow-up, the parents were asked about children's sociodemographic and diagnostic characteristics and use of services and asked to rate how much their children had benefited from the most recent outpatient treatment. Data were available for 573 children. At baseline, parents of 167 (29%) children reported that the treatment provided a lot of benefit, and perceived benefit was related to receiving medication (with or without therapy) versus just therapy, higher scores on functioning, LAMS site, no history of comorbid diagnoses, living with both biological parents, and having no parents or siblings with a prior hospitalization for a psychiatric illness. At six-month follow-up, perceived benefit was related to continued use of services (p<.001). Medication with or without therapy was perceived as more beneficial than therapy alone. Perceived benefit was strongly related to continued use of treatment.

CORRELATION OF ORAL HEALTH HOME-CARE PRACTICES, SNACKING HABITS AND DENTAL CARIES EXPERIENCE AMONG HIV-POSITIVE CHILDREN IN NAIROBI, KENYA.

To determine the correlation of oral health home-care practices, snacking habits and dental caries experience among 3-15 year-old-HIV-positive children attending out-patient clinic at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Kenyatta National Hospital comprehensive care centre out-patient clinic. Two hundred and twenty participants were selected by consecutive sampling. The children's socio-demographic characteristics and oral health home-care practices were obtained from parent or guardian interviews. Oral examination of the children was carried out to determine the presence of dental caries. Of the 220 children in the study, 126 (57.3%) brushed their teeth at least once a day. Forty one (18.6%) children regularly consumed sweetened snacks daily. Almost all children (75.5%) were taking medication in the form of tablets and capsules. One hundred and seventy nine (81.4%) children had never had a dental visit. The prevalence of dental caries was 65% while the mean dmft and DMFT scores were 1.75 and 1.08 respectively. Caries experience was significantly higher for those children who frequently consumed sweetened snacks and those who took their medication in the form of sweetened syrups while it was lowest in those who brushed their teeth at least twice a day. Dental caries experience was significantly higher among HIV-infected children who had increased frequency of consumption of sweetened snacks and those who used syrupy medication. There was poor attendance for dental treatment among the children.