Health Problems In Early Childhood Research Articles

Assessment and Diagnostic Classification Using DC:0-5 in Early Childhood Mental Health Clinics: The Protocol for the Developmental Psychiatry Diagnostic Challenges Study (DePsy).

Mental health problems in early childhood are common, but there is a lack of psychiatric research on this age group. DC:0-5 is a multiaxial classification system for mental disorders in early childhood, providing a framework for standardizing clinical practice and research. However, research on the validity of DC:0-5 is scarce. The Developmental Psychiatry Diagnostic Challenges Study (DePsy) is a multi-site, prospective clinical study including six German early childhood mental health (ECMH) clinics. The main objective of the study is to contribute to the validation of Axis I and Axis II of DC:0-5. A second aim of the study is to describe the population of the participating clinics regarding diagnoses, family context, and treatment outcomes. Additionally, the impact of environmental risk factors, including parental Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and media use, on child psychopathology and caregiver-child relationships will be examined. Over two years, patients aged 0.0-5.9 years old will be enrolled in the study. Assessments include ICD-10 and DC:0-5 diagnoses, developmental tests, video-based observations of caregiver-child interactions, and questionnaires on child psychopathology, media use, parental stress, and treatment satisfaction. Study results will promote the standardization of assessment and treatment in ECMH clinics aiming to improve the development of patients and their families.

The longitudinal association of combined regulatory problems in infancy and mental health outcome in early childhood: a systematic review.

Co-occurring regulatory problems in infancy, RPs, including excessive crying, feeding-eating and sleeping, have been found associated with mental health problems in school ages. Still, an overview is needed on trajectories of co-occurring or combined RPs, and mental health problems in early childhood. The aim of this review is to systematically review the literature on longitudinal community-based studies of combined RPs measuring mental health outcomes in early childhood. Following the PRISMA guideline, we systematically reviewed the literature published 2000-2020, in which combined RPs are assessed in infancy, and mental health is examined using standardised measures at ages 1-7years. The search was performed in four databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Scopus. A protocol is published on PROSPERO. Based on 1978 screened articles, 42 papers were screened for eligibility, of which six were included, comprising data on two or more RPs investigated among a total of 20,675 children. Assessment of risk of bias in the studies showed overall good quality in five of the six papers. The literature reviewed suggests that combined RPs in infancy are early markers of mental health problems during early childhood, and highlights that community studies exploring the longitudinal associations of combined RP and mental health problems in preschool and early school age are still scarce. Overall, the review points to the need of research into preventive intervention targeting early manifestations of childhood dysregulation, such as RPs.

Dyadic coping trajectories across the transition to parenthood: Associations with child mental health problems.

How parents cope with stress as a couple (i.e., dyadic coping [DC]) is related to mental health problems in children. But little is known about DC within first-time parents and child mental health problems in early childhood. This study investigated subgroups in DC trajectories across the transition to parenthood (TTP) and examined subgroup differences in child mental health problems. Mothers' and fathers' self-report of positive and negative DC (n = 288 couples) at seven points of measurement (27th, 32nd week of pregnancy, 2nd, 14th, 40th week postpartum, 3- and 4-year postpartum) and children's emotional and behavioral problems from parent report (4-year postpartum) were used. Latent class growth analyses revealed that over half of the couples experienced a moderate decline in positive DC across the TTP (58%), whereas only fathers reported a decline among the remaining couples (42%). Fathers with a partner who maintained their level of positive DC reported more child emotional and behavioral problems than fathers whose partners' DC also decreased. Results for negative DC indicated two subgroups in which one partner maintained their initial level of negative DC (stable fathers: 10%, stable mothers: 23%), while the other increased. In most couples, both parents increased their negative DC (67%). Fathers reported more child emotional and behavioral problems if their negative DC increased across the TTP than if their negative DC remained stable regardless of the negative DC of their partner. The existence of different DC trajectory patterns needs to be considered in further research as well as prevention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Maternal Adverse and Protective Childhood Experiences and Prenatal Smoking

Prenatal smoking is associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes as well as health problems in early childhood. Recent research determined that maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase the odds of smoking during pregnancy. We consider the role of protective and compensatory childhood experiences (PACEs) in an effort to examine the extent to which positive childhood experiences are protective factors for maternal smoking behaviors. Between 2015-2018, 309 pregnant women in Oklahoma recruited from high-risk prenatal clinics, childbirth education classes, and social media were surveyed about their childhood experiences and smoking behaviors during pregnancy. Ordinal regression analysis was used to examine the association between ACEs, PACEs, and prenatal smoking frequency. Similar to prior studies, we found women with more ACEs reported smoking more frequently during pregnancy. Women with more PACEs reported significantly less frequent prenatal smoking. With both ACEs and PACEs in the model, however, ACEs was no longer a significant predictor of maternal prenatal smoking. Our findings suggest that protective and compensatory childhood experiences may be more salient for prenatal smoking behaviors than adverse childhood experiences. Identifying protective factors for pregnancy health risk behaviors such as smoking can offer a target for intervention and prevention.

Dental Health Status of Early Childhood Patients in Dental Health Care Clinics

Background: Dental health problems in early childhood are higher than adults, so they need serious attention. Dental health status is a condition that describes the percentage and degree of health in the community. standard indicator of the World Health Organization to measure the status of dental caries using the def-t index. PHP-M index to measure dental hygiene status in mixed dentition. Objective: This study aims to determine the dental health status of early childhood patients in dental health care clinics. Methods: This research is a descriptive study with a cross sectional design. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling with 37 respondents. The data collection instrument used a questionnaire to measure dental health knowledge, an observation sheet brushing teeth to measure brushing skills, PHP-M index to measure dental hygiene status and def-t index to measure dental caries status. This research is processed and analyzed and presented in a frequency distribution. Results: Most of the early childhood children in dental health care clinics had less knowledge (54.1), less brushing skills (54.4), moderate dental hygiene status (64.9) and high dental caries status (75.7) Conclusion: Dental health status in early childhood patients in dental health care clinics is in the moderate category.
 Keywords: Dental health status, eaely childhood, patients, dental health care clinics

Commentary: Timely recognition of mental health needs in young children - parental perception as a way for professionals to understand child, parent, and family needs? - a commentary on McGinnis et al. (2021).

There is a growing awareness that identification and intervention of mental health problems in early childhood are effective and have a preventive effect. Nevertheless, the use of mental health services in early childhood is still limited. Investigating parental perception of mental health needs in young children is highly relevant, as parents are the primary informants for young children. In this commentary, we discuss the findings reported by McGinnis et al. on child and parent factors associated with parent perception of mental health needs in young children. We agree with their plea for a shift from the individual child to the family in assessment and intervention, and elaborate on the relevance of endorsing a transdiagnostic, relationship-based approach to early detection, assessment, and intervention. We propose beginning with the acknowledgment and deeper understanding by professionals of parental perception of young children's mental health problems and needs, and the realization that the young child's symptoms and needs are connected with the family and broader (relational) context.

Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Early Childhood Screening Assessment

Fast and accurate screening for mental health problems in early childhood is a prerequisite for effective early intervention. The Early Childhood Screening Assessment (ECSA) is a valid and standardized screening tool for young children. The aims of the current study were to examine the psychometric properties, the factorial structure, and validity evidence for test score interpretation of the German version of the ECSA. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis support a two-factor solution differentiating externalizing and internalizing problems in early childhood. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by positive associations with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Accuracy of identifying children at risk in comparison to CBCL was good with appropriate sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, ECSA problem scores showed specific associations with low ego-resiliency and field-independence scores and high ego-undercontrol, aggression, and anxiety scores. ECSA caregiver depression scores were associated with children’s ECSA problem scores. The German version of the ECSA is a short and accurate screening tool for mental health problems in early childhood.

Predictors of Emotional and Behavioural Problems amongst Children of North East India

Mental health problems in early childhood have negative consequences in later life, and risk factors put an extra burden on their health outcome. Hence, researchers aimed to determine the predictors of emotional and behavioural problems amongst the children. A quantitative approach and cross-sectional descriptive design was used to conduct this study amongst 100 parents of children who attended a Tertiary Mental Healthcare Institute of North East India. Participants were selected by using systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by using Socio Demographic Proforma, Alabama Parenting Questionnaire and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using stepwise multiple linear regression techniques to determine predictors of emotional and behavioural problems amongst the children. Findings revealed that age of the child and inconsistent discipline are the significant predictors of the emotional problems, poor monitoring/supervision is the significant predictor of conduct problems, age of the child, poor monitoring/supervision and inconsistent discipline are significant predictors of hyperactivity; gender of the child is the significant predictor of peer problems and poor monitoring/supervision and corporal punishment are the significant predictors of the total difficulties. Findings also revealed that positive involvement is the significant predictor of pro-social behaviour. These findings confirmed that negative parenting practices, age and gender of the child are the risk factors for the emotional and behavioural problems amongst the children. Therefore, health professionals working with children need to consider these factors in planning a comprehensive intervention package for better outcome.

Mental health and academic performance: a study on selection and causation effects from childhood to early adulthood

PurposeAn inverse relationship between mental health and academic achievement is a well-known phenomenon in the scientific literature. However, how and when this association develops is not fully understood and there is a lack of longitudinal, population-based studies on young children. Early intervention is important if associations are to be found already during childhood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the development of the association between mental health and academic performance during different developmental periods of childhood and adolescence.MethodsData from a longitudinal birth cohort study of 1700 children were used. Child mental health was assessed through mother’s reports at age 3, and self-reports at age 12 and 20. Academic performance was assessed through teacher reports on educational results at age 12 and final grades from compulsory school (age 15–16) and upper secondary school (age 18–19). The association between mental health and academic performance was assessed through regression models.ResultsThe results indicate that social selection mechanisms are present in all three periods studied. Behavioral and emotional problems at age 3 were associated with performing below grade at age 12. Similarly, mental health problems at age 12 were associated with lack of complete final grades from compulsory school and non-eligibility to higher education. Academic performance at ages 15 and 19 did not increase the risk for mental health problems at age 20.ConclusionMental health problems in early childhood and adolescence increase the risk for poor academic performance, indicating the need for awareness and treatment to provide fair opportunities to education.

Construct validity of a service-setting based measure to identify mental health problems in infancy

Accumulating research document the needs of intervention towards mental health problems in early childhood. The general child health surveillance offers opportunities for early detection of mental health vulnerability, conditioned the availability of feasible and validated measures. The Copenhagen Infant Mental Health Questionnaire, CIMHQ, was developed to be feasible for community health nurses and comprehensive regarding the range of mental health problems seen in infancy. Previous testing of the CIMHQ has documented feasibility and face validity. The aim was to investigate the construct validity of the general population measure by using the Rasch measurement models, and to explore the differential functioning of the CIMHQ relative to a number of characteristics of the infants, local independence of items, and possible latent classes of infants. CIMHQ was tested in 2,973 infants from the general population, aged 9–10 months. The infants were assessed by community health nurses at home visits, in the period from March 2011 to December 2013. Rasch measurement models were used to investigate the construct validity of the CIMHQ. Analyses showed an overall construct valid scale of mental health problems, consisting of seven valid subscales of specific problems concerning eating, sleep, emotional reactions, attention, motor activity, communication, and language, respectively. The CIMHQ fitted a graphical loglinear Rasch model without differential item function. Analyses of local homogeneity identified two latent classes of infants. A simple model with almost no local dependency between items is proposed for infants with few problems, whereas a more complicated model characterizes infants with more problems. The measure CIMHQ differentiates between infants from the general population with few and more mental health problems, and between subgroups of problems that potentially can be targets of preventive intervention.

Prenatal and postnatal cigarette and cannabis exposure: Effects on Secretory Immunoglobulin A in early childhood

AimsSecretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) plays a critical role in immune functioning by preventing pathogens from adhering to epithelial mucosa. Most infectious agents enter the body via mucosal surfaces, thus SIgA serves in the defense against respiratory, intestinal, and urinogenitary infections, as well as periodontal disease and caries. This study examined the possibility that pre- and postnatal exposure to cigarette and cannabis is associated with individual differences in Secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels in early childhood. MethodsParticipants were 50 mother/infant (29 boys; 35% Caucasian) dyads recruited at their first prenatal appointment in a large northeastern community hospital in the United States. Repeated assessments of pre- and postnatal cigarette and cannabis were conducted beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy, using multiple methods (i.e., saliva, meconium, self-report). Infants were grouped into those prenatally exposed to either cigarette only (n = 19), cigarette and cannabis (n = 19), or with no prenatal substance exposure (n = 12). At age 5 years, the children's saliva was collected and assayed for SIgA. ResultsThere were group differences in SIgA levels as a function of prenatal exposure to cigarette and cannabis – children in the cigarette only and the cigarette and cannabis groups had higher SIgA levels compared to the non-exposed children. Children who experienced the combination of postnatal exposure to cigarette and cannabis had higher levels of SIgA, even after accounting for prenatal exposures and other covariates relevant to immune system functioning. ConclusionsPrenatal and postnatal exposure to cigarette and cannabis may be associated with hyperactivity of mucosal immunity in early childhood. Links between cigarette and cannabis exposure and health problems in early childhood may be partially explained by prenatal and postnatal exposure-related changes in mucosal immunity.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in psychiatrically referred young children.

Despite increased awareness of the prevalence and seriousness of mental health problems in early childhood, there have been few empirical studies of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in this age group. This study examined suicidal thoughts and behaviors in 360 preschool-aged children (ages 3 to 7 years) presenting to a psychiatric day treatment program. A semi-structured diagnostic interview (conducted with primary caregivers) was used to assess for child suicidal thoughts and behaviors and psychiatric disorders. Participating mothers also reported on their own psychological distress and family psychiatric history. Forty-eight children (13%) were reported to have suicidal thoughts and behaviors, with suicidal plans or attempts endorsed for 2-3% of the sample. Suicidal thinking and behavior was associated with older child age and with higher rates of concurrent depression, oppositional defiant disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder in univariate analyses, with age and depression remaining as significant predictors in a multivariate logistic regression model. Findings suggest that suicidal thoughts and behaviors are a significant clinical concern for young children presenting with early psychopathology, particularly depression, with implications for early childhood psychiatric assessment and treatment.

Dental enamel defects in German medieval and early-modern-age populations.

Aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and type of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in a medieval and an early-modern-age population from Thuringia, Germany. Sixty-six skeletons subdivided into 31 single burials (12th/13th c.) and 35 individuals buried in groups (15th/16th c.) were examined. DDE were classified on 1,246 teeth according to the DDE index. Molar-incisor-hypomineralisation (MIH), a special type of DDE, was recorded according to the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria. DDE was found in 89.4% of the individuals (single burials 90.3% and group burials 88.6%). Hypoplastic pits were the most frequent defect in primary teeth and linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) in permanent teeth. 13 individuals (24.1%) showed at least one hypomineralised permanent tooth, 12.2% had MIH on at least one first permanent molar and 10.0% in permanent incisors. Second primary molars were affected in 8.0% of the children and juveniles. No individual suffered from affected molars and incisors in combination. Endogenous factors like nutritional deficiencies and health problems in early childhood could have been aetiological reasons of DDE and MIH. The frequency of DDE and MIH might have been masked by extended carious lesions, dental wear and ante-mortem tooth loss.

Pathways maintaining physical health problems from childhood to young adulthood: The role of stress and mood

Objective: Poor physical health in childhood is associated with a variety of negative health-related outcomes in adulthood. Psychosocial pathways contributing to the maintenance of physical health problems from childhood to young adulthood remain largely unexamined, despite evidence that factors such as negative mood and stress impact physical health.Design: The current study tested the direct and indirect effects of ongoing health, chronic stress, health-related chronic stress, and depressive symptoms at age 20 on the link between health problems in childhood and young adulthood (age 21) in a longitudinal sample (n = 384).Main Outcome Measures: The hypotheses were tested using a multiple mediation path analysis framework; the primary outcome measure was a composite index of health status markers in young adulthood.Results: The proposed model provided an adequate fit for the data, with significant total indirect effects of the four mediators and significant specific indirect effects of health-related chronic stress and depressive symptoms in maintaining health problems from childhood into young adulthood.Conclusions: Health problems are maintained from early childhood into young adulthood in part through psychosocial mechanisms. Depressive symptoms and health-related chronic stress have significant, unique effects on the relationship between health problems in early childhood and young adulthood.

Child welfare caseworkers' perspectives on the challenges of addressing mental health problems in early childhood

Although nearly half of child maltreatment victims are under the age of five and at high risk for developing serious emotional or behavioral problems, few young children involved in the child welfare system receive treatment. As the first point of service contact, child welfare caseworkers can play a key role in quickly identifying children with mental health problems and linking them to services. This study examines caseworkers' perspectives on the challenges of addressing mental health problems in early childhood. Based on five focus groups conducted with 50 caseworkers from an urban, public child welfare agency, results suggest that although workers acknowledge the importance of early intervention, difficulty identifying mental health needs in early childhood and workplace barriers impede linkage to services. Given the lasting impacts of early experiences on children's development, it is imperative that these challenges be addressed. Implications for systematic mental health screening and caseworker training are discussed.

The simple bread tag – a menace to society? More warnings in our digital era

To the Editor: We read with great interest the article on the public health issue of 'The simple bread tag - a menace to society?' in the May 2015 issue of the SAMJ. We are delighted that the authors have directed the medical fraternity to one of the most common public health problems in early childhood, and agree that these bread tags should be removed from use.

Evaluation for Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Rice and Rice Snack Extracts: An In-vitro Study

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is usually caused by foods such as wheat, egg, milk, and peanuts, leading to common health problems in early childhood with complications like urtication. The aim of this study was to evaluate ethanol extracts of rice and rice snacks concentrated until the ethanol was completely eliminated and hot-air dried. In vitro analyses were carried out using murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. We measured cytotoxicity, nitric oxide (NO) production, and inflammatory cytokine level. The NO level of the cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was significantly reduced by rice and rice snack extracts. level decreased in contrast to the LPS group, although a significant difference was not observed. On the other hand, IL-6 significantly decreased in both rice and rice snack extracts in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the present study suggest that rice and rice snack decreased NO and inflammatory cytokine levels. Therefore, rice could be useful as a raw material for relieving child atopic dermatitis caused by snacks made from wheat.

Feeding and smoking habits as cumulative risk factors for early childhood caries in toddlers, after adjustment for several behavioral determinants: a retrospective study

BackgroundSeveral maternal health determinants during the first period of life of the child, as feeding practice, smoking habit and socio-economic level, are involved in early childhood health problems, as caries development. The potential associations among early childhood caries, feeding practices, maternal and environmental smoking exposure, Socio-Economic Status (SES) and several behavioral determinants were investigated.MethodsItalian toddlers (n = 2395) aged 24–30 months were recruited and information on feeding practices, sweet dietary habit, maternal smoking habit, SES, and fluoride supplementation in the first year of life was obtained throughout a questionnaire administered to mothers. Caries lesions in toddlers were identified in visual/tactile examinations and classified using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Associations between toddlers’ caries data and mothers’ questionnaire data were assessed using chi-squared test. Ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze associations among caries severity level (ICDAS score), behavioral factors and SES (using mean housing price per square meter as a proxy).ResultsCaries prevalence and severity levels were significantly lower in toddlers who were exclusively breastfed and those who received mixed feeding with a moderate–high breast milk component, compared with toddlers who received low mixed feeding and those exclusively fed with formula (p < 0.01). No moderate and high caries severity levels were observed in an exclusively breastfed children. High caries severity levels were significantly associated with sweet beverages (p < 0.04) and SES (p < 0.01). Toddlers whose mothers smoked five or more cigarettes/day during pregnancy showed a higher caries severity level (p < 0.01) respect to those whose mothers did not smoke. Environmental exposure to smoke during the first year of life was also significantly associated with caries severity (odds ratio =7.14, 95% confidence interval = 6.07-7.28). No association was observed between caries severity level and fluoride supplementation. More than 50% of toddlers belonging to families with a low SES, showed moderate or high severity caries levels (p < 0.01).ConclusionsHigher caries severity levels were observed in toddlers fed with infant formula and exposed to smoke during pregnancy living in area with a low mean housing price per square meter.

Gene–Environment Processes Linking Peer Victimization and Physical Health Problems: A Longitudinal Twin Study

This study examined whether (a) a genetic disposition for physical health problems increases the risk of peer victimization and (b) peer victimization interacts with genetic vulnerability in explaining physical health problems. Participants were 167 monozygotic and 119 dizyogtic twin pairs. Physical symptoms were assessed in early childhood and early adolescence. Peer victimization was assessed in middle childhood. Genetic vulnerability for physical health problems in early childhood was unrelated to later peer victimization, but genetic vulnerability for physical health problems during early adolescence increased the risk of victimization. Victimization did not interact with genetic factors in predicting physical symptoms. Environmental, not genetic, factors had the greatest influence on the development of physical symptoms in victims. Genetic vulnerability for physical health problems in early adolescence increases the risk of peer victimization. Whether victims suffer a further increase in physical symptoms depends on the presence of protective environmental factors.

Multiple Childcare Arrangements and Health Outcomes in Early Childhood

This study examined the associations between multiple childcare arrangements and young children's health problems. This study used three waves of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, collected from a nationally representative sample of children when they were 9 months old, 2 years old, and 4 years old (N = 7,150). 'Multiple childcare arrangements' was defined and measured by the number of non-parental childcare arrangements that occurred on a regular basis. During each wave of the data collection, the mother reported the number of regular childcare arrangements by three types: relative care, non-relative care, and center-based care. These numbers were summed to calculate the total number of arrangements. The mother also reported the incidence of ear infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, asthma diagnosis, and unintentional injuries of the child. Random effects and fixed effects regression models were used to estimate the association between the number of childcare arrangements and measures of early childhood health problems. Increases in the total number of childcare arrangements were associated with an elevated risk of ear infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, and diagnosed asthma in children. Further analysis indicates that increases in both the number of center-based care and non-relative care (but not relative care) arrangements can lead to a greater chance of health problems in young children. Multiple childcare arrangements are associated with communicable illness and diagnosed asthma in early childhood and appear to be a risk factor for health problems in early childhood.