Ethnic Children Research Articles

Comparing generating predictions with retrieval practice as learning strategies for primary school children.

This eye tracking study run in 2019 examines the learning benefits of two common active learning approaches-generating predictions and retrieval practice-for young children. Both generating predictions and retrieval practice are active learning approaches that involve generating responses and then being provided with the correct information or retrieving previously provided correct information. Participants included 90 children (Mage = 7 years; female = 46, male = 42). Parents reported children's race and ethnicity as follows: 2% Asian/Pacific Islander, 5% African American, 74% Caucasian, 3% other, and 6% identified as two or more categories; demographics largely reflective of the county where the data were collected, but nevertheless the generalizability of these findings to more diverse populations may be limited. In this study, young children learned facts about insects (e.g., "Insects are hard on the outside.") while we measured their attention to the lesson using eye tracking technology. Then their knowledge was assessed on an immediate test. All children were presented with the same materials, but the presentation order was modified based on condition assignment. In the generating predictions condition, children saw examples of animals and were asked if an animal was an insect or they saw animals and were asked to identify which one was the insect, followed by the correct response. In the retrieve condition, the presentation order was reversed such that children first saw the correct response and then were asked if the animal was an insect, or which of two examples was an insect. Results suggest that although retrieval practice results in overall better learning outcomes, generating predictions increased children's attention to the materials (d = 1.92), and among children who were able to maintain attention, learning outcomes were equal among the two conditions in an immediate test. This work highlights the importance of considering student-level factors when deciding the best learning strategies to implement. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Age of Emergence of Disparities in Asthma Prevalence and Morbidity among US Children.

Early-life exposures may precipitate asthma, but their contribution to disparities in asthma is less clear. To elucidate racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic status (SES) disparities in the age trajectory of asthma burden among US children. We analyzed three datasets: (1) 2016-2021 National Children's Health Survey (NCHS) (n=223,551); (2) 2015-2017 Child Asthma Call-Back Survey (ACBS) (n=4,289); and (3) 2018-2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) (n=23,713 children with asthma). We examined cumulative asthma prevalence by individual-year of age and children's race and ethnicity or SES (NCHS); mean age at asthma diagnosis by race and ethnicity and SES, unadjusted and adjusted for confounders (ACBS); and asthma hospitalization rates overall and per child with asthma by individual year of age and race and ethnicity (NIS). Among White children, cumulative asthma prevalence rises gradually through childhood, to 6.6% at age 5 and 16.1% by age 17. Prevalence rises more sharply in early childhood among Black children, reaching 17.6% at age 5 (RR 2.6;95%CI 1.9,3.8), but plateaus after age 9, with a consequent decline in Black-White relative disparities into adolescence. Disparities according to SES follow a similar trajectory, emerging early and subsequently narrowing. Similarly, Black, Hispanic and low-income children with asthma are diagnosed at an earlier age than White (or high-income) children. The asthma hospitalization rate rises in the first years of life among all children, but most rapidly among Black children, with a peak absolute Black-White gap at age 4; the relative gap remains wide throughout childhood and peaks at age 10. However, per child with asthma, relative disparities in White-Black hospitalizations rise through age 15. Disparities in asthma prevalence emerge in early childhood and then narrow, suggesting that reducing early-life adverse environmental exposures may be key to asthma prevention. Policies to improve the social determinants of health during gestation and childhood, e.g. environmental equity and family income support, are needed.

Attitudes, knowledge, and related factors on paediatric dental radiography among parents of children aged less than 13 years attended a tertiary care public dental hospital.

Dental radiography is an essential diagnostic tool in paediatric dentistry. To explore attitudes, knowledge, and related factors of paediatric dental radiography among parents who attended the radiology department of a premier public dental hospital. The study was conducted at the National Dental Hospital (Teaching) Sri Lanka among 124 parents whose children (<13-years) underwent dental radiographic examination. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, radiographic investigations, and parental knowledge and attitudes on paediatric dental radiography were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed using the SPSS-21 statistical software package. The mean score (95% CI) of parental attitudes and knowledge on paediatric dental radiography were 17.55 (17.64-18.45) on a scale from 7 to 35 and 3.73 (3.34-4.13) on a scale from -7 to +7, respectively. Significant differences in parental knowledge were evident by child's age (p = 0.046), ethnicity (p = 0.035), and parental attitudes (p = 0.024). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant independent association between parental attitudes with parental knowledge: OR (95% CI) = 2.413 (1.098-5.302) (p = 0.028). Parents demonstrated less favorable attitudes but sufficient knowledge on many aspects of paediatric dental radiography. Therefore, interventions are needed to improve parental attitudes on paediatric dental radiography especially by providing child-friendly services.

Factors Associated with Caregivers' Decisions to Pursue a Diagnostic Evaluation After a Positive Autism Screen in Primary Care.

We sought to understand whether a child's sex, age, race, ethnicity, caregiver education, family income, and/or number of endorsed autism signs are associated with a caregiver's decision to pursue an autism diagnostic evaluation after their child received a positive autism screen. 129 children, 17-30 months, received a positive autism screen on the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-Revised with Follow-Up, and all caregivers were offered ready access to a diagnostic evaluation by a trained professional in English or Spanish at no cost. 88 children received an evaluation and 41 did not. The likelihood of receiving an evaluation was associated with the child's race. Only 58.1% of Black children were evaluated, compared to 80% of Hispanic/Latino and 88.5% of White children. Children of Spanish-speaking caregivers showed high rates of evaluation completion (85.7%). Children who were evaluated versus were not evaluated did not significantly differ in terms of child's sex, number of autism signs endorsed by the caregiver, caregiver's education and preferred language (English versus Spanish), or household income. Even though the present study removed many common barriers to receiving a timely diagnostic evaluation, caregivers of Black children were less likely to pursue an autism diagnostic evaluation for their child. Future research is needed to understand the needs and perspectives of Black families to promote engagement in clinical care and reduce disparities in receiving a timely autism diagnosis which is important for accessing supports and services that can improve children's outcomes.

Longitudinal Change in Physical Activity in Children 6 to 36 Months of Age

To describe the developmental pattern for physical activity (PA) in children 6-36 months of age and to identify factors that are longitudinally associated with PA as children transition from infancy to preschool age. The study employed a prospective, longitudinal design with baseline data collected when children were approximately 6 months of age. Mothers and infants (n = 124) were recruited through community and educational settings in South Carolina. Data were collected at 6-month intervals from 6 through 36 months. PA was measured via accelerometry. Mothers completed questionnaires that assessed independent variables, including parent characteristics, the child's sex, race, and ethnicity, birth/delivery type, motor milestones, sleep habits, dietary practices, childcare setting, and home environmental factors. Trained research staff administered anthropometric measures and assessed motor developmental status. Growth curve models described the age-related pattern for PA and evaluated relationships between independent variables and change in PA. PA increased by approximately 45% between 6 and 36 months of age and followed a curvilinear pattern, with most of the increase occurring between 6 and 24 months. The child's exposure to television/electronic media was negatively associated with change in PA, and the presence of older siblings in the home was positively associated with change in PA. As children develop from infancy to early childhood, their PA increases substantially, with most of the increase occurring by 24 months of age.

Reflective Story on Diversity and Inclusive Education

This reflective article explores the current scenario of diversity and inclusion through the narration of a deaf ethnic child. Self-reflection is taken as an instrument for behavioural modification since the author is aware of its significance in education. This study aims to explore the experiences and implementation of inclusive education through the author's personal teaching experiences. The article employs a reflective narration of the author working as a novice teacher in a school exercising to incorporate deaf children into mainstream courses. The emphasis is on Krishna, a Dalit youngster with hearing difficulties, who had challenges in adaptation owing to cultural, social and educational obstacles. The results showed the obstacles encountered by such children who had to face social isolation, communication obstacles and insufficient educator training. The author's intervention in Krishna's metamorphosis underscores the necessity of helpful learning environments. The article links Krishna's experiences to wider socio-economic and cultural challenges, indicating that inclusive education is necessary for structural reforms in teacher training, cultural sensitivity and familial support. The results underscore the necessity of embracing diversity and enacting effective inclusive education policies to cultivate equal learning environments for all children.

Neighborhood Racial and Ethnic Predominance, Child Opportunity, and Violence-Related Mortality among Children and Adolescents in Chicago.

Our objective was to determine whether Child Opportunity Index (COI), a measure of neighborhood socioeconomic and built environment specific to children, mediated the relationship of census tract Black or Hispanic predominance with increased rates of census tract violence-related mortality. The hypothesis was that COI would partially mediate the relationship. This cross-sectional study combined data from the American Community Survey 5-year estimates, the COI 2.0, and the Illinois Violent Death Reporting System 2015-2019 for the City of Chicago. Individuals ages 0-19years were included. The primary exposure was census tract Black, Hispanic, White, and other race predominance (> 50% of population). The primary outcome was census tract violence-related mortality. A mediation analysis was performed to evaluate the role of COI as a potential mediator. Multivariable logistic regression modeling census tract violence-related mortality demonstrated a direct effect of census tract Black predominance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-5.14) on violence-related mortality compared to White predominance. There was no association of census tract Hispanic predominance with violence-related mortality compared to White predominance (aOR 1.57, 95% CI 0.88-2.84). Approximately 64.9% (95% CI 60.2-80.0%) of the effect of census tract Black predominance and 67.9% (95% CI 61.2-200%) of the effect of census tract Hispanic predominance on violence-related mortality was indirect via COI. COI partially mediated the effect of census tract Black and Hispanic predominance on census tract violence-related mortality. Interventions that target neighborhood social and economic factors should be considered to reduce violence-related mortality among children and adolescents.

Contribution of ethnicity, area level deprivation and air pollution to paediatric intensive care unit admissions in the United Kingdom 2008–2021

There is emerging evidence on the impact of social and environmental determinants of health on paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions and outcomes. We analysed UK paediatric intensive care data to explore disparities in the incidence of admission according to a child's ethnicity and the degree of deprivation and pollution in the child's residential area. Data were extracted on children <16 years admitted to UK PICUs between 1st January 2008 and 31st December 2021 from the Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network (PICANet) database. Ethnicity was categorised as White, Asian, Black, Mixed or Other. Deprivation was quantified using the 'children in low-income families' measure and outdoor air pollution was characterised using mean annual PM2.5 level at local authority level, both divided into population-weighted quintiles. UK population estimates were used to calculate crude incidence of PICU admission. Incidence rate ratios were calculated using Poisson regression models. There were 245,099 admissions, of which 60.7% were unplanned. After adjusting for age and sex, Asian and Black children had higher relative incidence of unplanned PICU admission compared to White (IRR 1.29 [95% CI: 1.25-1.33] and 1.50 [95% CI: 1.44-1.56] respectively), but there was no evidence of increased incidence of planned admission. Children living in the most deprived quintile had 1.50 times the incidence of admission in the least deprived quintile (95% CI: 1.46-1.54). There were higher crude admission levels of children living in the most polluted quintile compared to the least (157.8 vs 113.6 admissions per 100,000 child years), but after adjustment for ethnicity, deprivation, age and sex there was no association between pollution and PICU admission (IRR 1.00 [95% CI: 1.00-1.00] per 1μg/m3 increase). Ethnicity and deprivation impact the incidence of PICU admission. When restricting to unplanned respiratory admissions and ventilated patients only, increasing pollution level was associated with increased incidence of PICU admission. It is essential to act to reduce these observed disparities, further work is needed to understand mechanisms behind these findings and how they relate to outcomes. There was no direct funding for this project. HM was funded by an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF-2022-18-017).

Adoptive parents' racial colorblindness and adopted Korean adolescents' experiences of discrimination.

Using longitudinal data, this study investigated the association between parent racial colorblindness and discrimination toward children (reported by both parents and adolescents) in transracial, transnational adoptive families. Eighty White adoptive parents with adopted Korean children (ages 5-12 years old) were surveyed in 2007 (Time 1 [T1]), and both parents and adolescents (ages 13-19 years old) were surveyed in 2014 (Time 2 [T2]). Parents completed a self-report measure of parent racial colorblindness toward their child at T1 and T2, and parents and adolescents completed a measure of discrimination experienced by adoptees at T2. Parent reports of racial colorblindness toward their child were not significantly different between T1 and T2. However, parent reports of discrimination increased between time points. Further, parent and adolescent reports of discrimination were not significantly different from one another. Using hierarchical regression models, racial colorblindness among parents at T1 (when children were in middle childhood) was significantly associated with parent reports of discrimination experienced by adolescent children at T2, even when controlling for T2 racial colorblindness. This association did not hold for adolescent reports of discrimination. Adoptive parents' acknowledgment of their children's race and ethnicity appears relatively stable from childhood into adolescence, and parent racial colorblindness toward their own child can affect their ability to recognize discrimination during adolescent development, a vital period when discrimination becomes more common and salient. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Enrollment of underserved racial and ethnic populations in pediatric asthma clinical trials

BackgroundLimited data exist on enrollment trends of historically underserved racial and ethnic children in clinical trials. ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate documentation and representation of race and ethnicity in pediatric asthma clinical trials in the US. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of US-based interventional trials studying pediatric asthma completed between 2008 and 2022 and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Enrollment disparities were assessed using the enrollment prevalence difference (EPD) measure – the median difference between the proportion of participants enrolled and asthma prevalence in the US population by race and ethnicity. ResultsOf the 67 trials reviewed, 53 (79.2%) and 36 (53.7%) reported on race and ethnicity in ClinicalTrials.gov, respectively. Most participants were White (39.1%), Black (37.1%), and non-Hispanic (66.1%). Black, Hispanic, Multiracial, and White children were enrolled in expected proportions based on their contribution to asthma burden. However, American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) (EPD: -1, 95% CI: -1, -1) and Asian children (EPD: -3, 95% CI: -3, -3) were underrepresented, relative to disease burden in these respective groups. Fewer Black children were enrolled in drug or device trials (β=-0.80; 95% CI -1.60, -0.01) than in other trials. Fewer Hispanic children were enrolled in early phase than late phase trials (β=-2.42; 95% CI -3.66, -1.19). ConclusionsEnrollment in pediatric asthma trials conducted in the US was commensurate with the demographics of children affected by asthma for most racial and ethnic groups, but AI/AN and Asian children were underrepresented. Concerted efforts are needed to promote inclusion of these underserved groups in future trials.

Collecting Sociodemographic Data in Pediatric Emergency Research: A Working Group Consensus.

Understanding and addressing health care disparities relies on collecting and reporting accurate data in clinical care and research. Data regarding a child's race, ethnicity, and language; sexual orientation and gender identity; and socioeconomic and geographic characteristics are important to ensure equity in research practices and reported outcomes. Disparities are known to exist across these sociodemographic categories. More consistent, accurate data collection could improve understanding of study results and inform approaches to resolve disparities in child health. However, published guidance on standardized collection of these data in children is limited, and given the evolving nature of sociocultural identities, requires frequent updates. The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network, a multi-institutional network dedicated to pediatric emergency research, developed a Health Disparities Working Group in 2021 to support and advance equitable pediatric emergency research. The working group, which includes clinicians involved in pediatric emergency medical care and researchers with expertise in pediatric disparities and the conduct of pediatric research, prioritized creating a guide for approaches to collecting race, ethnicity, and language; sexual orientation and gender identity; and socioeconomic and geographic data during the conduct of research in pediatric emergency care settings. Our aims with this guide are to summarize existing barriers to sociodemographic data collection in pediatric emergency research, highlight approaches to support the consistent and reproducible collection of these data, and provide rationale for suggested approaches. These approaches may help investigators collect data through a process that is inclusive, consistent across studies, and better informs efforts to reduce disparities in child health.

The Triglyceride/HDL Ratio as a Surrogate Biomarker for Insulin Resistance.

Given the widespread occurrence of insulin resistance, a key factor in metabolic syndrome and a distinct condition altogether, there is a clear need for effective, surrogate markers. The triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio stands out as a viable option, indicative of changes in lipid metabolism associated with insulin resistance, offering a cost-effective and straightforward alternative to traditional, more complex biomarkers. This review, in line with PRISMA guidelines, assesses the TG/HDL ratio's potential as an indirect indicator of insulin resistance. Analysing 32 studies over 20 years, involving 49,782 participants of diverse ethnic backgrounds, including adults and children, this review primarily uses a cross-sectional analysis with the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) to gauge insulin resistance. It reveals the TG/HDL ratio's varied predictive power across ethnicities and sexes, with specific thresholds providing greater accuracy for Caucasians, Asians, and Hispanics over African Americans and for men over women. Valid across different weights and ages, for adults and children, it suggests average cutoffs of 2.53 for women and 2.8 for men. The analysis supports the TG/HDL ratio as a simple, accessible marker for insulin resistance, though it advises further research on tailored cutoffs reflecting ethnic and gender differences.

Engagement and Satisfaction With Care Navigation Support Following Telehealth Autism Evaluation.

Care navigation support is designed to help connect families with health care resources. Given that children with autism have more unmet needs than their peers, such a service may be especially valuable to families who have recently received a diagnosis. This study sought to examine engagement in care navigation support after an autism telehealth evaluation. Specifically, we report on what demographic and diagnostic factors predicted engagement in care navigation support and satisfaction with this service. Care navigation was offered to 220 families receiving autism telehealth evaluations between April 2020 and April 2022. Survey data from initial evaluation appointments and 2 follow-up care navigation meetings (approximately 1-3 months and approximately 9-12 months after evaluation), along with data from medical records, were collected and analyzed to determine whether any traits predicted engagement in care navigation. Satisfaction with care navigation was also analyzed. Of 220 families, 48.2% (n = 106) participated in a care navigation meeting within 1 to 3 months after an evaluation and 59.5% (n = 131) participated in at least 1 meeting across 2 time periods. The findings did not support the hypothesis that a diagnosis of autism would predict engagement. Analyses found that child sex (female compared with male) and child race and ethnicity (children of color compared with White children) predicted engagement. For those who engaged in care navigation, high satisfaction was reported. Participants' engagement rates and satisfaction levels suggest care navigation is a valuable service for families after a telehealth autism evaluation.

Related factors of the nutritional status of malnutrition in Cham ethnic children aged 6-24 months

Background: This study aims to identify factors related to the nutritional status of children aged 6-24 months of the Cham ethnic group in Tan Chau town, An Giang province in 2018. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. Cham ethnic children aged from 6 to 24 months at the time of the survey and their mothers living in Tan Chau town, An Giang province were included in the study as subjects. Results: In the underweight group, the risk of malnutrition for subsequent children is 2.5 times higher compared to the first-born children in the family, and this difference is statistically significant with p&lt;0.05. Among the underweight, stunted, and wasted groups, children with a birth weight of less than 2500 grams have a higher rate of malnutrition compared to those with a birth weight of 2500 grams or more, but this difference is not statistically significant with p&gt;0.05. In the underweight and wasted groups, children who frequently fall ill have a higher rate of malnutrition compared to those who do not fall ill often; however, this difference is not statistically significant with p&gt;0.05. No correlation has been found between the presence of congenital disabilities and the condition of stunting in children with p&gt;0.05. Conclusions: Several factors related to the personal lives of Cham ethnic children aged 6-24 months contribute to the state of malnutrition. It is necessary to enhance communication and counseling efforts to help reduce the malnutrition rate among children in the area as well as within the community.

Nutritional care practices for children from 6 to 24 months old by Cham ethnic mothers

Background: This study aims to explore the nutritional care practices for children from 6 to 24 months old by Cham ethnic mothers in Tan Chau town, An Giang province in 2018. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on Cham ethnic children aged from 6 to 24 months and their mothers living in Tan Chau town, An Giang province. Results: The rate of mothers practicing proper and sufficient prenatal care during pregnancy is 74.4%; the rate of mothers engaging in lighter work than before pregnancy is 64.2%; the rate of mothers eating more than before pregnancy is 72.2%; the rate of mothers taking iron supplements during pregnancy is high at 85%. Practices regarding the timing of weaning children are not good, with 36.8% of mothers weaning children at the wrong time. Practices for feeding children supplementary foods are relatively good: 90.7% of mothers feed their children at the right time, however, the rate of mothers providing children with a complete range of food groups is only 23.0%. Maternal care practices for sick children have many shortcomings, with 81.7% of mothers feeding children incorrectly when they have diarrhea, and only 38.4% of children receiving oral rehydration solution (ORS) when they have diarrhea. Personal hygiene practices of the mother and child care are not good, with 24.3% of mothers not properly performing hand hygiene for themselves and their children. Conclusions: We need to strengthen propaganda and consulting work for each group of subjects, especially the Cham ethnic people, on nutritional care practices for children from 6-24 months old.

Study the malnutrition status of children aged 6-24 months of the Cham ethnic group in Tan Chau town, An Giang province in 2018

Background: In recent years, according to the investigation report of the Institute of Nutrition, the malnutrition rate of children in remote, faraway, and ethnic minority areas is still high compared to children in other regions. Studying the malnutrition status of children aged 6 to 24 months of the Cham ethnic group in Tan Chau town, An Giang province is a practical need to provide some scientific evidence for interventions to reduce the malnutrition rate of children in the locality. This study aims to explore the nutritional status of children aged 6-24 months of the Cham ethnic group in Tan Chau town, An Giang province in 2018. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Subjects: Cham ethnic children from 6 to 24 months old at the time of the survey and the mothers of the children living in Tan Chau town, An Giang province. Results: Research shows that the average weight and length increase with age group, and boys have higher corresponding average values than girls. The malnutrition group has the highest malnutrition rate in the age group of 6-12 months at 27.2% and the lowest in the age group of 19-24 months at 2.6%. Undernourished group in the Stunted category has the highest undernourishment rate in the age group of 6-12 months at 44.1% and the lowest in the age group of 19-24 months at 25.7%. Undernourished group in the Wasted category has the highest undernourishment rate in the age group of 13-18 months at 13.9% and the lowest in the age group of 19-24 months at 2.6%. Conclusions: The malnutrition status of children aged 6-24 months of the Cham ethnic group in Tan Chau town, An Giang province in 2018 is still quite high.

More than clean teeth! Identifying factors that contribute to the development of early childhood caries.

This review aimed to identify established and updated evidence-based factors that could contribute to a child's development of Early Childhood Caries (ECC). Four online databases were used to source evidence including the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Scopus. The data search selected studies published between 2017 and 2021. Three specific terms were used to search: Dental Caries, Children, and Risk Assessment. There were three teams involved in data collection, two teams then reviewed selected articles. Exclusion criteria included any duplicate studies, commentaries, and editorials. Inclusion criteria included only randomised control trials and cohort studies. Selected studies must include children younger than 72 months, define the demographics, their clinical characteristics, and have clear follow-up of the patients involved. Commonly identified factors that were mentioned in multiple studies were then collected and assigned strength depending on the evidence measured using ratios. These could then beutilised to form a draft Caries Risk Assessment tool. 512 abstracts and 52 articles were screened, having matched the criteria set. Extraction of the data was completed under four headings: the child's age at the time of study (in years/months), risk predictors, the outcome, and the quality of the evidence presented. The GRADE system was then employed to separate the studies into high, moderate, low, and very low categorisation. Eventually, 22 new studies were included that would build on the original 25 articles that were identified in the previous systematic review. The most defining factors across the most recent systematic reviews in 2021 highlighted behavioural factors such as toothbrushing quality - parental supervision, frequency, and fluoride exposure. Specifically, the presence of plaque was used as a marker for oral hygiene evaluation. Dietary history included snacking frequency and, controversially, baby-toddler breastfeeding patterns. However, this does not take into consideration the dental impact - mainly the frequency or timing of breastfeeding (e.g. overnight). The review emphasises the importance of consideration of socio-economic factors though this may be a difficult topic of discussion if families are struggling i.e. household income and education level of parents or guardians. There is also mention of factors that do not have a significant evidence base such as the child's gender, ethnicity, and parental smoking status. In conclusion, the factors found to be relevant in the development of ECC were the child's age, toothbrushing quality/plaque control, parental involvement in toothbrushing, fluoride exposure, pattern of dental attendance, dietary sugar exposure, and habits, clinically carious active lesion presence, the oral bacterial composition (Streptococcus mutanspresence) and the socio-economic status of the child and their family. Though the review encourages identification of the caries risk factors in the mentioned groups, separated by both dental and non-dental professionals, ideally the aim would be to create a holistic care approach for management and signposting.

Factors Associated with Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Young Children - United States, 2021.

Because limited data exist about factors related to sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake among younger children, we investigated factors associated with SSB intake among US children aged 1 to 5 years. We examined SSB intake (0, 1-3, or ≥4 times/week) by using data from the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health. We performed a multinomial logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for select sociodemographic and household factors associated with moderate (1-3 times/week) and high (≥4 times/week) SSB intake. Overall, 36% of children consumed SSBs 1 to 3 times/week and 21% consumed 4 or more times/week. Both moderate and high SSB intake were associated with child's age, child's race and ethnicity, highest caregiver education level, household income, primary household language, and frequency of family meals. For example, children who lived in households with caregiver education level of high school graduate or less were significantly more likely to have moderate (aOR, 2.06) and high (aOR, 2.81) SSB intake than those who lived in households with caregiver education level of college degree or higher. High SSB intake was also associated with marginal household food sufficiency, nonmetropolitan statistical area status, and receipt of government food benefits. Several sociodemographic and household factors were significantly associated with SSB intake among children aged 1 to 5 years. Public health initiatives designed to address SSB intake among young children in various settings including pediatric health care, early care and education, and the child's home could consider key associated factors.

Children in ethnically diverse classrooms and those with cross-ethnic friendships excel at understanding others' minds.

This study examined the link between classroom ethnic diversity, cross-ethnic friendships, and children's theory of mind. In total, 730 children in the United Kingdom (54.7% girls, 51.5% White) aged 8 to 13 years completed measures of theory of mind in 2019/2020. Controlling for verbal ability, executive function, peer social preference, and teacher-reported demographic characteristics, greater classroom ethnic diversity provided opportunities for cross-ethnic friendships, and children with cross-ethnic friendships performed better than peers without cross-ethnic friendships on theory of mind. These results extend accounts of intergroup contact by using direct assessments of children's theory of mind and advance social accounts of theory of mind by demonstrating how experiences outside the family are linked with theory of mind.

Nutritional and physical fitness status of school children among major ethnic and Dalit populations, Rajshahi, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

PurposeThis study aims to assess the nutritional status and physical fitness status of school children among major ethnic and Dalit populations, in Rajshahi, Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through structured questionnaires administered to mothers or caregivers of the children, followed by physical fitness assessments. Anthropometric indicators were used to evaluate nutritional status, including body mass index-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height, based on Centre for Disease Control guidelines. Physical fitness was assessed through tests for flexibility, abdominal, muscular, speed, and lower limb strength. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.FindingsApproximately 45% of boys and 55% of girls had normal nutritional status. However, the study also identified varying percentages of children with stunted, underweight, wasted, and mixed nutritional issues, highlighting the prevalence of malnutrition among this population. Boys consistently outperformed girls in terms of physical fitness across all age groups, with 84% to 90% of boys meeting established fitness criteria. Girls face a 1.8-fold and 2.2-fold increased risk of wasted and underweight conditions compared to boys. Lower-income group children exhibit a 2.6-fold and 1.6-fold increased risk of wasted conditions and underweight conditions. Children consuming meals twice a day have a 2.1-fold and 2.5-fold elevated risk of wasted and underweight conditions compared to others.Originality/valueThis study highlights the need for interventions and strategies to improve the nutritional and health status of ethnic children in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, considering their diverse dietary habits and lifestyles. By addressing these issues, the authors can empower these communities to actively contribute to the social and economic development of the region.