Child Health Research Articles

Impact of Skin Care Products on Phthalates and Phthalate Replacements in Children: the ECHO-FGS.

Phthalates and their replacements have been implicated as developmental toxicants. Young children may be exposed to phthalates/replacements when using skin care products (SCPs). Our objective is to assess the associations between use of SCPs and children's urinary phthalate/replacement metabolite concentrations. Children (4-8 years old) from the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes-Fetal Growth Study (ECHO-FGS) cohort provided spot urine samples from 2017 to 2019, and mothers were queried about children's SCP use in the past 24 h (). Concentrations of 16 urinary phthalate/replacement metabolites were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (). We used linear regression to estimate the child's use of different SCPs as individual predictors of urinary phthalate/replacement metabolites, adjusted for urinary specific gravity, age, sex assigned at birth, body mass index, and self-reported race/ethnic identity, as well as maternal education, and season of specimen collection. We created self-organizing maps (SOM) to group children into "exposure profiles" that reflect discovered patterns of use for multiple SCPs. Children had lotions applied (43.0%) frequently, but "2-in-1" hair-care products (7.5%), sunscreens (5.9%), and oils (4.3%) infrequently. Use of lotions was associated with 1.17-fold [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00, 1.34] greater mono-benzyl phthalate and oils with 2.86-fold (95% CI: 1.89, 4.31) greater monoethyl phthalate (MEP), 1.43-fold (95% CI: 1.09, 1.90) greater monobutyl phthalate (MBP), and 1.40-fold (95% CI: 1.22, 1.61) greater low-molecular-weight phthalates (LMW). Use of 2-in-1 haircare products was associated with 0.84-fold (95% CI: 0.72, 0.97) and 0.78-fold (95% CI: 0.62, 0.98) lesser mono(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP) and MBP, respectively. Child's race/ethnic identity modified the associations of lotions with LMW, oils with MEP and LMW, sunscreen with MCPP, ointments with MEP, and hair conditioner with MCPP. SOM identified four distinct SCP-use exposure scenarios (i.e., profiles) within our population that predicted 1.09-fold (95% CI: 1.03, 1.15) greater mono-carboxy isononyl phthalate, 1.31-fold (95% CI: 0.98, 1.77) greater mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl terephthalate, 1.13-fold (95% CI: 0.99, 1.29) greater monoethylhexyl phthalate, and 1.04-fold (95% CI: 1.00, 1.09) greater diethylhexyl phthalate. We found that reported SCP use was associated with urinary phthalate/replacement metabolites in young children. These results may inform policymakers, clinicians, and parents to help limit children's exposure to developmental toxicants. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13937.

Relationship between age, occupation, education, and parity with the chronic energy deficiency among pregnant women

Maternal and child health quality depends on maternal nutrition during pregnancy. Chronic energy deficiency (CED), a malnutrition condition common in pregnant women, increases the risk of the mother experiencing postpartum hemorrhage and the fetus experiencing intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The prevalence of CED risk among pregnant women in Sukabumi City, West Java, Indonesia is unstable and has not significantly decreased. This study aimed to determine the relationship between age, occupation, education, and parity with the risk of CED among pregnant women in Sukabumi City. An analytical observational study with a case-control approach using cluster sampling was conducted on 126 pregnant women with and without CED risk, respectively. The population for this study was pregnant women who checked at the primary health center in Sukabumi City in 2021. Data were collected from maternity health record and analyzed using Chi-square. The results showed that age had a significant relationship (p=0.000). In contrast, occupation (p=0.162), education (p=0.127), and parity (p=0.313) did not have a significant relationship with the risk of CED among pregnant women in Sukabumi City. Age was associated with the risk of CED among pregnant women in Sukabumi City.

Specialist early parenting intervention: Effectiveness of a novel nurse-led approach for rural families

BackgroundRural Australian families report lower access to specialist early parenting services than urban families. To address the early parenting needs of rural families with children aged 0–3, a novel specialist-nursing early parenting service, Tresillian To You, was implemented for five rural communities in New South Wales, Australia. This study aimed to investigate the initial impact and reach of the service. MethodsConvenience sampling was used to recruit 36 parents who attended the service. Of these, 34 completed structured pre-and-post intervention phone interviews. Additional data were collected from the parent and child health record. Data were imported into SPSS for descriptive and inferential data analysis. FindingsAll parent participants were mothers, with a mean age of 31.5 (SD 4.582). Sleep and settling was the primary reason for referral (78%, n = 28). Following service engagement, statistically significant improvements were seen in parent adjustment (95% CI = −1.71, −0.52, p < .001), parent comprehensibility (95% CI = −1.81, −0.42, p = .003), and parent perception of child sleep (95% CI = 16.3, 34.9, p < .001). Families from non-target communities (n = 15) reported a higher level of need at baseline, compared with families from target rural communities (n = 21). Following service engagement, a similar level of benefit was reported between both groups. DiscussionPreliminary evidence suggests that this new service may be an effective method of providing specialist early parenting intervention for families in rural communities. Practice implicationsThe provision of effective nurse-led specialist early child and family interventions may help to alleviate early parenting difficulty for rural families, leading to improvements in child and family outcomes.

Multidisciplinary, Interdisciplinary, and Transdisciplinary Approaches to Neurodevelopmental Disability Interventions: A Brief Overview

Neurodevelopmental disabilities in children, affecting personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning, present a global challenge. Neurodevelopmental issues contribute significantly to learning disabilities, emphasizing the need for early intervention. The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), a government program launched in 2013, is a multidisciplinary initiative addressing child health. This article compares three distinct approaches – multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary – in the context of early intervention. Multidisciplinarity utilizes knowledge from various disciplines, while interdisciplinarity synthesizes links between disciplines, and transdisciplinarity integrates sciences beyond traditional boundaries. Challenges in early intervention, particularly with RBSK, include limited awareness and accessibility, necessitating ongoing efforts and innovations. This study concludes by emphasizing the transformative potential of embracing innovative solutions to create a more inclusive and equitable future for children with neurodevelopmental difficulties and their families.

A qualitative content analysis based on an extended parallel process model study of daycare center teacher behaviors concerning the eye health of preschool children

Purpose: This study is to explore the antecedent factors of daycare teacher behaviors concerning the eye health of preschool children by applying an extended parallel process model.Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted with ten daycare center teachers on September 4 and 14, 2023. A data analysis was performed according to the content analysis method by clustering the data into the four categories: the two threat factors of severity and susceptibility and the two efficacy factors of self-efficacy and response-efficacy.Results: Daycare center teachers’ perception of the severity of eye health problems in preschool children was high in relation to eye trauma, but it was recognized that viewing the electronic devices were of a less severe because symptoms were not noticed in a short period of time. They also showed low susceptibility because they were not sufficiently interested in the eye health hazard behaviors of preschool children. The self-efficacy of daycare center teachers was low because this was a lack of knowledge about symptoms of eye problems. However, they recognized that eye health activities performed in the preschool age could prevent negative eye health outcomes, thus showing a high response efficacy.Conclusion: In the future, it is necessary to increase the sensitivity and engagement of daycare center teachers concerning with the eye health of preschool children and to increase their self-efficacy. It will also be necessary to develop various interventions to improve eye health for preschool children that can be implemented by daycare center teachers.

Periodontal health in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: relationship and risk factors of periodontitis progression

The article presents the results of literary sources review, namely clinical and experimental studies, meta-analyses and systematic analyzes regarding the effect of type 1 diabetes (T1D) on the periodontal tissues. According to them, the prevalence of periodontitis in patients with T1D is probably higher compared to healthy people. However, there are conflicting data on the cause-and-effect relationship between T1D and periodontitis. The article analyzes the impact of metabolic control in patients with T1D on the severity of periodontal diseases and the clinical attachment loss. Most studies show that the level of metabolic control of diabetes is associated with a high risk of developing periodontitis. The authors provide data from the analysis of the literature on possible mechanisms of periodontitis development, such as pro-inflammatory reactions and microcirculation disorders, changes in the microbial biofilm. Pathophysiological changes in bone tissue in patients with T1D, which are associated with insulin deficiency and its anabolic effect on bone tissue, worsen the biomechanical and adaptive properties of bones and may contribute to the severity of periodontitis. The conducted analysis indicates the importance of further research to assess the oral health in children with T1D.

Microbiological aspects of dental health in children with osteogenesis imperfecta

Background. Oral microbiome actively affects the child’s health and is an available tool for diagnosing and predic­ting dental and systemic diseases. Studying the colonization of the oral cavity by cariogenic and periodontopathogenic bacteria, given the congenital, genetically determined decrease in the quality of collagen in children with osteogenesis imperfecta, is an urgent problem. The purpose of the study was to determine the level of cariogenic and periodontopathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity of children with osteogenesis imperfecta. Materials and methods. Clinical studies were conducted with the participation of children aged 2 to 17 years diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, in whom the level of contamination of the oral cavity with cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacter spp. and periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Treponema denticola, Bacteroides forsythus, Prevotella intermedia was determined. Results. All children with osteogenesis imperfecta were found to have a borderline high level of Streptococcus mutans contamination and the presence of periodontal pathogens of the first order, mainly in the form of monocultures in preclinical concentration, which, against the background of low collagen quality, indicates a sufficiently high risk of developing ­caries and periodontal diseases.

Role of Iodine Status and Lifestyle Behaviors on Goiter among Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study in Zhejiang Province, China

Background: Iodine deficiency is a well-established cause of goiter, while the impact of lifestyle factors on goiter development remains underexplored. The study aims to explore the associations between iodine status, lifestyle factors, and the prevalence of goiter among children and adolescents in Zhejiang Province, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022 using a stratified multistage sampling, involving 2261 children aged 6–17. Among these 1562 participants underwent both urinalysis and thyroid ultrasound. Lifestyle factors were assessed through self-reported questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of goiter in the study population was 10.8%. A high urinary iodine concentration (UIC) (&gt;300 μg/L) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of goiter (OR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.27–0.88). Excessive recreational screen time and a high frequency of dining out were associated with an increased Tvol, while adequate physical activity and sleep were inversely associated with goiter risk, while the combined effect of high UIC and healthy lifestyle showed a protective effect against goiter. Conclusion: Ensuring adequate iodine status and promoting healthy lifestyles are crucial for preventing goiter and enhancing thyroid health in children and adolescents, suggesting that public health strategies should integrate nutritional and lifestyle interventions.

KEBIJAKAN HUKUM PIDANA TERHADAP PELAKU YANG MELAKUKAN KEKERASAN DIHADAPAN ANAK

The current legal provisions do not yet regulate matters related to children's mental development, for example in cases of violent crimes where the position of children is as a witness. There have not been many studies on criminal law policies towards perpetrators who commit violent crimes against children. This research aims to find out the current policy formulation regarding perpetrators who commit crimes of violence in the presence of children using normative legal research methods which focus on research on the substance of the law, namely on the law currently in force (ius constitutum) and the desired law. aspire (ius constituendum). Regarding policies towards perpetrators who commit violence in front of children in future criminal law, whether in the Criminal Code, the Child Protection Law, the Law on the Elimination of Domestic Violence, the Human Rights Protection Law, the Victim Witness Protection Law, have not yet accommodated acts of violence committed by perpetrators in front of children. specifically (special article), for example, for this act there are criminal penalties that must be imposed on the perpetrator considering that the incident witnessed by the child greatly affects the child's mental health and it is possible that the child's mental health will become disturbed

Implications of the Cass Review for health policy governing gender medicine for Australian minors.

To summarize the key recommendations of England's independent inquiry into gender identity services for children and young people (the Cass Review) and to evaluate their relevance to Australian health policy. The Cass Review's findings and recommendations have clear applicability to Australian health policy. As a matter of priority, Australian health authorities need to seriously engage with the Cass Review's findings and recommendations. To not do so will put the health and well-being of vulnerable children and young people at risk.

Associations among screen time, sleep, mental health and cognitive functioning in school-aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic, November 2020 through to August 2022

ObjectiveTo examine children’s screen time use and sleep patterns over 2 years of the pandemic and the downstream associations with children’s executive functions and behavioural problems, as well as the moderating effects of parental factors. MethodThis longitudinal cohort study examined school-aged children’s lifestyle and behavioural changes over 2 years of the pandemic across 6 timepoints (November 2020 to August 2022). Latent growth modeling (LGM) was used to identify changes in screen time and sleep duration and multivariate LGM was used to determine how parental stress, positive parenting, changes in children’s screen time and sleep over time were associated with children’s executive functions and mental health outcomes at the final time point. ResultsA total of 198 parents (children’s mean age = 9.14 years) were recruited and followed up. Non-school screen time was high at the initial timepoint (3.6±2.3 hours). Positive parenting at the initial timepoint was associated with lower screen time use in children (β=-.19, p<0.001; β=-.19, p<.001, in internalizing and externalizing models). Children whose screen time use was constant during the pandemic had shorter sleep durations (β=-.45, p<0.05 in internalizing model). Executive function was predicted by sleep duration at the first timepoint (β=-.55, p<.001; β=.73, p<.001, in internalizing and externalizing models) and changes in screen time during the pandemic was associated with both internalizing and externalizing symptoms (β=.58, p<.05; β=.54, p<.05, in internalizing and externalizing models). ConclusionChildren’s screen time decreased slightly but remained significantly higher than Canadian and International guidelines during 2 years of the pandemic. Positive parenting styles can have a significant impact on children's screen time use. Reducing excessive screen time can help improve sleep patterns and, consequently, cognitive, and emotional well-being in children.

School-based prevention of teacher and parental violence against children: Study protocol of a cluster-randomized controlled trial in Tanzania.

Violence against children at home and at school is particularly prevalent in Africa and is associated with adverse and persistent health effects on children. The violence prevention intervention Interaction Competencies with Children-for Teachers (ICC-T) is an effective tool to reduce violence against children by fostering teachers' non-violent communication and interaction skills. To enhance these effects, in the present study, ICC-T will be extended to parents (ICC-P) aiming to increase children's experience of consistent behavior and application of non-violent discipline strategies between teachers and parents. To investigate the effectiveness of the school-based combined implementation of ICC-T and ICC-P, a cluster-randomized controlled trial with 16 primary schools in the urban district of Morogoro in Eastern Tanzania will be conducted. Both quantitative (structured interviews) and qualitative (focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, evaluation forms) methods will be used to investigate the effects on teachers' and parents' violence against children in home and school settings. The intervention implementation will be accompanied by a comprehensive process evaluation to assess the implementation quality of and participants' engagement with ICC-T and ICC-P. Potential downstream effects of violence reduction will be investigated by assessing the children's mental health and well-being. The present study aims to provide evidence for the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the school-based combined implementation of ICC-T and ICC-P to reduce teacher and parental violence against children and contribute to children's well-being in home and school settings. The clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov, 2024) under the identifier NCT06369025 (Hecker, Preventing Physical and Emotional Violence by Parents and Teachers in Public Schools in Tanzania (ICC-T/ICC-P_Tanz) (PreVio), 2024) on April 17, 2024.

Parental styles are associated with eating disorder symptoms, anxiety, interpersonal difficulties, and nucleus accumbens response.

Eating disorders (EDs) typically emerge during adolescence. Parental bonding has a lasting impact on a child's mental health during those developmentally critical years. There remains uncertainty over whether parental bonding is a risk factor for developing or maintaining specifically EDs or, rather, general psychopathology and the associated underlying brain function. Forty-one young adult healthy control individuals (HC, 26.6 ± 3.5years) and 46 individuals with EDs (25 with anorexia nervosa, AN, 22.8 ± 6.4years, and 21 with bulimia nervosa, BN, 23.5 ± 4.2years) completed the parental bonding instrument (PBI), assessments for anxiety, depression, and ED behaviors, and underwent a conditioning paradigm during brain imaging. In both groups, perceived parental care and overprotection were correlated with state and trait anxiety and interpersonal alienation, and in HC only, with body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. Individuals with an ED reported lower self-perceived parental care, but higher overprotection compared to the HC group. Nucleus accumbens (NAc) response was related to bonding measures in both groups and right NAc response mediated the relationship between maternal care and trait anxiety in HC. Perceived parental bonding is associated with general psychopathology, including elevated anxiety and interpersonal difficulties across HC and ED groups. Lower perceived parental care and higher overprotection could predispose healthy individuals to develop problems with body shape or weight; however, other, maybe biological factors may determine whether a person will develop an ED. The link between perceived parental bonding, NAc valence processing and anxiety implicates dopaminergic circuits that should be studied further. Level III: Case-control analytic study.

Correlation of Parenting Styles and Oral Health Behavior of Children with Down Syndrome in Banjarmasin

Background: Parental, Down syndrome is a trisomy chromosomal genetic disorder that leads newborn child having more than one chromosome so that could interfere the normal growth of the body due to an excess of protein level. Children with Down syndrome have different oral health problems compared to the general population. They need assistance to maintain their oral health because of mental and physical deficiencies as well as limitations in optimally cleaning their teeth. Objective: To analyze the relationship between parenting styles and oral health behavior of children with Down syndrome in Banjarmasin Special Needs School, Indonesia. Materials and Method: This is an observational analytic study with cross-sectional approach. Sample was taken using simple random sampling technique and a cross-sectional sample formula obtained for 32 respondents. The instrument used a parenting style questionnaire and a behavioral modification questionnaire for children's oral health. Results: Democratic (87.5%) compared switch order parenting styles. It was found that there were more children with Down syndrome in the category of moderate behavior (59%) than children with good behavior (38%) and poor behavior (3%). The results of the Somers'd test data analysis obtained a significance value of 0.034 (p&lt;0.05) and the correlation value obtained was 0.571, which means that the correlation strength is moderate with a positive correlation direction (unidirectional). Conclusion: The more democratic the parents use as parenting style the better the oral health behavior of children with Down syndrome will be.

Investigating associations between climate change anxiety and mental health impact on vulnerable populations: A qualitative analysis.

Climate anxiety has a negative impact on the mental health and psychological wellbeing of the vulnerable population. The goal is to assess many factors that affect mental health and psychological wellbeing, as well as how climate change affects mental health in Pakistan's vulnerable population. This study provides evidence-based insights on the long- and medium-term impacts of extreme weather events on mental health. We conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of 72 students aged 10-16 years, employing an exploratory qualitative design. The resulting process identified themes and questions for future research on climate change and its psychological effects on children's mental health. As a result, positive emotions embedded in children's climate strategic actions in parent and community contexts helped to mitigate children's perceptions of negative emotions (such as climate anxiety, phobias, fear, sleep disorders, depression, sadness, and substance abuse). Climate change's effects can have a significant impact on mental health. We will be discussing effective strategies to address the expected mental health issues among children caused by climate change. The discussion paper offers a set of recommendations for addressing the mental health impacts of climate change, including improving mental health support systems, integrating climate change education into services, and developing targeted interventions for vulnerable populations.

Effect of Indoor Air Quality on Respiratory Health of Children: An MPPD Model Approach

Effect of Indoor Air Quality on Respiratory Health of Children: An MPPD Model Approach

An Overview of Common Infectious Diseases in Children Under Five

Infectious diseases remain a significant concern for children under five, often leading to substantial morbidity and, in some cases, mortality. This review provides an overview of prevalent infectious diseases affecting this vulnerable age group, including Measles, Chickenpox, Common cold, Pertussis, Conjunctivitis, Eczema, Gastroenteritis, Influenza, Sore throat, Fever in children, Malaria, Meningococcal disease, and Urinary tract infection. Each condition is discussed in terms of its etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive strategies. Understanding the unique aspects of these diseases in young children is critical for effective management and prevention. Vaccination, improved hygiene practices, and early medical intervention play pivotal roles in reducing the incidence and impact of these infections. This comprehensive review aims to equip healthcare providers, caregivers, and policymakers with the knowledge needed to protect and promote the health of children under five. Key words Chickenpox, Common cold, Conjunctivitis, Eczema, Gastroenteritis, Infectious diseases, Influenza, Malaria, Measles, Meningococcal disease, Pertussis, Sore throat, Urinary tract infection.

Midwifery assessment and interventions protocol for adolescent pregnancy: a Delphi method approach

Background: Adolescence pregnancy poses risks for both mothers and infants, often due to insufficient prenatal care resulting from societal stigmatization and lack of awareness. Around 16 million adolescents aged 15-19 years in the world give birth each year; in Indonesia, the first pregnant women aged &lt;20 years are 45.10%, while in West Sumatra, it is 33.7%. To address this issue, integrated programs and midwifery care have been implemented. However, providing such care to adolescent mothers comes with its own set of challenges.Purpose: This study aims to conduct a midwifery assessment and intervention protocol for adolescent pregnancy.Method: Qualitative approach The Delphi method involved two rounds of evaluation, with twenty-one participants who were independent practice midwives, six midwives involved in the mother and child health program, and nine midwifery lecturers from accredited educational institutions A (excellent). Participants had at least five years of clinical experience and were selected using purposive non-probability sampling. Participants evaluated statements related to midwifery care during the Delphi process. The validity of these statements was determined by participants providing a minimum score of 3, and the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was calculated. Statements with a CVR greater than 0.8 were considered valid.Results: Based on expert consensus, important assessments for adolescent pregnant women include addressing issues of gender equality and domestic violence, reproductive and sexual health, risks associated with smoking and substance abuse, maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and adequately preparing for labor and parenthood.Conclusion: Midwifery management and midwifery information were deemed valid dimensions of midwifery care; relational care had one invalid item.

Peculiarities of arterial hypertension in pregnancy from the point of view of evidence-based medicine

Background: Arterial hypertension during pregnancy is a significant public health issue, affecting 10-15% of pregnancies globally. It encompasses gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and chronic hypertension, which are leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Understanding and managing these hypertensive disorders is crucial due to their impact on maternal and child health outcomes. Recent advancements in screening, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options have significantly improved clinical practices, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based management. Methods and Materials: This study adopts an evidence-based methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative research to investigate arterial hypertension in pregnancy. A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect. Comparative and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate diagnostic and treatment efficiencies across various studies. The study aims to synthesize current data on epidemiology, risk factors, and management outcomes to enhance clinical guidelines and improve maternal-fetal health. Results: The findings highlight the significant global burden of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, with varying prevalence across different regions influenced by genetic, healthcare access, and socioeconomic factors. Effective management strategies include both pharmacological interventions, such as the use of labetalol, methyldopa, and nifedipine, and non-pharmacological approaches, including dietary modifications and lifestyle changes. The study also underscores the importance of early detection and personalized treatment plans to mitigate adverse outcomes. Conclusion: The study concludes that hypertensive disorders in pregnancy pose substantial risks to maternal and fetal health, necessitating precise diagnostic protocols and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Public health strategies, including educational programs and community-based interventions, are essential in raising awareness and preventing these conditions. Continued research and clinical practice improvements are vital to better understanding and managing hypertension in pregnancy, ultimately improving health outcomes for mothers and future generations.

Assessing brain iron and its relationship to cognition and comorbidity in children with ADHD with quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM)

BackgroundQuantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is a neuroimaging technique that detects local changes in magnetic susceptibility induced by brain iron. Brain iron and the dopaminergic system are linked since iron is an important cofactor for dopamine synthesis. ADHD is associated with dysregulation of dopaminergic transmission. Therefore, we applied QSM on subcortical structures, to study potential alterations in brain iron and its impact on cognition and mental health in children with ADHD. Methods3 Tesla QSM-data of 111 participants (nADHD= 58, mean age: 13.2 (0.63); nControls=53, mean age: 13.2 (0.51)) were analyzed. Subcortical regional brain iron values were extracted. ANOVAs examined group differences for each region of interest. For dimensional approaches, Pearson correlation analysis was performed across the cohort examining the association with symptoms, mental health, and cognition. ResultsNo significant differences were found in iron susceptibility between ADHD and control, between persistent and remitted ADHD, or between medication use. An unexpected finding was that children with internalising disorder had significantly higher iron susceptibility, but the result did not survive multiple comparison corrections. Higher brain iron was associated with sustained attention, but not on inhibition, IQ, and working memory. ConclusionThis is the first study addressing brain iron susceptibility and its association with comorbidities and cognition in ADHD. Alterations in brain iron may not account for the full diagnosis of ADHD but may be an indicator of internalising problems in children. Alterations in brain iron content in children were linked to detrimental sustained attention and may represent developmental variation in cognition.