Child Health Research Articles

Moms in motion: Predicting healthcare utilization patterns among mothers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mothers have a significant influence on family dynamics, child development, and access to family services. There is a lack of literature on the typical Canadian maternal experience and its influence on access to services for mothers despite recognizing the importance of mothers. A cross-sectional study was conducted to address this research gap that employed Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Service Use in conjunction with a feminist lens. A total of 1,082 mothers who resided in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) participated in a province-wide survey in 2017 and reported on their wellbeing, family life, and healthcare utilization. Stepwise binomial logistic regressions and linear regressions were used to predict initiation and continued service utilization within the preceding 12 months, respectively. Mothers who participated in this survey were older, and were more likely to be in a relationship than those in the Canadian census, while no difference was observed in annual income. Approximately half of mothers accessed services for themselves over the previous 12-months, with the overwhelming majority accessing services for their children. Medical services were the most likely to be utilized, and mental health and behavioural services were the most likely services to be needed, but not available. Sociodemographic (e.g., age, education attainment), familial relationships and role satisfaction, health need, and health practices predicted maternal initiation and continued use of services, with a larger number of variables influencing maternal service initiation as compared to continuous use of services. Sociodemographic (e.g., maternal age, community population), maternal social support, health need, and maternal health practices predicted maternal access of at least one child service while family relationships, health need, and maternal health practices predicted maternal use of a range of child services conditional on initial access. These results can support the provincial health system to better support access to care by acknowledging the interdependent nature of maternal and child health care utilization. They also highlight the importance of equitable healthcare access in rural locations. Results are discussed in terms of their clinical relevance to health policy.

Role of Psychosocial Factors and Mental Well-Being for Baby WASH- and Nutrition-Related Behaviors in Lao PDR.

In Lao PDR, 30% of children under age 5 years are affected by stunting. Stunting in childhood is associated with poorer outcomes for both physical and cognitive development. Baby WASH is a focused approach to water supply, sanitation, and hygiene for infants and children that targets numerous contextual and psychosocial factors including child handwashing, food hygiene, clean play spaces, and management of animal feces in the household environment. Using the risks, attitudes, norms, abilities, and self-regulation approach to behavior change (BC), the objective of this study was to investigate psychosocial factors of Baby WASH and nutrition related-behaviors, considering caregivers mental well-being, to design evidence-based BC interventions. A cross-sectional survey of 616 caregivers of a child under 2 years was conducted in Lao PDR. Caregivers well-being was significantly associated with handwashing before feeding a baby, controlling "mouthing," and the intention to exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months. All psychosocial factors of the three behaviors were correlated with mental well-being. Results suggest that attitudinal and ability factors underlying handwashing with soap before feeding a child should be the primary focus of BC interventions. For controlling mouthing factors, interventions should target attitude and norm factors. To increase the intention of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months attitude, ability, and self-regulation factors should be targeted through BC interventions. The findings of this study can be used to support the inclusion of vulnerable caregivers with poor mental well-being with BC interventions designed to improve child health and prevent stunting.

Comprehensive Analysis of Breastfeeding's Influence on Child Health Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Comprehensive Analysis of Breastfeeding's Influence on Child Health Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Investigation of Factors Affecting the Prevalence of Sinusitis in Children Referred to Abu Ali Sina Balkhi Educational Hospital

Sinusitis is one of the most common medical problems in children, caused by inflammation and infection in the nasal sinuses. This disease can have a significant impact on the growth and health of children. Investigating the factors affecting the prevalence of sinusitis in children is necessary in order to take appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the prevalence of sinusitis among children referred to Abu Ali Sina Educational Hospital in Balkhi. Materials and Methods: This study includes the design of a prospective descriptive study, data were collected using patients' files, then by analyzing the data, the causes of the prevalence of sinusitis in children referred to Abu Ali Sina Balkhi Educational Hospital will be identified and the results will be presented in the form of a scientific article. The findings showed that the prevalence of sinusitis was higher among children admitted to Abu Ali Sina Educational Hospital in Balkhi and viral infections (influenza 20%, adenovirus 24% and Ronovirus 40%) were reported. The majority of patients had symptoms such as nasal congestion and discharge, a feeling of congestion in the ears, headache, and fever. In the majority of patients, their growth and development disorders have also been observed.

Changing diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes (CDC4G) in Sweden: A stepped wedge cluster randomised trial.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) 2013 diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been criticised due to the limited evidence of benefits on pregnancy outcomes in different populations when switching from previously higher glycemic thresholds to the lower WHO-2013 diagnostic criteria. The aim of this study was to determine whether the switch from previous Swedish (SWE-GDM) to the WHO-2013 GDM criteria in Sweden following risk factor-based screening improves pregnancy outcomes. A stepped wedge cluster randomised trial was performed between January 1 and December 31, 2018 in 11 clusters (17 delivery units) across Sweden, including all pregnancies under care and excluding preexisting diabetes, gastric bypass surgery, or multifetal pregnancies from the analysis. After implementation of uniform clinical and laboratory guidelines, a number of clusters were randomised to intervention (switch to WHO-2013 GDM criteria) each month from February to November 2018. The primary outcome was large for gestational age (LGA, defined as birth weight >90th percentile). Other secondary and prespecified outcomes included maternal and neonatal birth complications. Primary analysis was by modified intention to treat (mITT), excluding 3 clusters that were randomised before study start but were unable to implement the intervention. Prespecified subgroup analysis was undertaken among those discordant for the definition of GDM. Multilevel mixed regression models were used to compare outcome LGA between WHO-2013 and SWE-GDM groups adjusted for clusters, time periods, and potential confounders. Multiple imputation was used for missing potential confounding variables. In the mITT analysis, 47 080 pregnancies were included with 6 882 (14.6%) oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) performed. The GDM prevalence increased from 595/22 797 (2.6%) to 1 591/24 283 (6.6%) after the intervention. In the mITT population, the switch was associated with no change in primary outcome LGA (2 790/24 209 (11.5%) versus 2 584/22 707 (11.4%)) producing an adjusted risk ratio (aRR) of 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.91 to 1.02, p = 0.26). In the subgroup, the prevalence of LGA was 273/956 (28.8%) before and 278/1 239 (22.5%) after the switch, aRR 0.87 (95% CI 0.75 to 1.01, p = 0.076). No serious events were reported. Potential limitations of this trial are mainly due to the trial design, including failure to adhere to guidelines within and between the clusters and influences of unidentified temporal variations. In this study, implementing the WHO-2013 criteria in Sweden with risk factor-based screening did not significantly reduce LGA prevalence defined as birth weight >90th percentile, in the total population, or in the subgroup discordant for the definition of GDM. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effects of treating different glucose thresholds during pregnancy in different populations, with different screening strategies and clinical management guidelines, to optimise women's and children's health in the short and long term. The trial is registered with ISRCTN (41918550).

Literacy on Pregnancy Complications: Causal Factors and Prevention

Purpose: This study investigates the role of maternal health literacy in preventing pregnancy complications and evaluates the effectiveness of various educational interventions designed to enhance health literacy. Research Design and Methodology: Utilizing a quantitative design, this research involved pre-and post-tests to measure changes in knowledge, skills, and attitudes among diverse demographic participants. Participants were divided into control and experimental groups. Educational interventions were implemented, including prenatal classes, online courses, and community workshops. Data were collected through surveys and analyzed using statistical methods. Findings and Discussion: The study revealed a significant correlation between increased health literacy and reduced pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm labor. This positive correlation underscores the potential for improved maternal and child health outcomes. Educational interventions significantly enhanced health literacy, with different models showing varied effectiveness based on accessibility and engagement. These findings align with the Health Belief Model and Self-Determination Theory, reinforcing the positive impact of health literacy on maternal and child health outcomes. Implications: The research underscores the importance of tailored educational interventions in promoting maternal and child health. Policymakers and healthcare providers should prioritize developing comprehensive, accessible, culturally sensitive health education programs. Addressing socio-economic disparities and providing continuous support is crucial to ensuring that all mothers and children have equal access to healthcare and can benefit from improved health literacy. Future research should explore long-term impacts and innovative educational technologies to enhance maternal health outcomes further.

Literacy on Pregnancy Complications: Causal Factors and Prevention

Purpose: This study investigates the role of maternal health literacy in preventing pregnancy complications and evaluates the effectiveness of various educational interventions designed to enhance health literacy. Research Design and Methodology: Utilizing a quantitative design, this research involved pre-and post-tests to measure changes in knowledge, skills, and attitudes among diverse demographic participants. Participants were divided into control and experimental groups. Educational interventions were implemented, including prenatal classes, online courses, and community workshops. Data were collected through surveys and analyzed using statistical methods. Findings and Discussion: The study revealed a significant correlation between increased health literacy and reduced pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm labor. This positive correlation underscores the potential for improved maternal and child health outcomes. Educational interventions significantly enhanced health literacy, with different models showing varied effectiveness based on accessibility and engagement. These findings align with the Health Belief Model and Self-Determination Theory, reinforcing the positive impact of health literacy on maternal and child health outcomes. Implications: The research underscores the importance of tailored educational interventions in promoting maternal and child health. Policymakers and healthcare providers should prioritize developing comprehensive, accessible, culturally sensitive health education programs. Addressing socio-economic disparities and providing continuous support is crucial to ensuring that all mothers and children have equal access to healthcare and can benefit from improved health literacy. Future research should explore long-term impacts and innovative educational technologies to enhance maternal health outcomes further.

Patient and Visitor-Associated Violence Toward Health Care Workers in a Children's Health System.

Patient and Visitor-Associated Violence Toward Health Care Workers in a Children's Health System.

Clinicopathological and molecular genetic features of confined placental mosaicism

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological and genetic features of confined placental mosaicism (CPM) and its effect on fetal intrauterine growth. Methods: Fourteen CPM cases of Haidian Maternal and Children Health Hospital were collected from May 2018 to March 2022. Clinicopathological examination on placental specimens and molecular genetic analysis were performed. Results: The age of the parturient women ranged from 27 to 34 years, with an average age of (30.0±3.54) years. The gestational weeks ranged from 35+1 to 41+2 weeks. There were 4 premature births and 10 term births, among which 6 were female and 8 were male fetuses. Nine cases (9/14) had adverse pregnancy outcomes, including 7 cases of fetal growth restriction. The weight of CPM placenta decreased, with 6 cases below the 10th percentile of weight standards and 5 cases between the 10th and 25th percentile. All 14 CPM placental specimens showed morphological changes of perfusion dysfunction to varying degrees, with mainly placental-maternal vascular malperfusion followed by placental-fetal vascular malperfusion. The mosaic chromosomes in different CPM cases varied, with 16-trisomy/monosomy mosaicism being the most common followed by 7-trisomy and 21-trisomy/monosomy mosaicism. The mosaic proportion was unequal in different parts of the same CPM placenta, with the mosaic proportion of umbilical cord, fetal membranes, fetal surface, maternal surface, and edge ranging from 1% to 70%. Conclusions: The mosaic chromosomes in different CPM cases vary, and the mosaic proportion is unequal in different parts of the same CPM placenta. The pathological morphology is mainly manifested as perfusion dysfunction, which can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as fetal growth restriction and preterm birth.

Determining the effects of nomophobia on nurses and midwives in a maternity and child health hospital: A cross-sectional study.

This study aims to assess the levels of nomophobia among nurses and midwives employed at a gynecology and children's hospital and to explore its impact on their lives. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a gynecology and pediatrics hospital situated in the western region of Turkey. The research sample comprised 112 nurses and midwives. Data collection was facilitated through an "Introductory Information Form" and the "Nomophobia Scale," with adherence to the STROBE checklist for reporting this cross-sectional study. The mean age of the participants was 34.50 ± 9.98 years. The average total score on the nomophobia scale was 68.45 ± 24.62, with 54.5% of participants classified as having moderate levels of nomophobia. Factors such as age, years of experience in nursing or midwifery, work patterns, and the habit of checking their phones immediately upon waking and before sleeping were found to influence their levels of nomophobia. The study observed that mobile phone usage among nurses and midwives in a gynecology and pediatrics setting negatively affects their mental and physical health, with a moderate level of nomophobia being prevalent. Notably, older age and increased work experience were associated with lower nomophobia scores. Initiatives aimed at preventing the onset of nomophobia are recommended, especially targeting younger nurses and midwives who play a crucial role in health service delivery.

Determining the effects of nomophobia on nurses and midwives in a maternity and child health hospital: A cross-sectional study.

This study aims to assess the levels of nomophobia among nurses and midwives employed at a gynecology and children's hospital and to explore its impact on their lives. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a gynecology and pediatrics hospital situated in the western region of Turkey. The research sample comprised 112 nurses and midwives. Data collection was facilitated through an "Introductory Information Form" and the "Nomophobia Scale," with adherence to the STROBE checklist for reporting this cross-sectional study. The mean age of the participants was 34.50 ± 9.98 years. The average total score on the nomophobia scale was 68.45 ± 24.62, with 54.5% of participants classified as having moderate levels of nomophobia. Factors such as age, years of experience in nursing or midwifery, work patterns, and the habit of checking their phones immediately upon waking and before sleeping were found to influence their levels of nomophobia. The study observed that mobile phone usage among nurses and midwives in a gynecology and pediatrics setting negatively affects their mental and physical health, with a moderate level of nomophobia being prevalent. Notably, older age and increased work experience were associated with lower nomophobia scores. Initiatives aimed at preventing the onset of nomophobia are recommended, especially targeting younger nurses and midwives who play a crucial role in health service delivery.

Effectiveness and pregnancy outcomes of ultrasound-indicated and physical examination-indicated cervical cerclage: a retrospective study from a single centre

ObjectivePreterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, and cervical incompetence (CIC) is a significant contribution. Cervical cerclage (CC) is an effective obstetric intervention. However, many clinical factors affect the success rate of surgery. The objective was to investigate and compare the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of patients who underwent ultrasound- and physical examination-indicated cervical cerclage and to explore the influencing factors of preterm delivery before 34 weeks.MethodsThe sociodemographic characteristics and clinical data of patients with a diagnosis of cervical incompetence who underwent ultrasound- and physical examination-indicated transvaginal cervical cerclage at Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of the patients were evaluated. Continuous variables were compared using Student’s t test (for normally distributed data) or the Mann-Whitney U test (for nonnormally distributed data). Categorical variables were analysed using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Additionally, logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the associations of inflammatory markers with maternal and neonatal outcomes.ResultsThis study included 141 participants who underwent cervical cerclage, including 71 with ultrasound-indicated cerclage and 70 with physical examination-indicated cerclage. Compared to those in the ultrasound-indicated cerclage group, the duration from cerclage to delivery, birth weight, and APGAR score in the physical examination-indicated cerclage group were significantly lower, and the rates of delivery at < 28 weeks, < 32 weeks, < 34 weeks, and < 37 weeks of gestation and neonatal mortality were significantly higher (all P < 0.05). Compared to those in the physical ultrasound-indicated cerclage group, in the physical examination-indicated cerclage group, maternal blood inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) were significantly higher (P < 0.05). Additionally, maternal blood inflammatory markers, such as the CRP, white blood cell count, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), SII, and SIRI were significantly higher in the group with delivery before 34 weeks of gestation. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that twin pregnancy had the highest OR for preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation (OR = 3.829; 95% CI 1.413–10.373; P = 0.008), as well as the following: the SII level (OR = 1.001; 95% CI 1.000-1.002; P = 0.003) and CRP level (OR = 1.083; 95% CI 1.038–1.131; P = 0.022). The risk factors for preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation were twin gestation, an increased SII level and an increased CRP level, which had good combined predictive value.ConclusionIn patients with cervical insufficiency, ultrasound-indicated cervical cerclage appears to lead to better pregnancy outcomes than physical examination-indicated cerclage. Twin pregnancy and maternal blood inflammatory markers, such as the CRP level and the SII, are associated with preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation.

Parental Neglect and Childhood Obesity Amidst COVID-19: A Developmental Psychopathology Perspective on Health and Developmental Risks

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the mental health and developmental trajectories of children and adolescents, catalyzing a range of psychological and behavioral issues due to enforced lockdowns and other restrictions. This text explores these impacts through the lens of developmental psychopathology, which integrates clinical psychology and developmental science to examine the emergence and evolution of psychological disorders across a lifespan. This paper highlights how pandemic-related disruptions have exacerbated conditions such as anxiety and depression and, notably, increased childhood obesity due to changes in lifestyle and reductions in physical activity. The analysis includes a discussion of how isolation has not only restricted access to educational and psychological resources but also increased the risk of parental mental illness and related familial stress, thereby intensifying issues of neglect and their consequent impact on child health. By employing a developmental psychopathology framework, this paper argues for the necessity of targeted interventions that address these complex interplays of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Such interventions aim to support children through structured educational and health-oriented strategies, ensuring their well-being amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. This approach underscores the importance of early, multifaceted strategies involving parents, educators, and healthcare providers to foster healthier developmental outcomes for children facing unprecedented global health crises.

Parental Neglect and Childhood Obesity Amidst COVID-19: A Developmental Psychopathology Perspective on Health and Developmental Risks.

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the mental health and developmental trajectories of children and adolescents, catalyzing a range of psychological and behavioral issues due to enforced lockdowns and other restrictions. This text explores these impacts through the lens of developmental psychopathology, which integrates clinical psychology and developmental science to examine the emergence and evolution of psychological disorders across a lifespan. This paper highlights how pandemic-related disruptions have exacerbated conditions such as anxiety and depression and, notably, increased childhood obesity due to changes in lifestyle and reductions in physical activity. The analysis includes a discussion of how isolation has not only restricted access to educational and psychological resources but also increased the risk of parental mental illness and related familial stress, thereby intensifying issues of neglect and their consequent impact on child health. By employing a developmental psychopathology framework, this paper argues for the necessity of targeted interventions that address these complex interplays of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Such interventions aim to support children through structured educational and health-oriented strategies, ensuring their well-being amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. This approach underscores the importance of early, multifaceted strategies involving parents, educators, and healthcare providers to foster healthier developmental outcomes for children facing unprecedented global health crises.

Housing wealth, fertility and children's health in China: A regression discontinuity design

This paper examines the influence of housing wealth on fertility outcomes through a regression discontinuity design based on a 2006 Chinese housing-market policy. Our analysis reveals that the positive impact of this policy on housing wealth significantly enhances the likelihood of fertility by 7.3 %. Our result implies that a 1 % increase in housing wealth can raise the fertility rate by 0.18 %. Furthermore, we observe that children born subsequent to the positive housing wealth shock exhibit improved health, not only at birth but also over the long term. Lastly, we present suggestive evidence suggesting that both parental pre-birth time allocation and parental health may help explain the documented positive effects of housing wealth on fertility rates.

The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Sleep in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Children with autism spectrum disorder are at higher risk for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). They are also more vulnerable to sleep problems and are less likely to obtain the recommended number of hours of sleep than neurotypical children. In the general population, ACEs have been linked to future sleep difficulties. Despite increased vulnerabilities to both ACEs and sleep problems, no study has examined this association in ASD. Using the National Survey of Children's Health across four cohorts, we examined whether ACEs were a risk factor to obtaining the recommended number of hours of sleep, while accounting for demographic and health factors typically associated with sleep duration. Findings indicate that children with ASD with more ACEs were less likely to get the recommended number of hours of sleep than children with fewer ACEs. Other factors associated with sleep included race, anxiety, autism severity, and overall health. These findings indicate that sleep problems in children with ASD are complex and multifaceted. Among other considerations, it is important for clinicians to screen children with ASD for ACEs and consider the possible impact of ACEs on sleep.

Effects of Mindfulness and Life-Skills Training on Emotion Regulation and Anxiety Symptoms in Chinese Migrant Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeChina’s rapid urbanization has been associated with increased mental health challenges, especially in rural-to-urban migrant children. This study evaluates the effects of mindfulness and life-skills (LS) training on emotional regulation and anxiety symptoms from a randomized controlled trial aimed at improving the mental health of Chinese migrant children. MethodsTwo intervention arms—mindfulness training (MT) and MT plus LS mentorship (MT + LS)—were compared to a waitlist control group of 368 migrant children aged 9–17 years. Volunteers were trained to deliver interventions to 285 migrant children in small groups of 15 for eight weeks weekly. Social integration varied: migrant children mixed with local children at public schools were considered highly integrated, those in migrant-only classrooms at public schools had intermediate levels of integration, and children in private migrant schools had low integration. Emotion regulation and anxiety symptoms were assessed preintervention, postintervention, and three months postintervention. ResultsPostintervention and compared to the control group, children with high social integration in the MT arm showed increased cognitive reappraisal ability (p < .05) but higher physical anxiety (p < .01). Children with high social integration in the MT + LS arm had lower anxiety symptoms of harm avoidance (p < .01) and physical anxiety (p < .05). Children with low social integration in the MT + LS arm showed lower cognitive reappraisal (p < .01) and poorer overall emotion regulation abilities (p < .01). Three months later, children with intermediate integration in the MT + LS arm had lower separation anxiety (p < .05) and harm avoidance anxiety (p < .05). No other groups showed significant improvements in emotion regulation or reducing in anxiety symptoms three months postintervention. DiscussionMindfulness and LS training may benefit Chinese migrant children who have higher levels of social integration but increase anxiety in those with lower social integration. Future research should consider the sociocultural context in which a treatment is implemented.

Research progress on the association between screen content and mental health issue in children and adolescents

With the wide use of screen media, screen exposure shows a trend of younger age, and the screen exposure of children and adolescents has become a global public health issue of concern. Childhood and adolescence are important stages of growth and development, as well as critical periods of cognitive ability, emotional development and socialization. Previous studies have shown that screen time is closely related to the mental health of children and adolescents, but few studies have focused on the correlation between screen content and their mental health. The screen content for children and adolescents mainly comes from traditional TV and emerging interactive electronic media. Children and adolescents are highly sensitive to screen content. This paper summarizes the current situation of screen content for children and adolescents and reviews the correlation between screen content and their mental health issues. It also reveals the potential mechanism of the correlation between the two to provide a theoretical basis for the selection and supervision of screen content for children and adolescents.

The association between visceral adipose thickness and gestational diabetes mellitus in the first trimester

Objective: To investigate the association between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) thickness in early pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: Based on the Qingdao Women and Children Health Cohort, pregnant women in the first trimester (11-13+6 weeks of gestation) were enrolled in this cohort study between May 2019 and October 2022. The VAT was measured in first trimester and determined as the distance from the inner margin of the rectus abdominis muscle to the anterior wall of the great artery using multi-functional color ultrasound. The 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results were followed up at 24-28 weeks and the participants were divided into GDM group and non-GDM group. The pregnant women were divided into 4 groups according to the VAT quartile. Log-binomial model and linear regression model were used to analyze the association between VAT and GDM/blood glucose. Results: A total of 3 686 pregnant women were included in this study, the mean age of participants was (30.56±4.05) years and 722 were diagnosed with GDM, with an incidence of 19.6%. The log-binomial regression model results showed that compared with VAT thickness Q1 (VAT<14.70 mm), the GDM risk in Q3 (21.65≤VAT≤29.69 mm) and Q4 (VAT ≥29.70 mm) increased by 34% [RR(95%CI): 1.34 (1.08-1.67)], and 61% [RR(95%CI): 1.61 (1.30-2.00)], respectively. Among women with gestational age<35 years old, compared with VAT thickness Q1, the risk of GDM increased by 42% in Q3 [RR(95%CI): 1.42 (1.22-1.65)] and 70% [RR(95%CI): 1.70 (1.46-1.98)] in Q4, whereas no associations were found in women with gestational age ≥35 years old (P>0.05). The association between VAT and GDM risk was only found in pregnant women with pre-pregnancy BMI <24.0 kg/m2, and the GDM risk increased by 57% [RR(95%CI): 1.57 (1.22-2.04)] in Q3 and 65% [RR(95%CI): 1.65 (1.24-2.19)] in Q4 compare with Q1. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that VAT was positively correlated with fasting blood glucose, 1-hour blood glucose after 75 g OGTT and 2-hours blood glucose after 75 g OGTT (all Pfor trend<0.001). Conclusion: High VAT thickness in early pregnancy is an independent risk factor for GDM, and the GDM risk increases with the raising of VAT depth.

Negative Effects of Digital Technology on Children Health

Negative Effects of Digital Technology on Children Health