Higher Paternal Education Level Research Articles

Prevalence and risk factors of functional gastrointestinal disorders in Vietnamese infants and young children

BackgroundFunctional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common early in life. The prevalence of FGIDs varies among countries but is unknown in Vietnam. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of FGIDs in healthy Vietnamese infants and young children.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, observational study involving healthy infants and young children between 0 – 48 months old in Hanoi, Vietnam. A representative total of 1511 subjects completed the validated questionnaire on paediatric FGIDs. Rome IV criteria were used to define FGIDs.ResultsFor Vietnamese infants (0–6 months) and young children (7–48 months), the prevalence of having at least one FGID was 10.0% and only 0.6% was having more than one FGID. Infantile regurgitation (9.3%) was the most prevalent FGID among infants 0—6 months of age while all other FGIDs had a low prevalence between 0—2.5%. For young children between 7 – 48 months old, functional constipation was the most common disorder at the rate of 5.6%. Association analysis revealed that the risk of infant regurgitation was significantly lower among infants with exclusively breastfeeding at 2 – 3 months and 3 – 4 months, formula initiation at 0 – 1 months, and higher paternal education level. The prevalence of functional constipation was significantly higher in male subjects, children in families with annual household income between 273,000,000 – 546,999,999 VND (or estimate around 11,800 – 23,800 USD), families with one child only, and formula feeding initiation at 1 – 2 months.ConclusionsThe prevalence of FGIDs in Vietnamese infants and young children is relatively low compared to the published literature using Rome IV diagnostic criteria. Infantile regurgitation was the most common FGID in Vietnamese infants while functional constipation was most prevalent among Vietnamese young children.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Registry Identifier: NL7286/NTR7495.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the children's empathy quotient and systemizing quotient: 4-12 years.

We aimed to validate the Children's Empathy Quotient (EQ-C) and Systemizing Quotient (SQ-C) in Mainland China, which can reflect the profiles of empathizing and systemizing, and describing specific characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender-typical behaviors in general population. A total of 800 typically developing (TD) children, aged 4-12 years was recruited initially with whose parents/guardians complete the measurements, and 782 TD children who met inclusion criteria were finally included. A 23-item three-factor EQ-C and a 22-item four-factor SQ-C was developed with good internal consistency (Omega total values of 0.87 and 0.86) and test-retest reliability (Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.82 and 0.69). In TD children, girls scored significantly higher on EQ-C (31.4 ± 7.8 vs. 28.2 ± 7.7) but there were no gender differences in SQ-C scores. TD children showed different cognitive styles (empathizing-dominant for girls with 42.6% identified as Type E; systemizing-dominant for boys with 40.7% identified as Type S). A further sample of 222 children with ASD indicated that they scored lower on EQ/SQ-C compared to TD children (13.2 ± 5.1 vs. 29.7 ± 7.9, 12.4 ± 5.8 vs. 23.5 ± 8.3) and were generally systemizing-dominant (Type S: 50.8% for boys and 64.0% for girls). Autistic children scored higher on the SQ-C in those without intellectual disability and with higher paternal education level and family income (14.2 ± 6.1 vs. 10.9 ± 5.0, 13.3 ± 6.2 vs. 11.5 ± 5.1, 13.7 ± 5.6 vs. 11.9 ± 5.8), while there were no differences in the EQ-C. This study indicated good reliability and validity of the Chinese version of EQ/SQ-C, which can be used in Chinese children with and without ASD. LAY SUMMARY: We developed the Chinese version of the Children's Empathy Quotient (EQ-C) and Systemizing Quotient (SQ-C) in 782 typically developing (TD) children aged 4-12 years in Mainland China, yielding a 23-item, 3-factor EQ-C and a 22-item, 4-factor SQ-C with good psychometric properties. In TD children, we found gender difference only in scores of EQ-C. Further analyses of 222 autistic children indicated that differences were found in scores of SQ-C when considering their gender, intelligence and socio-economic status.

Questionnaire-based exposome-wide association studies (ExWAS) reveal expected and novel risk factors associated with cardiovascular outcomes in the Personalized Environment and Genes Study

While multiple factors are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), many environmental exposures that may contribute to CVD have not been examined. To understand environmental effects on cardiovascular health, we performed an exposome-wide association study (ExWAS), a hypothesis-free approach, using survey data on endogenous and exogenous exposures at home and work and data from health and medical histories from the North Carolina-based Personalized Environment and Genes Study (PEGS) (n = 5015). We performed ExWAS analyses separately on six cardiovascular outcomes (cardiac arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and a combined atherogenic-related outcome comprising angina, angioplasty, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke) using logistic regression and a false discovery rate of 5%. For each CVD outcome, we tested 502 single exposures and built multi-exposure models using the deletion-substitution-addition (DSA) algorithm. To evaluate complex nonlinear relationships, we employed the knockoff boosted tree (KOBT) algorithm. We adjusted all analyses for age, sex, race, BMI, and annual household income. ExWAS analyses revealed novel associations that include blood type A (Rh-) with heart attack (OR[95%CI] = 8.2[2.2:29.7]); paint exposures with stroke (paint related chemicals: 6.1[2.2:16.0], acrylic paint: 8.1[2.6:22.9], primer: 6.7[2.2:18.6]); biohazardous materials exposure with arrhythmia (1.8[1.5:2.3]); and higher paternal education level with reduced risk of multiple CVD outcomes (stroke, heart attack, coronary artery disease, and combined atherogenic outcome). In multi-exposure models, trouble sleeping and smoking remained important risk factors. KOBT identified significant nonlinear effects of sleep disorder, regular intake of grapefruit, and a family history of blood clotting problems for multiple CVD outcomes (combined atherogenic outcome, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease). In conclusion, using statistics and machine learning, these findings identify novel potential risk factors for CVD, enable hypothesis generation, provide insights into the complex relationships between risk factors and CVD, and highlight the importance of considering multiple exposures when examining CVD outcomes.

Family, personal, parental correlates and behavior disturbances in school-aged boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a cross-sectional study

BackgroundTo evaluate the relationship among family, personal, parental correlates, and behavioral disturbances in boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).MethodsWe performed a hospital-based cross-sectional study. School-aged boys who first visited the hospital between 2000 and 2011 with ADHD were identified. Through medical records review, demographic information, family characteristics, personal characteristics, parental characteristics, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) collected during the first outpatient visit were retrieved. A T-score higher than 63 in the internalizing or externalizing subscale of the CBCL indicated severe behavioral disturbances in each domain. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between the correlates and behavioral disturbances. Eligible patients were further classified into groups without behavioral disturbance, with either only severe internalizing or only severe externalizing behaviors, or with both behaviors. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to investigate the association between the correlates and the number of types of behavioral disturbances.ResultsA total of 1855 boys with ADHD were included. In the multivariable logistic regression, family factors, including being first-born, living in a family not with both parents, and family history of mental disorder, were associated with severe internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Personal factors, including prenatal complications, perinatal complications, and medical and psychiatric comorbidities, were associated with severe internalizing behaviors, but only prenatal complications and medical comorbidities were associated with severe externalizing behaviors. Parental factors were only associated with severe externalizing behaviors. A higher paternal education level had a protective effect, but younger motherhood increased the risk. In ordinal logistic regression, these factors were also associated with more types of behavioral disturbances.ConclusionsMultiple factors are related to behavioral disturbances in ADHD. Our study reported the association among family, personal, parental factors, severe internalizing behavior, severe externalizing behavior, and number of behavioral disturbances in boys with ADHD. However, the impacts differed as the behavior phenotypes varied. Further research is needed to better understand the heterogeneity of ADHD behavior.

Mental health of college students during the COVID-19 epidemic in China

Objectives: To assess the psychological status of college students in China during the COVID-19 outbreak, and offer some theoretical evidence for psychological intervention of college students.Methods: An online survey was conducted from May 10, 2020 to June 10, 2020. Anxiety symptoms were measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7). Categorical data were reported as number and percentage, while continuous data were reported as mean ± SD. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between different factors and anxiety symptoms.Results: A total of 89,588 college students participated in the current study, among which 36,865 students (41.1%) reported anxiety symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factors for anxiety symptoms included the age of 26-30 (OR=1.456), sophomore (OR=1.038), junior (OR=1.087) and senior grades (OR=1.161), a higher paternal education level (OR=1.055), low economic status (OR=1.520), and low social support (OR=1.542).Conclusions: About two-fifths of Chinese college students experienced anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 epidemic. Timely and appropriate psychological interventions for college students should be implemented to reduce the psychological harm caused by COVID-19 epidemic.

Dietary Intakes, Sources, and Determinants of Total and Free Sugar Consumption Among Lebanese Children and Adolescents: Findings from a National Study

Abstract Objectives To determine the intake levels and main sources of total sugars (TS) and free sugars (FS) among Lebanese children and adolescents and to investigate the determinants of high FS consumption. Methods In a national cross-sectional survey, data on socio-demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle characteristics of Lebanese children and adolescents (5–18 years-old) were collected (n = 1133). Dietary intake (24-hr recall) was analyzed using Nutri Pro software to determine average daily energy intake in kilocalories (kcal/d), TS and FS in grams (g/d) and as % of total energy intake (% kcal/d). FS content of foods was defined as 100% of added sugars for non-fruit juice sources and 100% of TS for fruit juice and drinks. Independent t -tests were used to compare mean daily intakes of TS and FS by sex and age groups. Logistic regressions were conducted to explore determinants of high FS intake (>10% kcal/d), as per the World Health Organization recommendations. Results Children and adolescents consumed, on average, 1899.9 ± 25.2 kcal/d of which 17 ± 0.2% kcal/d from TS and 16 ± 0.2% kcal/d from FS. Percentage of children and adolescents having high FS consumption was 62%. Main contributors to TS and FS were sweetened beverages, biscuits/chocolates, and syrups, jams and honey. Per consumer basis, intakes of FS from all food groups were significantly higher in older boys and girls than younger ones, except for candies, ice cream and fresh fruit juices. Multiple logistic regression showed children with higher paternal educational level and highest household monthly income had significantly lower odds of high FS intake (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.96 and OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.83, respectively). Children meeting physical activity recommendations had higher odds of high FS compared to their counterparts (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.003, 1.23). Conclusions High proportion of Lebanese children and adolescents exceeded upper limits for FS intake. Findings highlight the need for developing culture-specific interventions aimed at reducing the intake of TS and FS among adolescents, particularly those from low-income families, to curb rising obesity rates. Funding Sources This project was funded by the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research and the University Research Board at the American University of Beirut.

Determinants of taking dietary supplements in Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V study.

Tendency for taking dietary supplements is dramatically increasing. However, limited studies exist in this regard. We aimed to assess the frequency and determinants of dietary supplement use among a nationally-representative sample of Iranian children and adolescents. This population-based cross-sectional study (the CASPIAN V) was conducted in students aged 7 to 18years old in 2015. Multistage, stratified cluster sampling method was used to select participants from thirty provinces in Iran. Data regarding taking vitamin and mineral supplements were collected. Demographic information, anthropometric indices, physical activity, screen time and body image were also evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression model was used for analyses. The prevalence of dietary supplements use was 34.1% and the most popular dietary supplement was Iron (12.9%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that boys (0.84, 95%CI: 0.78, 0.91) and body image perception (OR: 0.84, 95%CI: 0.75, 0.94) used less dietary supplements compared to others. Children aged 11 to 14years (OR: 1.15, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.26) and those with moderate family socioeconomic status (OR: 1.12, 95%CI: 1.007, 1.25) used more supplement compared to other groups. Moreover, those with higher paternal educational level (OR: 0.77, 95%CI: 0.64, 0.93) used less supplements. However, living area, family size, paternal occupation, children BMI, Intended weight loss, and body image by student did not indicate any significant association. Our findings indicated that about one-third of Iranian children and adolescents used dietary supplements; iron supplements were the most frequent ones. Children aged 11 to 14years, those with higher educated mothers and moderate family socioeconomic status used more supplements compared to others. However, boys, children with excess weight and those with high-educated parents used less supplements compared to others. More studies are needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements in different age groups in various societies.

Discriminant Profile of Young Adulthood Driving Behavior among Brazilian Drivers

The aim of this article was to describe the driving behavior profile of drivers aged 18 to 25 years old. Four hundred young adults were interviewed, 320 (80%) of them male and 80 (20%) female. Cluster analysis identified a group characterized by sensation-seeking behavior (Cluster 1), a group that did not show any risky driving behavior (Cluster 2), and a group engaged in transgressive behavior and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (Cluster 3). Discriminant analysis classified successfully and correctly 81.3% of the young adults into their original profiles. Function 1 distinguished cluster 1 from clusters 2 and 3, on the basis of the following factors: higher frequency of alcohol consumption, intrusive behavior, and motorcycle riding, as well as younger age, more aggressive behavior, and lower education level. Function 2 distinguished cluster 3 from cluster 1 and 2, especially as to higher amounts of alcohol consumption, higher frequency of marijuana use and delinquent behavior, larger number of traffic tickets and motor vehicle accidents, higher paternal education level, which were the variables with discriminant values above .20. Characteristics of vulnerability were identified, especially those related to alcohol consumption, drug use, and externalizing issues.

Parental employment, income, education and allergic disorders in children: a prebirth cohort study in Japan

Epidemiological evidence on the relationship between socio-economic status and allergic disorders has been inconsistent. We examined the associations between maternal employment, maternal job type, household income, and paternal and maternal educational levels and the risk of allergic disorders in Japanese children aged 4.5 years. Subjects were 480 mother-child pairs. Definitions of wheeze and eczema symptoms were based on criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Data on self-reported doctor-diagnosed asthma and atopic eczema were available. Compared with children whose mothers had received less than 13 years of education, those with mothers with ≥15 years of education had a significantly increased risk of wheeze and doctor-diagnosed asthma: the adjusted ORs were respectively 2.41 (95%CI 1.18-5.17) and 2.70 (95%CI 1.03-8.08). Fifteen years or more of paternal education was independently associated with an increased risk of eczema, but not of doctor-diagnosed atopic eczema (adjusted OR 1.89, 95%CI 1.07-3.42). Mother's employment, mother's job type and household income were not related to any of the outcomes. Higher maternal educational level may increase the risk of wheeze and asthma, while higher paternal educational level may increase the risk of eczema.

Influence of socioeconomic factors on fitness and fatness in Spanish adolescents: The AVENA study

This study was to examine the influence of socioeconomic status on fitness and fatness in Spanish adolescents. A total of 1 795 adolescents (833 boys) aged 12.5-18.5 years from the AVENA study participated in this study. The following physical fitness components were assessed: muscular strength (standing long jump), speed-agility (4 × 10 m shuttle run) and cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle run). Total and central body fat was assessed using skinfold thickness and waist circumference, respectively. Both parents reported their educational and professional level. Girls with higher paternal educational level and boys with higher either maternal or paternal professional level had higher muscular strength levels (all P<0.05). Speed-agility and cardiorespiratory fitness were not associated with parental educational or professional levels in boys. In contrast, girls with higher paternal educational level or higher parental professional level had higher levels in both fitness components (all P<0.05). A higher maternal educational level was associated with lower total and central body fat in boys (all P<0.05), but not in girls. We observed a small effect size (Cohen's d∼0.2) in most of these associations. Our results suggest modest associations of high socioeconomic status with better fitness and fatness levels in Spanish adolescents. These associations greatly depend on the socioeconomic status and fitness parameters studied.

Comparison of the risk-taking behaviours of children and the practices adopted by their caregivers for improving home safety

The objectives of this study were: (1) to describe the efforts of caregivers to provide a safe home environment for their children and the risk-taking behaviours of children; (2) to determine the efficacy of caregivers' practices for providing a safe environment on the risk-taking behaviours of children; (3) to identify factors influencing the home-safety practices adopted by caregivers for their children; and (4) to determine the information sources that caregivers use for preventing in-home injuries in their children. Cross-sectional study The sample consisted of 563 pairs of elementary students and their caregivers, who were administered home-safety questionnaires at school and home, respectively. Five hundred and one matched pairs were included in the analysis. Caregivers' provision of a safe environment resulted in a reduced level of risk-taking behaviours in children, with this improving with sociodemographic status, higher paternal educational level, higher income level, living in an apartment, and for male children. Television and radio were the primary sources of information about preventing childhood in-home injuries, with only 38.0% of the caregivers listing doctors or hospitals as an information source. The data from this study indicate the vital roles played by caregivers in managing the risk of injury to young children and preventing injuries in the home.

National Survey of Adherence, Efficacy, and Side Effects of Methylphenidate in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Taiwan

To identify the determinants of adherence to immediate-release (IR) methylphenidate in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); to examine the impact of adherence on ADHD-related symptoms; and to compare the efficacy, adherence, and side effects of IR methylphenidate and osmotic release oral system (OROS) methylphenidate. This national survey, involving 12 hospitals, consisted of 2 phases of assessment. Treatment adherence in 240 (39.5%) of the 607 children aged 5 to 16 years with a clinical diagnosis of DSM-IV ADHD enrolled in the study was poor (defined as missing >or= 1 dose of ADHD medication a day and on 2 days or more during school days). Children with poor adherence at phase 1 were able to switch to OROS methylphenidate, while adherents remained on the IR variant. We reassessed 124 poor adherents who switched to OROS methylphenidate. The global ADHD severity, parent-child interaction, classroom behavior, academic performance, and side effects of the child subjects were evaluated by investigators. Parents completed the rating scales about the ADHD-related symptoms. The study began in April 2005 and was completed in February 2006. Determinants for poor adherence included older age, later onset of ADHD, family history of ADHD, higher paternal education level, and multi-dose administration. Mental retardation and treatment at medical centers were inversely related to poor adherence. Overall, poor adherence was associated with more severe ADHD-related symptoms by comparison to good adherence. Similar side effect profile, superior adherence, and improved efficacy were demonstrated in intra-individual comparison of the OROS and IR methylphenidate forms. Given that poor adherence to medication may be an important reason for suboptimal outcome in ADHD treatment, physicians should ensure adherence with therapy before adjusting dosage or switching medication. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT00460720.

Antibiotic Use in Community-Based Pediatric Outpatients in Southern Region of Brazil

The irrational use of antibiotics is incriminated for the escalating antimicrobial resistance problem worldwide. This cross-sectional survey was conducted to describe patterns of antibiotic use in community-based pediatric outpatients in the southern region of Brazil. A sample of children (29 days to 18 years of age) was selected from each community-based outpatient clinic. Information related to antibiotic use in the child was obtained by interview with their parents using a structured questionnaire. Of 489 children, 201 (41.1 per cent) had received at least one antimicrobial course in the previous 2 months. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was amoxicillin (54.0 per cent) and broad-spectrum agents were used in 15.3 per cent of antimirobial courses. Acute respiratory infections were the most frequent diagnosis for antibiotic prescribing (91.2 per cent), but at least 39.5 per cent were conditions of presumed viral etiology. Antibiotic use in the previous 2 months was more likely in children younger than 2 years (PR 1.36, 95 per cent CI 1.10-1.69); with chronic diseases (PR 1.38, 95 per cent CI 1.10-1.75); with higher paternal education level (PR 1.38, 95 per cent CI 1.11-1.72); with parents' pressure on physician for antibiotics (PR 1.66, 95 per cent CI 1.05-2.64) and with parental self-prescribing habit (PR 1.47, 95 per cent CI 1.06-2.04). Antibiotic use in children increased with mother's age (p=0.03 for linear trend). In conclusion, antibiotic prescribing is very common in community-based pediatric outpatients in the southern region of Brazil and inappropriate use is frequent. The independent risk factors for antibiotic use are child's age under 2 years, the presence of chronic diseases in the child, older mother, higher paternal education level, parents' pressure on physician and parental self-prescribing habit.

Home Injuries in Children

We conducted a population-based intervention trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a program to prevent home injuries in children. We recruited a population of 1,015 young parent couples. Among those couples, we measured attitudes toward prevention of home injuries to children before and after the intervention. The intervention had limited effectiveness, which was somewhat greater among white-collar families and families with a higher paternal educational level. We found an association between the occurrence of injuries and educational level of the fathers (odds ratio = 1.7 and 1.9 for 6-12 years and < 6 years of school completed, respectively, vs > or = 13 years).