Parental Knowledge Research Articles

Using the BCW and TDF to identify factors related to increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in children to guide future intervention development.

This study used the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify parental factors that are associated with increasing their child's fruit and vegetable consumption. The information gathered enabled a behavioural diagnosis and the identification of intervention functions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in children. A qualitative design using open-ended online survey methodology was utilised. United Kingdom. Twenty-eight parents of primary school-aged children (4-11 years) aged 29-51 years participated. Thematic and summative analysis identified skills in preparation and cooking, awareness of and desire to increase fruit and vegetable intake, knowledge of the recommendations, and better health for their child as the main facilitators. The main barriers were time and financial constraints, their child's food preferences and refusal to eat fruit and vegetables, negative role modelling from parents and grandparents and beliefs that fruit and vegetable intake will increase with age. For behaviour change to occur, "knowledge", "social influences", "environmental context and resources", "beliefs about consequences" and "beliefs about capabilities" need to be altered. Novel findings suggest that future intervention development should focus on parental beliefs and skills around how to increase fruit and vegetable consumption as their child ages and expanding parental knowledge on the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption such as mental and future health. The use of the TDF and BCW identified appropriate intervention functions that will guide future behaviour change techniques, modes of delivery, and policy categories that best target increasing children's fruit and vegetable consumption.

Assistive Technology Assessment and Barriers to Access It in Children with Disability

Objectives: Children with disabilities need assistive technology (AT) to explore their surroundings, participate in social activities, and gain developmental skills. This study aimed to assess AT needs and barriers to access it for these children. Methods: The study participants comprised 217 children with disabilities aged 6-12 years, randomly selected from the registration list of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Welfare Organization, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran, in 2022. After obtaining informed consent from their parents, study data were gathered by phone interview using the rapid assessment of AT (rATA) tool of the World Health Organization (WHO). Results: Among the 217 participants, 108(49.8%) used AT devices, and 102(47%) had unmet needs. Of the 55 AT devices named in the rATA, only 14 were used by the children. The most commonly used devices were hearing aids, glasses, and wheelchairs. Unmet needs of ‘chairs for bath/toilet,’ ‘wheelchairs,’ and ‘therapeutic footwear’ accounted for 50% of 132 unmet AT needs. The most common reasons for lacking AT were lack of financial resources (52%) and knowledge about AT devices (30.1%). Most clients were satisfied with AT-use training (92.3%), but only 20.2% were satisfied with AT device repair services. Discussion: This study highlights the need to improve AT device repair services, overcome financial challenges, and increase parental knowledge about AT devices as the most prevalent barriers to using AT devices. Developing a child-specific version of the rATA tool that includes questions about education and play engagement AT needs is suggested for better estimation of AT needs for children with disabilities in the future.

Knowledge and practices of parents of school age children towards Helminthiasis and malaria in northwestern Ethiopia

BackgroundHelminthiasis and malaria prevail in developing countries including Ethiopia, where they claim lives, retard physical and mental growth, reduce productivity and contain economic growth. Implementing helminthiasis and malaria control strategies require adequate knowledge and practices of the affected communities. Knowledge and practices of parents of school age children was assessed in relation to risk of child infection with Helminthiasis and malaria.MethodsA total of 398 parents of school age children attending Maksegnit Number Two Elementary School from September 2020 to June 2021 were interviewed regarding their sociodemography, knowledge and practice towards Helminthiasis and malaria. The risk of child infection with Helminthiasis and malaria in relation to sociodemography and household practices was tested using multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsRisk of child infection with Helminthiasis was lower when the responding parent was female (OR = 0.54; CI = 0.32–0.92) and monthly household income was ≥ 2001 birr (OR = 0.39; CI = 0.22–0.70). A monthly income of ≥ 2001 birr was associated with a low risk of child infection with malaria (OR = 0.37; CI = 0.21–0.65). Children living with married parents were at higher risk of Helminthiasis (OR = 2.25, CI = 1.33–3.81) and malaria (OR = 2.71, CI = 1.60–4.58) infection. Latrine with wooden floor was correlated with a high risk of child infection with Helminthiasis (OR = 7.2; CI = 2.16–23.95). While washing with soap after toilet (OR = 0.09; CI = 0.03–0.34) and eating washed cabbage/fruit (OR = 0.26; 0.15–0.44) were associated with a lower risk of infection. Parents who participated in environmental management based vector control were less likely to report child infection with malaria (OR = 0.44; 0.20–0.97). A child living in residual insecticide sprayed house was at risk of malaria infection (OR = 3.16; CI = 1.45–6.92).ConclusionsIn general female responding parent, higher household income, and washing with soap after toilet or eating washed cabbage/fruit were associated with decreased risk of intestinal helminthiasis infection in children. In addition, higher income and participation in enviroinmental management based vector contol were associated with decreased malaria infection risk in children.

Parental support and influencing factors for school-age children's healthy movement behavior: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Optimizing healthy lifestyles in children requires parental support for healthy movement behaviors. This study analyzed factors influencing parental support for school-age children's movement activities. Methods: This study employed an analytic descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach, involving a sample of 355 mothers with school-age children. The independent variables included family, child, and environmental factors, whereas the dependent variable was parental support for healthy movement behaviors, as assessed through a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using binary logistic regression with backward elimination. Results: The factors that significantly influenced parental support for their children's engagement in light physical activities included the children's own level of participation in such activities (OR=2.52, 95% CI=0.76-6.67). Factors affecting support for moderate to vigorous activities were maternal exercise habits (OR=3.37; 95% CI=1.18-9.65), children's sports habits (OR=5.18; 95% CI=1.64-16.26), and the presence of personal gadgets (OR=0.45, 95% CI=0.23-0.86). Parental support for preventing sedentary behaviors was influenced by parental knowledge (OR=2.33; 95% CI=1.34-4.05), mother's sleep duration (OR=2.46; 95% CI=1.27-4.75), and gadgets (OR=0.55; 95% CI=0.31-0.95). Factors affecting support for adequate sleep included children's light activities (OR=3.42; 95% CI=1.27-9.23) and their ownership of personal gadgets (OR=0.44; 95% CI=0.24-0.79) Conclusions: Parental support is influenced by the knowledge and physical activity habits of both mother and child, as well as gadget use and maternal sleep patterns. Pediatric nurses can enhance this support through health education focused on promoting healthy movement behaviors within families.

Awareness of Fluoride Toothpaste among Parents of Children and Adolescents

This study assessed parental knowledge and utilization patterns of fluoride containing dentifrices in the context of youth oral health promotion. A direct questionnaire was administered to 168 parents of young patients who attended the Pediatric Dental Clinic at Yonsei University Dental Hospital between March and May 2024. The findings indicated that while a significant majority (94.6%) of parents acknowledged the importance of fluoride in adult oral care products, their understanding of the potential adverse effects was limited. The study found that 84.5% of children used fluoride toothpaste and 96.4% of parents considered fluoride toothpaste essential for their children. However, a considerable proportion (40.5%) used low-fluoride formulations and many parents lacked awareness of the fluoride concentration (42.3%) and the appropriate dosage for their children (61.3%). Notably, paternal parents had a higher likelihood of being uninformed about fluoride content (24.7%, <i>p</i> = 0.003) and the correct quantity of toothpaste (26.2%, <i>p</i> < 0.05) that children should use. These observations underscore the need for targeted education for fluoride-containing oral care products for parents. Precise guidelines on suitable fluoride toothpaste types and quantities tailored to the developmental stages in children are important for enhancing oral health outcomes in youth.

Does sibling family structure matter in the emotion understanding development in preschoolers?

The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of sibling family structure —including the number of children, age gaps, presence of a twin, sibling position, and gender composition — on emotion understanding and its development in children aged 5–6 years. A total of 409 preschoolers participated. Emotion understanding was assessed using The Test of Emotion Comprehension at the baseline and then again at a 1-year follow-up. In addition to the primary variables, executive functions (comprising visual and verbal working memory and cognitive flexibility) and non-verbal intelligence were controlled for in the analysis. We used the Dimensional Change Card Sort task to assess cognitive flexibility, the Sentence Repetition and Memory for Designs subtests of NEPSY-II to measure verbal and visual working memory, respectively, and Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices to assess non-verbal intelligence. Sibling data were obtained from the parent surveys, while psychological assessments were administered to children by psychologists. While sibling family structure influences emotion understanding, it does not significantly affect its development over a year. A more advanced reflective emotional understanding is associated with higher cognitive flexibility and having a younger sibling, compared to other sibling positions. The results of this study offer additional knowledge for parents, educators, family therapists, and child psychologists seeking a deeper understanding of emotional development in children. These professionals can design interventions and programs that leverage sibling and peer relationships to foster emotional development, encourage collaboration through age-diverse activities, and promote caregiving roles to enhance family and group dynamics.

Parental awareness and perspectives on newborn screening in China: a questionnaire-based study

BackgroundLow parental awareness and knowledge about newborn screening have been identified as a public issue. This study explored Chinese parents’ self-evaluation of awareness, knowledge, and methods of receiving information about newborn screening.MethodsUsing convenience sampling, we included 614 respondents who were expectant parents or parents of children aged 0-3 years. Our self-made questionnaire comprised four sections: sociodemographic characteristics, self-evaluation of awareness, detailed knowledge about newborn screening, and practical and expected methods of receiving newborn screening information.ResultsWe found that 72.9% of participants were classified as aware of newborn screening. However, only 14.2% of the participants received a passing score on the newborn screening detailed knowledge questions. Knowledge level about newborn screening was significantly associated with gender (P < .001), age (P < .05), education level (P < .05), residence (P < .05), family income (P < .05), and number of children (P < .05). The knowledge acquisition about newborn screening mainly came from hospital-related training (62.1%). Additionally, nearly half of the respondents (48.0%) expressed a preference for learning more about newborn screening through social media platforms, such as WeChat.ConclusionsWhile the majority of expectant or new parents were aware of newborn screening, only a minority had a thorough understanding of it. Various sociodemographic factors were associated with the level of parental knowledge about newborn screening. It is recommended to use hospital lectures or social media initiatives to educate parents in China.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward family-based treatment among parents of children with leukemia

BackgroundTo investigate the KAP toward family-based treatment among parents of children with leukemia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between December, 2022 and July, 2023 in the Pediatric hematologic oncology department of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University. The study population consisted of parents of children diagnosed with leukemia. Their demographic characteristics and KAP toward family-based treatment for leukemia were collected by self-administered questionnaires.ResultsA total of 482 parents participated, including 379 (78.63%) females, with an average age of 35.83 ± 6.40 years. The mean scores for KAP were 7.28 ± 1.13 (possible range: 0–10), 37.82 ± 4.38 (possible range: 9–45), and 40.09 ± 4.17 (possible range: 9–45), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the knowledge score (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: [1.08–2.05], P = 0.016), attitude score (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: [1.18–1.46], P &amp;lt; 0.001), education of junior college and above (OR = 11.28, 95% CI: [1.94–65.65], P = 0.007), and monthly income of 5,000–10,000 Yuan (OR = 10.88, 95% CI: [1.15–102.98], P = 0.037) were independently associated with a proactive practice. Structural equation modeling (SEM) results highlighted the significant direct impact of knowledge on attitude (β = 0.72, P = 0.002), attitude on practice (β = 0.57, P &amp;lt; 0.001), and knowledge on practice (β = 0.81, P &amp;lt; 0.001).ConclusionParents of children with leukemia demonstrated inadequate knowledge, but positive attitudes and proactive practices toward family-based treatment for leukemia. Future interventions should not only prioritize augmenting parental knowledge through educational initiatives but also focus on fostering positive attitudes and providing support for both knowledge and practical parenting skills to facilitate proactive involvement.

Mother's knowledge of their children's oral health

Abstract: Evaluating parental knowledge and practice regarding oral hygiene, feeding habits, and risk factors related to caries is essential, as this projects the parents' outlook toward their children's oral health. Aim: The study aims to assess mothers' knowledge of children up to three years of age about oral health for their children. Materials and methods: The subjects of the study were 90 mothers. Mothers' knowledge was collected after completing a questionnaire including 12 questions about their children's oral health. Results: About 94% of the mothers did not visit a dentist to seek prevention or oral care for their child. 29% of mothers believe that long night feedings with a bottle can cause tooth decay. According to 62.22% of mothers, night breastfeeding and falling asleep at the breast is not a risk factor for caries development. Only 22.22% of all surveyed mothers have heard about early childhood caries. Most mothers (64.44%) do not know that the microorganisms that can cause caries can be transmitted from them to their children. Conclusion: Our survey showed that young mothers need more knowledge regarding their children's oral health. Mothers must be educated and understand their essential role as 'promoters' of good oral health and habits for their children.

Parental Monitoring, Parental Knowledge, and the Occurrence of Potentially Traumatic Events in Adolescence.

Parental monitoring and knowledge of their teens' activities might enable parents to keep teens safe, reducing the risk of potentially traumatic events. This paper investigated that possibility using a large, nationwide sample of 11,880 early adolescent teens followed longitudinally from ages 10-11 to 13-14years old. At annual assessments, teens completed measures of parental monitoring/knowledge and of potentially traumatic events. Data were analyzed using multilevel models to separate between- and within-family associations. Because within-family associations cannot be explained by the many systematic differences between families with low vs. high monitoring, they comprise more rigorous evidence of a potential causal relationship. We tested both concurrent associations between monitoring/knowledge and PTEs and prospective associations over 12months. At the between-family level, every tested association was significant (p < .001): greater monitoringand/orknowledge predicted fewer PTEs. However, at the within-family level, few associations were significant. Greater knowledge (p = 0.005) or combined monitoring/knowledge (p = 0.01) predicted fewer PTEs concurrently, but greater monitoring alone did not (p = 0.14). No prospective within-family associations were statistically significant. We replicated this pattern of findings in a different set of observations from the same sample, using different measures of each construct. We conclude that most of the apparent association between parental monitoring/knowledge and PTEs is explained by confounding factors, rather than a causal relationship. However, we found some evidence supporting a causal link in models of concurrent associations, suggesting any causal relationship between monitoring/knowledge and PTEs may unfold over shorter timescales.

Knowledge, Attitude, Perceptions of Child’s Parents Towards Pulp Therapy of Primary Teeth: A Clinic Survey

Background: Primary teeth are vital for children's oral health, serving roles in chewing, speech development, and spacing for permanent teeth. This study assesses parents' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding pulp therapy for primary teeth in Puducherry.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1000 parents of children under 13 years at Mahatma Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Puducherry. A structured questionnaire collected data on demographics, knowledge, and attitudes toward primary teeth and pulp therapy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, with a significance level of p &lt; 0.05.Results: Among the participants, 68.3% were from urban areas and 31.7% from rural areas. Educated parents showed significantly higher awareness about primary teeth (72.4% vs. 39.0%, p = 0.001). Urban parents also demonstrated greater awareness compared to rural parents. Significant differences were observed in dental care practices, with educated and urban parents more likely to seek timely dental care and agree to necessary treatments.Conclusion: The study reveals a considerable knowledge gap among parents regarding the care of primary teeth, with educated and urban parents exhibiting better awareness and attitudes towards pulp therapy. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to improve parental knowledge and pediatric dental care.

Empowering School Initiatives : Memperkuat Sistem Keamanan dan Dukungan di SDN 1 Bogor

This community service aims to strengthen security and support to prevent and reduce the number of violence incidents in schools. The service was carried out with a group intervention method in the form of psychoeducation both training and non-training for the TPPK Task Force, teachers and staff, parents, and students of SDN 1 Cawas. The methods used were FGDs by developing regulations through School SMART GOALS; training psychoeducation to improve knowledge and skills and increase the self-efficacy of the TPPK Task Force; and non-training psychoeducation to increase knowledge and awareness of parents, teachers, and students regarding the prevention and handling of violence in schools. The results of the service showed an increase in knowledge, and self-efficacy of teachers and parents, as well as increased empathy and knowledge about understanding violence in schools and efforts to prevent violence. The psychoeducation activities were able to increase knowledge, skills, and awareness for all elements involved in the school, namely the TPPK Task Force, teachers, parents, and students at SDN 1 Cawas regarding the prevention and handling of violence in schools.

Parental knowledge and satisfaction with newborn hearing screening in Saudi Arabia.

Parental knowledge and satisfaction are critical for evaluating the newborn hearing screening (NHS) program. No studies have assessed both parental knowledge and satisfaction with the NHS program since its launch in Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to evaluate parents' knowledge and satisfaction with the NHS program in Saudi Arabia. This study included parents of children aged 3 years or younger who had undergone NHS. A questionnaire with 23 questions in Arabic assessed knowledge and satisfaction. Knowledge-related questions were developed by a focus group, while satisfaction-related questions were derived from the Parent Satisfaction Questionnaire with a Neonatal Hearing Screening Program. A total of 796 parents participated. Overall, 92.8% reported that their newborns passed the screening, 1.6% reported that their newborns failed, and 5% were unaware of the NHS results. About 0.6% did not return for follow-up appointments due to unawareness of the need for follow-up. Only 29.6% received information about the NHS before the screening, and 44.7% reported receiving sufficient information about the results. Most parents (80.2%) were generally satisfied with the NHS program. Parents in this study were generally knowledgeable and satisfied with the NHS program. However, efforts are needed to improve the NHS program's effectiveness by increasing awareness and providing sufficient information on the necessity of NHS, test results, and follow-up appointments.

Role of cognition in mediating parental knowledge and support as precipitants of early adolescent delinquency escalation: partial replication and extension

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether cognitive factors mediate the relationship between parental knowledge/support and delinquency escalation. Design/methodology/approach Using data from early adolescent youth enrolled in the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) study, two analyses were performed. The first analysis cross-lagged parental knowledge and cognitive impulsivity as predictors of delinquency escalation and the second analysis cross-lagged parental support and moral neutralization as predictors of delinquency escalation. Findings In both analyses, the indirect effect of a change in parenting on delinquency escalation via a change in cognition attained significance, whereas the indirect effect of a change in cognition on delinquency escalation via a change in parenting did not. In neither case did the direct effect of parenting on delinquency achieve significance. Research limitations/implications This study was limited, however, by exclusive reliance on self-report measures to assess all variables in this study and the use of explicit rather than implicit measures of cognitive impulsivity and moral neutralization. Practical implications The practical implications of these results are that they point to ways in which improved parenting can lead to crime deceleration; reduced cognitive impulsivity and moral neutralization can lead to crime deceleration. Social implications These results imply that social variables like parental knowledge and support stimulate a change in cognition as part of the process by which delinquency escalates during early adolescence. Originality/value The unique contribution this study makes to the field is that it highlights the role antisocial cognition plays in mediating between social factors and delinquency as part of the crime acceleration process that often occurs in early adolescence.

Inhibitory Control in Late Childhood as a Predictor of Antisocial Behavior in Adolescence and the Role of Social Context.

Understanding the factors contributing to adolescent antisocial behavior is crucial for effective interventions. Protracted development of cognitive control systems supporting inhibitory control may be linked to increases in adolescent antisocial behavior, suggesting the promotion of inhibitory control as a potential preventative strategy. Concurrently, social contextual factors, including peer relationships, parent-child dynamics, and the neighborhood environment, may exacerbate or buffer the risk posed by low inhibitory control. In a large, longitudinal sample of youth from racially and ethnically diverse low-income families (N = 731), we examined the association between inhibitory control (age 10.5) and antisocial behavior (age 14) and explored contextual factors (neighborhood, peer relationships, parent-child relationship) as potential moderators. Lastly, we investigated whether a randomized controlled trial of the Family Check-Up (FCU) intervention started at age 2 predicted a decreased youth report of antisocial behavior in adolescence via increased inhibitory control in late childhood. We found that lower inhibitory control in late childhood predicted increased antisocial behavior in adolescence. For youth with low inhibitory control, living in a dangerous neighborhood or associating more with deviant peers increased the risk for adolescent antisocial behavior. Finally, the FCU intervention indirectly reduced youth-reported adolescent antisocial behavior via enhancing inhibitory control in late childhood, and the indirect effect was strongest for youth in risky contexts (e.g., low parental knowledge and control). Although risky contexts can exacerbate individual risks related to deficits in inhibitory control, greater inhibitory control may be a protective factor. Additionally, early childhood interventions can improve inhibitory skills and decrease the risk of adolescent antisocial behavior, particularly for youth within risky contexts.

Parental awareness on myopia prevention and control among 350 children.

To understand the current situation of parental perspectives, knowledge, and practices concerning myopia prevention and control for both pre- and school-aged children. This study was a cross-sectional survey that involved children aged 0 to 15y and their parents. Participants were required to respond to an online questionnaire by scanning a quick response (QR) code. The questionnaire consisted of 25 tick-box questions and was open to response from December 22, 2022, to January 5, 2023. The dioptric traits of the children, the visual status and educational background of the parents, the parental perspectives towards myopia and its risks, and the parents' knowledge and practices related to myopia prevention and control were recorded and measured. The Chi-square test and binomial logistic regression were used for statistics. Totally 350 parents responded to the questionnaire. The prevalence and severity of myopia among the surveyed children exhibited a positive correlation with advancing age (P<0.001 and P=0.004, respectively). Nearly half of parents with myopic children considered myopia did not pose any health threat and could be effectively corrected (P<0.001). Parents who held master's or doctoral degree demonstrated a better understanding of children's vision standards for each age group (P=0.001), and 31.63% of them could undergo initial vision screening for their children during the age of 0 to 3y while parents with bachelor's degree (34.04%) and below (32.43%) mainly initiated the vision examination for their children at the age of 4 to 6y (P=0.05). Parents with master's or doctoral degree also exhibited more rational practices concerning outdoor time (P=0.048) and sleep time (P=0.044). No other significant discrepancy among the different educational groups in additional conceptions of myopia, such as hyperopia reserve, axis length, and corneal curvature alterations. Most parents preferred to employ conventional interventions, such as enhancing indoor lighting condition (80.00%) and ensuring appropriate reading posture and distance (71.71%). The current status of parental knowledge and practices about myopia prevention and control remains outdated and deficient. The administrative department should implement efficacious and adaptable measures to enhance parental awareness and foster their commitment towards myopia prevention and control.

How speech and language therapists and parents work together in the therapeutic process for children with speech sound disorder: A scoping review.

Speech sound disorders (SSDs) are broadly defined as difficulty producing speech sounds in childhood. Reported prevalence of SSD varies from 2.3% to 24.6%, depending on how SSD is defined and the included age range. SSDs that do not resolve before age 8 can have a lasting impact on a child's academic achievements. The intensity of intervention for SSD is important to ensure effectiveness. However, there is a gap between the evidence base for intensity and speech and language therapists' (SLTs) clinical practice. One way that SLTs try to bridge this gap is by working with parents. SLTs believe that working with parents/caregivers is vital for a child with SSD to make progress. To conduct a scoping review of the literature to provide a comprehensive picture of the perceptions, experiences and strategies underpinning collaborative working between SLTs and parents/caregivers of children (aged ≤ 5 years 11 months) with SSD to increase intervention intensity at home. This scoping review was completed in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search of PubMed, PsycInfo, CINHAL, Web of Science, EBSCOhost and EThOS was conducted using synonyms of three key terms: SSD, Therapy, Parents. Key journals and papers were hand searched for unique papers. A total of 29 papers were included for review. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis to develop themes. These themes are discussed using the PAGER framework to identify advances, gaps, evidence for practice and areas for future research. Seven key themes were identified: individualization, setting expectations, daily life, parental knowledge, parental involvement, therapeutic relationships and supporting parents to deliver home practice. There has been an acceleration of research around working with parents of children with SSD, with increased consideration of effective adult coaching techniques. Parents value the parental and child relationship with the SLT and feel this supports the success of home practice. There is a need for further research, and guidance for SLTs working with parents of children with SSD to enable them to support parents to deliver home practice effectively. Emerging evidence supports the value of SLTs and parents working together to support home practice for children with SSD. The review highlighted the importance of SLTs allocating time to build positive therapeutic relationships with parents to support engagement in therapy. Approaching intervention, in particular, home practice, flexibly and in collaboration with parents, allows parents to fit home practice into their daily lives. Providing clear information to parents supports the fidelity of, and engagement in, home practice. What is already known on the subject There is a gap between what is recommended in the evidence base for intervention intensity for children with SSD and current clinical practice worldwide. SLTs try to bridge this gap through home practice and believe that working with parents/caregivers is vital for children with SSD to make progress. However, little is known about the best ways for SLTs to work with parents for this population. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge Training parents to be implementers of intervention in a personalized and flexible way is important and valued by parents and SLTs. Parents value understanding the clinical rationale behind the intervention approach and benefit from explicit instructions for home practice, including discussion, written information, observation and feedback. Therapeutic relationships take time to develop and impact parental engagement in home practice. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The findings of this study highlight existing knowledge which will support SLTs to work optimally with parents to implement home practice for their child with SSD. It highlights the importance of taking time to foster working relationships with parents to support effective home practice. The review identifies gaps in the current skills and knowledge of SLTs, highlighting the need for further research, support and guidance for SLTs in their work with parents, as well as implications for the development of the SLT pre-registration curriculum.

Parental Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Early Orthodontic Consultation in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The present study aimed to assess parental knowledge and awareness of early orthodontic consultation in children. This cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of schoolchildren who were randomly selected from public schools in the Al Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia, using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a prevalidated, pretested study questionnaire distributed to parents through the schoolchildren. The questionnaire focused on the demographic data, knowledge, and awareness of parents regarding their children's need for orthodontic consultation. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used to analyze the quantitative data collected. More than 50% of the study participants exhibited a good perception of most of the aspects of early orthodontic consultation in children. However, only 42.8% of study subjects exhibited awareness of space maintainers and their use in a growing child, while only 37.5% knew that the first orthodontic visit should be at seven years of age. The age of the participants as well as their educational level were found to be important demographic factors influencing knowledge and awareness of the need for early orthodontic consultation (p<0.05). The present study found that there were knowledge and awareness gaps among Saudi parents regarding early orthodontic consultation, including those on the need for space maintainers and the age of initial orthodontic consultation. There exists a need for a targeted focus on creating awareness amongst younger and lesser-educated parents, which can largely improve the awareness pertaining to early orthodontic treatment initiation in children.

Evaluating parental knowledge and attitudes toward childhood hearing loss: a cross-sectional study in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

BackgroundChildhood hearing loss poses a significant public health challenge in Pakistan, with prevalence rates over double the global average. Parental knowledge and attitudes play a crucial role in timely detection and intervention. However, limited research explores this issue within the Pakistani context. This study aimed to examine parental knowledge and attitudes regarding childhood hearing loss in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and identify key demographic factors influencing parental perspectives.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was conducted in Rawalpindi, Pakistan from March 1 to August 31, 2023. A total of 150 parents (79 fathers and 71 mothers) of children aged 0–12 years were recruited through convenience sampling at public locations such as schools, malls, and hospitals. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the validated “Parental Knowledge and Attitudes towards Childhood Hearing Loss Questionnaire,” administered by a graduate student to assess parental knowledge and attitudes about childhood hearing loss. Descriptive statistics determined the percentage of correct responses and knowledge/attitudes scores. Chi-square tests explored associations between demographic factors and parental perspectives.ResultsOverall, 67.3% of parents demonstrated good knowledge of childhood hearing loss. Notably, parents scored high on recognizing congenital causes (79.3%) but displayed low awareness of measles as a risk factor (29.3%). Significant gender disparities emerged in parental knowledge, with mothers exhibiting superior knowledge compared to fathers regarding newborn screening (63.4% vs. 46.8%), treatment availability (81.7% vs. 64.6%), and educational inclusion for children with hearing impairment (57.7% vs. 38.0%). Despite these knowledge gaps, parents generally held positive attitudes towards childhood hearing loss, with an average score of 94.7%. Gender and educational level significantly influence knowledge and attitudes.ConclusionsAlthough parents in Rawalpindi generally have a good understanding and positive attitudes towards childhood hearing loss, gaps in knowledge about preventable causes and gender disparities need attention. Providing tailored counselling for higher-risk, less educated groups and expanding policies for paediatric audiology services nationwide can help address these issues.

Assessing Whether Negative Parenting Cognitions Bias Parent Report of Preschoolers' Externalizing Symptoms: A Regularized Moderated Non-Linear Factor Analysis Approach.

Parent report is frequently used to assess children's psychopathology, however, researchers have expressed concerns about the validity of parent reports. Some parental characteristics, attitudes, or beliefs may systematically bias a parent's report of their child's behaviors and functioning. Informed by social information processing models of parenting risk, parents with more difficulties reflecting on and interpreting their children's behavior may be at risk for less accurate reports. The present study conducted two regularized moderated non-linear factor analyses with LONGSCAN data to examine how parents' self-reported negative parenting cognitions were associated with structural parameters of parent-reported child aggression and attention problems. While differential item functioning (DIF) was present on the aggression and attention problems subscales as a function of negative parenting cognitions, the DIF was small in magnitude, inconsistent in directionality and did not significantly alter factor-level parameters. Negative parenting cognitions did demonstrate a small but significant negative impact on all latent externalizing factors (aggression and attention problems), such that caregivers with fewer negative parenting cognitions endorsed fewer items, and this was associated with a lower mean of each latent variable. Given that accounting for DIF did not contribute to meaningful differences in impact parameters or improve criterion validity, findings suggest that the aggression and attention subscales are functionally invariant to negative parenting cognitions, suggesting that externalizing symptoms can be reliability compared across parents of varying parenting cognitions.