Life In Children Research Articles

Bored, afraid, alone: What can we learn from children with paediatric obesity about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for future pandemics, care practices and policies?

PurposeThe aim of this study was to gain insight into the perspectives of children with paediatric obesity themselves, during the pandemic and afterwards, regarding their wellbeing and health, and to solicit their advice on tailoring obesity care to match their daily realities. Design and methodsWe used a ‘draw, write and tell’ interview technique, conducted walk-alongs, participant observations and a group session with children with paediatric obesity from seldom-heard communities in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. ResultsChildren reported that during lockdowns they were confined to the house, causing them to feel bored and alone. This triggered them to fall into previous unhealthy patterns, such as an increase in sitting on the couch or lying in bed, gaming or watching TV, feeling hungry a lot and eating more. Some children experienced major events, such as mourning the death of a loved one or taking care of other family members, and thus felt they had to grow up fast. ConclusionOur study adds to our understanding of the mechanisms of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of children with paediatric obesity from seldom-heard communities and emphasizes the importance of considering how the pandemic (and related measures) affected the daily – as well as future – lives of children in vulnerable circumstances. Practical implicationsThe recommendations children gave could be explored as pathways for more child-centred, successful and tailored obesity care practices and policies in order to support their (mental) wellbeing and health.

Tropical Pyomyositis of the Neck in Child Living in Temperate Climate

Tropical Pyomyositis of the Neck in Child Living in Temperate Climate

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care in Public Health Facilities in Bule Hora, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a public health challenge that severely endangers the lives of mothers and children. In Ethiopia, its prevalence and predictors have scarcely been studied and have not been studied in the context of the present study. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of GDM among pregnant women in Bule Hora, southern Ethiopia. Results: A total of 190 pregnant women were interviewed and studied. The mean age of the pregnant women was 30.06 (SD ± 5.53) years. Approximately three-quarters (74.2%) of pregnant mothers were in their second trimester (24-28 weeks) of pregnancy. Approximately one-third (31.6%) of the participants were overweight/obese, with a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) greater than or equal to 28 cm. The mean fasting blood sugar level was 83.46 (SD ± 8.84) mg/dL. The prevalence of GDM in this study was 7.4%. A family history of diabetes (AOR = 5.7; 95% CI: 1.28-25.27), elevated triglyceride concentration (AOR = 5.6; 95% CI: 1.258-25.46), history of having a macrosomic baby (AOR = 6.8; 95% CI: 1.56-29.59), and history of abortion (AOR = 4.4; 95% CI: 1.09-18.39) were factors associated with GDM

Caregivers of Children with Autism Are Better, Despite Their Poorer Memory, Completing Tasks of Daily Living

ABSTRACT Familial caregivers typically have more trouble completing fundamental tasks of daily living compared with non-caregivers. The ability to complete tasks of daily living relies on prospective memory (PM). PM, however, is typically poorer in familial caregivers. It would make sense, therefore, that poorer PM would mediate caregivers’ greater difficulties completing tasks of daily living. This was explored here. A sample of n = 500 participants (196 caregivers of autistic children and 304 parents of non-autistic children) completed a questionnaire assessing PM failures. An abbreviated version of the Everyday Problems Test (EPT) was used to measure participants’ ability to complete tasks of daily living, such as managing medications and paying bills. Caregivers reported more PM failures. EPT scores were lower in caregivers, reflecting fewer problems completing tasks of daily living. PM failures were unrelated to EPT scores, ruling out mediation. Caregivers of autistic children were better at completing basic tasks of daily living despite their poorer PM. Whether quality of life for the autistic child might be related to caregivers’ ability to complete tasks of daily living should be the focus of future research.

Anorectal malformation and Hirschsprung’s disease: a cross-sectional multicentre comparison of quality of life and bowel function to a healthy population

PurposeChildren with anorectal malformation (ARM) and Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) often experience bowel symptoms into adulthood, despite definitive surgery. This study evaluates the quality of life (QOL) and bowel functional outcome...

Health-related quality scores in childhood interstitial lung disease: Good agreement between patient and caregiver reports.

Childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD) is a heterogeneous group of mostly chronic respiratory disorders. Assessment of health-related quality of life (HrQoL) in chILD has become increasingly important in clinical care and research. The aim of this study was to assess differences between patient-reported (self) and caregiver-reported (proxy) HrQoL scores. This study used data obtained from the chILD-EU Register. After inclusion (baseline), the patient's health status was followed up at predefined study visits. At each study visit, caregivers and patients were handed validated, age-specific HrQoL questionnaires. HrQoL data entered at baseline were used to compare self- and proxy-reported HrQoL scores. For the longitudinal analysis, we compared HrQoL scores between the baseline and the next follow-up visit. No differences between patient- and caregiver-reported HrQoL scores were found for school functioning, chILD-specific questionnaire score, and physical health summary score. Self-reported HrQoL scores were higher for the subscales emotional functioning (77.4 vs. 70.7; p < .001), social functioning (81.9 vs. 76.2; p < .001), as well as psycho-social summary score (76.5 vs. 71.8; p < .001) and total score (74.7 vs. 70.8; <.001). The longitudinal analysis showed that a significant change in a patient-reported HrQoL score resulted in a significant change in a caregiver-reported HrQoL score after a mean time of 11.0 months (SD 9.4). We found a good agreement between children- and caregiver-related HrQoL scores. In chILD, caregivers are able to sense changes in children's HrQoL scores over time and may be used as a proxy for children unable to complete HrQoL questionnaires.

Investigating the Role of Social Determinants in Child Mortality and Life Expectancy: Longitudinal Analysis of 200 Countries from 1990 to 2021

Investigating the Role of Social Determinants in Child Mortality and Life Expectancy: Longitudinal Analysis of 200 Countries from 1990 to 2021

Research on the Chinese Marriage Crisis - A Matching Perspective

This article examines the significant influence of parental attitudes on the mating choices of young adults in China. It highlights the stark dominance of Chinese parents in decision-making processes about their children's romantic lives, which can significantly influence the nation's marriage and divorce trends. Past articles revealed changes in parental attitudes towards their children's romantic relationships during university years, highlighting a shift from traditional opposition to increased support, potentially impacting financial assistance. Another stream of research focused on the ongoing marriage crisis in China, where declining marriage rates and rising divorce rates are influenced by socioeconomic changes, urbanization, and evolving marital values. They suggest that economic and cultural shifts play significant roles. This paper integrates sociocultural dynamics with a model of deferred acceptance in matchmaking to explore how shifts toward more progressive parental attitudes could be exacerbating the marriage crisis in China. By applying a matching algorithm, the study reveals that mismatches in parental expectations across different societal segments could lead to higher divorce rates and lower marriage rates. The paper proposes educational reforms and matchmaking optimizations as potential solutions to mitigate these effects.

Effect of Wearable Technology on Metabolic Control and the Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. Wearable technology (insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring devices) that makes diabetes management relatively simple, in addition to education and follow-ups, enhances the quality of life and health of individuals with diabetes. To evaluate the impact of wearable technology on metabolic management and the quality of life in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Systematic review and meta-analysis. The Preferred Reporting System for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was used to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Ulakbim and Google Scholar were searched in July 2022 and July 2023 using predetermined keywords. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Checklists for randomized controlled experimental and cross-sectional studies. The meta-analysis method was used to pool the data. Eleven studies published between 2011 and 2022 were included. The total sample size of the included studies was 1,853. The meta-analysis revealed that the decrease in hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) level in those using wearable technology was statistically significant [mean difference (MD): -0.33, Z = 2.54, p = 0.01]. However, the technology had no effect on the quality of life [standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.44, Z = 1.72, p = 0.09]. The subgroup analyses revealed that the decrease in the HbA1c level occurred in the cross-sectional studies (MD: -0.49, Z = 2.54, p = 0.01) and the 12-19 (MD = 0.59, Z = 4.40, p < 0.001) and 4-18 age groups (MD: -0.31, Z = 2.56, p = 0.01). The subgroup analyses regarding the quality of life revealed that there was no difference according to the research design. However, the quality of life was higher in the wearable technology group than in the control group in the 8-12 and 4-18 age groups (SMD: 1.32, Z = 2.31, p = 0.02 and SMD: 1.00, Z = 5.76, p < 0.001, respectively). Wearable technology effectively reduces the HbA1c levels in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in some age groups. However, it does not affect the quality of life.

Physical Disabilities and Subjective Wellbeing: A Comparison of Children Based on Boarding and Home Residency in South Africa

ABSTRACT Globally, limited research exists on the wellbeing of children with disabilities from their own perspectives. The investigations that are published are primarily from the perspectives of parents, caregivers or educators. In South Africa, segregated schooling systems and other social inequalities introduce complexities pertaining to the educational attainment of children with disabilities. For some children, residing in boarding schools facilitates access to education. This study quantitatively explored differences in subjective wellbeing based on whether children with physical disabilities resided in boarding schools (n = 30) or at home (n = 30). The results revealed a significantly higher level of family-related wellbeing for children residing at home (Mdn = 34.63) compared to those residing in boarding schools (Mdn = 26.37), demonstrating the need to strengthen family involvement in the lives of children at boarding schools. This research supports emerging evidence that parent involvement may be required for improved wellbeing of children who reside in boarding schools.

The relationship between lower urinary system symptoms and the level of independence and quality of life in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The purpose was to investigate the frequency of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and the relationship between these symptoms and independence and quality of life (QoL). The cross-sectional study included children aged 5-18years and diagnosed with DMD and their families. Data were collected using the Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System (DVISS), the Barthel Index, and the Pediatric Quality of Life™ 3.0 Neuromuscular Module (PedsQL-NMM). The study was completed with 45 children with DMD. LUTS was found in 86.66% and LUTD was found in 44.44%. The most common symptom was holding maneuvers (62.22%). Other common symptoms were urinary urgency (55.55%), daytime urinary incontinence (46.66%), and enuresis (31.11%). There was a significant correlation of the DVISS with the level of independence and QoL (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher LUTS score was associated with lower Barthel and PedsQL-NMM scores. LUTS is a neglected condition, although it is frequently seen in children with DMD. NCT05464446.

Association between suicide attempts and pediatric OHCA survival during the COVID-19 pandemic: Japanese cohort study.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in children. The COVID-19 pandemic might change the characteristics, causes (medical, suicidal, accidental, and other non-medical), and outcomes of pediatric OHCA. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pediatric OHCA in age, location, and quarantine-related movement restriction subgroups. Combining the nationwide OHCA registry with the emergency medical service transportation database, we created a database with detailed information on 7657 non-neonatal, pediatric OHCA cases. The pandemic period did not significantly alter neurologically favorable 1-month survival compared to pre-pandemic 4 years (95% confidence interval 0.73-1.00). However, the survival rate significantly decreased in the following subgroups of OHCA: school-age (0.62-0.96), outside of school or home (0.52-0.96), and cases where no quarantine-related movement restrictions were applied (0.68-0.97). There was a prominent increase in the proportion of suicide-related OHCA in these subgroups: from 30.3 to 38.1% (1.22-1.64), from 10.2 to 15.9% (1.21-2.28), and from 12.5 to 17.8% (1.30-1.77), respectively. The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly alter neurologically favorable 1-month survival. However, it led to worsened survival in subgroups with higher suicide attempt rates. Prevention of suicide is likely essential in the assurance of children's lives during the pandemic. This cohort study found that during the 2020/2021 pandemic, neurologically favorable survival decreased in school-age out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) cases, those not subject to quarantine-related movement restrictions, and those in locations outside of school or home. Within these three subgroups, there was a notable rise in OHCA cases related to suicide, historically known to be more challenging to manage successfully. However, survival rates for overall OHCA and medically related OHCA cases remained unchanged throughout the pandemic. Preventive measures for suicide attempts may be necessary to improve the overall survival of pediatric OHCA during the pandemic.

Multidisciplinary PAIN management features of pediatric oncology patients in a pediatric cancer center in Turkiye: A developing country experience.

e22002 Background: Pain is one of the most important problems that affects more than half of cancer patients at any stage of the disease and disrupts the quality of life of patients. The aim should be to relieve pain as soon as possible and prevent its recurrence. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of our patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of cancer in our clinic and whose pain management was planned in a multidisciplinary manner with the department of Algology. The clinic where the study was conducted is the reference center of a middle income developing country. Therefore, the data obtained will represent the characteristics of developing countries. Methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, patients followed up with diagnosis of cancer at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Oncology between 2018 and 2023 and consulted to Department of Algology for pain management were included. Patients whose file information could not be accessed from the hospital information system were excluded from the study. Demographic and clinical parameters of the patients were recorded. The data were evaluated with descriptive statistical methods appropriate to distribution. Results: A total of 33 patients, 19 girls and 14 boys, aged between 2.2 and 23.5 (median 14.4) were evaluated in the study. For each case, a median of 2 (1-16) consultations were made. The most frequent cancer diagnosis was bone tumors with 42% (n:14). Nociceptive pain was present in 25 of the patients, nociceptive and neuropathic pain were present together in 8 patients. It was determined that the most commonly used treatment for pain management was paracetamol, which was used in all patients. Other agents used, in order of frequency: Fentanyl in 19 (57.6%) of the patients, NSAID in 13 (39.4%), gabapentin in 9 (27.3%), oxycodone in 12 (36.4%), 7 (3%) 21.2) were tramadol, 4 (12.5%) were morphine, and 1 (3%) was codeine-paracetamol. Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was used in one patient. Side effects were observed in 3 patients. Fentanyl-related constipation was observed in 1 patient, fentanyl-related globe vesicale was observed in 1 patient, and thrombocytopenia was observed in 1 patient due to gabapentin. Conclusions: Pain is an important factor affecting the quality of life and treatment compliance of children with cancer. Therefore, it is important to ensure effective treatment and to raise the awareness of physicians and care providers by keeping it constantly on the agenda especially in developing countries. Prospective studies will be most useful guide for clinicians.

Quality of life of a child with post-COVID syndrome (clinical case)

Background. In recent years, modern medicine has been paying increasing attention to the patient’s quality of life, both in an interdisciplinary approach and in individual diseases. Quality of life is not only an important component of overall health, but also allows the clinician to develop an individualized approach to the patient based on general criteria for the pathological condition.The aim of the work. To assess the quality of life of a child with post-COVID syndrome.Material and methods. We studied the tonus of autonomic nervous system, the level of memorization, attention span and performance distribution, work efficiency, mental stability, and self-assessment of the anxiety level. The quality of life was assessed using our own method “Quality of life of children with post-COVID syndrome”. Results. A child with post-COVID syndrome developed vegetative, psycho-emotional, and cognitive disorders, which caused significant discomfort in everyday life and persisted for a long period. The neurovegetative changes described above were functional in nature, which allows us to hope for their reversibility. After the treatment, the teenager’s quality of life, based on assessment using our methodology, had a satisfactory score (43 points).Conclusion. The clinical case was characterized by asthenoneurotic disorders, autonomic disorders, increased anxiety, emotional lability, and some cognitive impairments that negatively affected the patient’s quality of life. The above describes the growing need for further development of assessment of the quality of life of children with post-COVID syndrome in order to form clear personalized algorithms for medical correction and rehabilitation of such patients.

Efficacy of Parent Training Programme in Enhancing Quality of Home and Community Living of Individuals with Intellectual Disability in Haryana (India)

Intellectual Disabled (ID) person has a right to live and received recognition and importance. There is a strong need to strengthen the social, emotional, physical and personal support systems among the families of these ID people and the society at large. The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of parents training program in quality of life of children with ID on its dimension Quality of Home &amp; Community Living. Binet-Kamat Test of Intelligence and Quality of Life Scale for Persons with Disabilities was applied. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied on the pre test scores and post test scores obtained by the participants in the experimental and control group before and after the Parent Training Programme. Parent training programme of individual with intellectual disability is effective and important interventional approach for enhancing better quality of life of parents as well as person with ID.

Assessment of health-related quality of life in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI).

Assessment of health-related quality of life in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI).

Does household size matter? Crowding and its effects on child development

ABSTRACT There is very little compelling evidence that household size negatively affects child development. In this study, the effects of household size on child development were analysed using data collected for a sample of 1311 four-year-old Jamaican children. Children’s development was assessed using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales across six developmental domains: locomotor, personal-social, language, coordination, performance and practical reasoning. The findings suggest that children’s locomotor and personal-social development are negatively affected by household crowding, with no significant effects observed for other domains. Additional results show that these adverse effects are strongest if the child lives in a single room compared to a separately detached house. This evidence speaks to the need to tailor policies towards access to good housing infrastructure and the provision of recreational spaces to encourage play and social interaction among children.

Okul Öncesi Öğretmen Adaylarının 21. YY Beceri Öz Yeterliklerinin İncelenmesi; Öğrenme Kavramı ve Küçük Çocukların Yaşam Başarısı

Amaç: Bu çalışma okul öncesi öğretmen adaylarının 21. YY becerilerine yönelik öz yeterlik algıları ile öğrenme kavramı ve çocukların yaşam başarısı kazanması için öğrenmesi gereken temel beceriler hakkındaki görüşlerini incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Yöntem ve Araçlar: Araştırmanın çalışma grubunun belirlenmesinde küme örnekleme yönteminden faydalanılarak toplam 14 farklı üniversiteden okul öncesi öğretmen adaylarına ulaşılmıştır. Çalışma grubunu 200 son sınıf okul öncesi öğretmen adayı oluşturmaktadır. Karma araştırma yöntemlerinden açıklayıcı ardışık desen kullanılarak tasarlanan araştırmada; nicel verileri derlemek üzere bir ölçek, nitel veriler içinse yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılmıştır. Sonuçlar: Araştırma bulgularının incelenmesi sonucunda okul öncesi öğretmen adaylarının 21. YY becerilerine yönelik öz yeterlik algılarının ölçme aracından alınabilecek orta puan değerinin üzerinde olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Çalışma grubu içinde 21. YY becerileri bakımından grup puan ortalaması üzerinde ve altında puanlar alan öğretmen adaylarının öğrenmeye ilişkin tanımları ile çocukların yaşama hazırlanma sürecinde öğrenmesi gereken temel becerilere ilişkin görüşlerinin birbiri ile çoğunlukla benzer olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

EEG findings and clinical severity and quality of life in non-epileptic patients with autism spectrum disorders

ABSTRACT Electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities could be seen in up to 60% of non-epileptic children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They have been used as biomarkers of ASD severity. The objective of our study is to identify EEG abnormalities in children with different degrees of ASD severity based on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). We also want to assess the quality of life for children with ASD. All of the children underwent at least one hour of sleep-deprived EEG. Forty-five children were enrolled, of whom 42 were male. EEG abnormalities were found in 10 (22.2%) children, predominantly in the bilateral frontal areas. There were no differences in EEG findings among the mild, moderate, and severe ASD groups. The severity of ASD was associated with female sex (p-value = 0.013), ASD with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (p-value = 0.032), ASD children taking medications (p-value = 0.048), and a lower Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) (p-value <0.001). Social and emotional domains were the most problematic for health-related quality of life in ASD children, according to parent reports of PedsQL. Further studies with a larger sample size will help to clarify the potential associations between EEG abnormalities and the severity of ASD, as well as the impact on quality of life.

Social-emotional and behavioural problems in young children of healthcare worker mothers during the COVID-19 outbreak: a case-control study

BackgroundThe pandemic has had a significant impact on the daily lives of children and their families, particularly the children of health care workers, due to changes in family routines as a result of their parents’ work schedules. We aimed to explore the socioemotional and behavioural (SEB) problems of children of healthcare worker mothers (HCWM) during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare them with age-matched children and their mothers from other occupations.MethodA case-control study design was applied, and a snowball approach was used to enrol volunteered participants aged between 6 and 36 months of age, through a Google survey. We used the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) questionnaire to assess children’s SEB problems and a Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) to evaluate the psychological distress of mothers. Differences in BITSEA, BSI and MSPSS scores were examined using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests, as appropriate. A logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of children’s behavioural and emotional problems.ResultsIn total, 600 questionnaires were analysed. It was observed that children in the HCWM group were separated from their mothers more often and for longer periods of time than their counterparts (p < 0.010, p = 0.002). Changes in the child’s structured outdoor activities during the pandemic period were more likely to be observed in the HCWM group (p < 0.05). The percentage of children with the BITSEA problem subscale above the subclinical cut-off, externalizing and dysregulation scores were significantly higher in the HCWM group (p = 0.044, p = 0.031, and p = 0.016). Moreover, each point increase in BSI global index scores (p < 0.001, RR:3.34, 95%CI:1.91–5.82) was found as a risk factor for clinically significant SEB problems.ConclusionOverall, the current study suggests HCWM’s have experienced occupational inequality, and young children of HCWM’s were at increased risk for externalizing and dysregulation problems during the pandemic. Maternal psychological stress had a significant impact on their children’s socio-emotional well-being.