Lower Paternal Education Level Research Articles

Peer Victimization Among a Clinical Sample of Turkish Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder

ABSTRACTYoung subjects with developmental disabilities are vulnerable and may experience frequent peer victimization. Quantifying the risk and associated factors and consequences of peer victimization among this vulnerable population would have clinical and public health implications. In this descriptive cross‐sectional study, we aimed to investigate peer victimization and relationships with psychiatric comorbidity and sociodemographic/socioeconomic variables in a clinical sample of young subjects with ASD without ID in a nonwestern country. The Revised Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire and a semistructured diagnostic instrument were used to investigate victimization experiences and psychiatric disorders, respectively. The majority of the subjects (68.8%) experienced victimization (verbal, relational or physical) by their peers. Only 45% (18/40) of the victims' parents were aware of their child's victimization status. Frequency of generalized anxiety disorder and self‐reported anxiety scores were higher in those with more severe victimization. A binary logistic regression analysis for victimization yielded significant associations for having a single parent, a higher maternal educational level, a lower paternal educational level and higher depression scores. Psychiatric evaluation of young subjects with ASD should include questioning about bullying experiences. Because parents may not be aware of bullying experience, disclosing bullying experience only depending on the parental report may cause an underreport of bullying among young subjects with ASD.

Prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among adolescents in Sudan: a cross-sectional school-based study

ObjectivesThere is an increasing rate of elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, in children and adolescents worldwide, including Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Only a few data on adolescent hypertension in SSA, including...

Cognitive performance of 4-6-year-old children: a longitudinal study

Background Many children in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) have reduced cognitive abilities, but few studies have explored the influencing factors.
 Objective To determine the determinants of children's low cognitive development at 4 to 6-year-old.
 Methods This is a retrospective cohort study in year 2021. The data was obtained from Bogor Longitudinal Study of Child Growth and Development (BLSCGD) that started from year 2012. For this analysis, we considered 165 of children aged 4-6 years. The dependent variable in this analysis was cognitive development as measured by the Indonesian Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) with the indicators of full-scale IQ (FSIQ), verbal IQ (VIQ) and performance IQ (PIQ). The independent variables were determinants of children’s cognitive development at 4-6 years, consisted of socio-demographic factors, determinants from early life (0-23 months), as well as determinants from current conditions. Multivariate analysis done with the logistic regression test.
 Results Bivariate analysis revealed that paternal education level was significantly associated with FSIQ and inadequate calorie intake in infancy and poor child stimulation were significantly associated with VIQ. In the final model of multivariate analysis, low paternal education level retained a significant association with FSIQ. Psychosocial stimulation was significantly associated with VIQ and inadequate calorie intake during infancy was significantly associated with PIQ.
 Conclusion Low paternal education level and inadequate psychosocial stimulation are risk factors for reduced child cognitive development in 4-6-year-olds. Inadequate calorie intake in infancy even though not statistically significant it has high OR values for low VIQ and PIQ, thus the results showed the importance of calory intake in infancy.

Neurocognitive deficits and sequelae following severe hand, foot, and mouth disease from 2009 to 2017, in JiangSu Province, China: a long-term follow-up study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term sequelae and cognitive profiles resulting from severe hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Methods294 HFMD cases were included in a retrospective follow-up study. Physical examinations were conducted. The Chinese Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) was used to assess intelligence. Results58 mild HFMD cases and 99 severe HFMD cases with mild CNS involvement did not present any neurological sequelae. In comparison, the sequelae incidence for severe HFMD with more severe CNS complications was 50.0%. The proportion of full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) impairment was 45.0%. In the 2:6–3:11 age group, severe HFMD with more severe CNS complications and lower maternal education level were risk factors for verbal comprehension disorder. Urban–rural residence and lower paternal education level were risk factors for FSIQ disorder. Furthermore, in the 4:0–6:11 age group, severe HFMD with more severe CNS complication was a risk factor for visual spatial disorder and fluid reasoning disorder. Lower paternal education level was a risk factor for FSIQ disorder. ConclusionEarly assessment and intervention among severe HFMD patients with more severe CNS involvement at a very young age will prove beneficial for their future performance.

Risk factors of stunting in Indonesian children aged 1 to 60 months

Background The Indonesian province of Aceh has a high prevalence of stunting. Identifying risk factors for stunting may help prevention efforts. The Growth Diagrams of Indonesian Children are a specific tool to diagnose stunting in Indonesian pediatric populations.
 Objective To determine the risk factors of stunting in children aged 1-60 months using the Growth Diagrams of Indonesian Children.
 Methods This observational, analytic study with case-control design was conducted in the Lawe Alas District, Southeast Aceh, Indonesia to compare prior risk factors exposure between stunted children (cases) and non-stunted children (controls) from January-April 2018. Subjects were children aged 1-60 months and recruited by consecutive sampling.
 Results The subjects comprised 97 cases and 97 controls, totaling 194 subjects, internal risk factors of stunting were short birth length (OR 2.87; 95%CI 1.24 to 6.61; P=0.011), inadequate calorie intake (OR 2.37; 95%CI 1.32 to 4.27; P=0.004), non-exclusive breastfeeding (OR 3.64; 95%CI 2.01 to 6.61; P<0.001), chronic diarrhea (OR 6.56; 95%CI 3.33 to 13.01; P<0.001) and upper respiratory tract infections (OR 3.47; 95%CI 1.89 to 6.35; P<0.001). External risk factors of stunting were unimproved sanitation (OR 2.98; 95%CI 1.62 to 5.48; P<0.001), unimproved water sources (OR 2.71; 95%CI 1.50 to 4.88; P=0.001), low family income (OR 2.49; 95%CI 1.38 to 4.49; P=0.002), low paternal educational level (OR 2.98; 95%CI 1.62 to 5.48; P<0.001), low maternal educational level (OR 2.64; 95%CI 1.38 to 5.04; P=0.003), and living in households with >4 family members (OR 1.23; 95%CI 0.69 to 2.17; P=0.469). Regression analysis showed that the dominant risk factor of stunting was chronic diarrhea (OR 5.41; 95%CI 2.20 to 13.29; P<0.001).
 Conclusion The history of chronic diarrhea and non-exclusive breastfeeding are the main risk factors of childhood stunting.

Using early childhood infections to predict late childhood antibiotic consumption: a prospective cohort study.

BackgroundIn the Swedish welfare system, the prescription and price of antibiotics is regulated. Even so, socioeconomic circumstances might affect the consumption of antibiotics for children.AimThis study aimed to investigate if socioeconomic differences in antibiotic prescriptions could be found for children aged 2–14 years, and to find predictors of antibiotic consumption in children, especially if morbidity or socioeconomic status in childhood may function as predictors.Design & settingParticipants were from All Babies In Southeast Sweden (ABIS), a prospectively followed birth cohort (N = 17 055), born 1997-1999. Pharmaceutical data for a 10-year period, from 2005–2014 were used (the cohort were aged from 5–7, up to 14–16 years). Participation at the 5-year follow-up was 7443 children. All prescriptions from inpatient, outpatient, and primary care were included. National registries and parent reports were used to define socioeconomic data for all participants. Most children’s infections were treated in primary healthcare centres.MethodParents of included children completed questionnaires about child morbidity at birth and at intervals up to 12 years. Their answers, combined with public records and national registries, were entered into the ABIS database and analysed. The primary outcome measure was the number of antibiotic prescriptions for each participant during a follow-up period between 2005–2014.ResultsThe most important predictor for antibiotic prescription in later childhood was parent-reported number of antibiotic-treated infections at age 2–5 years (odds ratio (OR) range 1.21 to 2.23, depending on income quintile; P<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, lower income and lower paternal education level were also significantly related to higher antibiotic prescription.ConclusionParent-reported antibiotic-treated infection at age 2–5 years predicted antibiotic consumption in later childhood. Swedish doctors are supposed to treat all patients individually and to follow official guidelines regarding antibiotics, to avoid antibiotics resistance. As socioeconomic factors are found to play a role, awareness is important to get unbiased treatment of all children.

Current practice of pre-anaesthesia preparation and perioperative parental satisfaction during paediatric ambulatory procedures in a developing country — An observational study

ObjectiveTo assess the extent of preoperative information provided to patients’ parents, their expressed need for more information and its effect on paediatric anxiety and parental satisfaction with the perioperative care provided. DesignProspective observational study. SettingPublic university hospital. Participants100 children, 2–12 years scheduled to undergo elective day-care surgery under general anaesthesia. Outcomes measuredThe parents were interviewed preoperatively with a questionnaire, which included a list of items about preoperative preparation likely to contribute to patients’ satisfaction with the health care services. The baseline anxiety level in the participant children and its possible predictors were recorded. Before discharge, the parents were asked a questionnaire for satisfaction scoring. ResultsEighty-five (85%) parents were aware of the surgical procedure whereas 5 (5%) were aware of anaesthesia. Seventy-five (79%) families were not keen to know about anaesthesia. Amongst all the parents surveyed, 16 (16%) reported that receiving more information on anaesthesia would increase their anxiety while 84 (84%) reckoned that although more information would not increase their anxiety, it was unnecessary. Preoperative baseline anxiety was identified in 71 (71%) of children with a median mYPAS of 46.4 (95%CI: 41.4, 48.64). Amongst the potential predictors of anxiety analysed, low paternal education level was associated with high preoperative anxiety in children (adjusted OR: 3.67; 95%CI: 1.35, 9.99; P=0.01). Ninety-four (94%) and 57 (57%) parents expressed satisfaction with the obtained information from the surgeon and anaesthesiologist, respectively. ConclusionThe present study revealed the high incidence of preoperative anxiety in children and highlighted the expectations of parents regarding preoperative preparation suggesting the need to evolve the existing preparatory program in the context of a developing world setting.

An Epidemiological Study of Chinese Children with Developmental Dyslexia.

The epidemiological studies of Chinese developmental dyslexia (DD) in China are still limited. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence rate, risk factors, and psychiatric comorbidities of Chinese DD in Guangzhou, a city in South China. A total of 1661 students from second to fifth grades were recruited. The dyslexic students were identified by evaluating learning disability through the Pupil Rating Scale-Revised Screening for Learning Disability (PRS) scale by the head teachers and word recognition through the standard test. Students with a PRS score of <65 received the Raven's test, and those with intelligence quotient scores below 80 in the Raven's test were excluded. Psychiatric comorbidities were assessed by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire completed by parents. The prevalence rate of Chinese DD was 4.9% in Guangzhou city. There were significant differences in gender, the paternal educational level, and reading experience before the age of 6 years between the DD group and the non-DD group. Male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 4.17), low paternal educational level (p = 0.045), and lack of reading experience before the age of 6 years (OR = 1.99) were the risk factors for DD. The DD cases had a higher risk of hyperactivity and inattention (OR = 3.21). This study showed that the prevalence rate of DD was 4.9% in Guangzhou city. Male gender, low paternal educational level, and lack of reading experience before the age of 6 years were the risk factors for Chinese DD. The high comorbidity rate of hyperactivity and inattention in the Chinese DD population needs further evaluation.

Prevalence and factors associated with warts in primary school children in Tema District, Sohag Governorate, Egypt

BackgroundWarts are one of the most common, persistent, and frustrating cutaneous problems encountered in dermatology clinical practice especially in younger generations.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of warts in primary school children in Tema District, Sohag, Egypt, and to determine possible factors associated with transmission.Participants and methodsA school-based cross-sectional (prevalence) study was carried out during the academic year 2015–2016 in six primary schools in Tema District, Sohag Governorate, Egypt. A total of 1045 students were examined. Data was collected using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire which was taken home by the student to be completed by his/her caregiver.ResultsAmong 1045 examined school students, 108 students were diagnosed as having warts with a prevalence rate of 10.3%. Common wart was the most common type among students (49.0%) followed by plantar and plane warts (24.1%, each) while genital wart was the least one (2.8%). There was no significant sex or age difference. The prevalence of warts was significantly higher among students from public schools, rural areas, and big families; students with lower paternal education level; and students who were sharing shoes, walking barefoot, having contact with house pets, or exposed to water channels.ConclusionWarts, especially the common variant, are highly prevalent in primary school children. The significant factors associated with the development of warts in these children were big family size and sharing shoes. Other significant associated factors included living in rural areas, attending public schools, illiterate parents, fathers with manual work, and swimming in water canals.

Consuming milk cereal drinks at one year of age was associated with a twofold risk of being overweight at the age of five.

We previously reported that consuming milk cereal drinks at six months of age was associated with a high body mass index (BMI) at 12 and 18months. This study examined the association between daily consumption at 12months of age and BMI at the age of five. We followed up 1870/2666 (70%) children recruited at birth in 2007-2008 for the Swedish longitudinal population-based Halland Health and Growth Study a mean of 5.09±0.28years. Feeding practices were obtained from parental questionnaires, and anthropometric data were collected by child health nurses. At five years, 11.6% were overweight and 2.3% were obese. Milk cereal drinks were consumed by about 85% and 10% at one and five years of age, respectively. Consumption at 12months was associated with almost double the risk of being overweight at five years of age (adjusted odds ratio 1.94, 95% confidence interval 1.08-3.50). Other risk factors were a family history of obesity, low paternal educational level and paternal smoking. Consuming milk cereal drinks daily at 12months was associated with a twofold risk of being overweight at five years. These findings may affect the counselling guidelines used at child healthcare centres.

Multilevel Analysis of the Risk Factors in High-Risk Health Behavior among Korean Adolescents.

ObjectivesTo examine health behaviors among Korean adolescents with a focus on both individual and school-based factors, specifically in relation to predictors of high-risk groups.MethodsSecondary data analysis was conducted with data from the 8th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey, using descriptive statistics, t tests, χ2 test, and multilevel logistic regression analysis. Health Practice Index was calculated and a range of 0 to 2 was classified as a high-risk group.ResultsThe results revealed that the individual-level variables of sex, age, stress, depression, subjective health status, school performance, health education, father’s level of education, and living situation were significant predictors of high-risk behaviors. The risk was greater in girls, greater with higher age and higher stress scores, greater in adolescents with depression, greater with lower paternal educational level, and greater in adolescents who did not live with both parents, as were the school-level variables of school grade and school affluence score. The possibility of being in the high-risk group in health behavior was greater if a student attended a school where the Family Affluence Score (FAS) was lower.ConclusionSchool health education should be expanded to manage students’ high-risk health behaviors, especially in schools that have many students from families with a low affluence status.

Do children\u2019s previous dental experience and fear affect their perceived oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL)?

BackgroundOral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has been used to describe the consequences of oral health conditions and treatments in children. A better understanding of OHRQoL and its relationship with dental fear and previous dental experience is necessary to improve children’s oral health status. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of dental history and experience with dental fear and the OHRQoL of children aged 11 to 14 years.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage stratified sample of 1,312 middle school children. Information regarding OHRQoL was collected from the children using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11–14), and information regarding dental fear was collected using the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS). Information on past dental experiences and sociodemographic data were collected from the parents using self-administered questionnaires. Dental examinations were performed to assess caries experience.ResultsThe multivariable model indicated that dental fear was the strongest predictor of OHRQoL as the fearful children had on average CPQ11–14 scores that were 10 units higher than those of the non-fearful children. Regarding past dental experience, pain as the reason for the most recent dental visit was associated with poor OHRQoL, while receiving a filling during the previous dental visits was significantly associated with better OHRQoL. In addition, a larger number of siblings, a lower family income, a lower paternal education level, health problems and prior hospitalization were significantly associated with poor OHRQoL.ConclusionThis study identified that dental fear and some factors related to previous dental experience are associated with OHRQoL. In dental practice, children with dental fear should be identified, guided and treated early to avoid deterioration of their OHRQoL.

Socioeconomic disparities in birth weight and body mass index during infancy through age 7 years: a study within the Danish National Birth Cohort

BackgroundSocioeconomic inequalities in birth weight and in body mass index (BMI) later in childhood are in opposite directions, which raises questions about when during childhood the change in direction happens....

Toxocariasis and childhood asthma: A case-control study

ABSTRACTObjective: The objective of this study is to investigate the association between anti-Toxocara IgG seropositivity and asthma in children. Methods: This was a case-control study conducted in a university hospital in south Brazil between May 2012 and June 2013. Were recruited 208 children up to 12 years old of whom 156 had asthma (cases) and 52 did not have asthma (controls), with a case-control ratio of 3:1 matched by age. Children's parents or guardians were interviewed using a structured questionnaire with closed questions. Serology was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with excretory-secretory antigen of Toxocara canis (TES). Results: The seroprevalence of IgG anti-T. canis antibodies was 12.8% in the cases and 7.7% in the controls. There was no significant association between seropositivity to T. canis and risk of asthma (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.89, 95% CI: 0.52 to 6.89, p = 0.33). Household income < 2 minimum salaries, paternal school years < 9, allergic rhinitis in children, a positive family history of asthma and rhinitis and contact with cats were significantly associated with asthma, with adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of 3.05 (1.21 to 7.73), 2.83 (1.11 to 7.18), 10.5 (4.32 to 25.6), 2.65 (1.14 to 6.17), 2.49 (1.07 to 5.78) and 2.73 (1.03 to 7.27), respectively. Conclusions: This study did not find a statistically significant association between seropositivity to Toxocara sp. and risk of asthma in children. Low family income, low paternal education level, concomitant allergic rhinitis, family history of asthma and allergic rhinitis and contact with cats were independent factors associated with childhood asthma.

Risk factors of hypertensive disorders among Chinese pregnant women.

The prevalence of hypertensive disorders in China was much higher than that in the United States. Considering the large population with wide geographic area of China, we aimed to add more information regarding the risk factors for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. A case-control study was performed on 373 hypertensive cases and 507 normotensive controls. Participants were recruited from 2008 to 2014 in Yichang Maternal and Child Health Care Center in Hubei province and Anyang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital in Henan province, China. Socio-demographic factors, family- related factors, pregnancy-associated factors, factors related to daily life behaviors and psychosocial factors were investigated with respect to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy through well-designed questionnaire. Chi-square test, t-test, univariate logistic regression analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to find the possible risk factors behind hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The results showed that family history of cardiovascular diseases (OR=6.18, 95% CI, 2.37 to 16.14), history of pregnancy-induced hypertension (OR=16.64, 95% CI, 5.74 to 48.22), low maternal educational level (OR=2.81, 95% CI, 1.30 to 6.04), and poor relationship with their parents-in-law (OR=3.44, 95% CI, 1.55 to 7.59) had statistically significant associations with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy through multivariate logistic regression analysis. Increased maternal age, increased pre-pregnancy body mass index, living in rural area, low paternal education level, family history of hypertension, passive smoking one year before and/or in pregnancy, and poor sleeping quality were significantly associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy from univariate logistic regression analysis while the associations became uncertain when they were entered for multivariate logistic regression analysis. It was concluded that family history of cardiovascular diseases, history of pregnancy-induced hypertension, low maternal educational level, and poor relationship with their parents-in-law were independent risk factors for hypertensive disorders among Chinese pregnant women.

Social Inequalities in Young Children's Meal Skipping Behaviors: The Generation R Study.

BackgroundRegular meal consumption is considered an important aspect of a healthy diet. While ample evidence shows social inequalities in breakfast skipping among adolescents, little is known about social inequalities in breakfast skipping and skipping of other meals among young school-aged children. Such information is crucial in targeting interventions aimed to promote a healthy diet in children.MethodsWe examined data from 4704 ethnically diverse children participating in the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Information on family socioeconomic position (SEP), ethnic background, and meal skipping behaviors was assessed by parent-reported questionnaire when the child was 6 years old. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations of family SEP (educational level, household income, employment status, family composition) and ethnic background with meal skipping behaviors, using high SEP children and native Dutch children as reference groups.ResultsMeal skipping prevalence ranged from 3% (dinner) to 11% (lunch). The prevalence of meal skipping was higher among low SEP children and ethnic minority children. Maternal educational level was independently associated with breakfast skipping ([low maternal educational level] OR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.24,3.94). Paternal educational level was independently associated with lunch skipping ([low paternal educational level] OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.06,2.20) and dinner skipping ([mid-high paternal educational level] OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.20,0.76). Household income was independently associated with breakfast skipping ([low income] OR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.40,4.22) and dinner skipping ([low income] OR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.22,4.91). In general, ethnic minority children were more likely to skip breakfast, lunch, and dinner compared with native Dutch children. Adjustment for family SEP attenuated the associations of ethnic minority background with meal skipping behaviors considerably.ConclusionLow SEP children and ethnic minority children are at an increased risk of breakfast, lunch, and dinner skipping compared with high SEP children and native Dutch children, respectively. Given these inequalities, interventions aimed to promote regular meal consumption, breakfast consumption in particular, should target children from low socioeconomic groups and ethnic minority children. More qualitative research to investigate the pathways underlying social inequalities in children’s meal skipping behaviors is warranted.

Social inequality and age-specific gender differences in overweight and perception of overweight among Swedish children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOverweight among children and adolescents related to social inequality, as well as age and gender differences, may contribute to poor self-image, thereby raising important public health concerns. This study explores social inequality in relation to overweight and perception of overweight among 263 boys and girls, age 7 to 17, in Växjö, Sweden.MethodsData were obtained through a questionnaire and from physical measurements of height, weight and waist circumference [WC]. To assess social, age and gender differences in relation to overweight, the independent sample t- and chi-square tests were used, while logistic regression modeling was used to study determinants for perception of overweight.ResultsSocial inequality and gender differences as they relate to high ISO-BMI [Body Mass Index for children] and WC were associated with low maternal socioeconomic status [SES] among boys < 13 years [mean age = 10.4; n = 65] and with low paternal education level among boys ≥ 13 years [mean age = 15.0; n = 39] [p < 0.05]. One suggested explanation for this finding is maternal impact on boys during childhood and the influence of the father as a role model for adolescent boys. The only association found among girls was between high ISO-BMI in girls ≥ 13 years [mean age = 15.0; n = 74] and low paternal occupational status. Concerning perception of overweight, age and gender differences were found, but social inequality was not the case. Among boys and girls < 13 years, perception of overweight increased only when overweight was actually present according to BMI or WC [p < 0.01]. Girls ≥ 13 years [mean age = 15.0] were more likely to unrealistically perceive themselves as overweight or “too fat,” despite factual measurements to the contrary, than boys [p < 0.05] and girls < 13 years [mean age = 10.4; n = 83] [p < 0.001].ConclusionsThe association between social inequality and overweight in adolescence in this study is age- and gender-specific. Gender differences, especially in perception of overweight, tend to increase with age, indicating that adolescence is a crucial period. When planning interventions to prevent overweight and obesity among children and adolescents, parental SES as well as age and gender-specific differences in social norms and perception of body weight status should be taken into account.

Corneal curvature radius and associated factors in Chinese children: the Shandong Children Eye Study.

PurposeTo investigate the distribution of the (CCR) and its associated factors in children.MethodsUsing a random cluster sampling method, the school-based, cross-sectional Shandong Children Eye Study included children aged 4 to 18 years from the rural county of Guanxian and the city of Weihai in the province of Shandong in East China. CCR was measured by ocular biometry.ResultsCCR measurements were available for 5913 (92.9%) out of 6364 eligible children. Mean age was 10.0±3.3 years, and mean CCR was 7.84±0.27 mm (range: 6.98 to 9.35 mm). In multivariate linear regression analysis, longer CCR (i.e. flatter cornea) was significantly associated with the systemic parameters of male sex (P<0001;standardized regression coefficient beta: -0.08;regression coefficient B:-0.04; 95% Confidence Interval (CI):-0.05,-0.03), younger age (P<0.001;beta:-0.37;B:-0.03;95%CI:-0.04,-0.03), taller body height (P = 0.002;beta:0.06;B:0.001;95%CI:0.000,0.001), lower level of education of the father (P = 0.001;beta:-0.04;B:-0.01;95%CI:-0.02,-0.01) and maternal myopia (P<0.001;beta:-0.07;B:-0.04;95%CI:-0.06,-0.03), and with the ocular parameters of longer ocular axial length (P<0.001;beta:0.59;B:0.13;95%CI:0.12,0.14), larger horizontal corneal diameter (P<0.001;beta:0.19;B:0.13;95%CI:0.11,0.14), and smaller amount of cylindrical refractive error (P = 0.001;beta:-0.09;B:-0.05;95%CI:-0.06,-0.04).ConclusionsLonger CCR (i.e., flatter corneas) (mean:7.84±0.27mm) was correlated with male sex, younger age, taller body height, lower paternal educational level, maternal myopia, longer axial length, larger corneas (i.e., longer horizontal corneal diameter), and smaller amount of cylindrical refractive error. These findings may be of interest for elucidation of the process of emmetropization and myopization and for corneal refractive surgery.

Factors associated with low consumption of fruits and vegetables by preschoolers of low socio‐economic level

ObjectiveTo evaluate factors associated with low consumption of fruits and vegetables among preschoolers from families treated at basic health centers in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. MethodsThis was a cohort study nested in a randomized field trial. Data collection was performed through structured questionnaires to obtain demographic and dietary data, combined with two 24‐hour recalls in the age groups 12–16 months and again at 2–3 years of age. Data on the consumption of one daily serving of fruits (80g) and vegetables (60g) were evaluated, as well as consumption of non‐recommended foods such as candy, chocolate, and soft drinks. Statistical analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust estimation. ResultsA total of 388 children aged 2‐3 years were evaluated; of these, 58% and 87.4% did not consume one daily serving of fruits and vegetables, respectively. The following factors were negatively associated with fruit consumption: family income higher than four minimum wages, (p=0.024), lower paternal educational level (p=0.03), and lower fruit consumption at 12–16 months (p=0.002). Factors negatively associated with the consumption of vegetables were low paternal educational level (p=0.033) and consumption of high‐sugar content beverages at 12–16 months (p=0.014). ConclusionThis study demonstrated a high prevalence of children who consumed less than one daily serving of fruit and vegetables; early feeding practices, parental education, and family income were associated with this process.

Factors associated with low consumption of fruits and vegetables by preschoolers of low socio-economic level

ObjectiveTo evaluate factors associated with low consumption of fruits and vegetables among preschoolers from families treated at basic health centers in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. MethodsThis was a cohort study nested in a randomized field trial. Data collection was performed through structured questionnaires to obtain demographic and dietary data, combined with two 24-hour recalls in the age groups 12–16 months and again at 2–3 years of age. Data on the consumption of one daily serving of fruits (80g) and vegetables (60g) were evaluated, as well as consumption of non-recommended foods such as candy, chocolate, and soft drinks. Statistical analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust estimation. ResultsA total of 388 children aged 2-3 years were evaluated; of these, 58% and 87.4% did not consume one daily serving of fruits and vegetables, respectively. The following factors were negatively associated with fruit consumption: family income higher than four minimum wages, (p=0.024), lower paternal educational level (p=0.03), and lower fruit consumption at 12–16 months (p=0.002). Factors negatively associated with the consumption of vegetables were low paternal educational level (p=0.033) and consumption of high-sugar content beverages at 12–16 months (p=0.014). ConclusionThis study demonstrated a high prevalence of children who consumed less than one daily serving of fruit and vegetables; early feeding practices, parental education, and family income were associated with this process.