Moroccan Children Research Articles

Severe congenital hypothyroidia in homozygous mutation of the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor gene the thyroid peroxidase and tyroglobulin genes in Moroccan children

Severe congenital hypothyroidia in homozygous mutation of the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor gene the thyroid peroxidase and tyroglobulin genes in Moroccan children

Effect of neighbourhood socioeconomic status on overweight and obesity in children 2-15 years of different ethnic groups.

Studies on the influence of neighbourhood socioeconomic status (N-SES) on overweight and obesity rates in children from different ethnic backgrounds are scarce. This study investigated the differential effect of N-SES on overweight (including obesity) and obesity prevalence in different ethnic groups, and if N-SES explains ethnic differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. A population based study of 109 766 body mass index (BMI) measurements of 86 209 children 2-15 years of Dutch, Turkish, Moroccan and South Asian descent. BMI class was determined with The International Obesity Task Force, and South Asian specific BMI cut-offs. WHO BMI criteria were applied for reference purposes. The effect of N-SES on prevalence rates was studied with generalized linear mixed models. Neighbourhood SES was negatively associated with overweight and obesity. However, the effect of N-SES on overweight was stronger in Dutch children (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.73-0.77) than in Turkish (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.82-0.90), Moroccan (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86-0.97) and South Asian (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84-0.96) children. The influence of N-SES on obesity showed a similar pattern, except for Moroccan children in whom obesity prevalence remained stable over the whole N-SES range. At the same N-SES, overweight and obesity prevalence was significantly higher in Turkish, Moroccan and especially South Asian children compared with Dutch children. Adjusting for N-SES attenuated the ethnic differences. Neighbourhood SES was negatively associated with overweight and obesity rates in all ethnic groups, but only partly explained the ethnic differences in overweight and obesity prevalence.

Molecular characterization of G2P[4] and G9P[8] rotaviruses strains isolated from Moroccan children fully vaccinated with Rotarix™ between 2013 and 2014

ABSTRACTBackground: Here, we describe the characterization of the VP7 and VP4 genes of rotavirus group A (RVA) strains isolated from Moroccan infants with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) after receiving the Rotarix.Methods: Stool samples were collected from seven infants suffering with AGE. Vesikari 20-point was used while collecting the AGE information. RT-PCR followed by sequencing was employed to determine partial sequences from VP7 and VP4 encoding genes. RVA genotypes were determined using the RotaC online classification tool.The Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic tree was performed in the MEGA 6.06 software as well as the amino acid (aa) alignments of VP7 and VP8* antigenic epitopes.Results: Five children had gastroenteritis episodes defined as severe on the Vesikari scale. Analysis of VP7 gene sequences revealed five G2 and two G9 genotypes. These genotypes were associated with P[4] and P[8], respectively. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that G2 and G9 sequences grouped together with Italian strain belonging to lineage II and III respectively. Their P[4] sequences showed only 65-73% identity and grouped into two separate sub-clusters. The Moroccan P[8] isolates did not display this correlation and segregate to lineage III. The VP8* aa of P[8] when compared with that of the Rotarix vaccine, has a six aa differences.Conclusion: Although, this study does not reveal prevalence rates of RVA in infants after the vaccine introduction, it reports the detection and genetic characteristics of the G2P[4] and G9P[8] RVA types in vaccinated children in Morocco. The findings are suggestive of continuous surveillance program on rotavirus evolution in the vaccinated population.

The treatment of television by Moroccan children

The treatment of television by Moroccan children

Bloom’s Taxonomy and Moroccan Children’s Vocabulary and Critical Thinking Skills Development

Children normally feel unable or less confident to express their ideas clearly, freely, and critically both orally and in writing when learning a language. Research has demonstrated that children’s early exposure to Bloom’s Taxonomy levels in stories has a “remarkable power” on them (Dickinson, et al. 2012) and helps develop their language and critical-thinking skills (Egan, 1997; Curtain & Dahlberg 2004). The aim of this research project is to investigate the role of Bloom’s Taxonomy in the development of the vocabulary and critical-thinking skills of young Moroccan English learners. The study adopts a qualitative approach and addresses two research questions, namely, (i) To what extent does Bloom’s Taxonomy contribute to the development of the children’s vocabulary and critical thinking skills? (ii) How can the children’s vocabulary and critical-thinking skills development be justified? The comparison and analysis of the children’s story reviews at the start and end of a term reveals significant improvement, among the Moroccan young learners, especially the average ones. They are able to use a wider range of more appropriate and accurate vocabulary and to make use of a more extended, analytical and relevant discourse. Hence, children’s early exposure to Bloom’s Taxonomy is highly recommended as it contributes to the development of their vocabulary and critical-thinking skills.

Effects of propranolol therapy in Moroccan children with infantile hemangioma

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common childhood vascular tumors. Propranolol is a β-adrenergic blocker that has proven effective in the treatment of this tumor. Numerous studies around the world have been published, describing satisfactory responses in pediatric populations with a higher cure rate and fewer adverse effects than when using corticosteroids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of propranolol in Moroccan pediatric patients diagnosed with infantile hemangioma who were treated with oral propranolol. A prospective study was conducted from May 2009 to May 2017 in the department of dermatology of a hospital in Casablanca. All the patients who had infantile hemangioma were included. The study comprised 121 patients with infantile hemangioma: 90 girls and 31 boys. The mean age was 6 months. The majority of hemangiomas were mixed (63%) and located on the face and neck. The treatment was well tolerated by all the patients. The dosage of propranolol was gradually increased from 1mg to 2mg/kg/day. We noted a decrease in coloration after 48hours. The healing period for ulcerated hemangiomas was 20 days. A decrease in size was noted after 1 month, while a decrease in palpebral obstruction occurred after 3 days. Treatment with propranolol in this group of Moroccan pediatric patients proved to be safe and effective at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day, reducing the size and coloration of the hemangioma. Treatment should be stopped at an appropriate time, which is determined primarily by the lesion regression rate after propranolol treatment.

Effect of multiple micronutrient fortified milk consumption on vitamin D status among school-aged children in rural region of Morocco

Vitamin D deficiency is a health problem in both developed and developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of multi-vitamin fortified milk consumption on vitamin D status among children living in the mountainous region of Morocco. Children aged 7 to 9 years (n = 239; 49% of girls vs 51% of boys) participated in a double-blind longitudinal study, where they were divided in 2 groups: a fortified group that received daily 200 mL of fortified ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk enriched with 3 μg of vitamin D3 and a nonfortified group that received 200 mL of nonfortified UHT milk with a natural abundance of vitamin D3 (about 1.5 μg). Blood samples were collected 3 times (at baseline, then at the fourth and ninth months). The average weight, height, and z score of body mass index for age of participants were 22.8 ± 2.6 kg, 121.5 ± 5.2 cm, and -0.2 ± 0.6 kg/m2, respectively. At baseline, 47.5% of children had a concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D below 50 nmol/L. At the end of the study the prevalence of vitamin D <50 nmol/L decreased significantly by 37.6% in the fortified group. These results reveal prevalent vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L) during winter among rural Moroccan school-aged children, which seems to be better improved by consuming the fortified milk instead of the nonfortified one.

Assessment of Sodium and Potassium Intakes in Children Aged 6 to 18 Years by 24 h Urinary Excretion in City of Rabat, Morocco.

Background The incidence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has greatly increased, mainly due to high level of dietary sodium. Thus, reduction of sodium intake in population has been recognized as one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce NCDs. The aim of this study was to estimate sodium and potassium consumption in a sample of Moroccan children as a baseline study to implement national strategy for salt intake reduction. Methods The study was conducted on 131 children aged 6–18 years recruited from Rabat and its region. Sodium excretion and potassium excretion were measured on 24 h urinary collection, and the creatinine excretion was used to validate completeness of urine collections. Results The average of urinary sodium was 2235.3 ± 823.2 mg/day, and 50% of children consume more than 2 g/d of sodium (equivalent to 5 g/day of salt), recommended by the WHO. However, daily urinary excretion of potassium was 1431 ± 636.5 mg/day, and 75% of children consume less than adequate intake. Sodium consumption increased significantly with age. Of particular interest, 46.7% of children aged 6–8 years and 49.3% of children aged 9–13 years consume more than the corresponding upper limits. Conclusions Children have high sodium and low potassium status. There is evidence of the urgent need to implement a strategy for reduction of dietary sodium intake in Morocco.

Maintaining one language while learning another: Moroccan children in Belgium

ABSTRACTWhether children in migrant households maintain proficiency in their heritage language (HL) may affect their attachment to their cultural heritage, while the extent to which they acquire proficiency in the new language of their destination strongly conditions their success in the country’s educational and occupational institutions. In this paper, we investigate the extent to which children of Moroccan heritage living in Antwerp, Belgium maintain their proficiency in their parents’ HL and the extent to which they learn and speak Dutch. Our research design draws from family language policy to consider how elements of the children’s family background, language practices by the parents and siblings, attitudes towards the HL and Dutch, and language management, affect the children’s levels of proficiency in each language. Based on data for over 300 children, the results show that the children’s proficiency in their HL is strongly affected by whether the parents use and value the HL, the mother is proficient in the HL, and by opportunities to use the HL outside of the household. In contrast, the children’s proficiency in Dutch is affected by the mother’s proficiency in Dutch and by the languages used by the other children in the household.

Religious identification of Moroccan youth in the education system of greater Madrid, Spain

ABSTRACTThe aim of this paper is twofold: 1) to describe the interplay between religious identification and Spanish educational policy by studying a targeted group of immigrant Moroccan children and young people in metropolitan Madrid and 2) to highlight how such experiences have resulted in the evolution of intercultural education in Spain. The research underpinning this study focuses on targeted students in primary education, compulsory secondary education, non-compulsory education and vocational training and demonstrates that young Muslims of Moroccan descent tolerantly respect the surrounding environment whilst they reaffirm their religious beliefs. They are challenged by Spanish society but receive support from their family, frequently visit the mosque and sustain strong interactions with the Muslim community. They also recognise the respect they receive from their teachers and classmates, which encourages them to uphold their religious beliefs while acknowledging values of co-existence in Spanish society. The study concludes by signalling the need for the educational system to improve its capacity of acceptance of these youth, particularly because some youth do not live free from stereotypes and fears about Muslims.

Growing ethnic disparities in prevalence of overweight and obesity in children 2-15 years in the Netherlands.

Overweight and obesity rates stabilized or declined in the largest ethnic groups in the Netherlands, while reports on thinness are conflicting. Ethnic inequalities in time trends are unknown. The aim of this study was to examine (differences in) trends in overweight (including obesity), obesity, severe obesity and thinness in children of Dutch, Turkish, Moroccan and South Asian descent. A retrospective cross-sectional study based on 135 150 height and weight measurements, taken between 2007 and 2015 in 77 058 children, aged 2-15 years, living in the city of The Hague (the Netherlands). Trends were determined with logistic regression. An interaction term was added to the model to test for effects of ethnicity on time trends. In Dutch children, overweight, obesity and severe obesity rates declined between 2007 and 2015, while overweight remained stable in Turkish, Moroccan and South Asian children. Turkish children showed a decrease in obesity (OR 0.981; 95% confidence interval 0.965-0.998), and Moroccan children in severe obesity (OR 0.918; 95% CI 0.877-0.962). South Asian children had the highest overweight and obesity rates of all ethnic groups (32.7 and 21.5% in 2015, respectively). Thinness rates were generally low and only decreased in South Asian children (0.940; 95% CI 0.886-0.997). Ethnic inequalities in overweight and obesity rates widened since 2007, despite a decline in overweight and/or obesity in most ethnic groups. Ethnic specific interventions are highly needed, especially for South Asian children.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Moroccan children: about 12 cases

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Moroccan children: about 12 cases

Tracking of thinness and overweight in children of Dutch, Turkish, Moroccan and South Asian descent from 3 through 15 years of age: a historical cohort study.

Overweight is shown to track (= to maintain a relative position in a distribution) from childhood to adulthood, but is mostly studied in preobesogenic cohorts and in single ethnic groups. Little is known about tracking of thinness by ethnicity. to determine (differences in) tracking of BMI (class) from 3 through 15 years and the prediction of BMI class at 13-15 years of age in contemporary Dutch, Turkish, Moroccan and South Asian children living in the Netherlands. Historical cohort of 7625 children, born 1994-1997, with 24,376 measurements of BMI. BMI z-score and BMI class was analysed using universal criteria. South Asian children were also assessed using ethnic specific BMI criteria. Diagnostic odds ratios (OR) and test properties were calculated to estimate the ability of BMI class at 3-4 years to predict BMI class at 13-15 years. Tracking of thinness between 3 and 15 years was stronger than that of overweight, as indicated by a generally higher diagnostic OR. BMI trajectories between 3 and 15 years of age of thin, normal weight and overweight adolescents were, although significantly different, quite similarly shaped in children of Dutch, Turkish and Moroccan descent. The South Asian BMI trajectory deviated considerably from the other ethnic groups, but the differences disappeared when South Asian specific BMI criteria were applied. A substantial proportion of overweight developed between 5-10 years, after which less children shifted to other BMI classes. A total of 55-78% of children with overweight at 3-4 years retained their overweight at 13-15 years, and 10-20% of 3-4 year olds with thinness remained thin. In all ethnic groups, overweight and especially thinness highly tracked into adolescence. South Asian children differed from the other ethnic groups when universal BMI criteria were applied, but with South Asian specific BMI criteria tracking patterns became more concordant.

Ethnic differences in timing and duration of exposure to neighborhood disadvantage during childhood

Abstract This paper examines ethnic differences in childhood neighborhood disadvantage among children living in the Netherlands. In contrast to more conventional approaches for assessing children’s exposure to neighborhood poverty (e.g., point-in-time and cumulative measures of exposure), we apply sequence analysis to simultaneously capture the timing and duration of exposure to poor neighborhoods during childhood. Rich administrative microdata offered a unique opportunity to follow the entire 1999 birth cohort of the Turkish, Moroccan, Surinamese, and Antillean second generation and a native Dutch comparison group from birth up until age 15 (N = 24,212). Results indicate that especially Turkish and Moroccan children had higher odds than native Dutch children to live in a poor neighborhood at any specific stage during childhood, but particularly throughout the entirety of childhood. Although ethnic differences in neighborhood income trajectories became smaller after adjusting for parental and household characteristics, a substantial proportion of the differences remained unexplained. In addition, the impact of household income on children’s neighborhood income trajectories was found to be weaker for ethnic minority children than for native Dutch children. We discuss our findings in relation to theories on spatial assimilation, place stratification, and residential preferences.

Development and validation of bioelectrical impedance analysis equations for prediction total body water and fat-free mass using D2O technique in Moroccan children aged between 8 and 11 years old.

Estimating body composition using bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) requires specific prediction equations. The purpose of our study was to examine the validity of published BIA equations for assessing total body water (TBW) and fat-free mass (FFM) using deuterium oxide dilution (D2O) as a reference method and to develop new FFM and TBW BIA equations if needed for Moroccan pre-pubertal children. Data were collected from 247 schoolchildren aged 8-11 years old. Children were sorted by gender and age group and assigned in development and validation groups. D2O dilution was used as reference method for estimating TBW and FFM. Bland and Altman test, effect size, pure error, and proportional bias were used to assess the reliability of previous published equations. Cross-validation was performed by Bland and Altman test and BIA new equations were developed by linear regression. Previously published equations were tested and showed significant bias values indicating that if used they would provide biased values of TBW and FFM. The new prediction equations developed were: [Formula: see text] (l) = 0.269 + 0.292 Ht2/R (cm2/Ω) + 0.221 weight (kg) + 0.824 sex (boys = 1, girls = 0) + 0.291 age (years) (R2 = 0.91, RMSE = 1.54 kg); [Formula: see text] (kg) = -0.450 + 0.380 Ht2/R (cm2/Ω) + 0.291 weight (kg) + 1.294 sex (boys = 1, girls = 0) + 0.446 age (years) (R2 = 0.91, RMSE = 1.97 kg). These equations provide better values of proportional bias, agreement, and pure error than the other tested equations. The new BIA prediction equations seem to be the most accurate for Moroccan pre-pubertal children.

Family caregivers' reported nonadherence to the controller medication of asthma in children in Casablanca (Morocco): Extent and associated factors

ABSTRACTObjective: Recent statistics show a relatively high prevalence of asthma among Moroccan children and a weak control over their symptoms. To our knowledge, no research has been carried out to document adherence to the controller treatment in this population. This study aims 1) to assess the extent of children's nonadherence to the controller treatment of asthma in an urban region of Morocco as reported by a family caregiver, and 2) to identify the associated factors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among caregivers of asthmatic children (2–12 years old) in different health and education facilities of Casablanca-Settat. We administered face-to-face questionnaires incorporating validated instruments (Medication Adherence Rating Scale-Asthma (MARS-A), Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire). Univariate and multivariate log-binomial regressions evaluating the association between several factors and reported nonadherence were performed (prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)). Results: Through two public hospitals, three private medical clinics, and one private school, 103 caregivers were recruited. Low adherence to the controller treatment of asthma was reported by 48% of the caregivers (MARS-A <45). In the multivariate model, caregivers with the lowest level of knowledge about asthma were almost three times more likely to report low adherence compared to caregivers with the highest level (PR = 2.93; 95% CI: 1.14–7.52). Conclusions: This study highlights the finding that low adherence is widespread in this context and also the importance of targeting caregivers' knowledge of asthma for interventions.

Dietary Calcium Intake in Sample of School Age Children in City of Rabat, Morocco.

Calcium is an important mineral playing a vital role to maintain bone health. Calcium intake is considered as one of the most important determinants to assess the calcium status and to evaluate the calcium deficiency in the human body. Our study aims at estimating calcium intake in a sample of children and adolescent to be used in the global strategy to reduce calcium deficiency disorders in Morocco. Thus, 131 children and adolescents were recruited from public schools at Rabat and its regions in the framework of a descriptive cross-sectional study. For each participant, anthropometric parameters were measured. Calcium status was assessed by 24 h dietary recall. Food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate children's nutritional habits and to assess the consumption of calcium-rich food. Overall, the mean calcium intake was 522.0 ± 297.0 mg/day, and 85.5% of subjects highlighted calcium deficiency, with no significant difference between boys and girls. Calcium intake was significantly different according to age groups, and high consumption of calcium was found in subjects aged from 14 to 18 years (776.86 ±290.07 mg/day), giving evidence of the low calcium status of the studied population. Daily food intake and food frequency analysis showed that bread, vegetables, and fruits are the most consumed food and the main source of daily calcium intake. Consumption of dairy products, considered as the best source of calcium, is lower and represents only 14% of total calcium intake. Our study clearly showed that calcium status is very lower in Moroccan children and adolescents and a large proportion of this population have inadequate calcium intake. Hence, there's an urgent need of specific strategies, including children sensitisation and nutritional education, to increase calcium intake and therefore reduce calcium deficiency disorders impacting the whole body during childhood and in adult age.

Visual Discrimination and Reading for Children Dyslexic Arabophone, Aged 7.5 - 11.5 Years

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate visual discrimination in an Arabic-speaking environment and then to appreciate the contribution of its disorders in the treatment of the Arabic language written for the Arabic-speaking reader. Method: A visual discrimination measuring instrument was created and adapted based on the test of the letter sequence discrimination of the battery. The structure of the Arabic language has been taken into consideration in the design of the items (vocalization). This test was applied to an individual based on different types of children from different age groups and different types of schools in Rabat, capital of Morocco. The standard methodology for the administration of created tests has been respected. Standard statistical indices were applied to analyze the measurement results and discuss the different possible interactions. Psychometric indices, as reliability, validity and correlation indices, were applied to assess the performance of the created test. Results and conclusion: The test used, was designed, adapted and standardized to the Arabic-speaking population of Moroccan children. The results obtained were summarized in the following points: 1) The standards obtained could be applied by health professionals to assess the performance of visual discrimination in relation to reading. 2) The main factors of segregation of children (gender and type of school) have no influence on visual discrimination. 3) Vocalization slows down reading for normal readers. On the other hand, it stimulates the attention in the dyslexics. 4) The visual discrimination disorder is present in dyslexic children at 69% (two out of three children).

Normative Study of the Recognition Words Written Test “P1” for Moroccan Children Aged 7.5 - 11.5 Years

Objective: The objective of the present study is to provide the Moroccan and Arab healthcare professional with a tool for assessing the Arabic language reading, adapted to their context and taking into accounts the characteristics of the Arab language structure. At the same time, to extract the essential standards of the test for Moroccan children, these standards would make it easier to detect learning disabilities related to the treatment of the written language. Method: The test was applied individually to a random sample of 116 children from different age groups ranging from seven to eleven years, these are children from different social status and different types of schools in Rabat, capital of Morocco. Our selection criterion is that the child presents no psychological tracking, speech therapy or psychomotor therapy. Results: The performance of the psychometric properties of the test, the reliability, the validity, and the standards provide efficacy the effectiveness of its application and its generalization in situations where language processing is needed. Conclusion: This test can be used by the doctor, the neuropsychologist or the speech therapist in order to be able to establish a diagnosis concerning the presence or absence of learning disabilities in relation to the treatment of written language. The diagnosis could actually lead neuropsychologists or speech therapists, in the care of children with difficulty of written language treatment.

The Religious Integration in Spain of the Moroccan Muslim Second and 1.5 Generation

The purpose of this paper is to explain current processes of immigrant Moroccan children born in Spain, or those that arrived during the first socialization period (until the age of 10). We will describe, using a transnational lens, how this young people follow Islam in a different country from their parent’s homeland. At the same time, we will compare and contrast this youth with those from Latin America and observe the most significant differences and similarities. Based on a previous quantitative survey, the study is developed by an ethnographic work analyzing their religious behaviour as Muslims in Madrid. Two most important conclusions are: the youth that arrived very early in life or were born in Spain look to build a reconciled position for Muslims, with Spanish values. Second, this group in the religious field is playing a double role; first inside the Islamic community and second in the entire society.Published online: 11 December 2017