Nursery School Children Research Articles

Robot-Mediated Intergenerational Childcare: Experimental Study Based on Health-Screening Task in Nursery School

Intergenerational interactions between children and older adults are gaining broader recognition because of their mutual benefits. However, such interactions face practical limitations owing to potential disease transmission and the poor health of older adults for face-to-face interactions. This study explores robot-mediated interactions as a potential solution to address these issues. In this study, older adults remotely controlled a social robot to perform a health-screening task for nursery school children, thereby overcoming the problems associated with face-to-face interactions while engaging in physical interactions. The results of this study suggested that the children responded favorably to the robot, and the rate of positive response increased over time. Older adults also found the task generally manageable and experienced a significant positive shift in their attitude toward children. These findings suggest that robot-mediated interactions can effectively facilitate intergenerational engagement and provide psychosocial benefits to both the parties to the engagement. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of robot-mediated interactions in childcare and other similar settings.

Comparative study of the dental health of 4-year-old children in north-eastern France between 2001 and 2018.

To analyse the evolution of the oral health of 4-year-old children in nursery school between 2001 and 2018 as well as the early predictor and associated risk factors, in different school areas. We compared (1) the prevalence of ECC (4 ≥ dmft ≥ 1) and S-ECC (dmft ≥ 5) of 4-year-old children and (2) data obtained by a structured questionnaire completed by their parents from two studies performed in 2001 and 2018. Data were analysed using the Chi2 test and odds ratio (OR). A total of 322 children and of 425 children randomly selected among Moselle's public nursery schools in north-eastern France were, respectively, included in the study in 2001 and 2018. The prevalence of ECC was respectively 40.70% and 21.65% in 2001 and 2018 (p < 0.001; OR = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.78-3.47). We also observed a decrease of S-ECC prevalence (10.56% in 2001 vs 5.90% in 2018, p < 0.05, OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.07-3.38). The intake of cariogenic food (sweet drink, biscuits, candies, milk, baby bottle) decreased but the knowledge of parents concerning cariogenic food did not improve. The proportion of parents helping their child has not changed in 17years (82.33% vs 86.52%, p > 0.1) but tooth brushing was initiated earlier in 2018 than in 2001 (p < 0.01). Prescription of systemic fluoride decreased (39.14% vs 3.62%; p < 0.001). The identification of the food consumption habits and the knowledge of parents concerning oral health should enable strengthening of preventive measures and the initiation of an oral health education programme for children and their family.

Prevalence of Rotavirus antigen in children with gastroenteritis in Auchi Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of rotavirus infection among children in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria, and its association with selected demographic factors. Rotavirus infections are a major cause of viral gastroenteritis in children globally, and despite the availability of vaccines, they continue to pose a significant health burden. The study population consisted of 200 children aged 2-15 years, with data collected through a questionnaire and stool samples analysed using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits (Abbexa, UK) following the manufacturer's instructions. The overall prevalence of rotavirus infection was found to be 6%, which was relatively low compared to previous studies in Nigeria and other countries. The study revealed that children in the age group of 6-10 years had the highest prevalence of rotavirus infection, while the prevalence was lower among nursery and secondary school children. There was no significant association between any of the participant's demographic factors and rotavirus infection. However, living in rural areas was associated with a higher risk of rotavirus infection compared to semi-urban and urban areas. The study emphasizes the importance of rotavirus vaccination, promoting good hygiene practices, and raising awareness among parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Further investigation is needed to explore additional risk factors and improve understanding of rotavirus infection in this population.

How teachers emphasize their speech: gestures and self-repetitions during group interaction with toddlers

When interacting with young children, adults often self-repeat their own utterances that vary in sequences of adjacent utterances called variation sets (VS) (Küntay and Slobin 1996). These repetitions benefit children’s linguistic development because they emphasize form and meaning. This paper analyzes the use of VS during group interaction and from a multimodal point of view. Sixteen teachers were video-recorded during interaction with two-year-old children in Spanish nursery schools. Results show that the use of VS is particularly frequent in these settings and that they are typically combined with gestures. Teachers directed their VS more often to a group of children than to a single child, and those VS directed to the group were more often accompanied by gestures than the VS directed to individuals. The results also show the influence of group size on children’s responses. The study thus sheds new light on our understanding of child-directed speech (CDS), as well as the need to adapt the speech to single children during interaction in large groups.

The Effects of Neighborhood Trust and Support on Parenting Stress of Mothers With Young Children in Japan.

While childrearing can enhance mothers' psychological well-being, parenting can also increase mental stress for mothers with young children, which is considered a risk factor for child maltreatment. A lack of social capital reportedly influences mothers' parenting, but few studies have investigated the effects of social capital on the perception of mental stress and well-being associated with childrearing among mothers with young children. Therefore, we investigated the effects of lower perceived neighborhood trust and support on higher mental stress and/or lower well-being associated with childrearing among Japanese mothers with children aged 2 to 3 years. A total of 570 mothers with children (aged 2-3 years) in nursery school were invited to join the survey. The childrearing perspective scale for mothers (CPS-M97) was used to evaluate mothers' perceptions of mental stress and well-being associated with childrearing. Odds ratios (ORs) reflecting lower satisfaction/fulfillment scores (ie, well-being) and/or higher burdened/anxious scores (ie, mental stress) associated with perceived social capital levels were analyzed, after adjusting for confounding factors. The OR for lower satisfaction/fulfillment scores was significantly higher (OR = 1.77) for mothers with lower neighborhood trust. Significantly increased ORs for higher burdened/anxious scores were found in mothers with lower neighborhood trust (OR = 1.50) and support (OR = 1.49). The ORs for poor mental status, with lower satisfaction/fulfillment scores and higher burdened/anxious scores, were significantly increased in mothers with lower neighborhood trust (OR = 1.96) and lower neighborhood support (OR = 2.10). Higher social capital was associated with higher psychological well-being and/or lower mental stress in Japanese childrearing mothers. These results suggest that enhancing social capital is necessary to facilitate successful parenting that contributes to the prevention of child maltreatment.

Study on noise and vibration when the train passes for nursery schools located under the elevated railway

In Japan, as news about child-care, there is a problem of waiting-list children. Demand for nursery schools is high, but there are few vacant lots around Tokyo, and voices of children playing are complained as noise. Because of lots of vacant lots and convenient for pick-up, nursery schools located under the elevated railway increase in recent years. In 2022, There are 91 nursery schools located under the elevated railway in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama. It will be these nursery schools are heavily influenced by noise and vibration when the train passes. But measures sufficient against noise and vibration are necessary for the growth and health of children in nursery schools. Therefore, we surveyed of questionnaire survey for child-care workers and noise and vibration when the train passes for some nursery schools located under the elevated railway. Based on the result of questionnaire survey for child-care workers, we consider differences between answer about noise and vibration by nursery schools. And we consider differences between measurement results about noise and vibration when the train passes for nursery schools.

No lockdown for pediatric burns

BackgroundThe health crisis related to the COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented situation in France: complete lockdown. The population had to live confined with their families, which often meant that parents telecommuted while caring for their children. However, daily risks remained more than ever at the forefront. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of burns among children during three different periods of family time: school time, vacation, and lockdown. MethodsA single-center retrospective study was conducted at Tours University Hospital. All pediatric surgical emergency room visits recorded from February 10, 2020 to March 31, 2020 were included. The three aforementioned periods were assessed. ResultsDuring lockdown there were significantly more burns compared to other injuries (p = 0.004). Preschool-age children suffered significantly more from burns during the same period (p = 0.029). There were no significant differences for nursery school (p = 0.522), primary school (p = 0.519), middle school (p = 0.613), and high school (p = N) children. ConclusionThis study underlines the need to establish a targeted prevention campaign geared toward a complicated geopolitical situation a pandemic that might occur again.

Mindfulness training in early childhood education

This text presents the main characteristics of mindfulness practice and seeks to draw a parallel among some aspects of didactics for early childhood education. Research suggests that mindfulness practice has had a positive impact on the adult population. While surveys on the use of mindfulness with children are scarce at present, this type of research is increasing among educators and psychologists targeting primary school level and beyond. In this article, we present the methods by which mindfulness practice can be applied in the teaching of nursery and pre-primary school children. In some instances, there is evidence that activities present in the Montessori Method can be borrowed and developed in accordance with the principles of the Mindfulness training. This article outlines how typical activities, such as sensory-motor practice, selective attention exercises and the exercises of practical life can be applied in the mindfulness training. Teacher training is another aspect to consider when applying mindfulness practice in the nursery school classroom.

Investigation of Bioaerosols and the Microbiological Indoor Air Quality in an Urban Nursery School in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Aims: This study was aimed at investigating the microbial quality of air within the confines of nursery school children. Early exposure to these indoor pollutants can lead to major public health concerns which include acute respiratory tract infections, allergies as well as cancer.&#x0D; Study Design: Random sampling approach was used in the collection of the samples. Air samples were collected from two different classrooms in a nursery school.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Air samples were collected within the confines of the nursery section of the Demonstration Primary School in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria every other weekday in the month of May 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Culture media were placed at the four corners of two classrooms in the nursery section. This nursery class comprised of children between the ages of 4-5 years Nutrient, MacConkey and potato dextrose agar media were used to culture airborne microorganisms during the study. For differential identification of bacteria, citrate, motility, oxidase, indole, catalase, methyl red Voges Proskauer, triple salt iron agar, sugar fermentation tests were carried out.&#x0D; Results: Both bacterial and fungal species of medical importance, such as Bacillus, Shigella, Micrococcus, Serratia, Proteus, Yersinia, Enterobacter, Penicilium, Aspergillus, Candida, Microsporum. Exophiala and Mucor spp were isolated in this study. The most predominant bacterial species among the isolates in the study was Bacillus sp. with the percentage occurrence of 25%. Shigella and Yersinia species had the percentage occurrence of 16.67% respectively other species like Serratia, Micrococcus, Enterobacter and Proteus each had percentage occurrence of 8.33% which was the lowest occurrence. All the fungal isolates had similar or equal percentage occurrence (16.67%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Exposure to microbial aerosols in nursery schools can lead to several health complications. Thus, recognition, control and monitoring of air quality in schools are crucial in limiting the spread of airborne pathogens.

Levels of Toxic and Essential Elements and Associated Factors in the Hair of Japanese Young Children.

There is growing concern regarding the effects of toxic element exposure on the development of children. However, little is known about the level of toxic elements exposure in Japanese children. The purpose of this study was to assess the concentrations of multiple elements (aluminum, cadmium, lead, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, sodium, zinc) in the hair of 118 Japanese young children and to explore the factors associated with their element levels. The element concentration was analyzed by ICP-MS, and children's food and water intake were assessed by the questionnaire. Results showed that there were no large differences between the level of elements in the hair of Japanese children and those of children in other developed countries. Girls had significantly higher levels of aluminum, copper, and iron (p = 0.000, 0.014, and 0.013, respectively), and boys had a higher level of sodium (p = 0.006). The levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and sodium in nursery school children were significantly higher than those in kindergarten children (p = 0.024, 0.001, 0.046, and 0.029, respectively). Multiple regression analyses with controlling the confounding variables showed significant negative associations of frequency of yogurt intake with aluminum and lead levels (p = 0.015 and 0.037, respectively). When the children were divided into three groups based on the frequency of yoghurt consumption, viz. L (≤once a week), M (2 or 3 times a week), and H (≥4 to 6 times a week) group, the mean aluminum concentration (µg/g) in the L, M, and H groups was 11.06, 10.13, and 6.85, while the mean lead concentration (µg/g) was 1.76, 1.70, and 0.87, respectively. Our results suggested the validity of hair element concentrations as an exposure measure of essential elements and frequent yogurt intake as a viable measure for protecting children from toxic elements. However, these findings will need to be confirmed in more detailed studies with larger sample sizes in the future.

Examination of the perception and behavior of parents of nursery school children regarding food allergies:

Examination of the perception and behavior of parents of nursery school children regarding food allergies:

Assessment of Nutritional Status of Nursery School Children in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

This study assessed the nutritional status of nursery school children aged 2-6 years in Obudu Local Government of Cross River State, three research questions guided the study. The assessment utilized the socioeconomics, and education status of parents, eating habits of the children, anthropometric measurement, and chemical signs (Scantiness and fluffiness of hair, paleness of lips /tongue, protrusion of stomach, flatness of buttocks, oedema and general fitness). It was found that the eating habits of the children (45.5%) were determined by the availability of mainly carbohydrate foods and 18.2% of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The habits were due to the poor socio-economic and educational status of the parents. The result of anthropometric measurements indicated that on weight-for-height status, 10.8% of the children were wasted with a high prevalence rate of 5.9% in male children whereas females 4.9%. The sex of the children did not significantly influence the weight-for-height status of the children (p0.5). In terms of height-for-age status, 10.8% were stunted. There was no significant difference in the sex of the children (p&gt;0.5). Weight-for-age indicated that 5.9% of the children were underweight. A higher prevalence rate (3.9%) was observed among the males than the females (2.0%). There was no significant difference in sex p.&gt;0.5, overweight children were 8.8%, females being higher at 5.9% while males were over 2.9%. Using clinical signs, it was observed that 12.7% of the children were generally unfit. The children with scanty hair 10.8%, fluffy hair 2.0%, paleness of lips/tongue, 4.9%, protruded stomach 10.8%, flattened buttocks 11.8%, Oedema 4.9%. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that children should be made to eat 3-5 meals daily including 2-3 servings of snacks to enhance their nutritional status.

Sociobehavioural Factors Associated With Child Oral Health During COVID-19

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the sociobehavioural factors that influenced children's oral health during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsThe online cross-sectional study was conducted in Al Jouf Province in the northern region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 960 parents of children aged 5 to 14 years were invited by multistage stratified random sampling. Descriptive, multinomial, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate odds ratios and determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsOf the 960 participants, 693 (72.1%) reported that their child had 1 or more untreated dental decay. The children of uneducated parents were 1.6-fold more likely to have 1 or more untreated dental decay (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.66; 95% CI, 0.74–3.73; P < .001). The children of unemployed parents were 4.3-fold more likely to have a financial burden for a child dental visit (AOR, 4.34; 95% CI, 2.73–6.89; P < .001). Parents from a rural area were 26.3-fold more likely to have spent a lag period of over 2 years since their child's last dental visit (AOR, 26.34; 95% CI, 7.48–92.79; P < .001). Nursery-level children were 5.4-fold more likely to need immediate care (AOR, 5.38; 95% CI, 3.01–9.60; P < .001). ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated a very high prevalence of 1 or more untreated dental decay in our cohort. Children of rural areas, uneducated, unemployed, widow/divorced, low- and middle-income parents and nursery school children were linked to poorly predictive outcomes of child oral health during the pandemic.

Early Signs of Autism and It’s Relation with Gestational Factors: An Urban Based Study in Bangladesh

A cross-sectional study was conducted to observe the prevalence autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and its correlation with gestational factors in country population between January and December of 2016. The study population was nursery school child aged 3-5 years whose parents were willing to participate in the study. In this study, the children are excluded whom already being identified as any forms of autism spectrum disorders. Convenient sampling technique was followed to select the samples from 47 schools of Uttara, Ashulia and Nikunjo area of Dhaka City Corporation and Tongi area of Gazipur City Corporation under Dhaka Division, Bangladesh. A total of 1000 children were recruited in the study. The research instrument was a semi-structured questionnaire based on Early Screening of Autistic Traits (ESAT) tool. Based on the diagnosis of the cases, parents were invited to another interview to fill out questionnaire related to some parental and gestational factors to assess the relationship with autism. The study found early signs of autism in 2.6% cases (26 in 1000), by using Early Screening of Autistic Traits (ESAT) questionnaire. Among the children having early signs of autism, history of normal birth weight was found more in term pregnancy (62.5%) than its preterm counterpart (60.0%). Growth parameter was higher in normal birth weight (68.8%) than low birth weight (60.0%). Similarly, growth parameter was also higher in children that are from 3rd gravida (75.0%) than that of 2nd gravida (66.7%) and 1st gravida (61.5%). Birth weight was also higher in &gt;2 years birth spacing (60.0%) than that of &lt;2 years (50.0%). Complication was more in home delivery (50.0%) than institutional delivery (20.8%). Birth injury happened more in home delivery than institutional delivery. Similarly, complication during delivery was higher in &gt;2 years birth spacing (30.0%) than that of &lt;2 years (0%), However, the difference was not significant statistically in any of the comparisons (P&gt;0.05). Hence, no causal relation was found between autism and gestational factors. Bangladesh Med J. 2021 May; 50(2) : 9-14

Developmental Changes in the Magnitude of Representational Momentum Among Nursery School Children: A Longitudinal Study.

Representational momentum (RM) is a well-known phenomenon that occurs when a moving object vanishes suddenly and the memory of its final or vanishing position is displaced forward in the direction of its motion. Many studies have shown evidence of various perceptual and cognitive characteristics of RM in various daily aspects, sports, development, and aging. Here we examined the longitudinal developmental changes in the displacement magnitudes of RM among younger (5-year-old) and older (6-year-old) nursery school children for pointing and judging tasks. In our experiments, the children were asked to point at by their finger (pointing task) and judge the spatial location (judging task) of the vanishing point of a moving stimulus. Our results showed that the mean magnitudes of RM significantly decreased from 5- to 6-year-old children for the pointing and judging tasks, although the mean magnitude of RM was significantly greater in the 5-year-old children for the pointing task but not for the judging task. We further examined the developmental changes in RM for a wide range of ages based on data from the present study (5-year-old children) and our previous study (7- and 11-year-old children and 22-year-old adults). This ad hoc examination showed that the magnitude of RM was significantly greater in 5-year-old children than in adults for the pointing and judging tasks. Our findings suggest that the magnitude of RM was significantly greater in young children than in adults and significantly decreased in young children through adults for the pointing and judging tasks.

Distance Learning in Cameroon: Case Study of Private Nursery School Children's Experiences and Challenges Amidst COVID-19 Lockdown

This article analyses data from a study that explored distance learning teaching and nursery school children's experiences in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Douala, Cameroon. Following the spread of COVID-19 to Africa, the Cameroon Government placed emphasis on the impact of the pandemic on the socio-economic sector and actions to support this sector. There has been no reported research on the effects of the pandemic on the early childhood education sector and how children have experienced it. This article discusses distance learning techniques employed by teachers from a private nursery school and the views and feelings of young children whose teacher encouraged them to draw and tell stories about their experiences. Engaging in such conversations empowered and encouraged children to verbalise their COVID-19 Lockdown experiences. These conversations can help the teacher rethink and seek new ways to understand and guide children through challenging situations. In addition, the insights gained from the study can be helpful for policymakers concerned with maximising the capacity for schools and families to ensure continuous learning for all children in the event of a crisis.

Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and early adiposity rebound in nursery school children in southeastern France

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and early adiposity rebound in nursery school children aged 3.5–4.5 years and to evaluate associations with deprivation. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bouches-du-Rhône department in southeastern France. Data for all nursery school children aged 3.5–4.5 years were collected during systematic medical examinations. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was determined using French, International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), and World Health Organization reference values. A French ecological deprivation index was used to assess associations with deprivation. ResultsAmong 19,295 children included in the study, the prevalence of overweight (IOTF-25 < BMI < IOTF-30) was 9.1% and the prevalence of obesity (BMI > IOTF-30) was 2.6%. Children attending nursery schools in the most disadvantaged areas were 4.3 times more likely to be affected by obesity than those from schools in the most advantaged areas (OR: 4.32; 95% CI: 2.98–6.25, p < 0.001), after adjusting for gender, age group, and school status. Early adiposity rebound was observed in 2131 of 9872 children (21.6%). ConclusionPrograms to prevent childhood overweight and obesity in France should be intensified and take account of major persistent social inequalities. Medical practitioners should learn to systematically assess BMI curve dynamics and early adiposity rebound.

Relationship between parental autistic traits and parenting difficulties in a Japanese community sample

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested an association between higher levels of parental autistic traits and negative aspects of parenting; however, the domain of autistic traits specifically associated with parenting difficulties has not been investigated yet. Moreover, it remains to be determined whether this association exists even after controlling for children’s characteristics. AimsThis study examined the relationship between each domain of parental autistic traits and parenting difficulties after controlling for children’s characteristics in a Japanese community sample. Methods and ProceduresSurveys were administered to 1373 Japanese adults who were parents to children in kindergartens, nursery schools, and elementary schools. Outcomes and ResultsThe results showed that parents with higher levels of autistic traits had more parenting difficulties. Even after controlling for children’s sex, age, and emotional/behavioral problems, paternal impaired communication and maternal poor attention switching, impaired communication, and lack of imagination were related to higher parenting difficulties, while a higher maternal level of attention to detail was associated with lower difficulties in parenting. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe findings of this study highlight the importance of focusing on parental autistic traits and providing appropriate parenting support considering these traits.

Calculating the Social Return on Investment of a Japanese Professional Soccer Team's Corporate Social Responsibility Activities.

In response to the lack of evidence for visualizing the monetary value of professional sport teams' CSR-related social impact, this study aimed to calculate the social impact of a Japanese professional soccer team's corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity (i.e., community soccer/physical activity program) by using a social return on investment (SROI) framework. Specifically, Matsumoto Yamaga Football Club was used for the estimation. This professional soccer team was ranked in the top division of the league (J1) during the estimation period and engaged in CSR activities at 129 community soccer schools in a year (2019–2020). The SROI calculation involved five stages: (1) identifying key stakeholders, (2) mapping inputs, outputs, and outcomes, (3) measuring and valuing outcomes, (4) establishing impact, and (5) calculating SROI. For the first step, we specified seven major stakeholders (soccer team, nursery school children, parents, coaches, teachers, local governments, and local football associations) and conducted interview investigations with each stakeholder. Our result showed that the social value of the teams' targeted community soccer school was USD 54,160, and the total financial and non-financial inputs to the school were USD 10,134, meaning an SROI ratio of 5.3. This means that for every USD invested in a community soccer school, social benefit worth USD 5.3 was generated. This study contributes to advancing social impact research in sport by shedding light on the monetary value of the social impact of professional sport teams' CSR activities. In addition, it also has practical implications for team managers looking to utilize CSR activities as a management strategy, through cost-effective investment and optimization of resources.

5 Yaş Okul Öncesi Dönemdeki Tek Dilli ve İki Dilli Çocukların Türkçede Eşasıllı ve Eşasıllı Olmayan Sözcüklere Sözlüksel Erişimi

This study aims to characterize the development of French-Turkish bilingual children’s lexicon in order to better determine the nature of the difficulties they encounter as well as the specificities of their language use. In order to do this, 16 French-Turkish bilingual, 16 French monolingual and 20 Turkish monolingual 5 year-old nursery school children were asked to name pictures whose names are (i) cognates and (ii) non cognates in both languages. Our results reveal a high level of performance in cognate word recognition for French-Turkish bilinguals. This proves that these bilingual children knew these common words implicitly. On the one hand, this result questions the idea according to which a bilingual would not use words resulting from his L1 when he produces the word in his L2; and, on the other hand, it supports arguments in favor of the theory according to which both languages are activated for bilinguals even when using only one language.