Outcomes In School-aged Children Research Articles

Cognitive and Executive Function in Congenital Heart Disease: A Meta-analysis.

Cognitive function and executive function (EF) impairments contribute to the long-term burden of congenital heart disease (CHD). However, the degree and profile of impairments are insufficiently described. To systematically review and meta-analyze the evidence on cognitive function and EF outcomes in school-aged children operated for CHD and identify the risk factors for an unfavorable outcome. Cochrane, Embase, Medline, and PsycINFO. Original peer-reviewed studies reporting cognitive or EF outcome in 5- to 17-year old children with CHD after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Results of IQ and EF assessments were extracted, and estimates were transformed to means and SE. Standardized mean differences were calculated for comparison with healthy controls. Among 74 studies (3645 children with CHD) reporting total IQ, the summary estimate was 96.03 (95% confidence interval: 94.91 to 97.14). Hypoplastic left heart syndrome and univentricular CHD cohorts performed significantly worse than atrial and ventricular septum defect cohorts (P = .0003; P = .027). An older age at assessment was associated with lower IQ scores in cohorts with transposition of the great arteries (P = .014). Among 13 studies (774 children with CHD) reporting EF compared with controls, the standardized mean difference was -0.56 (95% confidence interval: -0.65 to -0.46) with no predilection for a specific EF domain or age effect. Heterogeneity between studies was large. Intellectual impairments in CHD are frequent, with severity and trajectory depending on the CHD subtype. EF performance is poorer in children with CHD without a specific EF profile. The heterogeneity in studied populations and applied assessments is large. A uniform testing guideline is urgently needed.

The Timing of Planned Delivery: Is It Time to Make the Case for 41 Weeks?

The Timing of Planned Delivery: Is It Time to Make the Case for 41 Weeks?

Body fat, cardiovascular risk factors and brain structure in school-age children.

In adults, cardiovascular risk factors are known to be associated with brain health. We hypothesized that these associations are already present at school-age. We examined the associations of adverse body fat measures and cardiovascular risk factors with brain structure, including volumetric measures and white matter microstructure, in 10-year-old children. We performed a cross-sectional analysis in a population-based prospective cohort study in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Analyses were based on 3098 children aged 10 years with neuroimaging data and at least one measurement of body fat and cardiovascular risk factors. Body fat measures included body mass index (BMI), fat mass index and android fat mass percentage obtained by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Cardiovascular risk factors included blood pressure, and serum glucose, insulin and lipids blood concentrations. Structural neuroimaging, including global and regional brain volumes, was quantified by magnetic resonance imaging. DTI was used to assess white matter microstructure, including global fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). As compared to children with a normal weight, those with underweight had a smaller total brain and white matter volumes (differences -18.10 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) -30.97,-5.22) cm3, -10.64 (95% CI -16.82,-4.47) cm3, respectively). In contrast, one SDS (Standard Deviation Score) increase in fat mass index was associated with a smaller gray matter volume (differences -3.48 (95% CI -16.82, -4.47) cm3). Also, one SDS increase in android fat mass percentage was associated with lower white matter diffusivity (difference -0.06 (95% CI -0.10, -0.02) SDS). None of the other cardiovascular risk factors were associated with any of the brain outcomes. Body fat measures, but not other cardiovascular risk factors, were associated with structural neuroimaging outcomes in school-aged children. Prospective studies are needed to assess causality, direction and long-term consequences of the associations.

Higher diversity of vegetable consumption is associated with less airway inflammation and prevalence of asthma in school‐aged children

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been suggested to counteract the oxidative stress and inflammation that characterize asthma. We aimed to assess the association between vegetable and fruit diversity consumption and asthma and its related outcomes in school-aged children. Participants included 647 children (49% females, aged 7 to 12 years) recruited from 20 public schools across the city of Porto, in Portugal. Vegetable and fruit intake were ascertained using a single self-reported 24-hour recall questionnaire. A diversity score was built taking into account the different number of individual vegetables and fruits consumed, and categorized into two groups based on the total reported median consumption , which was rounded to the nearest whole number (≤3 and >3, for vegetables, and ≤1 and >1, for fruits). A questionnaire was used to enquire about self-reported medical diagnosis of asthma and respiratory symptoms. Airway inflammation was assessed measuring exhaled fractional nitric oxide concentration (eNO) and was categorized into two groups (<35 and ≥35ppb). The association between fruit and vegetable diversity and respiratory outcomes was examined using logistic regression models, adjusting for confounders. A higher vegetable diversity consumption per day was negatively associated with having self-reported asthma (OR= 0.67, 95%CI 0.47; 0.95), while having a vegetable diversity consumption superior than 3 items per day was negatively associated with levels of eNO ≥35ppb (OR= 0.38, 95%CI 0.16; 0.88) and breathing difficulties (OR= 0.39, 95%CI 0.16; 0.97). Eating a greater variety of vegetables was associated with a lower chance of airway inflammation and prevalence of self-reported asthma in school children.

Public health nurses in Canadian schools: An opportunity to build capacity and nursing scholarship.

Public health nurses (PHNs) in Canada have the potential to significantly benefit the health and academic outcomes of school age children with its impact lasting into adulthood. Unfortunately, cuts in government funding over the years have diminished the presence of PHNs in schools and their ability to practice to their full scope. In the midst of a pandemic, having a strong nursing presence in schools may facilitate public health efforts and reduce the burden on teachers and administration. This discussion paper will explore the current role of nurses in Canadian schools in relation to school nurses in other parts of the world. An overview of the literature looking at the impact of the school nurse on school health (i.e., student health and academic outcomes) will be presented to provide evidence in support of rebuilding nursing capacity in Canadian schools. Finally, the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice will be introduced as a viable nursing theory to facilitate rebuilding PHN capacity in schools.

The Influence of Eating at Home on Dietary Diversity and Airway Inflammation in Portuguese School-Aged Children.

Considering the negative impact of a lack of dietary diversity on children’s nutritional status, we aimed to describe dietary variety according to eating at home frequency and assessed its association with respiratory outcomes in school-aged children. This cross-sectional study included 590 children (49% girls) aged 7 to 12 years from 20 public schools located in city of Porto, Portugal. Daily frequency of eating at home groups were calculated and dietary diversity was calculated using a 10-food group score from a 24 h recall questionnaire. Spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide levels (eNO; <35 and ≥35 ppb) were assessed. The comparison of diet diversity according to the groups was performed by ANOVA and ANCOVA. The association between dietary diversity and respiratory outcomes was examined using regression models. In multivariate analysis, children in the highest group of eating at home episodes (≥4 occasions) obtained the lowest dietary diversity mean score, while the lowest group (<2) had the highest mean score (p-value 0.026). After adjustment for confounders, higher diet diversity (≥5 food groups) significantly decreased the odds of having an eNO ≥35. Diet diversity might decrease the chance of airway inflammation among children. However, having more eating episodes at home could be a barrier to a more diverse diet.

A sibling-comparison study of smoking during pregnancy and risk for reading-related problems

This research examines the relationship between smoking during pregnancy (SDP) and risk for reading related problems in siblings discordant for exposure to SDP. Data (N = 173 families) were drawn from the Missouri Mothers and Their Children study, a sample, identified using birth records (years 1998–2005), in which mothers changed her smoking behavior between two pregnancies (Child 1 [older sibling]: M = 12.99; Child 2 [younger sibling]: M = 10.19). A sibling comparison approach was used, providing a robust test for the association between SDP and reading related outcomes in school-aged children. Results suggested within-family (i.e., potentially causal) associations between SDP and reading and language/comprehension factor scores, as well as between SDP and specific reading-related skills, including reading accuracy and receptive language, with increased exposure to SDP associated with decreased performance. SDP was not associated with spelling, reading rate, or receptive vocabulary. Initial within-family associations between SDP and word-letter identification, phonetic/decoding skills, and reading comprehension were fully attenuated following partial control for genetic and environmental confounding of the associations. These findings indicate that exposure to SDP is associated with poorer performance on some, but not all skills assessed.

Preventing Brain Injury in the Preterm Infant-Current Controversies and Potential Therapies.

Preterm birth is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality including brain damage and cerebral palsy. The development of brain injury in the preterm infant may be influenced by many factors including perinatal asphyxia, infection/inflammation, chronic hypoxia and exposure to treatments such as mechanical ventilation and corticosteroids. There are currently very limited treatment options available. In clinical trials, magnesium sulfate has been associated with a small, significant reduction in the risk of cerebral palsy and gross motor dysfunction in early childhood but no effect on the combined outcome of death or disability, and longer-term follow up to date has not shown improved neurological outcomes in school-age children. Recombinant erythropoietin has shown neuroprotective potential in preclinical studies but two large randomized trials, in extremely preterm infants, of treatment started within 24 or 48 h of birth showed no effect on the risk of severe neurodevelopmental impairment or death at 2 years of age. Preclinical studies have highlighted a number of promising neuroprotective treatments, such as therapeutic hypothermia, melatonin, human amnion epithelial cells, umbilical cord blood and vitamin D supplementation, which may be useful at reducing brain damage in preterm infants. Moreover, refinements of clinical care of preterm infants have the potential to influence later neurological outcomes, including the administration of antenatal and postnatal corticosteroids and more accurate identification and targeted treatment of seizures.

Even a Mild Sleep Restriction Can Impact Daytime Functioning in Children with ADHD and Their Typically Developing Peers

ABSTRACT Objectives/Background Correlational studies show that short sleep is associated with negative daytime outcomes in school-aged children, but there are few experimental sleep manipulation studies to assess whether this is a causal relation. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of mild, cumulative sleep restriction on daytime functioning of typically developing (TD) children and children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants A total of 36 school-aged children (n = 18 TD; n = 18 ADHD), aged 6–11 years participated. Methods Children participated in two sleep conditions (order counter-balanced). The Restricted condition required a 1 h reduction of time in bed for one week, and the Controlled Typical condition was based on participant’s average baseline sleep. At the end of each condition, participants attended the sleep lab for overnight polysomnography and daytime functioning assessments. Results Children successfully reduced time in bed by ~1 h. Due to compensatory changes, total sleep time (TST) was reduced by only ~20 min, as children fell asleep faster and spent less time awake after sleep onset during the Restricted compared to Controlled Typical condition. Many daytime functions were not affected by this very mild sleep restriction, however, both groups showed significant changes in performance on an objective attention task and on a parent-rated emotional lability measure after six nights of minimal reductions in TST. There were no significant differences between groups. Conclusions Results suggest that a very mild sleep restriction can affect children’s attention and emotional regulation, even with evidence of compensatory sleep mechanisms.

The Effectiveness of a Family-Based Asthma Self-Management Program in Enhancing the Asthma Health Outcomes in School-Age Children

ABSTRACT This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate a family-based asthma self-management program, based on the individual and family self-management theory and the McMaster model of family functioning. Children aged 7 to 12 with uncontrolled asthma and their families were recruited from an outpatient pulmonary department of a university hospital in Thailand. Thirty-seven child-parent pairs were randomly assigned to three sessions for a period of two months of the family-based asthma self-management program, while 37 child-parent pairs were assigned to the control group. Data were collected at baseline and after implementation at two months by using the Childhood Asthma Control Questionnaire and the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the measurement of pulmonary function was performed using peak flow meters. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was employed to analyze the mean difference between the experimental and control groups. The results indicated significant increased asthma control status, pulmonary function, and quality of life in the children from baseline to after implementation in the experimental group that participated in the family-based asthma self-management program. Significant improvement in these three asthma health outcomes was also seen in the experimental group when compared to the control group. It was seen that the family-based asthma self-management program is useful for promoting the self-management of school-age children, enabling the control of symptoms, and enhancing health outcomes regarding asthma.

QOL-05. TUMOR LOCATION IS LESS LIKELY INFLUENCE ON COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN CHILDREN

INTRODUCTIONThough several factors are known to influence on long-term cognitive function in children with brain tumor, the impact of tumor localization to specific cognitive function was not well known. Here we investigated the influence of local brain resection by surgery on postoperative cognitive outcome in school-aged children.METHODSParticipants were seven pediatric patients who underwent craniotomy for tumor resection in our hospital (mean age, 13.9 years). Their diagnosis were WHO grade 1 or 2 glioma (n=6) and hemangioma (n=1). Tumor were mainly located in following regions; frontal, n=2; parietal, n=2; temporal, n=3 (These lesions included hippocampus or were located very close to it). Temporal assessments for cognitive function of several functional domains were performed according to tumor location until post-op 1 year. Based on MRI, we estimated cognitive dysfunctions and compared them to observational symptoms.RESULTSPreoperative cognitive function was normal in all patients. Cognitive dysfunctions estimated from resected area were as follows (cumulative total number); memory or working memory disorder, n=4; visuospatial cognitive disorder, n=3; disorder of processing speed, n=2; facial or topographical agnosia, n=2; Gerstman syndrome, n=1. Just after surgery, cognitive function was declined in two functional domains of two patients, which were only 16.7% of estimated deficit from resected region. They recovered completely until 3 months postoperatively, and returned to school without any deficits.CONCLUSIONSIn pediatric lower-grade tumor, focal cognitive symptom was unlikely to be induced by local resection.

Quality of life in school-age children with shunt implantation due to neonatal posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus

To assess the functional outcome in school-age children shunted in the neonatal period due to post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH), using the HOQ-Spanish version (HOQ-sv), and to analyze predictors of quality of life in this group. A cross-sectional study was performed between 2015 and 2018. Parents of pediatric patients with PHH attending our neurosurgery outpatient clinic were invited to complete the HOQ-sv and to enroll in the study. Clinical variables regarding the patients' neonatal course and surgical outcome were recorded. A descriptive analysis was done, and independent variables related to the HOQ scores were studied in univariate and multivariate analyses with regression trees. The study comprised a total of 52 patients. The mean overall HOQ score was 0.67 (on a scale from 0 [worse] to 1 [best]). The quality of life for the PHH children at school age was related to perinatal factors (gestational age at birth, time until shunt surgery, length of hospitalization at the time of shunt implantation, and comorbidity), shunt complications (symptomatic overdrainage, number of shunt revisions, and shunt revisions related to infection during the first year after treatment), and clinical background (seizures, spasticity, Gross Motor Function Classification System level or visual impairment). HOQ dimension scores in school-age children shunted due to PHH in our center were similar to those of referral centers for other etiologies of pediatric hydrocephalus. Future goals should be the prevention of complications related to worse outcomes at the time of diagnosis and to try to improve shunt performance later.

Effective educational interventions for the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights for school-age children in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol

BackgroundBiological changes underlying the sexual and reproductive maturation of school-age children are linked with various sexual and reproductive health and rights risks. SRHR risks are predictors of poor SRHR outcomes, such as poor knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and early sexual initiation occurring predominantly among school-age children. The aim of this proposed review, therefore, is to identify educational interventions that have proven to be effective in promoting or supporting the sexual and reproductive health and rights of school-aged children in low- and middle-income countries.MethodsA systematic review of studies on the strategies promoting the SRHR of school-aged children shall be conducted. Electronic searches will be conducted from January 2000 onwards on the following databases: MEDLINE(R) ALL (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOHost), APA PsycInfo (Ovid), ERIC (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Ovid), Education Source (EBSCOHost), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), SciELO Citation Index (Clarivate Analytics), Global Health (Ovid), and Sociological (Proquest). Studies eligible for inclusion will be randomized control trials (RCTs), non-randomized trials, quasi-experimental studies (e.g., pre-post tests), and observational studies (cross-sectional and cohort studies). Peer-reviewed studies published in English and/or French and involving school-aged children 5–10 years old will be included. The primary outcomes of interest will include knowledge, awareness, or attitudes about SRHR topics. The secondary outcomes of interest will include sexual and reproductive behaviors. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, abstract data, and full-text articles, and the methodological quality of each study will be appraised using JBI critical appraisal tools. A narrative synthesis of extracted data will be conducted.DiscussionThe systematic review will synthesize the evidence on existing educational interventions targeting SRHR outcomes of school-aged children in low- and middle-income countries. It will identify which interventions have proven to be effective, and which interventions have not proven to be effective in promoting or supporting their SRHR. Review findings will provide a useful reference for policy-makers, program developers, global health leaders, and decision makers who wish to support the SRHR of school-age children.Systematic review registrationThe protocol has been registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42020173158).

Effect of Food Environment Interventions on Anthropometric Outcomes in School-Aged Children and Adolescents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACTFood environments may promote access to unhealthy foods, contributing to noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). This review assessed published evidence on the effects of food environment interventions on anthropometric (BMI and weight status) outcomes in school-aged children (5–9 y) and adolescents (10–19 y) (SACA) in LMICs. We summarized randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies (QES) published since 2000 to August 2019 in the peer-reviewed and gray literature that assessed the effects of food-related behavioral and environmental interventions on diet-related health outcomes in SACA in LMICs. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library) were searched using appropriate keywords, Medical Subject Headings, and free text terms. Eleven RCTs and 6 QES met the inclusion criteria, testing multicomponent behavioral and environmental interventions in schools. Analysis of 6 RCTs (n = 17,054) suggested an overall effect on change in BMI [mean difference (MD): −0.11, 95% CI: −0.19 , −0.03], whereas there was no observed effect in 5 studies using endline BMI (n = 17,371) (MD: 0.05, 95% CI: −0.32, 0.21). There was no significant pooled effect among the 3 QES (n = 5,023) that reported differences in change in BMI or endline (MD: −0.37, 95% CI: −0.95, 0.22). There is limited evidence to support the modification of diet-related health outcomes through school-based food environment interventions in SACA in LMICs. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of school and community-based food environment interventions on nutritional status in this population.

Outcomes for School-Aged Children with Aural Atresia.

This study compared the language, reading, classroom, and quality of life outcomes of primary school-aged children with aural atresia (AA) to matched controls. Participants included 10 children with AA (eight unilateral) and 10 children with typical hearing matched by chronological and mental age. All children with AA had been fitted with an amplification device. Outcome measures included standardized tests of language, reading, and functional communication questionnaires of children's classroom performance and hearing quality of life. The children with AA recorded significantly reduced hearing quality of life. The two groups did not differ on any other measures. The present preliminary findings suggest that children with AA who receive early amplification have similar language, communication, reading, and classroom outcomes as their typically hearing peers. Despite these promising outcomes, however, the children's quality of life is significantly reduced. Further research is needed to further elucidate these findings.

Association between fluoride exposure and behavioural outcomes of school-age children: a pilot study in China

ABSTRACT To assess the association between fluoride exposure and children’s behavioural outcomes, we recruited 325 resident school-age children (7–13 years old) lived in Tongxu County of Henan Province in China. We measured urinary fluoride (UF) concentrations using the ion-selective electrode method. Children’s behavioural outcomes were assessed by Conners’ Parent Rating Scale-Revised, including conduct problems, learning problems, psychosomatic problems, impulsive-hyperactive, anxiety, and ADHD index. It turned out that each 1.0 mg/L increment in UF concentration corresponded with an elevation in the psychosomatic problem score of 4.01 (95% CI: 2.74, 5.28) and a 97% (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.19, 3.27) increase in the prevalence of psychosomatic problems after adjusting for potential influencing factors. The sensitivity analysis results were consistent with those observed in our preliminary analysis. Our study suggests that fluoride exposure is positively related to the behavioural problem in school-age children, psychosomatic problem in particular.

572 Examination of Gender Differences in Return to School and PROMIS-25® Outcomes for Pediatric Burn Survivors

Abstract Introduction Gender differences in pediatric burn outcomes are not well-known. Long-term physical and mental health outcomes, in addition to school status, serve as important markers in recovery for school-aged burn survivors. This study aimed to assess the impact of gender on school status and health outcomes in pediatric burn survivors. Methods Data from pediatric burn survivors, age 8–17 years at time of injury that are participating in the Burn Model System National Database (2015–2019) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were generated for demographic and clinical characteristics. Scores on the seven subscales of the PROMIS-25 (physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, peer support, pain interference, and pain intensity) and school status at 12 months post-injury were examined. All demographic, clinical, and outcome data were compared by gender using Chi-square tests of association and two-sample t-tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Results A total of 104 individuals (76 male, 28 female) were included in the demographic analysis. Additionally, 60 individuals had complete PROMIS-25® data at 12 months post-injury and were included in analysis. Demographic and clinical characteristics including age at time of burn injury, race/ethnicity, burn etiology, burn location and burn size did not differ by gender. No differences were found in PROMIS-25® subscales (p=0.22–0.87; Table 1) or school status by gender. Nearly 80% of male and female burn survivors were in school at 12-months post-injury (76.6% male vs. 88.2% female; p=0.307). Conclusions In this study, burn survivors between the ages of 8 and 17 years old did not experience any differences in long-term PROMIS-25® outcomes or school status at 12 months post-injury based on gender. Applicability of Research to Practice Preliminary data suggest similar physical, mental, and school outcomes for school aged children based on gender. A more robust examination of long-term pediatric outcomes and school status are needed in the future.

Neurobehavioral Outcomes in School-Aged Children with Primary Snoring.

We assess behavioral and attentional problems and neurocognitive functioning in school-aged children with primary snoring (PS). Seventeen children with PS and 27 non-snoring peers aged 6-10years took part in the study. All children underwent a polysomnography (PSG) at the Sleep Laboratory. Snoring was defined by parents and with PSG. Children with obstructive sleep apnea were excluded. The parents completed the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children. Parents and teachers assessed behavioral and attentional problems with the Child Behavior Checklist and the Conners' Rating Scale-Revised. Neuropsychological assessment included the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and the Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment (NEPSY test). The PS group had significantly more parent-reported internalizing, total, and attentional problems than the control group. Teachers did not report behavioral problems in the PS group. The PS and control groups had equal IQ scores and similar core neurocognitive functions, except for one visuospatial subtest. The PS group had significantly more inspiratory flow limitation and increased diaphragmatic electromyography compared with the controls. Parents reported significantly more daytime sleepiness in the PS group. Daytime sleepiness and snoring time were consistently associated with more behavioral and attentional problems. Flow limitation and more oxygen saturation values under 90% were associated with attentional problems, higher oxygen desaturation index, and lower mean oxygen saturation percentage with reduced language functions. Snoring with an increase in respiratory effort without apneas and hypopneas and parent-reported daytime sleepiness may be linked to daytime symptoms. School-aged children with PS are at risk for behavioral and attentional problems, but not cognitive impairments.

Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with Biliary Atresia

To assess long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in school-aged children with biliary atresia. All Dutch children (6-12years of age) diagnosed with biliary atresia were invited to participate in this study. We used validated neurodevelopmental tests to assess motor skills and cognition, and questionnaires to assess behavior. Scores were compared with the Dutch norm population, by means of 1-sample tests. Results are given as number and percentage or mean±SD. We included 46 children, with a median age of 11years (range, 6-13years); 36 children had undergone a liver transplantation (78%). Twelve children (26%) received special education (vs 2.4% in the norm population; P<.01). Motor outcomes were significantly affected compared with the norm population (P<.01), with 25% normal (vs 85%), 25% borderline (vs 10%), and 50% low scores (vs 5%). Total IQ was lower in patients with biliary atresia, compared with the norm population (91±18 vs 100±15; P<.01). There were no significant differences in test scores between children with native liver and after liver transplantation. School-aged children with biliary atresia show neurodevelopmental impairments compared with the norm population, especially in motor skills. Our data strongly warrant evaluation of neurodevelopmental intervention programs to assess whether long-term outcomes could be improved.

Association of Slight to Mild Hearing Loss With Behavioral Problems and School Performance in Children

ImportanceChildren with severe hearing loss are known to have more behavioral problems and may perform worse at school than children without. Few large-scale studies of slight to mild hearing loss are available.ObjectiveTo examine the relevance of slight to mild hearing loss by studying its association with behavioral problems and school performance.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional study was performed within an ongoing prospective birth cohort study in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Participants were part of a population-based sample of children. Between ages 9 and 11 years, 5355 children underwent audiometric and behavioral evaluations. Children were excluded if they had missing data for either audiometry or both outcomes. Data were collected from April 2012 through October 2015. Data were analyzed from March to June 2018.ExposuresAudiometric evaluation included pure-tone audiometry tests and speech-in-noise testing.Main Outcomes and MeasuresChild behavior was rated by the primary caregiver using the Child Behavior Checklist at ages 9 to 11 years (n = 4471). School performance was measured with a standardized test at age 12 years (n = 2399).ResultsThe final sample included 4779 participants who were a mean (SD) age of 9.8 (0.3) years. The sample had nearly equal distribution between boys (n = 2200; 49.2%) and girls (n = 2271; 50.8%). Associations of hearing thresholds with behavioral problems differed between boys and girls. Among boys, higher pure-tone hearing thresholds at low frequencies were associated with higher total problem, social problem, and attention problem scores (total problems for the better-hearing ear: β = 0.01; 95% CI, 0-0.02). Higher speech reception thresholds were associated with higher attention problem scores among girls (β = 0.04; 95% CI, 0-0.08). Higher speech reception thresholds were associated with poorer school performance scores for both boys and girls (β = −0.06; 95% CI, −0.10 to −0.02).Conclusions and RelevanceHigher hearing thresholds during pure-tone audiometric and speech-in-noise testing were associated with higher behavioral problem scores and poorer school performance. This supports the relevance of slight to mild hearing loss with these outcomes in school-aged children.