Survey Of Parents Research Articles

Caries Impacts and Experiences and dental Care Utilization for Saudi Schoolchildren: CARIES-QC a Disease-Specific Measure.

The Caries Impacts and Experiences Questionnaire (CARIES-QC) is a disease-specific questionnaire that assesses the impact of caries on the oral health-related quality of life of children. This study aimed to establish a baseline for caries-specific impact on schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia and to examine its association with dental care utilization. This cross-sectional study used random stratified cluster sampling among 4th-6th graders in Jeddah. Two surveys were administered: (1) a general parental survey and (2) CARIES-QC, a self-reported survey for children. Clinical examinations were conducted using the decayed, missing due to caries, and filled teeth (DMFT/dmft) index. Descriptive statistics provided CARIES-QC baseline estimates, and multilevel linear regression was performed to examine the relationships between CARIES-QC scores, DMFT/dmft index, and care utilization. A total of 805 children aged 8-13 years participated. The overall median CARIES-QC score was six (interquartile range, 3-11). A higher DMFT/dmft index was associated with a higher CARIES-QC score (p<0.05). Children who had never visited a dentist had lower CARIES-QC scores (β = -1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.33; -0.02, p = 0.045) than those who had visited a dentist in the past 12 months. After adjusting for reasons for dental visits, the CARIES-QC scores were not associated with prior dental visits (p = 0.086). A Higher DMFT/dmft index was associated with higher CARIES-QC scores, but prior dental care utilization was not significantly associated with improved CARIES-QC scores. Future research should explore other factors that influence the relationship between care utilization and caries-specific quality of life.

Home literacy environment, language use, and proficiency: Bilingual profiles in young learners

Expanded research is needed on how the home environment shapes bilingual proficiency in young children exposed to a different language at home than in early childhood education and care settings. This study examined whether variation in language use with parents, language proficiency, and home literacy environments reflect bilingual profiles. Participants included 320 Norwegian dual language learners (aged 22–68 months) with diverse language backgrounds. Parental surveys assessed language use, first language (L1) proficiency and home literacy environment. Standardized tests assessed second language (L2) proficiency. Latent profile analysis revealed three profiles: (1) more L2 use, higher L2 proficiency and higher L2 home literacy environment; (2) more L1 use, higher L1 proficiency and lower home literacy environments for both languages; and (3) more L1 use, higher proficiency in L1 and L2, and higher home literacy environments for both languages. Profiles differed in L1 distribution, maternal residency length in Norway, and maternal education.

Concordance of Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms, Evaluation, and Diagnosis Between Teens and Parents: Data From the National Health Interview Survey-Teen

PurposeTo investigate differences in teen-reported and parent-reported lifetime prevalence estimates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms, TBI evaluation, and TBI diagnosis among a nationally representative sample of teenagers aged 12–17 years old and their parents. MethodsParent-reported data from the 2021 to 2022 National Health Interview Survey linked with teen-reported data from the National Health Interview Survey-Teen July 2021-December 2022 (n = 1,153) were analyzed. Lifetime prevalence estimates for TBI symptoms (e.g., selected symptoms as a result of a blow or jolt to the head), history of evaluation by health professional for TBI (i.e., TBI evaluation), and TBI diagnosis stratified by sociodemographic characteristics and reporter type were produced, and z-tests were conducted to test for differences. Concordance measures were calculated to assess agreement between teen and parent survey responses to TBI measures. ResultsLifetime prevalence of TBI symptoms varied by reporter type across all sociodemographic characteristics with teen-report consistently producing higher estimates. Estimates of TBI evaluation varied by reporter type only among older teens, non-Hispanic teens, and teens who participated in sports; there was no difference for TBI diagnosis. Percent agreement between the 2 reporters ranged from 73% to 95%, prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa ranged from 0.45 to 0.90, and Cohen's kappa ranged from 0.22 to 0.63. DiscussionThere was general agreement for observable outcomes TBI evaluation and TBI diagnosis, but discordance existed in reports of TBI symptoms. These findings suggest that youth self-report of TBI symptoms may enhance surveillance efforts.

Association of adenoid hypertrophy and clinical parameters with preoperative polygraphy in pediatric patients undergoing adenoidectomy.

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most frequent cause for obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) in children. In patients with small tonsils and where adenoid size cannot be assessed, the indication for adenoidectomy often relies on clinical symptoms. However, data on the association of clinical parameters and adenoid hypertrophy with OSAS severity in children undergoing an adenoidectomy is sparse. To investigate the correlation of patient characteristics, adenoid hypertrophy, and clinical symptoms with OSAS severity in pediatric patients indicated for an adenoidectomy. We performed a retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients at our tertiary referral center between 2018 and 2023 who underwent polygraphy (PG) for OSAS diagnostics. Adenoid hypertrophy was assessed as adenoid-choanal ratio (AC-ratio) via nasal endoscopy and clinical symptom score (CS) via physical examination and parental survey. We included all symptomatic children with mild to severe OSAS (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 1). Exclusion criteria were obesity according to BMI and/or the presence of systemic diseases. The patients were divided according to age in a preschool and school cohort. Patient characteristics and PG data were compared between both groups. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the association of AC-ratio, CS and BMI with the AHI. A total of 121 patients were identified of which 81 were included in our study, resulting in 42 and 39 patients from 3-5 and 6-14years of age, respectively. We observed a significant correlation between CS and BMI (p = 0.026) and the CS and AC-ratio (p < 0.001). Univariable regression analysis showed significant association of the AC-ratio and CS with AHI-score for the total (p < 0.001), the preschool (p < 0.001), and the school cohort (p < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, the significant association of AC-ratio and CS remained in the total (p = 0.014; p < 0.001), and the preschool cohort (p = 0.029; p = 0.002). However, only the CS remained as positive predictor in the school cohort. AC-ratio and clinical symptoms seem to be reliable predictors for OSAS severity in patients between 3-14years of age. Moreover, only clinical symptoms were associated with OSAS severity in schoolchildren. Future investigation should contribute to the validation of our results.

Children's and Adolescents' Use of Nature During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Very Green Country.

Play, physical activity, and social interaction with other children in nature are important for healthy and social development in childhood and adolescence. The extent to which lockdown policies during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the way children engaged in outdoor activities remains unclear, especially in a country with free access to abundant nature during the pandemic. We performed a national survey of parents (n = 1002) in Norway in January 2021 to uncover changes in outdoor play for children (6-12 years, n = 396) and adolescents (13-19 years, n = 606) compared with the situation before the lockdown on 12 March 2020. Ten months after the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, 38% of the parents reported that their children played and spent time outside 'less than usual' in their neighborhood, compared with 15% who reported 'more than usual' time spent outside. Parents indicated that the children's play activities were highly organized and institutionalized, and when the activities ceased, their children had less motivation to spend time outdoors and tended to engage more in screen-based activities indoors. We conclude that while children and adolescents had many opportunities to be outdoors in natural settings during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, they did so much less than before the lockdown.

School well-being in primary school children with chronic illness. A prospective cohort study.

Children with chronic illness perform poorer at school, and school well-being (SWB) may mediate this association. We investigated the association between chronic illness and three domains of SWB in children in first grade. Data from a German population-based prospective cohort study were used. Children with chronic illness were identified via their preschool health examination and follow-up parent surveys during first grade. Children were grouped as either (i) having current special health care needs (SHCN), (ii) having at least one physician diagnosis of a chronic illness but no current SHCN, or (iii) being healthy. SWB was assessed at the end of first grade and measured by the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Emotional and Social School Experiences of First and Second Grade Primary School Children. Based on SWB theory and previous frameworks, the following subscales were used: School-Related Self-Concept, Social Integration, and Joy of Learning. The sum score for each subscale was converted into area-transformed T-values (mean 50 and standard deviation 10). Associations between chronic illness groups and SWB subscales were investigated by multivariable linear regression models. Effect estimates were adjusted for potential confounding variables and standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated. Of the 1,490 children included, 15% had current SHCN and 37% had a physician diagnosis of a chronic illness but no current SHCN. Compared to healthy children, children with SHCN had lower scores for the School-Related Self-Concept and the Joy of Learning subscale (SMD -0.18 for both) but not for the Social Integration subscale. In contrast, children with a chronic condition but no SHCN had lower scores only for the Social Integration subscale (SMD -0.12). Primary school students with a chronic illness with or without SHCN have lower SWB in some domains compared to their healthy peers. SWB may be a mediator in the association between chronic illness and poor school performance.

Prevalence of diseases of digestive organs in children in the Udmurt Republic

Introduction. Conducting targeted epidemiological studies allows objectively characterizing the health status of the population. Purpose of the work is to characterize current trends in the epidemiology of digestive diseases in children in the Udmurt Republic based on a special study. Materials and methods. Survey of 2516 children of age 6–17 years: 6–14 years — 1,482, 15–17 years adolescents — 1,034. The study was continuous, all students of two secondary schools in Izhevsk. Stages: survey of schoolchildren (n = 2,516) and parents; clinical examination (n = 2,516); laboratory and instrumental examination in children suspected of having pathology of the digestive organs based on the results of stages I and II; IV — summing up and forming a group of children with proven pathology of the digestive organs (n = 1,141). Assessment of the reliability of differences in indicators based on Student’s t-test. Results. The prevalence of gastroenterological diseases among all children does not have a gender component (p = 0.1). In the younger age group, girls and boys get sick with the same incidence. In adolescents, the prevalence of gastroenterological pathology in girls is higher than in boys (p &lt; 0.001). The prevalence among boys of different ages does not have a statistical difference, and among girls of different ages, older schoolgirls are more often affected (p &lt; 0.001). In the structure of pathology of the digestive organs in 6-17 years children dominated due to diseases of the stomach and duodenum. The prevalence of diseases of the hepato-pancreatic-biliary system and intestines was the same. The prevalence of digestive diseases is 453.5 ± 9.9 per 1000 subjects. The proportion of functional diseases is 9.9–96.7%, depending on age and the affected area of ​​the gastrointestinal tract. Conclusion. The true prevalence of digestive diseases exceeds official statistics. The structure is dominated by diseases of the gastroduodenal zone. Epidemiological features include an increase in the prevalence of pathology in girls of puberty. In children aged 6–14 years, functional diseases predominate; in children aged 15–17 years, the proportion of organic diseases increases.

Multidimensional and Longitudinal Impact of a Genetic Diagnosis for Critically Ill Infants.

Many genetic conditions present in the NICU, where a diagnostic evaluation is pursued. However, understanding of the impact of a genetic diagnosis on clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life for these infants remains incomplete. We therefore evaluated parent-reported outcomes complemented by clinical outcomes measures over one year for a cohort of infants in the NICU undergoing genetic evaluation. Prospective cohort study evaluating outcomes after genetics consultation in a level IV NICU via parent report and electronic medical record review. Eligible infants were genetically undiagnosed at enrollment. Parent surveys were administered at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months following enrollment and assessed genetic testing utility as well as parent-reported infant health-related quality of life using the Infant Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire. A total of 110 infant-parent pairs were enrolled. Infants had a median age at enrollment of 15 days (interquartile range 8-37.75). At baseline, 74% (81/110) of parents endorsed high importance of finding a genetic diagnosis, but perceived importance significantly decreased over time. Over the study period, 38 infants received a molecular diagnosis per parent report, although this was discordant with electronic medical record review. Identification of a diagnosis did not significantly impact health-related quality of life across most domains, which was lower overall than population norms. A genetic diagnosis is highly desired by parents in the NICU, though waning interest over time for undiagnosed families may reflect parental emotional adaptation and acceptance. Additional supports are needed to improve perceived quality of life.

Working towards improved collaboration: reviewing provision and support for Christian parents/carers

ABSTRACT It is increasingly acknowledged by a range of sectors, particularly health and educational, that collaboration with parents is fundamental to improving the developmental outcomes of children. It is also becoming more commonplace within the UK church and para-church organisations to emphasise the importance of supporting parents as they seek to nurture their child’s Christian faith. This raises multiple questions around the resourcing of institutions such as churches and school to form supportive, collaborative partnerships with parents for the sake of the children’s spiritual growth and development. This exploratory study collected data from three different perspectives: a review of tools and resources; interviews of practitioners and online surveys of parents in seventeen case-study contexts. In each arena, the provision and support for parents and carers for nurturing their Christian faith was investigated. Epstein’s types of involvement theory was used as a framework for analysis to map the nature of resources currently available for churches and faith-based schools wanting to collaborate with parents and carers, as well as to identify gaps and opportunities for future resourcing to enhance this kind of collaboration and partnerships.

The texture of parental experiences with online learning: the interplay of norms, relationships, and emotions

This article reports findings from a mixed-method study investigating parents’ perspectives and experiences in navigating their children’s online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved surveys of parents (n = 775) and interviews (n = 32) conducted in eight primary schools in Hong Kong. Statistical analyses revealed that parents’ perceptions of online learning (PPOL) were positively affected by their self-efficacy in providing online learning support, their expectations for parent-teacher communication, and their satisfaction with schools’ support. Conversely, increased levels of parental engagement and stress, and the need for regular school updates negatively affected PPOL. Qualitative findings showed that parents’ perspectives were influenced by experiences tied to their normative role expectations and their perceptions of teachers and schools, which subsequently shaped their emotional responses to online learning. These findings offer nuanced insights for developing policies and practices aimed at better supporting parents’ engagement in the digital era.

Pervasive biases in proxy genome-wide association studies based on parental history of Alzheimer's disease.

Almost every recent Alzheimer's disease (AD) genome-wide association study (GWAS) has performed meta-analysis to combine studies with clinical diagnosis of AD with studies that use proxy phenotypes based on parental disease history. Here, we report major limitations in current GWAS-by-proxy (GWAX) practices due to uncorrected survival bias and nonrandom participation in parental illness surveys, which cause substantial discrepancies between AD GWAS and GWAX results. We demonstrate that the current AD GWAX provide highly misleading genetic correlations between AD risk and higher education, which subsequently affects a variety of genetic epidemiological applications involving AD and cognition. Our study sheds light on potential issues in the design and analysis of middle-aged biobank cohorts and underscores the need for caution when interpreting genetic association results based on proxy-reported parental disease history.

Importance of medical home domains on emergency visits using a cross-sectional national survey of US children.

Receiving care at patient-centred medical homes (PCMH) is associated with reduced emergency department (ED) visits among children. Adverse social determinants of health (SDoH), such as lower socioeconomic status and household poverty, are associated with increased ED visits in children. The objective of this study is to use machine learning techniques to understand the relative importance of each PCMH component among different populations with adverse SDoH on the outcome of ED visits. This study used the 2018-2019 pooled data from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), an annual survey of parents and caregivers of US children from birth to 17 years. PCMH components were operationalised by classifying parent/caregiver responses into five domains: care coordination (CC), having a personal doctor or nurse, having a usual source of care, family-centred care and ease of getting referrals. SDoH included five categories: (1) social and community context, (2) economic stability, (3) education access and quality, (4) healthcare access and quality and (5) neighbourhood and built environment. We used a split-improvement variable importance measure based on random forests to determine the importance of PCMH domains on ED visits overall and stratified by SDoH. Overall, between 3% and 28% experienced one or more gaps in PCMH domains. Models show that problems with referrals (rank, 2; Gini, 83.5) and gaps in CC (rank, 3; Gini, 81.0) were the two most important domains of PCMH associated with ED visits in children. This result was consistent among black and Hispanic children and among children with lower socioeconomic status. Our study findings underscore the importance of poor CC and referrals on ED visits for all children and those from disadvantaged populations. Initiatives for expanding the reach of PCMH should consider prioritising these two domains, especially in areas with significant minority populations.

Can AI Robot Teaching Improve Children's Performance in Housework? A Quasi-Experimental Study.

The primary objective of this study is to explore the effects of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) robot-assisted instruction in preschool activities on young children's performance in housework. A quasi-experimental design was employed, with an experimental group and two control groups, to observe changes in children's performance in housework before and after AI robot-assisted teaching. The study sample consisted of preschoolers from metropolitan Taipei, with 65 children in the experimental group, 53 in control group 1, and 75 in control group 2. Children participating in the research project required consent from the school, teachers, and parents. The children in the experimental group received AI robot-assisted instruction on household tasks for two days a week over three consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 20-30 min. Control group 1 did not receive any experimental treatment, while control group 2 underwent the same learning schedule and content as the experimental group but was instructed by teachers instead of AI robots. The data were analyzed based on pre- and post-test surveys of parents observing their children's performance in household tasks. This study found that both AI robot-assisted teaching and teacher-led instruction enhanced children's household skills, with the AI robot-assisted method showing slightly better results. These findings suggest that both technological tools and teacher guidance can effectively improve children's housework performance, while artificial intelligence robots may provide young children with motivation and curiosity to learn due to their appearance and interactive design, which deserves further analysis. As technology rapidly advances, young children are exposed to various technological devices at an early age. Integrating technological media into future preschool teaching is inevitable, and leveraging tools like AI robots to support teaching, reduce teacher burden, and diversify instructional methods could be a direction worth considering.

Examining the Home Learning Environment Practices for Emergent Bilinguals: Insights from Parental Survey

This study aims to investigate the general practices of bilingual students’ home learning environments and to compare the variation in practices as a function of parents’ length of stay in the USA, educational levels, and household income by analyzing the results of a large-scale parental survey in an urban area in the southwestern United States, serving a predominantly Hispanic student population. The data consisted of 959 parents’ responses. The findings show that parents’ practices of engagement in students’ learning, discussions for students’ future, emotional support, students’ media consumption, disciplinary practice, and support for students’ autonomy vary in multifold ways as a function of their backgrounds. For example, while most parents, regardless of their background, were not prone to supporting children’s autonomy when deciding children’s routines at home, those with higher educational and income levels tend to more frequently participate in children’s classrooms or discuss children’s college entrance and career paths. The study discusses the implications of the findings and limitations.

The MINT Program: A Mixed-Method Approach to Identifying Nature-Based Resources to Promote Adolescent Parent Social and Psychological Well-Being.

Adolescent parents are at an increased risk for loneliness and mental health challenges compared to childless peers. Nature-based interventions are shown to promote social connectedness. To identify elements of a nature-based intervention to reduce loneliness and foster nature connection among pregnant and parenting adolescents. Sequential exploratory mixed methods. In 2020 and 2021, we piloted the 8-week MINT program at a school for pregnant and parenting teens. Our qualitative approach (n = 17) included online and in-person group meetings with nature-based educational content, discussion, park excursions, mindfulness activities, journaling and nature photography. Subsequently, we recruited 131 young mothers at a children's hospital for a cross-sectional survey based on qualitative school findings. Qualitative results from the school-based intervention showed a preference for meditative and contemplative activities and for spending time in nature with extended family. Participants typically accessed nature close to home. Our clinic-based teen parent survey illustrated that participants' access to nature were most limited by lack of time (25% of responses), company (18%) and energy (28%). While participants showed a close nature connection (mean NR-6 score = 3.9 (SD = 0.84)), they also showed moderate levels of loneliness (mean UCLA Loneliness score = 4.78 (SD = 1.60)). Walking, hiking and/or running were the most preferred nature activity. These findings provide key details to define nature-based activities to address loneliness and psychological well-being among teen mothers. Nature-based health interventions can address loneliness and nature disconnection by building community resilience, improving provider and patient well-being and motivating environmental stewardship. We identify key features of a nature-based intervention for adolescent mothers. These findings support teen mothers in the US and abroad and may serve as a foundation for using nature-based solutions for vulnerable mothers and for adolescents facing loneliness and mental health challenges. No patient or public contribution.

Effect of Dramatic Storytelling on Emergent Literacy in EFL: Evidence from the UAE Kindergartens

ABSTRACT Adopting a combination of quasi-experiment and formative research design, this study developed, implemented, and evaluated an intervention model that provided the kindergartners with intensive experiences with dramatic storytelling. The samples were 200 children from 10 classes of three kindergartens in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, with 107 in intervention classes, and 93 in control classes. The intervention program covered four English dramatic stories that were taught in 16 sessions in eight weeks. The dramatic storytelling sessions were characteristic of use of print copy of storybook and dramatization. Quantitative data were collected through structured observation of the child’s classroom activities and parent survey on the child’s learning EFL at home. General linear model repeated measures revealed that the main effects of group (intervention and control) and time (pre- and post-intervention) in predicting the mean scores of the composite of classroom activities and the child’s action to learn EFL at home were significant. This study offered a micro-curriculum model of a dramatic storytelling approach to EFL teaching, which may serve as a conceptual framework for developing kindergarten-based EFL curriculum in the UAE and similar contexts.

Exploring Screen Time and Its Effects on Children's Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The increasing prevalence of screen-based activities among children has raised concerns about potential mental health effects. This study investigates the relationship between screen time and mental health outcomes in children aged 6 to 14 years in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, focusing on emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and depressive symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 670 children recruited through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and parental surveys from January to June 2024. Screen time was assessed across four activities: TV viewing, smartphone usage, computer/tablet use, and video game playing, recorded separately for weekdays and weekends. Mental health was evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to analyze the data. Results Participants reported a mean total screen time of 7.25 ± 2.4 hours on weekdays and 8.4 ± 2.65 hours on weekends. Smartphone usage (2.75 ± 1.3 hours/day) was the most common activity. Emotional symptoms, conduct problems and depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with both weekday and weekend total screen time (weekday r = 0.43, r = 0.31, and r = 0.49, respectively, p < 0.001; weekend r = 0.47, r = 0.33, and r = 0.54, respectively, p < 0.001). Smartphone usage had the strongest association with depressive symptoms (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Conclusion This study identifies a significant positive correlation between increased screen time and adverse mental health outcomes in children, particularly emotional symptoms and depressive symptoms. The findings emphasize the need for public health strategies to manage screen time and promote healthier digital habits to mitigate the potential negative effects on children's mental health.

Exploring Nature and Learning Science Through an Afterschool Birding Club

Background: Birding is ideal for engaging students in authentic scientific inquiry because it relies on specialized equipment, requires keen observation skills, engages prior knowledge, and activates critical thinking. However, there is very little research on the benefits of birding in K-12 education. Purpose: Two elementary teachers created an afterschool bird club to engage students in birding to help them develop a better appreciation for their surroundings and increase awareness of the natural world. This qualitative study was conducted over two academic years and investigated the role an afterschool birding club had on students’ interaction with nature and their peers. Methodology/Approach: Using a primarily ethnographic approach, teacher interviews, parent survey data and interviews, and field notes guided the understanding of the research question. Findings/Conclusions: The study reveals an evident value for elementary students in social interactions, improved relationships with others, a building of scientific knowledge and awareness, and an increased appreciation for nature. Implications: Benefits include allowing students to interact with tools and materials relating to science and bird identification. They make this a fun way to enact their passion and hopefully inspire children to develop a love for birds, birding, and a desire to conserve the local habitat.

Usefulness and accessibility of information on the treatment of children with congenital clubfoot: results of a survey of parents

BACKGROUND: Treatment of congenital clubfoot remains controversial from both specialists and parents regarding the details of its practical application, individual effectiveness, and follow-up, rehabilitation treatment, prevention, and treatment of relapses. The assessment of parental attitudes using an online survey optimizes doctor–patient interaction. Information available to parents regarding the diagnosis and treatment of children with congenital clubfoot is lacking. AIM: This study aimed to assess the usefulness and accessibility of information for parents about the treatment of children with congenital clubfoot. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess the usefulness and accessibility of information about the treatment of congenital clubfoot, a survey of the patients’ parents was conducted using an electronic fillable form proposed for anonymous completion in a thematic group dedicated to the treatment of congenital clubfoot on the social network “VKontakte”; the study included 5500 participants at the time of the survey (2 weeks), with 328 responses received. RESULTS: Most parents noted a lack of information regarding clubfoot treatment before it actually began. The preferred source of information was Internet resources (i.e., websites of medical institutions and social networks). Achilles tenotomy and wearing braces raised the most questions, requiring additional information from both doctors and alternative sources. The possibility of errors and complications in wearing braces caused the greatest concern among parents, as well as possible relapses and the correctness of prescriptions during the rehabilitation treatment. Online parent communities and physician blogs are considered significant information sources. Most parents prefer to expand information about congenital clubfoot on the Internet, including social networks and popular resources. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the results of an anonymous survey of parents of children with congenital clubfoot showed a significant demand for high-quality, accessible information regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of children with congenital clubfoot. Significant interest in the information provided by social media and other Internet resources determines the need for competent representatives of the professional community to participate in this process.

Perceived Influence of a State-Level Universal Free School Meal Policy on Households With Varying Income Levels: An Analysis of Parental Perspectives

BackgroundIn the United States, a means-tested approach is often used to provide free or reduced-price meals (FRPM) to students from lower-income households. However, federal income thresholds do not account for regional cost of living variations. Thus, many ineligible households may be at risk for food insecurity. Universal free school meal (UFSM) policies may help address this issue, especially in states with a higher cost of living. ObjectiveTo evaluate parent perceptions of the influence of Massachusetts’ statewide UFSM policy on households eligible and ineligible for FRPM. DesignCross-sectional survey of parents across income categories conducted during the 2022-2023 school year. Participants/settingMassachusetts parents (N = 403) with children in grades kindergarten through grade 12 with incomes ranging from <185% of the federal poverty level to >300% of the federal poverty level. Main outcome measuresParents’ perceived influence of Massachusetts’ UFSM policy on their child and household. Statistical analyses performedAnalysis of variance examined differences in the perceived impact of UFSM by FRPM eligibility, adjusting for demographic characteristics. ResultsHouseholds that were FRPM eligible or near eligible were significantly more likely to report that their ability to have enough food for their family would be harder without UFSM (P < .0001) compared with those in the highest income category. Across all income categories, approximately 75% of parents reported that school meals should be free for all children, and UFSM saved their family money and time and reduced stress, with no significant differences by FRPM eligibility. Roughly half (52%) reported their household finances would be hurt and 42% of parents from households eligible for FRPM reported their child would be less likely to eat school meals if the UFSM policy ended. ConclusionsThis study found strong parent support of UFSM policies regardless of income level. In addition, parents perceived that discontinuing UFSM may adversely influence school meal participation, including among students from lower-income households, as well as food security among households ineligible for FRPM, particularly in areas with higher costs of living. Policies to expand UFSM should be considered among additional states and at the national level.