Parental Variables Research Articles

Parental Evaluation of a Responsive Parenting Program for Infants with Hearing Loss.

Parental satisfaction is an important factor in the evaluation of early intervention programs but is rarely investigated. The Muenster Parental Program (MPP) is a short, evidence-based early intervention program that focuses on parental responsiveness. It is a family-centered intervention for parents of infants aged 3-18 months who have recently been diagnosed with hearing loss and fitted with hearing devices, including prior to or following cochlear implant surgery. We aim to receive feedback from parents regarding the process and outcomes of their participation in the MPP. Following their participation, all participants of the MPP were asked to complete an evaluation questionnaire. This article reports feedback from the first 52 participants (44 mothers, 7 fathers, and 1 godmother). Their infants (N = 45) had moderate to complete hearing loss, they were aged 2-20 months, and 40% of them had an additional disease, disorder, and/or developmental delay. Parents reported high levels of satisfaction with the content, didactics, setting, and individual benefits of the intervention, and a high recommendation rate (92%). The aspects most appreciated were meeting other affected parents and the concrete individual support of parent-child communication, including video feedback. Almost all parents (96%) reported a change in their communication style with their child. This confirms the results of a previous controlled intervention study on the enhancement of parental responsiveness via the MPP. This evaluation of the MPP from a parental point of view has revealed equally high satisfaction with the content, setting, and didactics amongst all parents regardless of any potentially influential parent or child variables. The MPP is well suited to a wide range of close caregivers' needs despite the known diversity of children with hearing loss and their parents or families.

Predictors of parent-child bonding and parenting satisfaction during the perinatal period: A structural equation model.

To examine the predictors of parent-child bonding and parenting satisfaction using structural equation models at three time points across the perinatal period: (1) during pregnancy at >24 gestational weeks, (2) one month postpartum, and (3) three months postpartum. This longitudinal exploratory quantitative study recruited a convenient sample of 118 heterosexual couples (236 participants; 118 mothers and 118 fathers) from maternity clinics of a public tertiary hospital in Singapore. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the parents' characteristics and study variables. Structural equation modeling was used to test the appropriateness of the hypothesized model on the study variables. Multigroup analyses according to gender were conducted to understand the relationships among parental outcome variables for mothers and fathers separately. Goodness-of-fit statistics were used to determine the adequateness of the hypothesized models. An adequate fit between the hypothesized model and the study's data was reported for all analyses. Among couples, no variable was identified as a significant predictor for parent-child bonding, while parenting self-efficacy, parent-child bonding, and social support were identified as significant predictors of parenting satisfaction. Fathers with more social support had stronger father-infant bonds. Mothers with poorer psychological well-being had more maternal-child bonding and maternal satisfaction. Different relationships between the parental variables among fathers and mothers were reported at only one month postpartum. Both parents need to receive perinatal support. Fathers could receive more encouragement to be involved in perinatal care and maternal-infant bonding can be promoted during the first month postpartum.

Predicting remission following CBT for childhood anxiety disorders: a machine learning approach.

The identification of predictors of treatment response is crucial for improving treatment outcome for children with anxiety disorders. Machine learning methods provide opportunities to identify combinations of factors that contribute to risk prediction models. A machine learning approach was applied to predict anxiety disorder remission in a large sample of 2114 anxious youth (5-18 years). Potential predictors included demographic, clinical, parental, and treatment variables with data obtained pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at least one follow-up. All machine learning models performed similarly for remission outcomes, with AUC between 0.67 and 0.69. There was significant alignment between the factors that contributed to the models predicting two target outcomes: remission of all anxiety disorders and the primary anxiety disorder. Children who were older, had multiple anxiety disorders, comorbid depression, comorbid externalising disorders, received group treatment and therapy delivered by a more experienced therapist, and who had a parent with higher anxiety and depression symptoms, were more likely than other children to still meet criteria for anxiety disorders at the completion of therapy. In both models, the absence of a social anxiety disorder and being treated by a therapist with less experience contributed to the model predicting a higher likelihood of remission. These findings underscore the utility of prediction models that may indicate which children are more likely to remit or are more at risk of non-remission following CBT for childhood anxiety.

Science curiosity: an analysis examining gender and parental influences

ABSTRACT Background Science curiosity, a critical cognitive-developmental determinant, significantly influences students’ learning outcomes due to mounting evidence supporting its pivotal role. This individual disposition is an effective catalyst driving students’ acquisition of knowledge, skill development, and expertise within scientific domains throughout their educational journey. Purpose Our current research examines students’ science curiosity as a psychometric individual characteristic according to gender and some parental variables. Method and Sample The present study employed a descriptive methodology within the quantitative research framework. Data were gathered from a sample comprising 2351 students enrolled in public secondary educational institutions. Result Our findings revealed significant differences in students’ science curiosity according to categorical variables, such as gender, family income, parental education, and number of siblings. Girls had significantly more positive science curiosity than boys. Our findings also indicated that students from middle-income families who can easily meet their education, health, and social needs but have economic limitations for a more luxurious life have significantly higher scores than others regarding science curiosity. It was also found that students with two siblings and a parent who had graduated from university had the greatest advantage in science curiosity. Conclusion This study’s findings suggest that innovative school policies can be met with home-like science learning environments for students deprived of family involvement—most likely due to low-educated parents—and have very low or very high economic levels. With an environment that combines the warmth of a home, caring science educators who eliminate the lack of parental involvement, rich science materials, and engaging activities, it can be expected that these students’ science curiosity will be stimulated.

Comparative Analysis of Early Caregiver-Child Interaction Patterns in Infants and Toddlers: Evaluating Down Syndrome vs. Typical Development.

The dynamic, reciprocal, and bidirectional relationships in encounters between infants and their caregivers are called early interactions. Evidence shows that these interactions influence cognitive, emotional, and social development beyond the early years. While some studies have examined these interactions in dyads with infants with Down syndrome, they have mostly focused on parents in small samples. This study explores these interactions by considering parental, infant, and interaction variables. A total of 128 dyads participated, with 64 infants with Down syndrome and 64 typically developing infants, matched one-by-one by developmental age. During home visits, socio-demographic and developmental information was collected, development and dyadic interactions were assessed using standardised instruments. Descriptive analyses, MANOVAs, and ANOVAs were conducted comparing the group of dyads that included infants and toddler with Down syndrome and those with typical development. Infant and toddler gender showed significant differences and was included as a relevant factor in the analyses. Key findings include lower scores in parental sensitivity and non-directiveness in dyads with children with Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome also showed lower scores in attention to the caregiver. Interactions with children with Down syndrome exhibited less mutuality and engagement. Significant gender-based interactions were found, showing that parents are more sensitive and less directive with girls with Down syndrome, who also show greater expression of negative affect and better attention to the caregiver. This study suggests different qualities in early interactions when a child with Down syndrome is involved. These interactions are characterised by lower sensitivity and greater directiveness, possibly in response to the lower attention towards the caregiver observed in these children. This results in less mutual interaction. The findings' alignment with previous research and implications for clinical work are discussed. Given the observed effect of the child's gender, future research should further explore this aspect.

Pengaruh Pola Asuh Orang Tua Terhadap Prestasi Belajar Peserta Didik Kelas IV SDI Onekore 5 Kabupaten Ende

The formulation of the problem in this research is: Is there an influence of parental parenting on the learning achievement of class IV students at SDI Onekore 5? The aim to be achieved is to determine the influence of parental parenting on the learning achievement of class IV SDI Onekore 5 students. The respondents in this research were 30 class IV SDI Onekore5 students. The research method used in this research is quantitative expos facto type. Data collection techniques use questionnaires and are supported by documentation. The data analysis technique uses simple linear regression analysis with the help of the SPSS version 23 program. The results of the research show that there is a positive and significant influence of parental parenting variables on the learning achievement of class IV students at SDI Onekore 5 as indicated by a coefficient of determination of 0.299, which means that parental parenting has an influence on student learning outcomes by 29.9%.

Executive Functioning, Family Accommodation, and Treatment Response in Youth with OCD and Comorbid ADHD in a Partial Hospital Program.

Few studies have examined differential treatment response, rates of familial accommodation (FA), and executive functioning (EF) in youth with OCD vs. OCD + ADHD, particularly in a partial hospital program (PHP). The current study includes 138 youth diagnosed with OCD only and 102 youth diagnosed with OCD + ADHD in a PHP setting for a total sample of 240 youth (and their families). Families and clinicians completed several measures assessing child and parent variables of interest. Findings of ANCOVA analyses suggest poorer treatment response and EF in children with comorbid OCD + ADHD compared to their counterparts with OCD only. No significant differences emerged between groups in baseline levels of symptom severity, functional impairment, or FA. Given the high rate of comorbidity between OCD + ADHD, clinicians and researchers should be aware of the need to modify treatment approaches for children with comorbid OCD + ADHD and/or weaker EF performance.

Accurate Inference of the Polyploid Continuum Using Forward-Time Simulations.

Multiple rounds of whole-genome duplication (WGD) followed by diploidization have occurred throughout the evolutionary history of angiosperms. Much work has been done to model the genomic consequences and evolutionary significance of WGD. While researchers have historically modeled polyploids as either allopolyploids or autopolyploids, the variety of natural polyploids span a continuum of differentiation across multiple parameters, such as the extent of polysomic versus disomic inheritance, and the degree of genetic differentiation between the ancestral lineages. Here we present a forward-time polyploid genome evolution simulator called SpecKS. SpecKS models polyploid speciation as originating from a 2D continuum, whose dimensions account for both the level of genetic differentiation between the ancestral parental genomes, as well the time lag between ancestral speciation and their subsequent reunion in the derived polyploid. Using extensive simulations, we demonstrate that changes in initial conditions along either dimension of the 2D continuum deterministically affect the shape of the Ks histogram. Our findings indicate that the error in the common method of estimating WGD time from the Ks histogram peak scales with the degree of allopolyploidy, and we present an alternative, accurate estimation method that is independent of the degree of allopolyploidy. Lastly, we use SpecKS to derive tests that infer both the lag time between parental divergence and WGD time, and the diversity of the ancestral species, from an input Ks histogram. We apply the latter test to transcriptomic data from over 200 species across the plant kingdom, the results of which are concordant with the prevailing theory that the majority of angiosperm lineages are derived from diverse parental genomes and may be of allopolyploid origin.

Multiple Informant Cluster Analysis Findings: Which Military-connected Preschool Aged Children Are Doing Well and Why?

Informed by models of resilience in military families, we explored factors theorized to be associated with social-emotional resilience and risk among young military-connected children. Our secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from 199 military-connected families (n = 346 parents) with at least one preschool-age child in the home (n = 199) led to the empirical identification of two distinct clusters: families with children demonstrating healthy social-emotional functioning and those showing indicators of less healthy social-emotional functioning when compared to the first group. We then identified factors associated with membership in each cluster to determine which deployment and parental well-being variables were salient for young child adjustment. Parent psychological symptoms, parenting, child behavior, and parent-child relationships were measured by parent report and observed interaction. Children with healthier social-emotional functioning were found to be residing with families experiencing less stress and distress. The importance of maternal trauma history is highlighted in our study, as elevated maternal symptoms across all three posttraumatic stress disorder symptom domains were associated with child social-emotional risk. Basic family demographic characteristics did not contribute significantly to the cluster distinctions, nor did military service factors such as active duty, reserve or veteran status, military rank or parent deployment history. These findings are important as the results deemphasize the importance of military service characteristics and highlight the importance of parent well-being when considering social-emotional risk and resilience of young children within military families.

Exploratory analyses of sleep intraindividual variability and fatigue in parents of children on the autism spectrum.

Fatigue is associated with numerous harmful physical and mental health outcomes. Despite research indicating a relationship between fatigue and sleep, there has been a limited focus on how the variability of a person's sleep may be associated with fatigue. In addition, previous studies have not explicitly explored relationships among child sleep, parent sleep, and parent fatigue. Increasing knowledge about this area of research could be particularly relevant for families with autistic children with an increased likelihood of sleep disturbances. The current study used two weeks of objective sleep (actigraphy) data and subjective ratings of parent fatigue from 81 parents and their autistic children to examine associations among child and parent within-person sleep variability regarding average parent fatigue levels. Evidence was assessed for the role of parent sleep variability in hypothesized connections between child sleep variability and parent fatigue. We found that only greater variability in parents' total sleep time was associated with higher levels of parents' average daily fatigue rating over the two weeks. Child sleep variability was not significantly associated with parent sleep variability or average daily fatigue. In addition, average levels of child sleep were unrelated to parent total sleep time variability and fatigue. Although cautious interpretation is required, findings support the idea that variability in total sleep time may be a unique aspect of parental sleep's association with fatigue, independent of child sleep. In addition, sleep variability could be important to consider when examining sleep in addition to average levels of parameters like total sleep time.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) Using Metroglyph Analysis

Pulses like greengram are essential for sustainable agriculture and global food security due to their high protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, their genetic diversity is underexplored, with existing studies mainly focusing on conventional methods. This study aims to estimate the variability parameters for 16 quantitative characters of greengram to classify the genotypes using Metroglyph analysis and assess genetic divergence to identify divergent parents for future hybridization programs using 45 greengram genotypes using Randomized Block Design replicated thrice. Among 45 genotypes of greengram on the basis of mean performance MGG-351(12.959) followed by MGG-347(43.16 q/ha), VBN -2 (41.12 q/ha), GM-3(40.8 q/ha) and MGG-385(39.8 q/ha) were found superior for grain yield. High GCV and PCV is recorded for Harvest Index and Number of primary branches. High heritability coupled with genetic advance as percent of mean are recorded for number of primary branches, harvest index (%), number of seeds per pod, biological yield per plant, seed index, number of pods per plant, number of clusters per plant. On the basis of Metroglyph analysis, the total index score was varied from 24 (SHAKTI) to 38 (SIKHA) with a mean of 31.84. Among the 45 germplasm lines, the genotypes GM-3, MGG-385, SML-1663 and MGG-371were observed as high yielder and identified for higher index score. Scatter diagram plotted with Plant Height and Harvest Index has revealed that 5 clusters could be distinguished on the basis of morphological variation. Cluster -1 was represented by 24 genotypes, Cluster -2 was represented by 10 genotypes, Cluster-3 was represented by 7 genotypes, Cluster-4 was represented by 3 genotype, Cluster -5 was represented by 1 genotype. From those complexes, the germplasm lines, SIKHA and MGG-371 recorded high index score and fell into different cluster, hence used as parents in hybridization for getting desirable transgressive segregants.

Effectiveness of nurse-led progressive muscle relaxation on stress, anxiety, and depression in parents of adolescents with mental illness: A randomized controlled trial.

Prevention of depression, stress, and anxiety is a serious concern of the World Health Organization and has been a research topic over the last decades. There is a close association found between children's mental health problems and parental stress, valid for biological and foster families. Evidence suggests that parents with children with disabilities are more stressed, depressed, or anxious than parents who do not have such children. In addition, the progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMR) is the easiest to learn and administer among the relaxation methods available for lowering stress, anxiety, and depression. A randomized clinical trial (RCT) was adopted with an equivalent group pre-test and post-test design. The experimental group (n = 31) received ten sessions of Jacobson PMR, and the control group (n = 30) received treatment as usual (TAU). Data analysis: The researcher used frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, median, and interquartile range to describe the study subjects' demographic profile and clinical profile. Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Spearman's Rho were used to find an association between socio-demographic and clinical variables in parents' stress, anxiety, and depression levels. Further, Spearman's Rho was used to find a correlation between stress anxiety and depression. In addition, the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare control and experimental groups with important socio-demographic and clinical variables. Further, Fridman's analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess PMR's effectiveness on group stress, anxiety, and depression. Finally, the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare stress, anxiety, and depression levels between groups. Analysis revealed clinically and statistically significant (P < 0.05) reductions in the stress and anxiety scores of the parents after five sessions of the PMR technique. In addition, findings reveal that there is a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.001) in depression, anxiety, and stress scores after ten sessions of the PMR program among parents of adolescents with mental illness. The PMR program adopted in this study was highly effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among parents of adolescents with mental illness.

Workshop training to facilitate parental involvement in their children’s mathematics education: parents’ perceptions

This study investigated the effectiveness of workshops on parental involvement in their children’s mathematical education. The study employed a quasi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design. This study involved 76 parents from one senior secondary school in the Kweneng Region, Botswana. The study included three steps for data analysis: thematic content analysis, hypothesis testing, and descriptive statistical analysis. The results showed that the parental involvement level before and after the intervention marked a difference with a significant increase. Parental involvement variables such as parenting style, parental expectations, home rules, parental supervision, communication between parents and children, children’s home mathematics activities, and parental attitude toward school all improved significantly. The findings further indicated that parental involvement in their child's general and mathematical learning can be improved. As a result, the study recommended that all basic education schools reach out to parents through parent education programs that can assist parents in understanding the value of being active in their children’s mathematics education, which will probably affect their education performance positively.

АБИЛИТАЦИОННЫЙ ПРОГНОЗ НЕДОНОШЕННЫХ НОВОРОЖДЕННЫХ ДЕТЕЙ

Background. Expert rehabilitation assessment of premature infants in the neonatal period and the first months of life presents great difficulties; from this standpoint, it is advisable to introduce the term “habilitation prognosis” (HP) for the category of premature infants. The purpose of the study is to substantiate and develop indicators of habilitation prognosis and habilitation potential of premature infants. Materials and methods. A prospective study was performed. 212 premature newborns were included (n=212), whose data were statistically processed. Two groups were formed: 1st group of medical habilitation MH(+) n=89 patients for whom MH measures were carried out in full in accordance with the main directions of the developed methodology. The other part of the children made up the 2nd group of MH(-) n=123 patients for whom MH was not performed in accordance with the developed methodology: due to parental disagreement, or the impossibility of systematic work, or MH was not performed in full. The post-conceptual age of children at which medical habilitation of premature infants began ranged from 32 weeks to 3 months. Results. A quantitative integrated indicator of habilitation potential for premature infants HPtP (in the range of values from 7 to 35 points) was developed based on the qualitative characteristics of the rehabilitation prognosis (favorable, doubtful, unfavorable). ROC analysis was performed. It has been established that the optimal separation points are: 11 (area under the ROC curve (AUC) AUC=0.8613 95CI [0.8101-0.9124]) and, accordingly, the boundary for establishing a favorable HPtP from 7 to 11 (out of 35 maximum possible) , p&lt;0.001, and 16 (AUC=0.998 0.8613; 95% CI [0.8101-0.9124]) with sensitivity indicators of 0.9716312 (97.2%), specificity 0.9859155 (98.6%), and, accordingly, the limit for establishing unfavorable HPtP from 17 up to 35 points, p&lt;0.001. Conclusion. A quantitative indicator of habilitation potential for premature infants (HPtP) has been developed. For the first time, the term “habilitation prognosis for premature infants” (HPrP), referring to the possibility of realizing the habilitation potential of premature infants under the full application of medical habilitation methods in a certain premature infant was introduced.

Mindful parenting and irrational beliefs of Turkish gifted students’ parents

The purpose of this study is twofold, to examine gifted students’ parents’ (n=202) irrational belief levels and the level of mindful parenting, and to investigate whether or not gifted students’ parents’ irrational belief levels explain the parents’ level of mindful parenting. The results showed that the level of mindful parenting was not low and the level of irrational beliefs of the parents were not high. There was no significant difference between the total scores of the Mindfulness in Parenting Scale (MIPQ) and subscale scores that took into account the variables of parents’ educational background and monthly income level. Mothers' scores were significantly higher than fathers’ in one subscale of the MIPQ. With regards to the parents’ monthly income level and educational background variables, significant differences were obtained in the level of total and subtest scores of Parents' Irrational Beliefs Scale (PIBS). The total MIPQ and PIBS scores of the parents showed a significant negative low correlation, and total PIBS scores explained a 4.56% variance in MPIQ scores. As parents' irrational belief levels decrease, levels of mindful parenting increase. In addition, one of the variables that explains mindful parenting is the irrational beliefs of parents.

Prevalence and correlates of driving under the influence of alcohol and cannabis among Spanish adolescents.

Driving under the influence (DUI) of substances is the first cause of death among young populations. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of research looking at DUI risk factors in adolescents. This study aimed to estimate the past-year prevalence and correlates of DUI of alcohol (DUI-A), cannabis (DUI-C), and both (DUI-A+C) in adolescents who reported past-year alcohol and cannabis use. The study sample comprised 3,175 [(47.9 % females; Mage (SD) = 16.76 (.70)] Spanish adolescents from a national representative survey (ESTUDES) conducted by the Spanish Ministry of Health. Hierarchical regression models were conducted to identify correlates of DUI-A only, DUI-C only, and both behaviors, including sociodemographic, substance use and parental control variables. Past-year prevalence of DUI was 9.9 % among past-year alcohol and cannabis users. Past-year DUI of substances was more likely among males (15.4 %) relative to females (6 %) [χ2 = 73.39, p = <.001, Φ = .152]. Being male, reporting higher past-month days of cannabis use and cannabis-related problems were common risk factors for DUI-C and DUI-A+C. Risk factors of DUI-A were greater money availability for going out, higher past-month frequency of heavy drinking episodes and lower past-month cannabis use days. Specific correlates of DUI-A+C were being 18, past-year simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use, and earlier age of alcohol use initiation. There is a need to address DUI in substance use prevention in school settings. Screening should be particularly focused on adolescent substance users, while interventions should target attitudes and risk of substance use and driving.

Adolescent alcohol drinking and cannabis use: Longitudinal, and cohort analysis of high school students in Australia

Aims: The final year of high school is a challenging phase, during which substance use is common. We conducted longitudinal and cohort comparisons on the levels of alcohol and cannabis use among final year (Year 12) high school students compared to the previous year. Design: Longitudinal and cohort analyses of self-reported survey data. Setting: Ten independent schools across South-East Queensland, Australia. Participants: Year 12 students in 2020 (n = 1024) were compared (a) longitudinally with themselves in Year 11; and (b) to the 2019 Year 12 cohort (n = 632). Measures: Self-reported alcohol and cannabis use. Analyses adjusted for socio-demographic, parental, and schooling variables. Findings: Longitudinally, Year 12 students of 2020 had higher odds of having six or more drinks per occasion, monthly or more often, and reporting lifetime cannabis use, compared to themselves in 2019. However, they were not more likely to drink alcohol weekly or more often in 2020 versus 2019. Compared to the 2019 cohort, the 2020 cohort had higher odds of drinking weekly or more often, having six or more drinks per occasion monthly, and reporting lifetime cannabis use. Conclusions: The 2020 cohort of Year 12 adolescents were more likely to engage in heavy drinking and cannabis use, compared to themselves the previous year, and compared to the previous cohort. Greater alcohol consumption and likelihood of cannabis use among the 2020 cohort might be explained by increased age and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research to monitor if this is a continuing trend is warranted.

Determinants of appetite in the first year of life: Results from a prospective study of infants

Abstract Childhood obesity, a growing public health problem, was shown to be associated with appetite traits (ATs) in infancy but little research exists on the determinants of early appetite. We aimed to examine the association between parental, pregnancy and infant variables on ATs during the first year of life. We followed up 450 healthy term infants assessing Enjoyment of Food (EF), Food Responsiveness (FR), Satiety Responsiveness (SR) and Slowness in Eating (SE), using the Baby (at 2-4 weeks (wk) &amp; 6m) and the Child (at 12m) Eating Behaviour Questionnaires. Associations between parental sociodemographic and lifestyle, pregnancy, infant feeding and anthropometric factors, and these ATs were investigated. Multivariable linear regression models were built for each AT, incorporating statistically significant variables from minimally adjusted models (sex, gestational age, and ethnicity). Results primarily focus on ATs at 2-4wks, as later ATs were largely influenced by these values. Higher father’s BMI (β = 0.013, p = 0.022) was associated with increased EF at 2-4wks. Later gestational age (β = 0.106, p = 0.032), and gestational diabetes (β = 0.538, p = 0.002) were associated with higher FR 2-4wk while mixed feeding compared to exclusively breast feeding (β =-0.281, p = 0.013) with lower FR 2-4wk. Female sex (β = 0.174, p = 0.009) was positively, while gestational age (β=-0.076, 0.022), father’s educational attainment (β=-0.199, p = 0.003), father habitual smoking (β=-0.167, p = 0.020) and 4wk WFA z-score (β = 0.087, p = 0.037) were negatively associated with SR 2-4wk. Lastly, higher 4wk WFA z-score (β=-0.151, p = 0.012) and bottle feeding (β=-0.378, p = 0.003) were associated with decreased SE 2-4wk. Acknowledging that a causal association cannot be established in an observational study, this data suggests that parental lifestyle and pregnancy factors could influence infant ATs and hence risk of later obesity, highlighting the importance of preconception health in mitigating the problem of childhood obesity. Key messages • Appetite traits in early infancy are influenced by infant feeding and anthropometric variables, but also by parental and pregnancy characteristics. • The importance of preconception health is paramount in mitigating the problem of childhood obesity.

Sources of Variability in Remote Communication Between Deployed Military Fathers and Their Children

SYNOPSIS Objective. The extents to which external barriers to communication, parental stress and intimacy, child psychological adjustment and age together and uniquely are associated with the frequency and quality of remote communication between deployed military fathers and their children were explored. Findings based on data reported by deployed fathers and at-home mothers were also compared. Design. Survey data were collected from 72 military deployed fathers and their wives/partners about the fathers’ communication with their 4- to 17-year-old children. Questions concerned the frequency and relationship quality of father-child remote communication and hypothesized predictors of communication extracted from the parent-child communication literature. Results. Regression analyses revealed that, as a group, external barriers to communication, parental stress and intimacy, child psychological adjustment and age predicted the quality but not the quantity of father-child remote communication and that lower quality father-child communication as reported by both parents was associated with child externalizing behavior problems. Parental stress was associated with lower father-reported quality of communication, and parental intimacy was associated with higher mother-reported quality of communication. Child older age was associated with father reported lower quality of communication. Conclusions. The quality of deployed father-child communication is associated with parental and child variables known to be associated with father-child communication when parent and child are in the same location, suggesting that interventions for improving co-located father-child relationships may be adaptable for use when military fathers and children are separated.

Exposure to secondhand smoke among school-going adolescents in Malaysia: Results from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022: Adolescent Health Survey (AHS).

The adverse effects of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure on health have been well established. Using the NHMS 2002: Adolescent Health Survey (AHS), this study attempts to evaluate the extent and factors associated with SHS exposure among Malaysian school-going adolescents. We conducted the NHMS 2022: AHS to gather a representative sample of school-age teenagers. We employed a cross-sectional study design and a multi-stage sampling procedure. We utilized a pre-validated self-administered questionnaire to collect data from the selected respondents. The data analysis included adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Additionally, we investigated the possible two-way interactions between the independent variables. The SHS prevalence was 42.0%. Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) was associated with male gender (AOR=1.28; 95 CI: 1.20-1.38), older age (AOR=1.46; 95% CI: 1.33-1.60), Malay (AOR=1.88; 95% CI: 1.49-2.37), Bumiputra Sabah (AOR=2.23; 95% CI: 1.67-2.99), Bumiputra Sarawak (AOR=2.43; 95% CI: 1.80-3.28), and Chinese ethnicity (AOR=2.89; 95 CI: % 2.30-3.64), as well as current smoking (AOR=2.78; 95% CI: 2.50-3.09), having separated or divorced parents (AOR=1.12; 95% CI: 1.02-1.23), and parental tobacco product use (AOR=4.75; 95% CI: 4.44-5.08). We found significant interactions between: 1) Age group with gender and ethnicity; 2) Gender and ethnicity; and 3) Parental smoking status with gender, response to tobacco use, parents' marital status, and ethnicity. Parental characteristics, sociodemographic characteristics, and SHS exposure are strongly correlated. In addition, there is evidence of smoking displacement to the house from other areas by parents/guardians. This study offers a fresh perspective on how these variables influence the likelihood of SHS exposure for Malaysian school-age teenagers. More efforts should focus on parental variables and sociodemographic traits, especially parental smoking cessation support.