Percent Of Mothers Research Articles

Childhood Diarrhea in Central Ethiopia: Determining Factors for Mothers in Seeking Modern Health Treatments

Background: Diarrhea remains one of the principal causes of morbidity and mortality in children in developing countries. A major contributing factor is the treatment provided by the mother. The current study was carried out to assess the behavior of mothers in seeking modern health care and its impact on childhood diarrhea in the Central Ethiopia. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected mothers or care providers who had at least one child under five years who had experienced diarrhea within the previous two weeks. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses were performed. P-values less than 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals were used to determine an association between independent and dependent variables. Results: Ninety-five percent (413/434) mothers or care-providers completed the survey. Seventy-seven percent of urban and 54.4% of rural women sought care at a health institution. Mothers who lived in urban areas were four and half times more likely to seek modern treatment than rural dwellers [OR (95%CIs)=4.49(2.07, 9.7)], while mothers with grade 9-12 levels of literacy were nine times more likely to seek modern treatment than illiterate mothers [8.88 (1.15, 68.6)]. Households using latrines and with income greater than 30USD per month were 4.6 and 3.3 times more likely to seek modern treatment than who used open fields and who earned less than 30USD per month, respectively [4.62 (1.84, 11.60) and 3.31(1.45, 7.54)]. Increased fluids were given to only 50.8% urban and 26% rural children with diarrhea. Notably, fluids were stopped in 3.8% and 11.4% of urban and rural children, respectively, while fluid intake was reduced in 6.8% urban and 19.2% rural children. Conclusion: Socioeconomic factors such as the educational status of the women, the distance of health care facilities, and the method of disposing of excreta were significantly associated with the behavior of the mother in seeking modern treatment. An urgent requirement for improved health education and infrastructure for women is needed.

Gaps between Breastfeeding Awareness and Practices in Vietnamese Mothers Result from Inadequate Support in Health Facilities and Social Norms

Background:Although gaps between breastfeeding awareness and practices have been described, determinants of the gaps have not been well investigated. Objective:The aim of this study was to examine determinants of the gap between breastfeeding awareness and practices in Vietnam. Methods:We interviewed 10,834 mothers with children aged 0−23 mo in 11 of 63 Vietnam provinces about breastfeeding practices, awareness, barriers, and support. A gap between awareness and practice was defined when a mother was aware of the benefit but did not perform the corresponding practice. Logistic regression models were used to examine determinants associated with the gaps. Results:The percentages of mothers with an awareness-practice gap for early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), continued breastfeeding at 1 y, and continued breastfeeding at 2 y were 34%, 66%, 19%, and 49%, respectively. Mothers had a lower awareness-practice gap in early initiation of breastfeeding if they received breastfeeding support from a health worker during pregnancy (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.92) or at birth (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.88). This gap was more likely to occur among those with a natural birth in the hospital (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.50, 2.45), cesarean delivery (OR: 28.95; 95% CI: 20.1, 44.7), and breastfeeding difficulties (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.90). For EBF, the gap was lower among mothers with a higher social norm (OR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.27) or when they received breastfeeding support at birth by a health worker (OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.95). In addition, intention of feeding infant formula at birth and having breastfeeding difficulties were associated with an increased gap in EBF [ORs (95% CIs): 1.28 (1.08, 1.51) and 1.29 (1.06, 1.57), respectively]. For continued breastfeeding at 1 y, social norms were associated with a lower gap (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.91), whereas breastfeeding difficulties were associated with an increased gap (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.57). Conclusion:Reducing breastfeeding awareness-practice gaps requires strengthening breastfeeding support in health facilities and the sociocultural environment to make desired practices normative.

Assisted reproductive technology and breastfeeding outcomes: a case-control study

To determine if breastfeeding outcomes differ between mothers who conceived spontaneously compared with those who conceived with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Matched case-control study. Teaching hospital. Ninety-four women having a singleton baby conceived with ART, matched by maternal age, parity, mode of delivery, and gestational age to controls who conceived spontaneously. Cases and controls were interviewed using a standardized, structured questionnaire, to obtain information on lactation. Exposure to maternity care practices contributing to breastfeeding success was investigated. Initiation, exclusivity, and continuation of breastfeeding. Cases were as likely as controls to initiate breastfeeding (89.4% vs. 90.4%), but by 6 weeks postpartum, a greater proportion of mothers who conceived through ART has ceased breastfeeding (20.2% vs. 5.3%). The percentage of mothers who exclusively breastfed their child for 6 months was similar among the 2 groups. On univariate conditional logistic regression, a history of using ART was the only predictor of early breastfeeding cessation (odds ratio = 65.3 [95% confidence interval: 1.5-2889.3]). Women who have conceived with ART should be regarded as being at higher risk for early breastfeeding cessation. This study serves as a first step in the investigation of potential modifiable factors that contribute to breastfeeding failure among women who give birth after using ART, and may help in efforts to customize breastfeeding support strategies.

It takes a mother to practise breastfeeding: Women's perceptions of breastfeeding during the period of intention

BackgroundIn the Netherlands, 81% of mothers initiate breastfeeding. After one month the percentage of mothers still breastfeeding drops, despite positive intentions. Little is known about women's perceptions of breastfeeding during the period of intention. AimThis qualitative study aimed to gain insight into these perceptions among first-time mothers from middle and high socioeconomic backgrounds in the northern part of the Netherlands. MethodsWe used the theory of planned behaviour as the deductive model. In 2008, 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with 8 mothers who intended to breastfeed. The interviews were conducted at two time points (prepartum and postpartum) and covered the same period (that is, from the time when the intention was formed until after childbirth). The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using grounded theory. FindingsFive inductive themes were identified: combining breastfeeding with work, learning about breastfeeding, making arrangements for childbirth, reflecting on the intention, and becoming a mother. During the extended period of intention, the women anticipated breastfeeding, but were cautious in expressing their intentions. They felt that the experience of becoming a mother would be critical to their breastfeeding outcomes. ConclusionThe theory of planned behaviour has been widely used in breastfeeding research. However, the period of intention is relatively long for breastfeeding. Rather than recommending an intensification of antenatal breastfeeding education, recommendations must incorporate the awareness that practising breastfeeding should not be considered the continuous outcome of the intention to do so – it takes a mother to practise breastfeeding.

Determinants of routine immunization coverage in Bungudu, Zamfara State, Northern Nigeria, May 2010.

IntroductionImmunization is a cost-effective public health intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey of 2008 indicated that only 5.4% of children aged 12-23 months in Bungudu, Zamfara State were fully immunized. We conducted this study to identify the determinants of routine immunization coverage in this community.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study. We sampled 450 children aged 12-23 months. We interviewed mothers of these children using structured questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on immunization, vaccination status of children and reasons for non-vaccination. We defined a fully immunized child as a child who had received one dose of BCG, three doses of oral polio vaccine, three doses of Diptheria-Pertusis-Tetanus vaccine and one dose of measles vaccine by 12 months of age. We performed bivariate analysis and logistic regression using Epi-info software.ResultsThe mean age of mothers and children were 27 years (standard error (SE): 0.27 year) and 17 months (SE: 0.8 month) respectively. Seventy nine percent of mothers had no formal education while 84% did not possess satisfactory knowledge on immunization. Only 7.6% of children were fully immunized. Logistic regression showed that possessing satisfactory knowledge (Adjusted OR=18.4, 95% CI=3.6-94.7) and at least secondary education (Adjusted OR=3.6, 95% CI=1.2-10.6) were significantly correlated with full immunization.ConclusionThe major determinants of immunization coverage were maternal knowledge and educational status. Raising the level of maternal knowledge and increasing maternal literacy level are essential to improve immunization coverage in this community.

Assessment of Breastfeeding Initiation And Pre-Lacteal Use Among Young Infants In Awo-omamma, Southeast Nigeria

Objective: To determine the practice of breastfeeding initiation time among mothers of very young infants; the prelacteal contents given to babies and the motivations for giving them prelacteal. Study Design, Setting and Participants: Descriptive cross sectional study in a typical rural setting of Government Primary Healthcare facility where most mothers give birth and avail health services for themselves and the new born in southeast Nigeria. Outcome, Measures and Analysis: Percentage of mothers that initiated breastfeeding within thirty (30) minutes of delivery; Percentage of mothers that introduced prelacteal feeds according to types. Analysis was descriptive using Scientific Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 16) and data presented in percentages and frequencies. Result: Results show that of the 113 mothers studied, only 17% initiated breastfeeding within 30 minutes of delivery while a poor 19%were informed of appropriate early initiation time during antenatal care visits prior to delivery; prevalence of prelacteal feeding practice was common at 75% where water (47%) and glucose water (18%) were the most predominant. Three factors were mostly responsible for early introduction of prelacteal namely, nothing (21% and 8%), baby crying (26% and 9%) and no breast milk yet (17% and 5%) for water and glucose water respectively. Conclusion and Implications: The early introduction ofprelacteal feedsbymothers is premisedon thestrongdesire to give something to the new born soon after delivery while waiting for full breastmilk coming andflow. Itmaybe further spurred by baby crying – a sign mothers and care providers culturally interpret as baby being desperate for something to eat drink. Unfortunately, poor sanitation and hygiene as with lack of access to clean water then results in the huge burden of malnutrition, infection and death of neonates and infants given prelacteal feeds at moments they are yet so delicate and vulnerable as moments following delivery. The studydemonstrates theneed for the development of appropriate information education and communication materials for behavior change targeted at care providers and then mothers with strong emphasis on breastfeeding initiation time and the dangers associated with introduction of prelacteal feeds on the very young infants. Funding: None

Child feeding knowledge and practices among women participating in growth monitoring and promotion in Accra, Ghana.

BackgroundChild undernutrition and poor feeding practices remain a concern in Ghana. The Growth Monitoring and Promotion (GMP) programme seeks to empower mothers to provide appropriate child care. Although the program has been implemented in Ghana for over four decades, little is known about its impact on child feeding outcomes. The current study assessed the association between GMP exposure and mothers' child feeding knowledge and practices in the Accra Metropolitan Area (AMA), Ghana.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 199 mother-child pairs accessing child welfare services in six public health facilities in the AMA was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on respondent characteristics and child feeding knowledge; a 24-hour dietary recall tool was used to record child feeding practices. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the association between mothers' exposure to GMP and their knowledge and practices on child feeding.ResultsSeventy four percent of mothers had not missed any scheduled child welfare clinic sessions. Over 60% of mothers knew the appropriate age of introduction of foods; 86% also gave correct response regarding minimum number of times their child should be fed daily. About 81% of children less than 6 months were exclusively breastfed in the preceding 24 hours, although 36% had received water since birth. Forty two percent of children 6–23 months received dietary diverse meals while 64% were fed the required number of times in a day. Overall, only 32% of children 6–23 months received a minimum acceptable diet in the preceding 24 hours. A higher GMP exposure was positively associated with feeding knowledge scores among mothers with children below 6 months (p < 0.05).ConclusionAlthough most mothers were knowledgeable about recommendations, feeding practices were suboptimal, especially complementary feeding. GMP exposure was associated with feeding knowledge only among mothers with children less than 6 months. Strengthening of feeding counselling focused on children above 6 months is recommended.

Identifying factors associated with the uptake of prevention of mother to child HIV transmission programme in Tigray region, Ethiopia: a multilevel modeling approach

BackgroundPrevention of mother to child HIV transmission (PMTCT) remains a challenge in low and middle-income countries. Determinants of utilization occur – and often interact - at both individual and community levels, but most studies do not address how determinants interact across levels. Multilevel models allow for the importance of both groups and individuals in understanding health outcomes and provide one way to link the traditionally distinct ecological- and individual-level studies. This study examined individual and community level determinants of mother and child receiving PMTCT services in Tigray region, Ethiopia.MethodsA multistage probability sampling method was used for this 2011 cross-sectional study of 220 HIV positive post-partum women attending child immunization services at 50 health facilities in 46 districts. In view of the nested nature of the data, we used multilevel modeling methods and assessed macro level random effects.ResultsSeventy nine percent of mothers and 55.7% of their children had received PMTCT services. Multivariate multilevel modeling found that mothers who delivered at a health facility were 18 times (AOR = 18.21; 95% CI 4.37,75.91) and children born at a health facility were 5 times (AOR = 4.77; 95% CI 1.21,18.83) more likely to receive PMTCT services, compared to mothers delivering at home. For every addition of one nurse per 1500 people, the likelihood of getting PMTCT services for a mother increases by 7.22 fold (AOR = 7.22; 95% CI 1.02,51.26), when other individual and community level factors were controlled simultaneously. In addition, district-level variation was low for mothers receiving PMTCT services (0.6% between districts) but higher for children (27.2% variation between districts).ConclusionsThis study, using a multilevel modeling approach, was able to identify factors operating at both individual and community levels that affect mothers and children getting PMTCT services. This may allow differentiating and accentuating approaches for different settings in Ethiopia. Increasing health facility delivery and HCT coverage could increase mother-child pairs who are getting PMTCT. Reducing the distance to health facility and increasing the number of nurses and laboratory technicians are also important variables to be considered by the government.

Measuring adequacy of prenatal care: does missing visit information matter?

Kotelchuck's Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization (APNCU) Index is frequently used to classify levels of prenatal care. In the Finger Lakes Region (FLR) of upstate New York, prenatal care visit information late in pregnancy is often not documented on the birth certificate. We studied the extent of this missing information and its impact on the validity of regional APNCU scores. We calculated the "weeks between" a mother's last prenatal care visit and her infant's date of birth. We adjusted the APNCU algorithm creating the Last Visit Adequacy of Prenatal Care (LV-APNC) Index using the last recorded prenatal care visit date as the end point of care and the expected number of visits at that time. We compared maternal characteristics by care level with each index, examining rates of reclassification and number of "weeks between" by birth hospital. Stuart-Maxwell, McNemar, chi-square, and t-tests were used to determine statistical significance. Based on 58,462 births, the mean "weeks between" was 2.8weeks. Compared with their APNCU Index score, 42.4 percent of mothers were reclassified using the LV-APNC Index. Major movement occurred from Intermediate (APNCU) to Adequate or Adequate Plus (LV-APNC) leaving the Intermediate Care group a more at-risk group of mothers. Those with Adequate or Adequate Plus Care (LV-APNC) increased by 31.6 percent, surpassing the Healthy People 2020 objective. In the FLR, missing visit information at the end of pregnancy results in an underestimation of mothers' prenatal care. Future research is needed to determine the extent of this missing visit information on the national level.

Barriers to physical activity experienced by low‐income mothers of young children: a pilot study (1021.1)

Barriers to Physical Activity Experienced by Low‐Income Mothers of Young Children: A Pilot Study Het Desai, Debra Palmer‐Keenan: Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ.It has been reported that mothers of young children engage in less physical activity than those without dependent children. This issue is likely exaggerated in low‐income communities, due to the increased impact of physical activity barriers. This pilot study sought to examine barriers that mothers, aged 18‐44 with children aged 15 or less, report as well as to identify specific activity barriers, they report affect them to a greater degree than they affect their counterparts without dependent children. The mothers (N=59) were predominantly Black (61%), Hispanic (12%) or White (25%) and approximately 70% had no post‐secondary education. More than 50% of the mothers reported that six out of seven child‐related barriers mothers have previously reported kept them from exercising sometimes, nearly always, or always. These barriers and the percent of mothers who reported their effect to this degree were: needing to pay attention to their child(ren) (75.0%); not having anyone to watch their child(ren) (51.2%); not trusting others to watch their child(ren) (71.2%); interruptions like the phone ringing or the baby crying (63.5%); their child(ren) hanging on them (57.7%); and believing that they get enough exercise caring for their child(ren) (57.7%). In comparison with a demographically similar cohort of women without dependent children, i.e., under high‐school age, four other barriers impacted mothers significantly more. These were: not liking to do it (F=4.45; p&lt;0.05); not motivated to do it (F=11.4; p&lt;0.01); not having time (F=9.33; p&lt;0.01); and (more specifically) chores leaving too little time (F=6.98; p&lt;0.01). Clearly low‐income mothers are a particularly challenged group of individuals who would benefit from targeted assistance and education to achieve adequate levels of activity.

Newborn care knowledge and practices among mothers attending pediatric outpatient clinic of a hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

To assess newborn care knowledge and practices among mothers. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 170 mothers accompanying their infants attending the Paediatric Out Patient Department were interviewed through a structured questionnaire. Areas of inquiry included Antenatal care seeking, delivery care, cord care, eye care, bathing and breastfeeding practices. Ninety-two percent mothers reported at least one antenatal care visit. Tetanus Toxoid coverage was 88%. Home deliveries were 18%. Seventy-four percent reported applying various substances like coconut oil, mustard oil, purified butter and turmeric to the cord stump. Kohl application to newborn's eyes was 68%, while 86% reported first bath within 24 hrs of birth. 48% mothers initiated breastfeeding within 2 hours of delivery. Colostrum was discarded by 43% and prelacteal feeds given by 73%. Exclusive Breast Feeding rate was 26%. Family income of Rs. 10, 000 (USD120) or less/month and maternal education level of primary or less were significantly associated with home delivery, unhygienic cord care and kohl application to the newborn's eyes. Home delivery was a risk factor for poor cord care (OR=4.07) and discarding colostrum (OR= 3.18). Antenatal care coverage was good, but knowledge regarding newborn care was poor. Harmful practices regarding newborn care were prevalent among mothers. Institutional deliveries did not guarantee optimal practices. Tradition and culture played a significant role. Health education can improve the mothers' knowledge regarding newborn care practices.

Feeding Practices in the North of Jordan

Objective: To describe infant feeding practices in the North of Jordan and their relationship with socio-demographic characteristics and to asses whether they meet with infant feeding recommendations. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study involving a questionnaire administered to 375 mothers of healthy children less than one and a half years of age, who attended Prince Rashid Military Hospital or primary care centers in the North of Jordan from September to December 2010, was conducted. It included information about family socio-demographic factors and patterns of infant feeding including breastfeeding status and the use of infant formula and transitions in infant feeding from breast milk and infant formula to complementary foods, table foods and other beverages. Premature infants, children with chronic illness and infants on special formula were excluded from the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 11.5 was used for data processing and statistical analysis. Cross-tabulations were made and statistical significance was tested with the Chi-square test. Results: Three hundred and seventy five mothers filled the questionnaire. Of these 88.1% have ever breast fed their babies. Of those who breast fed their babies, 40.7% have breast fed their babies for the first three months of life, 21% continued breast feeding for six months and 17.5% continued breast feeding for the first 12 months of life. The most common reason mentioned by mothers for not continuing breast feeding is that mothers thought that their breast milk is not enough for their babies (46.1%). Artificial infant formula was introduced in 78.7% and 91.2% in the first four and six months of age respectively, 46.8% of mothers thought that breast milk is not enough for their babies even in the first four months of life. Significant percentages of mothers gave their babies water, herbs, fruits and vegetables and cereals at early ages. Meat and eggs were also given earlier but to a much lesser extent. Mother education level and employment were significantly associated with most of feeding behaviors. Conclusions: Exclusive breast feeding is uncommon in the north of Jordan. There is a high rate of artificial milk feeding early in infancy and there are wrong feeding practices and beliefs. Public health interventions and mother education should be implemented.

Correlation of Maternal Age and Migration on IHPS Epidemiology in Germany 2000-2008

A decline in the incidence of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) was recently reported in Sweden, the US, Denmark, Scotland, and Germany. Data to explain this phenomenon, however, are scarce. Given our previous epidemiologic data showing a decline in the incidence of IHPS, we collected data on maternal age and history of migration from regional administrative centers to obtain data that might support an explanation for our previous findings. We examined the correlation between these factors and the incidence of IHPS. Data were extracted from the public report of health (Gesundheitsberichterstattung des Bundes) and population data from federal state governments. We obtained the numbers of IHPS (ICD-10 code 40.0) and live births in each federal state for the period 2000-2008. Further data were collected from federal state administrative agencies on age of the mother at the birth of their first child and history of migration for all mothers at first birth. There were significant differences in the regional distribution of both variables and the variability of these factors over time. Average maternal age and the percentage of mothers with a history of migration showed a negative correlation with the regional incidence of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Conclusion: The wide variation in the incidence of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis over time and for different regions is significantly inversely correlated with rising maternal age and the percentage of mothers with a history of migration.

Determinants of routine immunization coverage in Bungudu, Zamfara State, Northern Nigeria, May 2010

INTRODUCTION: Immunization is a cost-effective public health intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey of 2008 indicated that only 5.4% of children aged 12-23 months in Bungudu, Zamfara State were fully immunized. We conducted this study to identify the determinants of routine immunization coverage in this community. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study. We sampled 450 children aged 12-23 months. We interviewed mothers of these children using structured questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on immunization, vaccination status of children and reasons for non-vaccination. We defined a fully immunized child as a child who had received one dose of BCG, three doses of oral polio vaccine, three doses of Diptheria-Pertusis-Tetanus vaccine and one dose of measles vaccine by 12 months of age. We performed bivariate analysis and logistic regression using Epi-info software. RESULTS: The mean age of mothers and children were 27 years (standard error (SE): 0.27 year) and 17 months (SE: 0.8 month) respectively. Seventy nine percent of mothers had no formal education while 84% did not possess satisfactory knowledge on immunization. Only 7.6% of children were fully immunized. Logistic regression showed that possessing satisfactory knowledge (Adjusted OR=18.4, 95% CI=3.6-94.7) and at least secondary education (Adjusted OR=3.6, 95% CI=1.2-10.6) were significantly correlated with full immunization. CONCLUSION: The major determinants of immunization coverage were maternal knowledge and educational status. Raising the level of maternal knowledge and increasing maternal literacy level are essential to improve immunization coverage in this community.

Determinants of Breastfeeding Patterns among Women in South West Nigeria

The study investigated the determining factors that account for different types of breastfeeding methods among Women in South West Nigeria. The research design used was the descriptive research design of the survey type. The population for the study was made up of women with breastfeeding experience. The sample consisted of 1,385 women selected from three states in South West Nigeria. Multistage random sampling technique was used. The research instrument used was titled Determinants of Breastfeeding Pattern among Women (DBPW). The instrument was valid and reliable; it was construct validated and a split half reliability coefficient of 0.87 was obtained. The study was carried out to exposed mothers to the realistic expectation of their infant’s breastfeeding behavior to support the decision to breastfeed and avoid unnecessary supplementation. Specifically, the study examined the different breastfeeding methods adopted with respect to mothers’ education and employment status. From literature it was observed that despite exclusive breastfeeding being the optimal way of feeding an infant, the percentage of mothers who exclusively breastfed drop from over 75% who initiate to less than 11% at six months, well short of the Healthy People 2010 initiative goal of 50% of infants being exclusively breastfed for six months. The result of the findings revealed that women with high level of education were not well disposed to exclusive breastfeeding; so also, women that are government and private company employees found it very difficult to engage in full breastfeeding. It was concluded that unfriendly working environment can make it difficult to breastfeed on demand. Hence it was recommended among others that the present level of public campaign is stepped up.

First evidence of sensory atypicality in mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

BackgroundAtypical reactions to sensory stimuli show heritability in the general population and are a known risk factor for affective disorders. As sensory problems are highly prevalent in individuals with ASD and their siblings, and the occurrence of affective disorders is elevated in parents of children with ASD, investigating sensory symptoms in parents is important both from clinical and theoretical standpoints.Fifty mothers of children and adolescents with ASD completed the Adolescent and Adult Sensory Profile (AASP). The AASP is a norm-referenced questionnaire that provides scores for four types of responses to sensory stimuli (sensory quadrants): hypo-sensitivity, hyper-sensitivity, sensation seeking, and sensory avoiding.FindingsMothers’ scores were compared with AASP norms. Ninety eight percent of mothers had sensory scores at least one standard deviation (SD) above the normative mean and 44% were two or more SDs above the mean for at least one sensory quadrant.ConclusionsThis study provides the first evidence for sensory atypicality in parents of children with ASD. Further research is needed to elucidate the contribution of genetic and environmental influences on the expression of sensory problems in ASD.

Prepoznavanje mam s poporodno depresijo in pomen ocenjevanja vedenja novorojenčka za spodbujanje njihovega odnosa s starši na enoti intenzivne nege novorojenčkov

Birth of an ill or premature infant and early separation from the mother on behalf of admission to a neonatal intensive care unit was found to be one of the most important predictors of postpartum depression. The goals of the study were to examine the postpartum depression symptoms frequency in the group of mothers of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Pediatric Clinic of Ljubljana, and to examine the clinical use of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) to support the mother-infant bonding and to promote parental competencies. 63 mothers of infants in NICU participated in the study about postpartum depression symptoms frequency and 26 infants and their parents participated in the assessment of the neonatal behavior (12 mothers participated in both parts of the study). The results showed that early hospitalization of the newborn increases the risk of postnatal depression in mothers. The percent of mothers who scored 10 or more points on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was higher than the incidence of postpartum depression in Slovenia. Results support the need of a postpartum depression screening tool for mothers of infants at NICU and show that the use of NBAS is a potentially useful tool to promote parent-infant interaction.

Toothpaste Utilization Profiles among Preschool Children.

Oral healthcare for pre-school children is given due priority, as their oral health will determine the oral health status of future generations. Generally, the type, frequency and quantity of toothpaste used by children are based purely on parental preferences. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of preschool children by using a questionnaire. Sixty two percent (n=154) mothers started brushing their children's teeth more than one year after eruption of their teeth. A majority of the mothers used adult toothpaste to brush their children's teeth and supervised their children while brushing. Fiftytwo percent mothers were aware about presence of fluoride in tooth paste but its clinical significance. Half the mothers applied full length of tooth paste to their children's brushes and most mothers made their children brush their teeth twice daily. Based on the findings of this study, it appears that there is still much lack of awareness on the proper guidelines on the selection and usage of toothpastes in children. Dental professionals should use this knowledge to help and motivate parents to properly supervise and assist their children's brushing, with the goal of reducing the potential risk of fluorosis.

Lone mothers and their network support: Sociodemographic research of nonmarital parenthood in Serbia

The aim of this paper is to identify and describe the difficulties faced by families with nonmarital children (especially single-parent), available help and support, participation of the father in raising a child, and expected institutional help. That represents a first step toward better understanding of these families. The paper presents part of the results of research carried out in Belgrade with the aim of insight into the phenomenon of nonmarital childbearing at the individual level. It was conducted on a sample of 100 respondents, mothers of nonmarital children, who attend preschool. The survey was anonymous, carried out by the interview method. For this purpose a questionnaire with more than 50 questions was made, standardized to a great extent. In this paper, the focus is on the hardships and needs of the group of lone mothers. Though some issues take into account the answers of all respondents (21 cohabited mothers and 79 lone mothers), the analysis is largely related to the experiences and reflections of lone mothers. The 2011 Census data on prevalence of consensual unions and characteristics of persons living in them, as well as earlier data on the acknowledgment of paternity, do not indicate that nonmarital childbearing in Serbia takes place primarily in stable unions. It is realistic to assume that a large percentage of mothers with nonmarital children are lone mothers. The research results are generally consistent with the findings of relevant studies from our and foreign countries. As the largest difficulties, lone mothers emphasize financial problems, unemployment, housing difficulties, and child care, as well as a pronounced feeling of loneliness. Most of them in solving problems and rising children rely on their parents and siblings, with whom they often live in the same household. Every fifth lone mother when faced with a major problem, and every ninth in everyday raising a child can count on the father of the child. About a third of the children have no contact with their father, and as many fathers do not make any financial contribution. Actually, insufficient presence and participation of the father, in the lives of children and in daily performing parental responsibilities of their mothers, is one of the most important aspects that deserve the attention of researchers and policy-makers when it comes to lone mothers with unmarital children. The realization of children's rights in relation to financing and visitation the fathers after parental separation, is far more difficult than in divorced or widowed single-parent families. Some considerations about measures of state and local community support can be based on the selected research results presented in this paper. Support measures are possible in multiple domains, social policy (financial support and assistance in employment), institutions of preschool education, as well as in health, education, pre-school and social system counseling services. Greater involvement of men in family life and parenthood stands out as a very important objective, as well as motivation of fathers to involve in raising their nonresident children, including financial support. Three-quarters of the total number of respondents expect the state support to lone unmarried mothers. Three-quarters of lone mothers and one third of cohabited mothers expressed the need for state assistance in solving their own most important existential issues.

Influência da orientação sobre aleitamento materno no comportamento das usuárias de um hospital universitário

OBJETIVO: verificar a influência da orientação recebida acerca do aleitamento materno no conhecimento e condutas de mães usuárias de um hospital universitário. MÉTODOS: estudo observacional descritivo realizado com 250 mães, previamente orientadas ou não, a respeito do aleitamento materno, com idade entre 18 e 45 anos, as quais se encontravam no Ambulatório de Fonoaudiologia do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG para realização de triagem auditiva neonatal e haviam tido filho há no máximo seis meses. Estas mães responderam um questionário a respeito do aleitamento materno. RESULTADOS: as mães que receberam orientação demonstraram maior conhecimento acerca da idade adequada para se ofertar outros alimentos (p=0,001), dos utensílios utilizados para alimentação (p=0,031) da desvantagem da mamadeira (p=0,037) e da chupeta (p=0,019). Somente as mães orientadas tanto no pré quanto no pós-natal relataram utilizar a seringa para alimentação (p=0,045). Além disso, o percentual de mães que amamentam em livre demanda e que sabem como armazenar o leite foi maior entre aquelas que haviam recebido orientação acerca do assunto (p&lt;0,001 e p=0,027). Já a preparação das mamas foi melhor realizada pelas mães não orientadas sobre o assunto (p=0,002). CONCLUSÃO: o presente estudo evidenciou que, dentre as mães entrevistadas, ter recebido orientação sobre o aleitamento materno não determinou maior conhecimento acerca do assunto, ressaltando, assim, a necessidade de se ter uma equipe multidisciplinar atuando nas orientações às mães, bem como a importância da participação do fonoaudiólogo, o qual é o profissional habilitado para abordar questões referentes à prevenção de alterações de motricidade orofacial.