Children's Physical Well-being Research Articles

Effects of poor eating habits on children's body weight

The primary objective of this research is to delve into the correlation between suboptimal dietary habits and the body weight of children residing in Mostar city, Bosnia and Herzegovina. By examining the dietary patterns prevalent among the youth in this specific urban setting, the study seeks to uncover how these habits may be linked to variations in body weight. Through a comprehensive investigation, the aim is to contribute valuable insights into the intricate relationship between eating behaviors and the physical well-being of children in Mostar, thereby informing potential interventions or strategies for promoting healthier lifestyles within this population. In conclusion this pattern of dietary habits not only influences physical health but also has implications for overall well-being and may pose challenges for the long-term health trajectory of school-age boys. It underscores the importance of promoting healthier dietary choices and lifestyle habits from an early age to mitigate the potential adverse effects on children's health.

QUALITY OF LIFE IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH EPILEPSY ON ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY USING QOLCE-55 TOOL IN NORTH INDIA

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of epilepsy and antiepileptic medication on the quality of life (QoL) of children with epilepsy, particularly in the northern region of India. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study that collected social demographic and clinical data from 100 children aged between ≥4 and ≤14 years. QoL was assessed using the QoL in Children with Epilepsy (QOLCE-55) questionnaire. Results: The mean total QOLCE-55 score was 58.66±22.02, with the physical domain being the most affected. Age, seizure frequency in the last year, and schooling status showed significant associations with the mean QOLCE-55 score. However, there were no significant associations observed with gender, area of residence, socioeconomic status, type of epilepsy, type of antiepileptic drug, and family history of epilepsy. Significance: The study emphasizes the significance of health-care providers focusing on the physical well-being of children with epilepsy, especially in resource-constrained developing countries, particularly in their rural areas. Age, seizure frequency, and schooling status showed significant associations with the QOLCE. These factors should be taken into account while designing treatment plans to ensure effective and equitable health care interventions.

Body size, form, composition, and a healthy lifestyle associates with health-related quality of life among Portuguese children.

This study aimed to describe the relationship between body size, form, and composition, and children's lifestyle on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This cross-sectional study comprised 1333 children (9.05 ± 0.75 years; 683 females) living in mainland Portugal. Objective anthropometric measures were collected. Parents answered a standardized questionnaire related with children's lifestyle (e.g., sport participation, screen- and sleep-time) and family socioeconomic status (e.g., parental education). HRQoL was measured using the Portuguese version of the KIDSCREEN-27. Scores were categorized into low and high using a sex-specific normative cut-off from European children. A healthier score was created including positive scores for body weight, abdominal obesity, sport participation, sleep- and screen-time. Body size, form and composition were correlated with children's physical wellbeing. However, sex differences were found in which parameters were associated with wellbeing. Among boys, the body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, subscapular and suprailiac skinfold were most correlated with wellbeing, while waist circumference and subscapular skinfold showed the strongest correlations for girls. Sleep duration and sport participation revealed a significant relationship with girls' HRQoL. A logistic regression analysis (adjusted for parental education) revealed that boys scoring 4 or 5 in the healthier index had an increased likelihood of high HRQoL level compared to those fulfilling none. Future programs aimed at reducing obesity, particularly central obesity, and incorporating multiple health indicators and behaviors, such as sport participation and sleep duration may help improve children's health and wellbeing.

A Review on Early Intervention Systems.

Early intervention programs have been shown to increase the overall socio-emotional and physical wellbeing of children in early childhood and educational settings. The goal of this narrative review is to explore recent literature that describes implementation of these systems and highlights innovative practices in the early childhood intervention sector. Twenty-three articles were included, and we identified three themes in this review. The literature addressed concepts of innovative techniques in relation to childhood disability interventions; policy practices that promote child, family, and practitioner wellbeing; and attention to the importance of trauma-informed care in education for children and families who face the impacts of social marginalization such as racism and colonization. Notable shifts in the current early intervention paradigms are approaches to understanding disability informed by intersectional and critical theories, as well as systems level thinking that goes beyond focusing on individual intervention by influencing policy to advance innovative practice in the sector.

HEALTH BEHAVIOR OF CHILDREN FROM RURAL AREAS OF THE ELBLĄG DISTRICT (IN POLAND) WITH REGARD TO FAT CONSUMPTION: A PILOT STUDY

Background. Health behavior is one of the main determinants of human health. As civilization progres ses, the lifestyles of adults, children and adolescents are changing with consequences for the health of specific population groups. Therefore, knowledge about human nutrition and lifestyle factors that affect human health is also constantly changing. The aim of the study was to assess the selected health behaviors using the exam ple of the frequency of consumption of food being a source of saturated fat by rural children. One of the aspects concerning health behavior, namely fat intake as a measure of the consumption of unhealthy food, especially in the case of overconsumption, was assessed using the food frequency questionnaire. The valida ted Block Screening Questionnaire for Fat Intake (BSQF) was used for the assessment. Results and conclusions. The studied group of children from rural areas of the Elbląg District (Po land) showed an average level of health behavior exemplified by fat intake. Further research monitoring the health-promoting behavior and attitudes of children in rural areas is useful and justified for the diagno sis of whether actions are necessary to promote the formation of attitudes and hierarchies of health values. In the light of the challenges relating to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), needs and trends of a hedonistic nature are important. These include, among other things, the issue of ensuring health and taking greater care of the mental and physical well-being of children and adults (families).

Physical Well-Being of Children and Adolescents during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Findings from the "Come te la Passi?" Cross Sectional Survey in Bologna, Italy.

The COVID-19 had a strong impact on the physical and general well-being of the youngest. In Italy, citizens were forced to change their habits, especially during the national lockdown, causing increased levels of sedentary and unhealthy behaviors. "Come te la passi?" was a cross-sectional study aimed at investigating changes in the physical activity levels (PA) and well-being of children and adolescents in the City of Bologna. An anonymous survey was administered to parents/guardians of children and adolescents aged 6-18 years. 1134 questionnaires were collected during June 2021; 457 (40.3%) were females, and the mean age was 13.0 ± 3.4 years. Regarding the general well-being perception, 61.3% of the participants reported concerns about the future, 46.3% reported sleep difficulties, and 72.8% reported experiencing attention difficulty, with higher percentages among adolescents. Considering the PA frequency, an overall reduction was found, with the percentage of those who rarely did PA and those who frequently did PA both increasing. No gender differences were found. Our findings suggest that the current pandemic has strongly impacted the well-being of children and adolescents. It appears to have primarily affected adolescents, with a significant reduction in PA levels, even after the end of the national lockdown.

COVID and the club: conversations with Boys & Girls Club leaders on providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeBoys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCs) provide numerous avenues for youth to connect, be physically active and have healthy meals/snacks. These services are often provided to low-income families at reduced cost to bridge the gap in after school and summer childcare. However, many of these clubs were forced to dramatically change their services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to examine how 13 BGCs in Texas, USA, experienced COVID-19 and persevered to provide services.Design/methodology/approachInterviews were conducted with 16 BGC leaders from 13 different BGCs. Open-ended questions were used to elicit leaders’ experiences with the pandemic, services their clubs were able to offer, barriers overcome and supports crucial to their ability to serve their communities. Thematic analysis was used to generate findings from these interviews.FindingsBGC services changed significantly during the pandemic. Normal activities were no longer possible; however, leaders (alongside their communities) continually provided services for their families. Further, leaders reiterated the power of the community coming together in support of their families.Social implicationsWhile BGC leaders had to adapt services, they found ways to reach families and serve their community. These adaptations can have dramatic impacts on the social and physical well-being of children in their communities. Learning from this adversity can improve services as clubs start to build back.Originality/valueThis study provides vital context to the changing care and setting children were exposed to during the pandemic response. Additionally, these results provide understanding of the adaptations that took place in these services.

Health-related quality of life of Hungarian children and adolescents with disabilities

This study presents a comparative analysis of the HRQOL (health related quality of life) of Hungarian children and adolescents with disabilities. This empirical research was carried out during the academic years of 2016/2017, 2017/2018, and 2018/2019. Gathered via the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire, the data provide information on the HRQOL of 2,631 children with typical development (TD) (1,411 boys and 1,220 girls, mean age 14.88±2.68 yrs) and 1,056 children with a disability (diagnosed with special educational needs – SEN) (702 boys and 354 girls, mean age 15.72±2.6 yrs). QOL was examined from various aspects. Results in the various subsamples were first compared to Hungarian reference data. Then, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to detect differences between the subsamples in the five dimensions of QOL. When comparing the QOL of Hungarian children with SEN to Hungarian reference data, we found that only children within an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) had low HRQOL in the dimension of social support and peers. The comparison of the T-values characterising the HRQOL of the subsamples showed that children with other psychological developmental disorders (OPDD), those with ASD, and children with hearing impairment (HI) experience significantly poorer HRQOL T-values in several dimensions compared to children with TD or other disabilities. The physical well-being of children with OPDD is lower than that of students with TD or a mild intellectual disability (MID). In addition, children with OPDD show significantly lower levels of QOL in the school environment dimension compared to other subsamples (children with physical disabilities /PD/, with MID, or with low vision /LV/). Students with HI or ASD showed lower rates of QOL compared to other subsamples in the dimensions of autonomy and parent relations, social support and peers, and school environment. The lower QOL found in the different dimensions will help experts plan and determine the foci of intervention.

The I’m Learning! intervention methodology for quality learning environments in developing country contexts

Within the context of the global learning crisis and calls to focus on the quality of education, one international organisation took a systematic and holistic approach to improve learning, wellbeing, and development in schools. Known as the Quality Learning Environment (QLE) Framework, it conceptualised the quality of the learning environment in schools with four guiding principles: emotional and psychological protection of learners, physical wellbeing of children, active learning processes, and close collaboration between school and parents/community. From 2013 – 2017, the framework was piloted in three countries of Cambodia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe to improve learning environments and outcomes while documenting the process, methods, and results of the QLE pilot in their country. The interventions in the three countries were closely tracked by a longitudinal research study. This paper explores the ambition of global and national research firms to carry out rigorous cross-country research alongside contextualized and evolving school interventions.

Enforced Isolation: How does it affect the Psychosocial and Physical Development of Children?

This paper discusses the impact of enforced isolation brought on by the Covid19 restrictions on the psychosocial development and physical well-being of children through a review of relevant literature as the research method. The analysis of the reviewed literature has identified that the impact of enforced isolation include mental health issues such as stress, depression and anxiety as well as physical concerns such as obesity which can have long-lasting effects into adulthood. Severe outcomes extending into adulthood include substance abuse, self-harm, aggressive behaviours and suicidal ideation. The study also offers some solutions on ways to mitigate the effects of enforced isolation on the psychosocial development of children. Maintaining children’s physical well-being during the lockdown are also offered as part of the solutions.

Determinants of the Under-five Child's Physical Well-being in Morocco: The Case of Fertility

It is very remarkable that interest in the physical well-being of children and the underlying factors that affect it is growing. Therefore, this paper attempt to shed light on some aspects of children's well-being in Morocco and what influences it. Statistical data collected by the 2011 National Demographic and Health Survey (individual child data) and the 2014 Census (municipal data) are used. Physical well-being includes health status, nutrition, preventative health care, as well as physical activity and safety. However, the choice of the most relevant indicators of child's physical well-being is limited by the availability and the representativeness of data. A principal component analysis (PCA) was applied. It permits us to explore the association between children's well-being and the total fertility rate. Also, it takes into account other socio-economic indicators, all measured at the macro level. In addition, the PCA approach has been applied to a set of child well-being measures and the first factorial axis scores were retained as a composite indicator of the child's well-being. This composite index of the child's physical well-being was used as the dependent variable in a multiple regression analysis. The main conclusions are: 1- The city characteristic of the area of residence improves children's chances of enjoying a certain standard of well-being. 2- Child well-being is adversely correlated with the level of fertility and the rate of illiteracy at the municipal level. 3- The regression model confirmed the links between fertility (measured by both individual and contextual indicators) and child well-being. The regression analysis also highlights the impact of the child's mother's level of education, the child's mother's professional status and the place of residence.

Teacher Factors That Create a Dilemma in the Implementation of Learners’ Psychomotor Curriculum Activities in the Early Childhood Development Education

Psychomotor activities that are especially conducted outside the usual classroom environment assist in addressing areas of child's physical well-being, social-emotional learning and having an in-depth level of commitment, learning and improved educational performance. Some studies have sought to find out factors that hinder learners' involvement in outdoor activities but pre-primary teachers' dilemma in implementing of learners psychomotor or outdoor activities has been given limited attention. The purpose of this study therefore sought to establish teacher factors that create a dilemma in implementing learners' outdoor activities in Hamisi Sub-County, Vihiga County, Kenya. The study adapted a mixed method research design. Maria Montessori theory of children' play was used for the study. Stratified proportionate sampling, simple random, purposive and census techniques were utilized to select the sample size. A sample of 33 ECDE lead teachers, 27 ECDE teacher trainers and 12 learners from a target population of 110 ECDE lead teachers, 27 ECDE teacher trainers and 4400 learners was selected. A questionnaire, interview schedule and observation guide were the instruments to collect data. A pilot study was conducted from the neighbouring Sabatia Sub County to ascertain the strength of the reliability and validity of the instruments. Validity was ensured based on construct and content validity. Reliability was ensured through test-retest technique. A reliability co-efficient of 0.7 using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient was attained for both instruments and therefore deemed appropriate for use in the actual study. The study enhanced ethical considerations. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, and percentages and findings presented in pie charts, bar graphs and tables. Inferential statistics ANOVA was used to establish the relationship between independent and dependent variable at 0.05 confidence level. The findings established that pre-school teachers had a negative attitude towards outdoor play activities and concentrated more in teaching academically oriented activity areas at the expense of outdoor play. The results showed a significant difference in the means of the different teacher factors and the implementation of outdoor play activities in the curriculum {F (6, 25) = 2.552, p = .000}. Therefore the null hypothesis was rejected and the alternative hypothesis accepted that there is a significant difference in the means of the different teacher factors and the implementation of learners outdoor play activities in the curriculum. The study concluded that ECDE center parents and teachers should discuss the importance of outdoor play activities and let teachers teach them just like other activity areas in ECDE curriculum prepared by Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. The study recommended that the Quality Assurance and Standards officers should regularly visit ECDE centers and give appropriate guidance to teachers teaching in ECDE centers on importance of outdoor play activities in holistic development of children. The study suggested that A similar study to this study should be carried out in other neighboring sub-counties of Vihiga County.

Sleep Quality in Adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background: The incidence and prevalence of Inflammatory BowelDisease (IBD) in the U.S. is increasing. Because adequate sleep quality and duration play a role in the mental and physical wellbeingof children, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of sleep difficulties in our urban pediatric IBD cohort and evaluateassociations between sleep quality and disease severity. Methods: Patients completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI) questionnaire during an office visit. Chart review provided demographic information, and Pediatric Crohn’s Disease ActivityIndex (PCDAI) and Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) scores were calculated from the day of the visit. Results: The prevalence of sleep problems was 33.54% (95%CI: 26.24% to 41.48%; p-value=0.02). PUCAI scores in children with sleep problems (PSQI mean 19.17 ± 20.43) were significantlyhigher than PUCAI scores in children without sleep problems. There was no association between total PSQI scores, classification of IBD,age, gender, ethnicity, steroid use, or disease duration. Conclusion: Our IBD cohort reported a 33% prevalence ofsleep disturbance symptoms. In the small group of patients withUlcerative Colitis (UC), there was a trend toward a greater degree ofsleep disturbances and a higher PUCAI score. Further investigationinto sleep disorders among children with IBD is warranted toprovide further insight into this issue. Additional evaluation of the differences between Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis asthey relate to sleep quality as well as studies implementing objectivesleep assessments, such as polysomnography or actigraphy, arewarranted as they may offer better understanding of the relationshipbetween pediatric IBD and sleep quality.

Physical education, leisure time physical activity, and psychological distress in adolescence

Abstract Background Participation in physical education classes can positively affect mental and physical well-being in children and adolescets. The current study focused on the relationship between participation in gym and swimming classes and psychological distress symptoms in Icelandic adolescents. Methods The analysis is based on a national school-based study, conducted in Iceland every fourth year, as part of the WHO collaborative cross-national survey titled Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC). Data collection took place between November 2013 and February 2014. Students filled out an anonymous study questionnaire in the classroom. The data is based on responses from 15 year old (10. grade) students attending the final year of compulsory school (N = 3618; response rate 81%). Results Positive associations were observed between participation in curriculum-based gym and swimming classes and lower psychological distress symptoms. A closer multivariate path analysis suggested that beneficial effects of PE classes were direct, and also indirect because participation in such classes were positively related to leisure time physical activity. Conclusions The study suggests that school-based physical activity enhances psychological well-being in adolescence. The benefits may be both direct and indirect through increased leisure time physical activity. Key messages School-based physical activity enhances psychological well-being in adolescence. The benefits may be both direct and indirect through increased leisure time physical activity.

Corporal punishment of children in the home in Australia: a review of the research reveals the need for data and knowledge

AbstractA growing body of literature indicates that corporal punishment (CP) has the potential to adversely affect the mental and physical wellbeing of children in childhood as well as into adulthood. Corporal punishment of children in the home is legal in all states and territories in Australia, but not much is known about this type of family violence in the Australian context. This article presents a review of the literature currently available on the prevalence of CP of children in the home in Australia, covering online surveys, academic research, government data and grey literature. The role of online surveys is examined, and the lack of data available from government studies concerned with the wellbeing of children is also explored. There is found to be an overall lack of consistent data available on CP of children in the home in Australia, and this article calls on researchers and policymakers to further research and act on this aspect of family violence.

Asylum Seeker Children in Nauru: Australia’s International Human Rights Obligations and Operational Realities

Abstract This article examines if Australia’s policy and law regarding asylum seeker and refugee children in Nauru are consistent with its international legal obligations under the terms of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Under article 3 of the CRC, Australia is required to consider the best interests of each child within its jurisdiction. It is also bound by the CRC prohibition on arbitrary detention and obligations derived from Convention rights relating to health, education, and family matters. To assess Australia’s law and policy, the article draws on the findings of recent inquiries and reports that examine how detention and conditions at the processing centre and in the community in Nauru have impacted on the mental and physical well-being of children. The article highlights gaps in the implementation of Convention rights and draws together the findings and recommendations made in recent reports to assist in the development of suitable solutions. It concludes that Australia’s treatment of asylum seeker and refugee children violates key obligations under the CRC and that, accordingly, Australia should remove these children from Nauru and settle them in Australia.

Stunting and anemia among children 6\u201323 months old in Damot Sore district, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundStunting and anemia are long-standing public health challenges which adversely affects the cognitive development and physical wellbeing of children in low income settings. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stunting and anemia among 6–23 months old children in Damot Sore District, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsCross-sectional survey was conducted among 477 children aged 6–23 months, which were living in Damot Sore District, in April 2017. A multistage sampling technique was used. Villages were randomly selected and systematic random sampling method was used to select study participants. Data on socio-demographic, anthropometric, dietary, blood samples for hemoglobin were collected. Data were entered into EPI Data V. 3.1 and exported into SPSS Version 21.0 for analysis. A principal component analysis (PCA) was done to generate wealth score of households. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the outcome variables (stunting and anemia) separately, those variables having less than a p-value of 0.25 were chosen as candidate for multivariable analyses and finally multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify independent variables of each outcomes, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 (95% confidence interval (CI)).ResultsOut of 477 children studied, 31.7% were stunted and 52% were anemic. In the multivariable analyses, the number of under five children within a household (AOR = 4.18, 95% CI: 2.65–6.57), drinking water from unsafe source (AOR = 4.08, 95% CI: 1.33–12.54) and anemia (AOR = 3.13, 95% CI 2.00–4.92) were factors significantly associated with stunting. On the other hand, independent variables of anemia were early initiation of complementary feeding (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.23–4.85), poor dietary diversity (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.78–4.91), poor breast feeding practice (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.63–5.32) and stunting (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI: 2.15–6.19).ConclusionThis study revealed higher level of stunting and anemia among children aged 6–23 months than WHO (world health organization) criteria of public health importance. Sustainable promotion of diversified diet, optimal complementary feeding, optimal and complementary breast feeding practices, improving sanitation infrastructure are measures needed to tackle these severe public health challenges.

Child Physical Well-Being in the Context of Maternal Depression

Child Physical Well-Being in the Context of Maternal Depression

Prevalence and factors associated with depression and depression-related healthcare access in mothers of 9-month-old infants in the Republic of Ireland.

Untreated maternal depression during the postpartum period can have a profound impact on the short- and long-term psychological and physical well-being of children. There is, therefore, an imperative for increased understanding of the determinants of depression and depression-related healthcare access during this period. Respondents were 11 089 mothers of 9-month-old infants recruited to the Growing Up in Ireland study. Of this sample, 10 827 had complete data on all relevant variables. Respondents provided sociodemographic, socioeconomic and household information, and completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). 11.1% of mothers scored above the CESD threshold for depression. 10.0% of depressed mothers and 25.4% of depressed fathers had depressed partners. Among depressed mothers, 73.1% had not attended a healthcare professional for a mental health problem since the birth of the cohort infant. In the adjusted model, the likelihood of depression was highest in mothers who: had lower educational levels (odds ratio (OR) 1.26; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.08, 1.46); were unemployed (OR 1.27; 95% CIs 1.10, 1.47); reported previous mental health problems (OR 6.55; 95% CIs 5.68, 7.56); reported that the cohort child was the result of an unintended pregnancy (OR 1.43; 95% CIs 1.22, 1.68), was preterm (OR 1.35; 95% CIs 1.07, 1.70), or had health/developmental problems (OR 1.20; 95% CIs 1.04, 1.39); had no partner in the household (OR 1.33; 95% CIs 1.04, 1.70) or were living with a depressed partner (OR 2.66; 95% CIs 1.97, 3.60); reported no family living nearby (OR 1.33; 95% CIs 1.16, 1.54); were in the lowest income group (OR 1.60; 95% CIs 1.21, 2.12). The primary determinant of not seeking treatment for depression was being of non-white ethnicity (OR 2.21; 95% CIs 1.18, 4.13). Results highlight the prevalence of maternal depression in the later postpartum period, particularly for lower socioeconomic groups, those with previous mental health problems, and those with limited social support. The large proportion of unmet need in depressed mothers, particularly among ethnic minority groups, emphasises the need for a greater awareness of postpartum mental health problems and increased efforts by healthcare professionals to ensure that mothers can access the required services.

Parental responses to child experiences of trauma following presentation at emergency departments: a qualitative study

ObjectiveParents are often children's main source of support following fear-inducing traumatic events, yet little is known about how parents provide that support. The aim of this study was to examine...