Parental Characteristics Research Articles

Raising a child with cancer: Impact on parents' health-related quality of life.

Having a child with a serious illness like cancer has a detrimental and negative impact on the parents' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Many factors have been identified as being associated with poorer HRQOL. Acquiring knowledge about these factors is essential to enhancing the quality of life (QOL) of children as well as their parents. This study aims to analyze HRQOL in parents of children with cancer and to explore relationships between parent and child variables and parental quality of life. A total of 80 parents of children with cancer were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. To evaluate the parental HRQOL, the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) was used. Child age and time since diagnosis showed a positive correlation with all domains of HRQOL on Spearman's correlation. A statistically significant difference in SF-36 scores across four cancer groups was seen on the Kruskal-Wallis test. Mothers showed poorer quality of life in the physical role functioning domain as compared to fathers (U = 248, P < 0.01). The present study shows poor HRQOL for parents of children with cancer, despite learning to cope and adjust over time. Parents of children with retinoblastoma demonstrate a poorer QOL as compared to other cancer groups. The study suggests close monitoring of parents' QOL and the provision of appropriate treatment and psychosocial support for parents along with the treatment of children.

Evolution of Family Education Concepts, Policies and Legalization in China

The reform and opening up has ushered in a new era in which the concepts, policies , and legalization of family education in China have gone through a significant evolution. The concepts of family education have gone through three critical phases of change: the development period, the integration period , and the modernization period. The evolution of family education policies has been divided into three phases: gradual exploration after the reform and opening up, reform and development after the 21st century, and the recent comprehensive deepening stage. The legalization process of family education also encompasses three significant developmental phases: systematic planning, scientification and specialization, and socialization. Multiple factors, including social transformation, international cultural exchanges, and parental qualities have propelled this evolutionary process. Looking ahead, developing a more comprehensive, equitable, and modern family education system will be facilitated through guidance and support from national policies, sustained reinforcement of international exchanges and collaborations, and the enhancement of parental qualities.

How perceived parenting qualities link to the reciprocal relationship between adolescents’ self-concept and life satisfaction

Assisting adolescents in cultivating a positive self-concept and leading fulfilling lives is paramount. Supported by longitudinal data from 512 Chinese adolescents, the researchers investigated not only the reciprocal associations between two types of self-concept—academic and physical abilities—and life satisfaction but also the roles of perceived parenting qualities in impacting these dynamics. Results revealed the following: (a) academic (but not physical ability) self-concept had a reciprocal relationship with life satisfaction; (b) perceived parental warmth (rather than autonomy support), rejection, and psychological control significantly predicted self-concept and life satisfaction and have the potential to steer adolescents into a virtuous or vicious cycle in terms of evaluating themselves and their lives. Findings offer valuable insights for fostering self-concept and life satisfaction among adolescents within the framework of parenting qualities and the cultural and social milieu of adolescent growth.

Influence of Fathers Participation in Parenting on the Learning Quality of 3-6-Year-Old Children

Learning quality is related to children's future academic achievement, and it is the first step for children to enter the learning hall. 3-6 years old is the stage of rapid development of children's learning quality, and the father's participation in parenting is an important part of children's family education, and it will also have an important impact on children's learning quality. Therefore, this study explores the relationship between father's participation in parenting and children's learning quality. The purpose of this study is to summarize the development characteristics and influencing factors of 3-6 years old children's learning quality, analyze the characteristics of father's participation in education and the influence on the development of 3-6 years old children's learning quality, and put forward educational suggestions, aiming to call for more fathers to participate in early childhood education with high quality and improve the quality of early childhood learning. According to the conclusion of the study, this paper puts forward some suggestions from three aspects of father, family, and society, aiming at giving fathers effective parenting guidance and promoting the improvement of children's learning quality.

Socio-demographic factors affecting the first and second dose of measles vaccination status among under-five children: Perspectives from South Asian countries

BackgroundThe measles vaccine is crucial in preventing fatalities and reducing widespread childhood infections worldwide, yet achieving the desired immunization rates remains a challenge in developing countries. Our study aims to identify the impact of socio-demographic factors on measles vaccination among children in South Asian countries. MethodsParticipants (89513) were taken from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) datasets of South Asian countries between 2015 and 2021. Descriptive statistics and multivariable analyses were employed to find out the factors associated with measles vaccination among South Asian countries. ResultsOur study found that the first dose of vaccinated children was 51.7 % in Afghanistan which is the lowest among South Asian countries. The key determinants related to two doses of measles vaccination include parental characteristics, media access, and antenatal care (ANC). Mothers who had done baby postnatal checkups (AOR = 1.22, CI = 1.17–1.26) and made more than four ANC (AOR = 1.77, CI: 1.65–1.89) were more likely to fully immunize their child than mothers with no postnatal and antenatal checkups. ConclusionThe complete dose of measles vaccination rate in South Asia is still low compared to the first dose of measles vaccination among children. The government and stakeholders should organize frequent awareness programs through media and health personnel to inform people about routine vaccinations to eliminate measles.

Parental Characteristics and Its Association with Nutritional Status among Girls in Padang Pariaman District, West Sumatera, Indonesia

The prevalence of being underweight amongst adolescent girls has increased in Indonesia. One of the factors hat affects weight is parental characteristics. The study aimed to describe and analyze the association between parental characteristics and the nutritional status of adolescent girls. A cross sectional study was conducted to collect data characteristics of girls and their parents related to nutrition. 112 girls in MTSN 2 Padang Pariaman were respondents selected through a proportional stratified random sampling technique. The nutritional status of adolescent girls was determined through weight and height measurement; after that, it was compared with age. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire, and then the data was analyzed using a computer program. Chi-square tests were used to analyze bivariate with a significant level determined if p-value was less than 0.05. The result showed that about 50% of girls were underweight. The percentage of underweight girls was higher for girl’s whose father’s were less educated and mother’s highly educated, but itwas not statistically significant. There was an association between economic status and nutritional status (p-value&lt;0.05), and other factors tended to be associated with underweight status among adolescent girls. Health and nutrition education is needed to increase the knowledge of adolescent girls about nutritious food and nutritional status. Collaboration activities of health institutions with health education institutions could be done routinely in schools to prevent and combat malnutrition problems, specifically among adolescent girls. Keywords: Adolescent Girls; Nutritional Status; Parental characteristics

Quality of parenting and juvenile delinquency

The increase in the number of juvenile delinquents in Nigeria especially Benin Metropolis can be dangerous for the future of adolescents. One of the factors causing this as inferred in this study is parents. This study therefore aims to determine the relationship between Quality of Parenting and Juvenile Delinquency. The design of this study was descriptive. Analysis of the study was carried out using the Chi-square test. The number of samples in this study was 123 juvenile delinquents and 5 officials at the Children Correctional Center, Benin City. The study adopted the total number of population as its sample which is 123 juvenile delinquents thus no sample technique was used. While the 5 officials were purposively selected out of 7 officials. The dependent variable was juvenile delinquency. The parameters for measuring Quality of Parenting were parenting styles, parents’-child communication, family structure and parents’ socio-economic status. The two parameters were significantly related to juvenile delinquency especially parenting styles and family structure. In conclusion, there is a significant relationship between Quality of Parenting and Juvenile Delinquency.

The Relation Between Parental Characteristics, Socio-economic Status and Pregnancy Outcomes in Padang City, Indonesia

Maternal nutritional levels during pregnancy play an important role during pregnancy. Abnormal nutritional levels in the mother can influence pregnancy outcomes. The socio-economic status of parents is thought to be a strong factor in pregnancy outcomes. The pregnancy outcome is not only the mother’s responsibility, but also the father plays an important role. Therefore, the nutritional problems of pregnant women must be a shared responsibility. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of pregnant women who received dadih vla Ed supplementation in the city of Padang. This research was an observational study on 88 pregnant women in the working areas of Nanggalo, Kuranji, and Andalas Health Centers in 2022. Data was analyzed using chi-square and Fisher exacts. Access to health care was related to pregnancy outcomes, while characteristics and social economic status of parents are not directly related to pregnancy outcomes. Most children born with low birth weight and low birth length come from mothers who do not work; the mother’s education level is high, and the father’s education level is high. Socio-economic status may be a potential factor in giving birth to children with a higher birth length. This study concluded that policymakers should target the socioeconomic status of parents to improve pregnancy outcomes. Keywords: education, occupation, pregnant women, social economic

STEMMING THE TIDE OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OGUN STATE THROUGH PEER EDUCATION

Teenage pregnancy, which cuts across different states of Nigeria, is a pervasive social practice in today’s global societies. This paper investigates the contributions of peer education in curbing teenage pregnancy among secondary school students in the Edu-Agbara community, Ogun State, Nigeria. The study employed quantitative research that uses a questionnaire aimed at extracting data on the spread of teenage pregnancy, the issues surrounding it, and causes and effects on secondary school girls. This study is premised on Family Development theory as adopted for analysis and discussion on stemming the tide of teenage pregnancy. Findings revealed that on the Socioeconomic characteristics of parents’ perspectives, there are more of female parents (70%) than male parents (30%) residing in the Edu-Agbara community. Also revealed that most parents of 40% were single parents; 20% were divorcees aged between 18 – 25 years; while (and 38%) were low-income earners, with secondary school leaving certificates. It was observed that there were more female students in secondary schools like Edu-Agbara Community High School (60% females than males), Johntech School (47% females than males), NASDEC Royal Schools (63% females than males), and Graceland School (67% females than males). Hence, the paper recommends that parents and teachers should be concerned about the well-being of teenagers especially the girl child through education about sex and sexuality and the danger inherent.

Determinants of parental quality of life and resilience: a study of families with neurodevelopmentally disordered children

Objectives The current study examined the factors that influence quality of life (QoL) and resilience of parents of children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDDs) in Ghana. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, we recruited 152 parents from support groups and schools training children with NDDs in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. Participants responded to the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Wagnild & Young Resilience Scale, WHO Quality of Life Measure Abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Brief Coping Inventory used to measure psychological distress, resilience, QoL, and coping respectively. Results Using an advanced analytical approach, results revealed both direct and mediation effects of psychological variables on QoL and resilience. Moreover, a direct effect of resilience on QoL was observed. Conclusions The findings of the current study provide insight into the resilience and QoL in parents of children with NDDS and how healthcare professionals can develop tailored interventions on coping and resilient strategies to improve the QoL of parents and their children.

Early Detection of Subclinical Rheumatic Heart Disease Through Echocardiographic Screening: A Study in North Sumatra, Indonesia

Background: Given the urgent need to address the significant morbidity and mortality associated with Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) in Indonesia, there is a growing interest in exploring cost-effective screening approaches, such as handheld echocardiography. Objective: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of RHD in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Material and Methods: This descriptive observational study was conducted within the population of North Sumatra from 2022 to 2023. Junior high school students aged 12 to 15 years were included from randomly selected schools in Langkat, Tebing Tinggi, and Labuhan Batu. Data collection encompassed various parameters, including social demographic information, parental characteristics, environmental factors, household details, anthropometric measurements, physical assessments, auscultation findings, and echocardiographic data. The data were analyzed descriptively. Result: In our study, a total of 692 children were examined, with an average age of 12.9 years and a standard deviation of 1.1 years, among whom 42.5% were male. Utilizing echocardiographic evaluations, we identified RHD in four children, yielding a prevalence rate of 0.6%. Further examination of these cases revealed that the majority, accounting for three individuals (75%), exhibited borderline RHD, while one child (25%) presented with definite RHD. Conclusion: In our study population, the prevalence of RHD was 0.6%. A broader echocardiographic screening program is necessary to determine the overall prevalence of RHD, assess the disease burden, and identify individuals earlier to prevent adverse outcomes. Keyword: Echocardiography, Prevalence, Rheumatic Heart Disease, Screening.

Parent and family characteristics associated with reported pediatric influenza vaccination in a sample of Canadian digital vaccination platform users. An exploratory, cross-sectional study in the 2018-2019 influenza season

ABSTRACT Seasonal vaccination remains one of the best interventions to prevent morbidity and mortality from influenza in children. Understanding the characteristics of parents who vaccinate their children can inform communication strategies to encourage immunization. Using a cross-sectional study, we described parental characteristics of people who reported vaccinating their children against influenza during 2018/2019 in a cohort of Canadian digital immunization record users. Data was collected from a free, Pan-Canadian digital vaccination tool, CANImmunize. Eligible accounts contained at least one parental and one “child/dependent” record. Each parental characteristic (gender, age, family size, etc) was tested for association with pediatric influenza vaccination, and a multivariate logistic regression model was fit. A total of 6,801 CANImmunize accounts met inclusion criteria. After collapsing the dataset, the final sample contained 11,381 unique dyads. Influenza vaccination was reported for 32.3% of the children and 42.0% of the parents. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, parents receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine were most strongly associated with reporting pediatric influenza vaccination (OR 17.05, 95% CI 15.08, 19.28). Having a larger family size and fewer transactions during the study period was associated with not reporting pediatric influenza vaccination. While there are several limitations to this large-scale study, these results can help inform future research in the area. Digital technologies may provide a unique and valuable source of vaccine coverage data and to explore associations between individual characteristics and immunization behavior. Policy makers considering digital messaging may want to tailor their efforts based on parental characteristics to further improve pediatric seasonal influenza vaccine uptake.

Continuous nursing for infants with congenital talipes equinovarus undergoing Ponseti therapy and telehealth education for their parents via WeChat: a single center retrospective study.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of continuous nursing and telehealth education via WeChat in infants with congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) undergoing Ponseti therapy on reducing complications, care burden, and improving the quality of life for parents. This is a single-center retrospective study. From July 2021 to December 2022, 44 CTEV children who undergoing Ponseti treatment in our hospital who received continuous nursing and telehealth education via WeChat (experimental group). In addition, during January 2020 to June 2021, 44 children with CTEV treated with Ponseti in our hospital who received routine nursing and traditional health education were selected as the control group. The incidence of complications, parental care burden and parental quality of life were compared between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the demographic characteristics of patients and parents between the two groups, and the groups were comparable (p > 0.05). The incidence of complications including plaster loosens, plaster falling off, pressure ulcer was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Parents in the intervention group experienced significantly lower care burdens compared to those in the control group (p < 0.05). The quality of life of parents in the intervention group was significantly higher than that for the control group (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the incidence of complications, the care burden of parents and the quality of life of parents between the two groups. This study found that continuous nursing and telehealth education via WeChat group during Ponsetis treatment of children with CTEV can effectively reduce complications, reduce the care burden of parents and improve the quality of life of parents. This method is simple and convenient, especially worthy of application and promotion in medically underdeveloped areas.

Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Role of Guilt Sensitivity and Support.

Background/Objectives: Burden Syndrome, also known as Caregiver Syndrome, particularly affects those who serve in the role of informal caregiver in the presence of family members with conditions. The ABCX dual model examines the impact on the caregiver of the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the family. This model considers the severity of the stressor (A), the additional demands of life stress (aA), the family's internal resources (B), the family's external resources (bB), the family's assessment of the situation (C), coping strategies (cC), and outcome (X). The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationships between resilience, guilt, and burden of care in caregivers of children with ASD. Methods: Various assessment instruments were used, including the "Caregiver Burden Inventory" to measure burden, the "Brief Resilience Scale" to assess resilience, the "Guilt Sensitivity Questionnaire" to examine guilt sensitivity, and the "DA.L.I.A." to collect information on parent and child characteristics. A total of 80 parents/caregivers participated in the research, including 53 women (Age M = 41.72; SD = 7.8) and 27 men (Age M = 43.35; SD = 6.29). Results: The findings indicate that individuals' resilience to stressful events correlates negatively with burden, a developmental subtype. However, guilt seems not to play a significant role in the overall perception of burden. In contrast, it was found that the use of informal supports is associated with higher levels of guilt and emotional burden, whereas the use of formal supports is correlated with higher emotional burden, but not higher perceptions of guilt. Conclusions: This study provides important information about the support needed by caregivers and suggests how to address emotional burdens to prevent burnout and support families with children with ASD.

Conceptualizing burnout from the perspective of parents of children with complex care needs

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate how parents of children with complex care needs conceptualize burnout from the perspective of parents themselves. MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 38 parents, selected for maximal variation in parental, child, and family characteristics. Inductive thematic analysis was employed. ResultsBurnout was conceptualized as encompassing three themes: having a reoccurring long-term nature, commencing with symptoms of stress progressing into exhaustion, and ending in a survival mode wherein parents worked hard to project an image of everything being well and under control (fighting) while distancing physically and emotionally from others and themselves (fleeing). ConclusionBurnout involves specific aspects of caregiving and parenting, such as long-term responsibility for the child, which cannot be relinquished. Furthermore, burnout may also be ‘hidden’: not always showing to the outside world, which requires extra attention and vigilance among parent's informal and formal networks. Awareness of the various interpretations of the term may foster constructive communication. InnovationFocusing on parents’ individual experiences has illuminated new aspects of burnout. By purposively sampling a variety of parents of children with complex care needs, a broader understanding of the meaning of the term ‘burnout’ from the perspective of parents was achieved.

Inequality in educational opportunity in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study provides lower-bound estimates of inequality in educational opportunity from 2020 to 2021—during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. We also analyze the relationship between school- and local-specific characteristics and inequality in educational opportunity. Using school dropout status as a student’s outcome, our study reveals that children’s and parental characteristics were the most relevant circumstances at the primary level. However, at the secondary level, access to computers and the internet were more important circumstances contributing to inequality in educational opportunity. The estimated inequality in educational opportunity in 2021 is slightly higher than that in 2020, indicating an increase in inequality from circumstances beyond children’s control. School quality and local social and economic factors could be potential drivers to improve equality in educational opportunity in Thailand.

Childhood executive control and adolescent substance use: Mediation via parent–child relationship quality

AbstractObjectiveThe goal of the current study was to test prospective direct and indirect associations between preschool executive control (EC), parental affective quality and harsh discipline, and adolescent substance use (e‐cigarettes, cannabis, and alcohol) while accounting for participants' age, sex, family history of substance use, and family socioeconomic status.MethodParticipants were 313 youth (49% boys; 70.9% European American) and their parents who participated in a longitudinal cohort‐sequential study on the development of EC in preschool and its associations with subsequent health outcomes. Substance use initiation and frequency (e‐cigarettes, cannabis, and alcohol) were obtained via phone surveys from youth who participated in adolescent assessments. Parental affective quality and harsh discipline were obtained from parental questionnaires in adolescence.ResultsThe direct effects from preschool EC on adolescent substance use were statistically nonsignificant for e‐cigarettes, cannabis, and alcohol. Mediation analyses revealed a statistically significant indirect effect from preschool EC to adolescent use of e‐cigarettes through harsh discipline (b = −0.07 [95% CI = −0.18; −0.01]; β = −0.04). The associations between preschool EC and any of the substance use outcomes in adolescence through parental affective quality were nonsignificant.ConclusionsThis study fills significant gaps in the emerging literature on longitudinal contributions of child characteristics to parenting behaviors, suggesting that early EC deficiencies may elicit more harsh discipline during adolescence, ultimately leading to higher adolescent engagement in e‐cigarette use.

Children’s Information-Related Internet Use at Home: The Role of the Quantity and Quality of Parental Support and Children’s Motivation

ABSTRACT Children’s information-related internet use positively affects their acquisition of computer- and information-related skills. Nevertheless, this use still occurs predominantly in the family context. Parents’ support of their children’s internet use can motivate them to use the internet for information-related purposes. However, while parents’ support seems to be important, the quantity and quality of parental support have been shown to have different associations with children’s motivation. Thus, the goal of the current study was to examine the relationship between parents’ support (quantity and quality), children’s motivation to engage in information-related internet use, and children’s actual information-related internet use (practical and school- or learning-related use) using structural equation modeling. In addition, we examined the mediating effects of children’s motivation. Specifically, 492 12-year-old German children answered a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. We found positive associations between the quantity and quality of parents’ support and children’s intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, while only structure-giving support was found to be related to children’s intrinsic motivation. The quantity of support was directly related to children’s school- or learning-related use, while intrinsic motivation was associated with both forms of information-related internet use. Furthermore, we confirmed that children’s motivation is an important mediator in this context. The implications of these findings for parents and children are considered.

Cyclized Polyacrylonitrile Supported Single Atom Metal Catalyst for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants

Although metal single atom catalysts (SAC) have been demonstrated to be effective in heterogeneous catalysis, establishing a scalable and cost-effective SAC support system remains an important challenge. Here, innovative ways to create materials that are entirely distinct from their parent characteristics for wastewater treatment and environmental challenges are proposed. Series of different molar ratio of Ag (0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04 wt%) were assigned to prepare Ag@CPAN composite and observe its impact application on photocatalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) assisted by peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under visible light irradiation. The morphology and composition of the synthesized Ag@CPAN was characterized using a range of techniques. Several parameters were investigated that could influence degradation efficiency, including PMS concentration, solution pH, catalyst dosage, and initial 4-NP concentration. Under visible light irradiation, Ag@CPAN shows excellent photocatalytic performance of 4-NP, methylene blue, methyl red and RhB degradation. Ag@CPAN elucidates excellent catalytic performance while maintaining high stability up to 6 successive cycles and this backwards to synergistically effect between CPAN and Ag. Furthermore, provides an easy way to prepare a variety of SAC, and it is easily scalable with significant potential in catalytic applications.

Children and families with chronic pediatric acquired brain injury in need of rehabilitation: characteristics and main challenges in daily life

Purpose To increase our understanding of child and parent characteristics, family functioning and main challenges in daily life in children and families in need of rehabilitation in the chronic phase of pediatric acquired brain injury (pABI). Methods Fifty-eight children (aged 6–16, 48% girls) were included at least one year post ABI. Demographics and questionnaire data regarding children’s symptom burden, parents’ emotional symptoms and family functioning were collected. Children and parents named their main pABI-related challenges in daily life, and these were categorized in accordance with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Results Parents’ emotional symptom loads were high; 22.3% had moderate, moderate-severe or severe depression symptoms while the equivalent number for anxiety symptoms was 17.9%. Problematic family functioning was reported by 32.1% of parents. When asked about their main pABI-related challenges in daily life, 69% of children named school. The most frequent ICF chapters for children and parents were school education, energy and drive functions (mainly fatigue), and emotional functions. Codes spanned across all ICF-domains. Conclusions Rehabilitation for pABI should have a broad, interdisciplinary, and family-centered approach, with school, fatigue, and emotional functioning of parents and children as potential core elements.