Sample Of Australian Children Research Articles

Child‐ and family‐level factors associated with toothbrushing frequency in a sample of Australian children

Identifying the factors that are conducive to good toothbrushing practices is fundamental for planning oral health promotion interventions. This study evaluated the relationships between child and family socio-demographic characteristics; children's behaviour during toothbrushing; family support for toothbrushing; parents' practices, attitudes and knowledge related to toothbrushing; general parenting practices; and children's behavioural problems, and children's toothbrushing frequency. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and May 2020 with parents of children aged 2-8years, recruited through childcare centres throughout Australia. Parents completed self-administered surveys on child and family characteristics. A total of 606 parents completed the survey. Only half (52.5%) of the children of surveyed parents brushed their teeth twice or more/day. Children of university-educated parents [odds ratio (OR): 6.48; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.21-34.71] and those concerned about their child's toothbrushing (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.21-1.72) were more likely to brush twice or more/day. Where children were non-compliant during toothbrushing or parents reported using ineffective parenting strategies during toothbrushing, children were less likely to brush their teeth twice or more/day. Lack of concern of parent about toothbrushing was associated with brushing less than twice/day in children CONCLUSIONS: Measures of parenting and child behaviour that were specific to the toothbrushing context were associated with twice daily brushing while general measures of parenting and child behaviour were not correlated with twice daily brushing.

The prevalence and burden of recurrent headache in Australian adolescents: findings from the longitudinal study of Australian children

BackgroundHeadache disorders are highly prevalent worldwide, but not well investigated in adolescents. Few studies have included representative nationwide samples. This study aimed to present the prevalence and burden of recurrent headache in Australian adolescents.MethodsThe prevalence of recurrent headache, headache characteristics (severity and frequency) and burden on health-related quality of life in Australian children aged 10–17 years were presented, using nationally representative data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian children (LSAC). The LSAC, commencing in 2004, collects data every 2 years from a sample of Australian children of two different age cohorts: B ‘baby’ cohort, aged 0–1 years and K ‘kindergarten’ cohort, aged 4–5 years at the commencement of the study. Face-to-face interviews and self-complete questionnaires have been conducted with the study child and parents of the study child (carer-reported data) at each data collection wave, with seven waves of data available at the time of the current study. Wave 7 of the LSAC was conducted in 2016, with B cohort children aged 12–13 years and K cohort children aged 16–17 years. For the current study, data were accessed for four out of seven waves of available data (Wave 4–7) and presented cross-sectionally for the two cohorts of Australian children, for the included age groups (10–11 years, 12–13 years, 14–15 years and 16–17 years). All available carer-reported questionnaire data pertaining to headache prevalence, severity and frequency, general health and health-related quality of life, for the two cohorts, were included in the study, and presented for male and female adolescents. Carer-reported general health status of the study child and health-related quality of life scores, using the parent proxy-report of the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0, were compared for male and female adolescents with recurrent headache and compared with a healthy group. Finally, health-related quality of life scores were compared based on headache frequency and severity.ResultsThe LSAC study initially recruited 10,090 Australian children (B cohort n = 5107, K cohort n = 4983), and 64.1% of the initial sample responded at wave 7. Attrition rates across the included waves ranged from 26.3% to 33.8% (wave 6 and 7) for the B cohort, and 16.3% to 38.0% (wave 4–7) for the K cohort. Recurrent headache was more common in females, increasing from 6.6% in 10–11 years old females to 13.2% in 16–17 years old females. The prevalence of headache in males ranged from 4.3% to 6.4% across the age groups. Health-related quality of life scores were lower for all functional domains in adolescents with recurrent headache, for both sexes. Headache frequency, but not severity, was significantly associated with lower health-related quality of life scores, in both males and females.ConclusionsRecurrent headache was common among Australian adolescents and increased in prevalence for females, across the age groups. Frequent recurrent headache is burdensome for both male and female adolescents. This study provides information regarding the prevalence and burden of recurrent headache in the adolescent population based on findings from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.

Confirmatory factor analyses of the Behavior Assessment System for Children – Third Edition among an Australian sample

ABSTRACT Objective: The Behaviour Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3) is a rating scale for screening emotional and behavioural disorders in children and adolescents commonly utilised in Australia but relies on a US normative sample. This study assessed the cross-cultural validity of the BASC-3 by evaluating the original factor structures of the BASC-3 Teacher Rating Scale Children (TRS-C) and Parent Rating Scale Children (PRS-C) with a clinical sample of Australian children. This study hypothesised that the factor structure of the BASC-3 TRS-C and PRS-C would yield acceptable or good fit indices among the Australian sample. Method: Analyses were conducted on parent and teacher ratings of 716 children (298 children for the TRS-C and 418 children for the PRS-C) with a mean age of 8.63 (SD = 1.54) from a psychology training clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Single-factor congeneric modelling and second-order confirmatory factor analyses examined how well the TRS-C and PRS-C factor structure fit the Australian data. Results: Good and acceptable model fit and significant factor loadings were found in the single-factor congeneric modelling and second-order factor modelling. Conclusions: The results provide supporting evidence of the cross-cultural validity of the BASC-3 TRS-C and PRS-C among Australian children presenting with clinical challenges. Key Points What is already known about this topic: (1) Emotional and behavioural disorders (EBD) are associated with a range of negative school and life outcomes. (2) The Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3) is a highly utilised screening tool for emotional and behavioural challenges in children and adolescents. (3) Existing literature suggests that there is a lack of research on the generalisability of the BASC-3 in other societies and cultures. What this topic add: (1) The current research demonstrates the validity of the BASC-3 Teacher Rating Scale Children (TRS-C) and Parent Rating Scale Children (PRS-C) with a clinical sample of Australian children. (2) The current research provided support for the utility of both the TRS-C and PRS-C as screening tools for EBD among Australian children presenting with clinical challenges. (3) Future research is required to demonstrate the validity of the BASC-3 in non-clinical sample of Australian children.

Hand Function in 8- to 12-Year-Old Children with Bilateral Cerebral Palsy and Interpretability of the Both Hands Assessment

Aim To describe bimanual performance in a sample of Australian children with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP) and, examine the qualitative meaning (or interpretability) of scores on the Both Hands Assessment (BoHA). Methods Children with bilateral CP aged 8–12 years (n = 54) classified Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) level I = 20, II = 18, III = 16 were examined using the BoHA. Results Bimanual performance was significantly different across MACS levels I-III (p < 0.001). Mean (95%CI) BoHA-unit for each MACS level were I = 85 (81–89), II = 72 (68–76) and III = 53 (49–56). Children with asymmetrical hand use (≥ 20% difference between upper limbs, n = 10) were classified MACS levels II and III and had a mean (95%CI) BoHA-unit of 56 (51–62). Children with symmetrical hand use were classified in MACS level I-III and had a mean (95%CI) BoHA-unit of 74 (70–79). Conclusions The BoHA quantified observations of bimanual performance for children with bilateral CP, differentiated between MACS levels I-III and provided clinically meaningful information. The BoHA may facilitate tailoring of upper limb intervention. Future research is recommended to examine inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and responsiveness of the BoHA, as well as longitudinal studies of bimanual hand skill development in children with bilateral CP.

Urinary sodium is positively associated with urinary free cortisol and total cortisol metabolites in a cross-sectional sample of Australian schoolchildren aged 5-12 years and their mothers.

High Na intake and chronically elevated cortisol levels are independently associated with the development of chronic diseases. In adults, high Na intake is associated with high levels of urinary cortisol. We aimed to determine the association between urinary Na and K and urinary cortisol in a cross-sectional sample of Australian schoolchildren and their mothers. Participants were a sample of Australian children (n 120) and their mothers (n 100) recruited through primary schools. We assessed Na, K, free cortisol and cortisol metabolites in one 24 h urine collection. Associations between 24 h urinary electrolytes and 24 h urinary cortisol were assessed using multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models. In children, urinary Na was positively associated with urinary free cortisol (β=0·31, 95 % CI 0·19, 0·44) and urinary cortisol metabolites (β=0·006, 95 % CI 0·002, 0·010). Positive associations were also observed between urinary K and urinary free cortisol (β=0·65, 95 % CI 0·23, 1·07) and urinary cortisol metabolites (β=0·02, 95 % CI 0·03, 0·031). In mothers, urinary Na was positively associated with urinary free cortisol (β=0·23, 95 % CI 0·01, 0·50) and urinary cortisol metabolites (β=0·008, 95 % CI 0·0007, 0·016). Our findings show that daily Na and K intake were positively associated with cortisol production in children and their mothers. Investigation of the mechanisms involved and the potential impact of Na reduction on cortisol levels in these populations is warranted.

Assessing the Quality of the Management of Tonsillitis among Australian Children: A Population-Based Sample Survey.

The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to design and validate a set of clinical indicators of appropriate care for tonsillitis and (2) to measure the level of tonsillitis care that is in line with guideline recommendations in a sample of Australian children. A set of tonsillitis care indicators was developed from available national and international guidelines and validated in 4 stages. This research used the same design as the CareTrack Kids study, which was described in detail elsewhere. Samples of patient records from general practices, emergency departments, and hospital admissions were assessed. Patient records of children aged 0 to 15 years were assessed for the presence of, and adherence to, the indicators for care delivered in 2012 and 2013. Eleven indicators were developed. The records of 821 children (mean age, 5.0 years; SD, 4.0) with tonsillitis were screened. The reviewers conducted 2354 eligible indicator assessments across 1127 visits. Adherence to 6 indicators could be assessed and ranged from 14.3% to 73.2% (interquartile range 31.5% to 72.2%). Our main findings are consistent with the international literature: the treatment of many children who present with confirmed or suspected tonsillitis is inconsistent with current guidelines. Future research should consider how the indicators could be applied in a structured and automated manner to increase the reliability and efficiency of record reviews and help raise clinicians' awareness of appropriate tonsillitis management.

A holistic measurement model of movement competency in children

Different countries have different methods for assessing movement competence in children; however, it is unclear whether the test batteries that are used measure the same aspects of movement competence. The aim of this paper was to (1) investigate whether the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2) and Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder (KTK) measure the same aspects of children’s movement competence and (2) examine the factorial structure of the TGMD-2 and KTK in a sample of Australian children. A total of 158 children participated (M age = 9.5; SD = 2.2). First, confirmatory factor analysis examined the independent factorial structure of the KTK and TGMD-2. Second, it was investigated whether locomotor, object control and body coordination loaded on the latent variable Movement Competency. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an adequate fit for both the KTK and TGMD-2. An adequate fit was also achieved for the final model. In this model, locomotor (r = .86), object control (r = .71) and body coordination (r = .52) loaded on movement competence. Findings support our hypothesis that the TGMD-2 and KTK measure discrete aspects of movement competence. Future researchers and practitioners should consider using a wider range of test batteries to assess movement competence.

Socio-ecological predictors of participation and dropout in organised sports during childhood

The purpose of this study was to explore the socio-ecological determinants of participation and dropout in organised sports in a nationally-representative sample of Australian children. Data were drawn from Waves 3 and 4 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. In total, 4042 children aged 8.25 (SD = 0.44) years at baseline were included, with 24-months between Waves. Socio-ecological predictors were reported by parents and teachers, while cognitive and health measures were assessed by trained professionals. All predictors were assessed at age 8, and used to predict participation and dropout by age 10. Seven variables at age 8 were shown to positively predict participation in organised sports at age 10. These included: sex (boy); fewer people in household; higher household income; main language spoken at home (English); higher parental education; child taken to a sporting event; and, access to a specialist PE teacher during primary school. Four variables predicted dropout from organised sports by age 10: lower household income; main language spoken at home (non-English); lower parental education; and, child not taken to a sporting event. The interplay between child sex, socioeconomic indicators, and parental support is important in predicting children’s participation in organised sports. Multilevel and multicomponent interventions to promote participation and prevent dropout should be underpinned by the Socio-Ecological Model and targeted to high risk populations using multiple levels of risk.

Patterns of health behaviours predict obesity in Australian children

The study aims to examine whether patterns of health behaviours (based on sleep duration, physical activity, screen time and diet) were associated with obesity in Australian children. This paper included 1833 children aged 6-7 years (51.6% male) recruited in 2006 as part of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Latent class analysis was performed to identify the presence of distinct behavioural profiles on the basis of sleep duration, physical activity, screen time and eating habits. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association between the behavioural profiles and obesity assessed at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Three behavioural profiles, healthy (27.7%), sedentary (24.8%) and short sleepers/unhealthy eaters (47.5%), were identified. Compared with the healthy profile, the sedentary profile (odds ratio = 1.59, 95% confidence interval (1.06-2.38)) and short sleepers/unhealthy eaters (odds ratio = 1.47 (1.03-2.13)) had elevated odds of obesity at 2-year follow-up. The present study identified distinct profiles of health behaviours in this sample of Australian children. These findings add to existing findings that many health behaviours co-occur and that obesity interventions should target patterns of behaviours in children.

Dairy Consumption and Diet Quality in a Sample of Australian Children

Objective: To examine the association between intake of dairy products and indicators of diet quality among a sample of Australian children.Methods: Three 24-hour recalls were collected from 222 children aged 8–10 years living in western Sydney. Analysis of covariance was used to examine differences in mean intakes of foods and nutrients among 3 dairy consumption groups (<1 serve, 1–2 serves, ≥2 serves per day). The percentage of children meeting healthy eating guidelines for foods and estimated average requirements (EAR) for nutrients was also assessed.Results: Higher dairy consumption was associated with higher intakes of energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin A, riboflavin, and niacin as well as foods from the bread and cereal group but lower intakes of mono- and polyunsaturated fats, foods from the meat and alternatives group, and energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. Children who consumed ≥2 serves of dairy products per day (38%) were more likely to meet food and nutrient recommendations. Body mass index z-score and waist circumference were not associated with dairy consumption. Milk intake was inversely associated with the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, and children who did not meet their minimum dairy serve recommendations consumed higher quantities of sugar-sweetened beverages than milk.Conclusions: Adequate dairy consumption was associated with diets of higher nutritional quality but also higher intakes of energy, suggesting a potential benefit from shifting consumption from regular-fat to reduced-fat dairy products in line with current national recommendations.

Longitudinal examination of the family food environment and weight status among children

To examine whether aspects of the family food environment were associated with body mass index (BMI) z-score and weight status in children, cross-sectionally and prospectively over 3 years. Four aspects of the family food environment (breakfast eating patterns, food consumption while watching television, parental provision of energy-dense foods and child consumption of energy-dense food at home and away from home) were assessed with a questionnaire completed by parents of 161 children aged 5-6 years and 132 children aged 10-12 years in Melbourne, Australia in 2002/03. In 2002/03 and 2006, children's BMI z-score and weight status (non-overweight or overweight) was calculated from measured height and weight. At baseline, 19% of younger and 21% of older children were overweight. Three years later, a greater proportion of younger (now aged 8-9 years) compared with older (aged 13-15 years) children were classified as overweight (28% versus 18%). Few of the family food environment variables were associated with children's BMI z-score and weight status cross-sectionally and longitudinally. However, among older children, more frequent dinner consumption while watching television was associated with a higher BMI z-score longitudinally (B=0.3, 95% CI=0.0, 0.6), less frequent breakfast consumption was associated with higher odds of overweight longitudinally (OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.1-4.7), and more frequent fast food consumption at home was associated with higher odds of overweight cross-sectionally (OR=3.1, 95% CI=1.4-7.0). This study found few significant associations between aspects of the family food environment and BMI z-score or weight status in a sample of Australian children.

An Investigation of Porphyrinuria in Australian Children with Autism

Two recent studies, from France (Nataf et al., 2006) and the United States (Geier & Geier, 2007), identified atypical urinary porphyrin profiles in children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These profiles serve as an indirect measure of environmental toxicity generally, and mercury (Hg) toxicity specifically, with the latter being a variable proposed as a causal mechanism of ASD (Bernard et al., 2001; Mutter et al., 2005). To examine whether this phenomenon occurred in a sample of Australian children with ASD, an analysis of urinary porphyrin profiles was conducted. A consistent trend in abnormal porphyrin levels was evidenced when data was compared with those previously reported in the literature. The results are suggestive of environmental toxic exposure impairing heme synthesis. Three independent studies from three continents have now demonstrated that porphyrinuria is concomitant with ASD, and that Hg may be a likely xenobiotic to produce porphyrin profiles of this nature.

For Their Own Good

This article arose from the author's experiences as a researcher exploring children's reactions to their parents' separation. Between 1999 and 2004, the author undertook to find out what a sample of Australian children thought of their abilities to participate in decisions that directly affected them following family breakdown. Before beginning the project, the author was required to obtain ethical approval from the university to which he was attached at that time. He also talked with a number of service providers in Adelaide, where he was based, to request that he receive referrals from them once the research was under way. This article describes the difficulties the author experienced in obtaining ethical approval and subsequently in recruiting children for the research. The article reflects on these difficulties and presents a rationale for considering the participation of children in research about them.

Test Note: Reliability of the Fear Survey Schedule for Children – Revised

ABSTRACTThe reliability of the Fear Survey Schedule for Children - Revised was examined for a sample of Australian children (N=79). All subjects were individually assessed on two occasions (2 week interval). Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were found to be satisfactory. These findings are consistent with previous research on the instrument using American children (Ollendick, 1983).

A cross-cultural comparison of item analysis data on the revised ITPA

Abstract Item difficulty levels were determined for seven of the subtests of the revised ITPA using a preliminary normative sample of Australian children. It was clear from the results that uneven grading of difficulty levels led to problems of premature application of ceilings on some subtests. Similar analyses then were carried out on the original North American standardisation data, thus allowing direct comparisons of facility indices. The results highlighted a number of cross-cultural differences in item difficulty levels, thus emphasizing the need for considerable caution when using the revised ITPA in Australia.

A Cross-Cultural Study of Classificatory Ability in Australia

An assessment was made of the development of logical thinking of four samples of Australian children. Two of these were samples of full-blood Australian Aboriginal children, one sample living in an isolated, rural, mainly Aboriginal community, and the other sample living in much closer contact with Europeans and their technology. The two samples of European children were identified as high-and low-socioeconomic. The measure of logical thinking was a battery of classificatory tests based on tests developed by Inhelder and Piaget. Marked differences in performance were found between the two European and the two Aboriginal groups, especially on a test of multiple classification. A small sub-sample of very high-contact Aboriginals performed at least as well as white Australian children living in a similar environment. Environmental differences between the four populations sampled were considered to have been a major influence in the performance differences found.