Parental Status Research Articles

Determinants of Child Abuse in Arusha Region

Although there are enormous efforts towards alleviation of child abuse worldwide, it still persists. It is estimated that between 500 million and 1.5 billion children worldwide bear some form of violence annually. That being the case, this study conducted research to find out the determinants of Child Abuse in Arusha. The research employed a descriptive research design. The sample size was 100 children. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions were employed as data collection tools. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was used to interpret the data, and inferential statistics was used to analyse the data. The study established that the age of the respondent, employment status of parent or guardian, income per month of parent or guardian, age of parent or guardian, and drugs and alcohol abuse by parent or guardian were individually useful in the prediction of Y (Experienced child abuse) which is the dependent variable. It is concluded that the risks of experiencing child abuse increase in the communities as a result of financial dependence, employment status, economic status, age at marriage, and parent or guardian tendency to substance abuse

Association of Social, Paternal and Maternal Factors with Intellectual Disability : A Case Control Study

Background: Pakistan has a high number of intellectually disabled people, who cannot learn and function at expected levels. The scarce research done here shows consanguinity, malnutrition, low socio-economic status, and maternal illiteracy to be risk factors. Objectives: To identify risk factors for Intellectual Disability in Pakistani children and to recommend preventive measures for parents and policymakers. Methods: This was a case-control study conducted in Lahore, Pakistan from February to May 2022. The total sample size was 378 with 126 cases and 252 controls (ratio 1:2), aged 2-19 years. Parents were interviewed and data was entered into a structured questionnaire. Data was entered in SPSS 26 and analyzed. Results: Significant differences between cases and controls were observed for consanguinity (p=0.001), educational level (p=0.001), socioeconomic status of parents (p=0.001), and for paternal genetic and neurological factors (p=0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a history of consanguinity (p=0.001) and low maternal education (p=0.001) had a significant effect on ID. Low socioeconomic status showed no significant association with ID, nor did breastfeeding. Adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) showed that the risk of developing ID increases by a factor of 7.8 and 4.1 respectively for history of consanguinity and low maternal education. Conclusions: Consanguinity emerged as a major risk factor for intellectual disability. This should be discouraged by pre-marital counseling and health education.

Are We Closer to Regional Consensus on Promoting Food Literacy and Integrating Nutrition Education in Arabic Schools?

Food literacy is achieving attention worldwide and gaining traction in Arab countries. Strengthening food and nutrition literacy among Arab teenagers are important promising and empowering tools, which can protect them from malnutrition. This study aims to evaluate the nutrition literacy status of adolescents along with that of their parents in 10 Arab countries. This cross-sectional study involving a convenient sample of 5401 adolescent-parent dyads was launched between 29 April and 6 June 2022 in 10 Arab nations. The Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Scale (ANLS) and the Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ) were used to meet the study aims. More than one-quarter (28%) of adolescents had poor nutrition literacy, with 60% of their parents being food illiterate. The top three countries with nutritionally less literate adolescents were Qatar (44%), Lebanon (37.4%), and Saudi Arabia (34.9%). Adolescents’ age, gender, education level, primary caregivers, employment status, and the inclusion of nutrition education in the schools’ curriculum predicted the nutrition literacy levels of Arab adolescents. Besides, parental weight status, health status, parent’s food literacy level, and the number of children per household were significant determinants too. Nutrition literacy inadequacy among Arab adolescents is a prioritized challenge to be tackled to achieve the sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) mainly SDG2 and SDG4.

Social support during pregnancy and the risk of postpartum depression in Polish women: A prospective study

Social support has been proposed as an important determinant of women's physical and emotional well-being during pregnancy and after childbirth. Our study aimed to examine the association between the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) and perceived social support during pregnancy. A web-based prospective study survey was conducted among Polish women. The level of social support was measured with the Berlin Social Support Scales during pregnancy. Four weeks after the birth the risk of PPD was assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Data from 932 mothers aged 19–43 (mean 30.95; SD 3.83) were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. Higher perceived available support (emotional and instrumental), currently received support (emotional, instrumental and informational), satisfaction with the support, and sum of score were all associated with lower risk of PPD, after controlling for selected covariates (woman's age, socioeconomic status, parity status, place of residency, education, child's Apgar score, type of delivery, complications during birth, kin assisting the labor, breastfeeding). Our results suggest that the more social support the pregnant woman receives, the lower is her risk of PPD. Since humans evolved as cooperative breeders, they are inherently reliant on social support to raise children and such allomaternal help could improve maternal well-being.

Does Parental Mental Health Moderate the Association between Parenting Stress and Child Externalizing Behaviors Among Autistic Children?

Parents of autistic children experience significant parenting stress, which is prospectively associated with increases in child externalizing behaviors. However, family factors that place specific families at risk for experiencing the negative impacts of parenting stress on child externalizing behaviors have not been identified. The present study examined whether parental mental health moderates the association between parenting stress and child externalizing behaviors. Parents of 501 autistic children (Mage=5.16yrs) completed the Parenting Stress Index and Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory. Parents reported whether they had ever been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Parenting stress, parental internalizing diagnosis, and parental externalizing diagnosis all independently predicted child externalizing behavior. However, parenting stress did not interact with any category of parental mental health diagnoses to predict child externalizing. Results implicate high levels of parenting stress as a risk factor for increased child behavior problems among autistic children across parental mental health statuses. Interventions aimed at reducing parenting stress may improve parent outcomes and prevent the development of child externalizing behaviors among families of autistic children.

Long-term recreational exercise patterns in adolescents and young adults: Trajectory predictors and associations with health, mental-health, and educational outcomes.

Individual and societal factors influencing the formation of long-term recreational exercise habits during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood are not well explored. Using data from the Longitudinal Survey of Australian Youth (LSAY), a population-representative cohort study of Young People followed from age 15 to 25, we aimed to (1) model longitudinal recreational exercise trajectories from age 16 to 24, (2) examine predictors at age 15 of entering these trajectories, and (3) explore the association between the trajectories and health, mental health and educational achievement outcomes measured at the final study wave (age 25). Self-reported recreational exercise frequency data from 9353 LSAY participants were analysed using group-based trajectory modelling. We modelled the evolution of two patterns of recreational exercise behaviour: daily exercise, as per public health guidelines (Model 1); and at least once weekly exercise (Model 2). Model 1 trajectories were guideline-adherent exercisers (17.9% of the sample), never guideline exercisers (27.5%), guideline drop-outs (15.2%) and towards guideline (39.4%); Model 2 trajectories were weekly exercise (69.5% of the sample), decreasing (17.4%), increasing (4.8%), and infrequent (8.3%). For both models, at age 15, trajectory membership was predicted by gender, self-efficacy, time spent participating in sport, time spent watching TV, parental socioeconomic status, and academic literacy. At age 25, people in the guideline-adherent exerciser trajectory (model 1) reported better general health relative to other trajectories, Those in the weekly exerciser trajectory (model 2) had better general health and reduced rates of psychological distress, were happier with life and were more optimistic for the future relative to participants in less than weekly trajectory groups. Exercise-promoting interventions for Young People should specifically address the needs of females, people with low self-efficacy, reluctant exercisers, higher academic achievers, and those experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.

Racial/ethnic disparities in sleep health among adolescents in South Korea: The role of substance use behaviours.

To examine the relationship between racial/ethnic disparities and substance use behaviours (alcohol and tobacco use) and their impact on the sleep health of South Korean adolescents. Secondary analysis of cross-sectional study data from the 2021 Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web-based Survey dataset. Given that Korean society has historically linked its racial/ethnic identity to a shared bloodline, we categorized 2644 adolescents from the Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web-based Survey based on their racial/ethnic status, determined by their parents' birthplaces. Using multiple linear regression, we investigated whether the impact of racial/ethnic disparities on sleep health (sleep duration, debt, and timing) varies depending on substance use behaviours (alcohol and tobacco use) after controlling for age, sex, household economic status, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, perceived excessive stress, and anxiety level. Despite no statistical differences in sleep health and the prevalence of substance use between racial/ethnic groups, racial/ethnic minority adolescents experienced greater sleep debt than racial/ethnic majority adolescents when consuming alcohol. Moreover, racial/ethnic minority adolescents were more likely to report psychosocial distress and had lower parental education level. Racial/ethnic minority adolescents were more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of alcohol use on sleep health compared to racial/ethnic majority adolescents. This heightened vulnerability may be attributed to the more pronounced psychosocial challenges and the lower socioeconomic status of parents in the racial/ethnic minority group. Racial/ethnic disparities are concerning in South Korea, particularly since the negative effects of substance use on sleep health are intensified among racial/ethnic minority adolescents. Nurses and other healthcare providers should recognize the importance of addressing the social disadvantages linked to racial/ethnic disparities. Beyond just advocating for the cessation of substance use, it is crucial to address these underlying issues to reduce sleep disparities among South Korean adolescents. No patient or public contribution.

The Correlation Between Knowledge of Local Food Utilization and Clean, Healthy Living Behavior with Nutritional Status of Toddlers

Background: Nutritional status issues in toddlers are caused by insufficient food intake and diseases. The most important primary prevention effort involve various human activities and behaviors, including meeting nutritional needs and implementing the Clean Healthy Living Behavior program. Method: This study employed a quantitative approach with a Cross-sectional research design. The sample consisted of 74 mothers of toddlers aged 6-59 months in Panembangan Village, Cilongok District, Banyuma Regency, selected using the Sampling Fraction Per Cluster technique. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test. Results: The study found that the most dominant level of education was junior hight school (39,2%), and most mother were housewives (87,8%). Most parents in Panembangan Village had good knowladge of local food utilization (70,3%), and there was a significant correlation between parental knowladge and nutritional status, with Continuity Correction of 0.037. In terms of Clean, Healthy Living Behavior (CHLB), most respondents in Panembangan Village exhibited good behavior (94,6%), and there was a significant relationship between CHLB and the nutritional status of toddlers, with a Fisher’s Exact Test of 0,046. Conclusion: There is a correlation between knowledge of local food utilization and clean, healthy living behavior with nutritional status of toddlers.

Deliberate self-harm among pediatric psychiatric inpatients in China: A single-center retrospective study.

For children and adolescents, deliberate self-harm (DSH) is becoming a mental health problem of concern. Despite several studies on the prevalence and factors of DSH in the world, there is little information on DSH among children and adolescents in China. This study explores the prevalence, types, associated risk factors and tendency of DSH in pediatric psychiatric inpatients in China. To understand the situation of DSH among hospitalized children and adolescents and its related factors. In this study, we retrospectively studied 1414 hospitalized children and adolescents with mental illness at Xiamen Mental Health Center from 2014 to 2019, extracted the demographic and clinical data of all patients, and analyzed clinical risk factors of DSH. A total of 239 (16.90%) patients engaged in at least one type of DSH in our study. Cutting (n = 115, 48.12%) was the most common type of DSH. Females (n = 171, 71.55%) were more likely to engage in DSH than males (n = 68, 28.45%). DSH was positively associated with depressive disorders [OR = 3.845 (2.196-6.732); P < 0.01], female [OR = 2.536 (1.815-3.542); P < 0.01], parental marital status [OR = 5.387 (2.254-12.875); P < 0.01] and negative family history of psychiatric illness [OR = 7.767 (2.952-20.433); P < 0.01], but not with occupation, substance use and history of physical abuse. Our findings suggest that for patients with depression, females, an abnormal marriage of parents, and no history of mental illness, attention should be paid to the occurrence of DSH.

Abstract P445: Associations of Homeownership and Overcrowding Conditions With Cardiovascular Health Among Diverse U.S. Children and Adults

Background: We hypothesized that children and adults living in rented and overcrowded houses have lower cardiovascular health (CVH), as measured by Life Essential 8 (LE8), a powerful predictor of CVD. We evaluated if this association varied by race/ethnicity. Methods: This cross-sectional study used pooled data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2018 (NHANES). LE8 scores (range 0-100) were estimated following age-specific criteria with all metrics available for each age group. Overcrowding was defined as two or more persons per room, per Census Bureau’s criteria. Multivariable linear regressions estimated the association of overcrowding and homeownership (v. rental status) with CVH, for children (aged 2-19) and adults separately. Racial/ethnic differences were examined using interaction terms. Weighted models adjusted for the complex survey design and the following covariates: age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, country of birth, and self or parental education and marital status. Results: Homeownership was associated with a 1-point higher CVH among children ( p =0.02), except for Black children, who had higher CVH when they lived in rented homes (86.51 for renters vs. 85.46 for homeowners). Among adults, homeownership was associated with 2.4 points higher CVH (p=0.008). An interaction showed that for Black and Latinx adults, homeownership was associated with lower CVH than renters (MD=-3.30, p= 0.004 for Black and -2.91, p = 0.006 for Latinx). Overcrowding was not associated with child CVH ( p =0.57). Among adults, and interaction showed that living in overcrowded houses was associated with lower CVH for Black (MD= -2.47, p=0.006) and Latinx adults (MD= -3.53, p &lt;0.001). Conclusions: Overcrowded housing and homeownership are associated with CVH in children and adults, but relationships vary by race/ethnicity. Findings underscore the need to better understand how housing conditions influence CVH disparities and advocate for affordable housing for all.

Early age at menarche and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a cohort study.

To evaluate whether there is an association between age at menarche (AAM) and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 5390 pregnant women who were screened for GDM at Alexandra Hospital in Athens, Greece over a 15-year period (2000-2014). Maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), height, family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, parity, educational and smoking status, and AAM were recorded. The results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Pregnant women with GDM experienced earlier menarche compared to normoglycemic women (12.9 ± 1.5 vs 13.1 ± 1.6, p < 0.001, respectively). The OR for a woman with AAM <12 years to develop GDM was 1.08 (95% CI 1.03-1.14), while the OR to be obese was 1.70 (95% CI 1.50-1.90). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that AAM is a risk factor for GDM. However, that effect was lost after adjusting for BMI. Early AAM may be associated with an increased risk of GDM. Therefore, it can be used to identify high-risk women and implement preconception interventions for GDM prevention. Future studies should be conducted to confirm these findings.

Metabolic trade-offs in childhood: Exploring the relationship between language development and body growth.

During human childhood, brain development and body growth compete for limited metabolic resources, resulting in a trade-off where energy allocated to brain development can decrease as body growth accelerates. This preregistered study explores the relationship between language skills, serving as a proxy for brain development, and body mass index at three distinct developmental stages, representing different phases of body growth. Longitudinal data from 2002 children in the EDEN mother-child cohort were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Our findings reveal a compelling pattern of associations: girls with a delayed adiposity rebound, signaling slower growth rate, demonstrated better language proficiency at ages 5-6. Importantly, this correlation appears to be specific to language skills and does not extend to nonverbal cognitive abilities. Exploratory analyses show that early environmental factors contributing to enhanced cognitive development, such as higher parental socio-economic status and increased cognitive stimulation, are positively associated with both language skills and the timing of adiposity rebound in girls. Overall, our findings lend support to the existence of an energy allocation trade-off mechanism that appears to prioritize language function over body growth investment in girls.

Developmental outcomes of preschool children requiring craniosynostosis surgery in Manitoba: a cohort study

Abstract Craniosynostosis is a congenital abnormality resulting in the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures and usually requires surgical correction in the first year of life. While the majority of craniosynostosis cases represent isolated, nonsyndromic defects, approximately 25% are linked to a genetic diagnosis. Craniosynostosis has been associated with developmental delay. Therefore, historically in Manitoba, all children with surgically managed craniosynostosis were referred to the Child Development Clinic (CDC) for developmental assessment. There are currently prolonged wait times for neurodevelopmental assessments at CDC, leading to the need to better prioritize children who require neurodevelopmental assessment. The aim of the study was then to determine the developmental outcomes of preschool children requiring craniosynostosis surgery in Manitoba from July 1, 2016 through December 1, 2021. In this retrospective cohort study, clinical records were reviewed to evaluate the developmental outcomes of patients who were assessed at CDC for surgically managed craniosynostosis. Out of 67 children included in this study, 18% demonstrated global developmental delay, 24% demonstrated mild developmental delay, and 58% were developmentally appropriate across all levels. The presence of a genetic syndrome, multisutural craniosynostosis, and parental socioeconomic status were associated with risk of global developmental delay. The findings of this study suggest that while not all children with craniosynostosis present with developmental delay, those with suspected or confirmed syndromic involvement, multisutural cranyosinostosis, and/or low SES, should be referred for neurodevelopmental evaluation.

Socio-economic Status as Correlate of Health Status of Undergraduates in Public Universities, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study examined socio-economic status as correlate of health status of undergraduate students in public universities, Rivers State. A descriptive research design was adopted with a population which consisted of 64,691 undergraduates in public universities, Rivers State, Nigeria. A sample size of 1,194 was selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure. The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.82. Data analysis was carried out using regression statistics at 0.05 alpha level. The result indicated that a significant positive relationship was found between parent financial status (monthly income) and mental health status (r = 0.13, R2 = 0.019, p&lt;0.05), physical (r = 0.82, R2 = 0.750, p&lt;0.05) and social health status (r = 0.86, R2 = 0.75, p&lt;0.05). Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was found between parent employment status and mental health status (r = 0.94, R2 = 0.883, p&lt;0.05), physical health status (r = 0.93, R2 = 0.866, p&lt;0.05) and social health status (r = 0.91, R2 = 0.825, p&lt;0.05). It was concluded that socio-economic status of parents such as monthly income, and employment status of parents contributed less than 50% to health status of undergraduates in public universities in Rivers State. It was recommended that, the government should establish poverty alleviation programmes for parents/guardians whose children/wards are in university to help any financial stress which may contribute or influence the health status of the students.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Infection and its Associated Risk factors in Pregnant Women Visiting Hospitals of Southern Punjab

Background: Hepatitis B and C infections remain formidable challenges to global health, with significant morbidity and mortality rates, especially among pregnant women. These infections pose substantial risks not only to the infected individuals but also to their unborn children, due to the potential for vertical transmission. In Pakistan, particularly in the Southern Punjab region, the prevalence and impact of these infections demand rigorous investigation to inform public health strategies. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C infections among pregnant women visiting selected hospitals in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, and to identify associated risk factors, thereby contributing to the formulation of targeted intervention strategies. Methods: Employing an analytical cross-sectional design, this study involved 422 pregnant women from the outpatient departments of Gynecology at Nishtar Hospital, Shahbaz Sharif Hospital in Multan, and Bismillah Medical Complex in Kahror Pacca, between December 1, 2023, and March 5, 2024. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data on demographic characteristics and potential risk factors were collected through a structured questionnaire. Hepatitis B and C seropositivity was determined through specific serological tests. The analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on the prevalence rates and the identification of major and minor risk factors for the transmission of Hepatitis B and C. Results: The study found an 8.3% prevalence rate for Anti-HCV and a 5.2% prevalence rate for HBsAg among the participants. Notable risk factors included ear or nose piercings, history of blood transfusions, and previous cesarean sections. Socio-demographic analysis revealed higher rates of infection among participants with lower educational levels, those residing in rural areas, and among certain age groups and parity statuses. Conclusion: The observed prevalence rates of Hepatitis B and C infections among pregnant women in Southern Punjab highlight the critical need for enhanced screening programs, targeted vaccination initiatives, and comprehensive education campaigns to mitigate the risk of vertical transmission and reduce the burden of these infections.

Gender, family status, and parliamentary careers in the German Bundestag

ABSTRACT This study tackles several important unanswered questions about gender, family status, and parliamentary representation. We use the case of the German Bundestag to explore gender gaps in family status among elected politicians and subsequently to ask whether and how parenthood affects MPs’ advancement in their political careers. Using an original dataset of biographical details for German MPs from 1994 to 2017, we find gender gaps in both marital and parental status among parliamentarians, with men being more likely to report being parents than women, and women being more likely to specify that they have no children. We also find variation across German political parties. Most importantly, we show that parenthood reduces the likelihood of serving multiple terms and that this parenthood penalty is greater for women.

Early exposure to sugar sweetened beverages or fruit juice differentially influences adult adiposity

ObjectiveTo examine associations between different types of sweet drinks consumed in early life and adult adiposity.DesignThe analysis involved the secondary analysis of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children which followed children from birth to 24 years. Adiposity was measured using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry while food frequency questionnaires and diaries monitored diet. ‘Early exposure’ to sweet drinks was defined as giving a sugar-sweetened beverage or 100% fruit juice (FJ), before two years of age.ResultsEarly exposure to cola was associated with higher fat mass, android fat mass and BMI at age 24 years; whereas early exposure to apple juice was associated with lower adult adiposity in females but not males. When age three, exposure to cola was associated with a greater intake of energy, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and less fruit and more fried foods. In contrast, early exposure to apple juice was associated with higher protein and lower fat intakes and consuming more fruits/vegetables and less fried foods. Parental education, adiposity and socio-economic status influenced whether SSB or FJ was given to a child.ConclusionsEarly drinking of sugar sweetened beverages was associated with a less healthy dietary pattern, and greater adult adiposity. Early drinking of apple juice was associated with a healthier dietary pattern, and lower fat mass in adult females. The choice of drink was associated with social deprivation. As the dietary causes of adult obesity begin in early childhood, increased attention should be given to diet in the first years of life.

Socioeconomic position, family context, and child cognitive development.

Socioeconomic position (SEP) may have different effects on cognitive development and family context could play a role in this association. This work aimed to analyse the role of socioeconomic positions, measured via various indicators collected longitudinally, in cognitive development at 7-11years of age, evaluating the role of family context as a potential mediator. The study sample included 394 and 382 children from the INMA Gipuzkoa and Valencia cohorts, respectively. SEP indicators were assessed during pregnancy (family social class, parental education, employment, and disposable income) and at 7 (Gipuzkoa) and 11 (Valencia) years of age (At Risk of Poverty or Social Exclusion (AROPE)). Family context and cognitive development were measured with the Haezi-Etxadi Family Assessment Scale 7-11 (HEFAS 7-11) and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (Raven's CPM), respectively. Linear regression models were developed to assess the relationships between (a) SEP-family context, (b) SEP-cognitive development, and (c) family context-cognitive development, adjusting for a priori-selected confounders. Simple and multiple mediation analyses were performed to explore the role of family context in the SEP-cognitive development relationship. Lower SEP was related with a lower cognitive score, this association being particularly robust for family social class. SEP indicators were related to subscales of family context, in particular those regarding cognitive stimulation, parental stress, and parenting. A relationship was also found between these three subscales and child cognitive development, mediating the effect of family social class on child cognition by 5.2, 5.5, and 10.8%, respectively, and 12.0% jointly. Conclusion: Both family SEP and context contribute to a child's cognitive development. Equalising policies and positive parenting programmes could contribute to improving cognitive development in children. What is Known: • Parental social class, education, and employment status have been widely employed to measure socioeconomic position. What is New: • This work focuses on standard measurements of socioeconomic position but also other economic indicators such as the EHII and AROPE, and their effect on child cognitive development and family context. • Promotion of cognitive and linguistic development, parental stress and conflict, and parental profile fostering child development mediated the effect of family social class on cognitive development.

Social determinants of health rather than race impact health-related quality of life in 10-year-old children born extremely preterm.

Reducing healthcare disparities among children is extremely important given the potential impact of these disparities on long-term health-related quality of life (HRQL). Race and parental socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with child HRQL, but these associations have not been studied in infants born extremely preterm (EP), a population at increased risk for physical, cognitive, and psychosocial impairments. Achieving health equity for infants born EP across their life course requires identifying the impact of racism and SES on HRQL. We aimed to evaluate the association between self-reported maternal race, SES factors, and HRQL among 10-year-old children born EP. Participants were identified from an ongoing multicenter prospective longitudinal study of Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns (ELGAN Study), born between 2002 and 2004, and evaluated at 10 years of age using the Pediatric quality of life (QoL) Inventory completed by their parent or guardian, assessing physical, emotional, social, school, and total (composite) QoL domains. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between QoL scores and self-identified maternal race, adjusting for SES factors (education level, marital status, and public insurance). Of 1,198 study participants who were alive at 10 years of age, 863 (72.0%) were evaluated at 10 years of age. Differences in mean 10-year QoL scores across racial groups were observed and were significant on univariate analysis. However, these associations attenuated when adjusted for the marital status, public insurance status, and education status of mothers. A comparison of children with English as the primary language spoken at home vs. any other language revealed a significant difference only in school QoL, in which non-English language was associated with more favorable school QoL scores. Among 10-year-old children born EP, differences in parent-reported QoL were associated with maternal SES factors but not with race. Our results suggest that interventions designed to improve the SES of mothers may enhance the QoL of children born EP. Furthermore, these results underscore that race is a social construct, rather than a biological variable, as we work toward greater equity in care provision.

Leisure time and parenting in Europe: a more difficult equation for mothers?

AbstractObjectiveThis paper analyzes gender inequalities in leisure time within coresident opposite‐sex couples with and without children at home in five European countries to evaluate the gendered parental impact in leisure time.BackgroundIn European societies, women continue to bear much of the physical and mental burden involved in running a household and managing family life resulting in greater levels of stress and time deprivation. Time spent in leisure has been associated with better physical and psychological wellness. Understanding how gender influences the distribution of leisure time among couples living with and without children at home, and how these effects differ across European countries, is important to understand individual and couples' well‐being.MethodDrawing on information from the Multinational Time Use Study for 15,024 matched couples residing in Spain, Italy, France, Finland, and the United Kingdom, we conduct a series of ordinary‐least‐squares regression analyses with country fixed effects.ResultsThe general trends reveal that women in Europe allocate less time to leisure and that mothers experience lower leisure of high quality compared to their partners when their children are below the age of 5. However, Finnish and British couples exhibit a more egalitarian distribution of leisure time regardless of their parental status, particularly when compared to Italian and Spanish ones.ConclusionThis study unveils a gendered use of leisure time, as well as a gendered parental impact when children are young. However, the impact of women's second shift in leisure time varies across countries, suggesting a cultural and institutional effect.ImplicationsThese findings have implications for researchers, health professionals, and policymakers concerned with understanding and alleviating situations of overstress, time poverty, and depression among women, but especially among mothers of young children.