Water In Children Research Articles

An internal filtration effect-based "off-on" probe for fluorescent and visual sensing of formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde (FA) sensing in children's toys and water has great application prospects in the protection of home safety and the ecological environment. However, there has been no report heretofore addressing FA detection in children's toys. In this work, a fluorescent (FL) whitening agent (FWA), potassium dichromate, and sulfuric acid were proposed as an "off-on" probe (FPD) for FA sensing via FL and visual FL (VFL) methods. The FL emission of the FWA at 435 nm was quenched by Cr2O72- because of the internal filtration effect. The effect was interrupted after the addition of FA because Cr2O72- was reduced to Cr3+, accompanying the recovery of the FL emission of the FWA. The detection limit of FPD for FA via FL and VFL approaches was 2.03 and 85.5 μg L-1, respectively. The proposed probe was successfully utilized for FA detection in crawling mats and building blocks as well as environmental water (verified by the UV method), indicating good adaptability. The FPD-based FL method might be a potential approach for FA detection due to the merits of high selectivity, anti-interference ability, and stability.

Correlation between Escherichia coli resistant gene isolated from stool samples of children under five years and that from consumed water

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) causes enteric infections and diarrhea, especially in young children. Kenya reports around 2.6 million cases and 7,000 deaths annually due to diarrhea. Antibiotic-resistant DEC strains are a significant public health concern, complicating treatment. The objective of this research was to correlate children's water consumption and antimicrobial-resistant DEC development. The study sampled 1124 children under five with diarrhea in Nakuru, Kenya, using a case-control design. Among 384 eligible children, 192 cases showed Amoxicillin-resistant DEC. Water samples from households were collected and analyzed for DEC presence. The samples were filtered, plated onto MacConkey agar, and subcultured onto Eosin Methylene Blue agar for further analysis. The DEC pathotypes were identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics, and antibiotic resistance was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The study revealed a strong correlation of 11.613 (95 % Confidence Interval [CI]: 6.495–20.765, p-value: 0.000) between microbial burden in vended water (water sold by vendors) used by different households consumption and antimicrobial resistance in DEC. Water sources showed a high prevalence of DEC, primarily Enteroaggregative, enteropathogenic, enterotoxigenic, and enteroinvasive E. coli. DEC isolates also exhibited varying antibiotic resistance, and genes like blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaSHV were identified using PCR. The Spearman correlation coefficient was one, showing that resistance genes in water and stool were perfectly correlated. The study emphasizes the significance of improving water quality, hygiene, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria control to prevent and manage DEC and infectious diseases in Kenya. To combat outbreaks, effective surveillance and rapid reaction procedures are essential. The findings help to shape public health policies and initiatives.

Developing Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Early Age-An Intervention Study in Kindergartens.

Childhood obesity prevention is a leading public health challenge requiring the adoption of healthy lifestyles at an early age. We examined how the kindergarten environment can promote eating sensibly, drinking water and becoming physically active. The effects of an intervention program among 42 Israeli kindergartens (1048 children, aged 4-6) whose teachers participated in a health education training program were compared to 32 kindergartens (842 children) whose teachers did not undergo this training program. An eight-month intervention program focused on knowledge/mathematical/logical/critical thinking, self-regulation/control acquisition, and sensible decision-making abilities. We hypothesized that nutrition and physical-exercise-oriented intervention programs, combining knowledge/mathematical logical thinking, would positively impact the quality of children's mid-morning snack and water consumption, their ability to express feelings following physical exercise, and the adoption of healthy lifestyles at home. The quality of mid-morning snacks and water consumption were observed in both groups pre- and post-intervention. Qualitative interviews documented children's subjective feelings following physical exercise. A significant improvement (p < 0.001) was observed in the mid-morning snacks composition and in water drinking habits in the intervention group; 80% of children offered a physiological explanation regarding energy expenditure processes following intense physical exercise. In conclusion, kindergarten interventions implemented by trained teachers can promote adoption of health behaviors necessary for obesity prevention.

Role of the World Health Organization in Management of Gastrointestinal Diseases Caused by Contaminated Water in Children in the Middle East: A Review Article

Background: The world health organization (WHO), as the international authority on public health and water quality, directs and monitors global efforts to prevent the transmission of waterborne diseases and advises governments on the development of health-based goals and regulations. Objectives: This review study aims to investigate the management methods, including control, prevention, and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in children in the Middle East caused by contaminated water through WHO. Methods: For this purpose, Scopus, Google scholar, PubMed, SID, Irandoc, and up-to-date databases were searched without time limitation. Keywords included contaminated water, pediatric, GI diseases, and WHO. In this study, the full text of various articles in Persian and English was used. After removing duplicate articles and articles that did not fit the topic of the study, 54 articles were finally selected. Results: Based on the findings, the world health organization has reported that diarrhea, polio, hepatitis A, and cholera are the most common GI infectious diseases caused by contaminated water in children in the Middle East. The present reports of waterborne disease represent only a small proportion of the total number of cases of this disease in the population. In some areas, it has been shown that investments in water and wastewater supply by responsible institutions can provide a net economic gain by reducing negative health impacts and healthcare costs. Results The results of this study indicate that most of the diseases caused by contaminated water affect children, due to low ability to observe personal hygiene and the state of the child’s immune system, which often leads to the death of children. Conclusions: The lack of diagnosis and insufficient prevalence of these diseases in some Middle Eastern countries, followed by the lack of attention to the prevention and control of waterborne diseases, threatens the health policies of these countries. International organizations, especially the world health organization and the united nations children’s fund, play a vital role in addressing and controlling this problem.

Feasibility and acceptability of home delivery of water for dental caries control in Latinx children-"Sediento por una Sonrisa," Thirsty for a Smile: Single-arm feasibility study.

BackgroundOutcomes of surgical treatments under general anesthesia for early childhood caries of young children from low-income groups are poor requiring retreatment within 2 years. Dietary sugar is an ideal intervention target given that it is the most prominent risk factor for dental caries and there is increasing evidence of successful interventions to reduce its intake. Our aim is to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the Thirsty for a Smile intervention, designed to promote consumption of water in lieu of sugar sweetened beverages, among children who underwent surgery for early childhood caries and their caregivers, mostly from Latino heritage.MethodsA single-arm feasibility study was conducted in a dental practice from a community health center in eastern Washington State. Bottled water was delivered to the participants' homes and caregivers received patient-centered counseling for setting goals to increase children's water intake and reduce sugar sweetened beverages consumption. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and study procedures through participation rates, interviews and a questionnaire completed by the caregivers. Data was analyzed and themes and descriptive statistics presented.ResultsTwenty-two dyads of caregivers and their children between 2 and 9 years old who recently had surgical treatment for early childhood dental caries were enrolled. All study assessments were completed by more than 90% of participants, except for the final 24-h dietary recall (73%). Dietary counseling, both in person and brief telephone calls, was highly acceptable to the caregivers, and they also reported their children enjoyed and used the water bottles. On a scale from 1 to 10, the average rating for the helpfulness of the dietary counseling component for changing child's drinking habits was 9.62 and for the water delivery component, 8.86.ConclusionsThis study tested the feasibility of conducting a trial in a dental practice setting, and the acceptability among caregivers of young children who underwent surgery for early childhood caries. It demonstrated that the Thirsty for a Smile intervention and study processes were feasible and acceptable. The study provides useful information for implementation of a two-arm randomized controlled trial in this setting and may also benefit other researchers attempting to test similar interventions.

A Pilot Study for Developing Water Literacy of Preschool Children

In order to ensure the use, protection and sustainability of water, which is becoming more and more important for life, individuals need to develop their water literacy starting from the pre-school period. In this direction, it was aimed to improve the water literacy of 60-72 month old children who were in pre-school education with online education. In the study, action research design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. The study group was determined by criterion sampling method and consists of 36 children aged 60-72 months. A semi-structured interview form was used as a data collection tool. In the study, Water Literacy Online Training was prepared and implemented in order to improve children's water literacy. Interviews were conducted with the children before and after the training. Content analysis was used in the analysis of the findings. As a result of the study, there had been improvement in the practical, living and social water literacy of the children. The results of the study showed that Water Literacy Online Training is effective in pre-school children's ability to recognize the importance of water, which is among the basic concepts for water literacy, for life, its limitations and the importance of its protection.

Epidemiology of children's swimming competence and water safety.

IntroductionThe main purpose of this study was to investigate children's swimming competence in primary schools of districts in Vojvodina, Serbia.MethodsIncluded subjects were primary school students from first to eighth grade (N = 2,778; male = 1,454, female = 1,324; age = 10.73 ± 2.1 years). We used Swimming Competence Questionnaire to acquire and analyze their swimming experience, non-fatal aquatic events, and demographics. For the statistical analysis, logistic regression and hierarchical multiple regression were used to evaluate if the factors and SC and NFAE were associated. The analyses were carried out by using SPSS® software version 24.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA).ResultsFamilies with more income and education generally have children with more swimming competence, experience, knowledge, and skills related to water safety. First step in analysis revealed that gender (β = 0.05, p < 0.01), education level (β = 0.06, p < 0.01) age (β = 0.171, p < 0.01), and family income (β = 0.04, p < 0.01) were significant swimming competence (SC) predictors (R2 = 0.04). Age (OR = 1.15, p < 0.01) was the only significant predictor in Step 1 predicting non-fatal aquatic events (NFAE). In Step 2, variables associated with SC were swimming location (ΔR2 = 0.06, p < 0.01), swimming experience (ΔR2 = 0.16, p < 0.01), swimming accessibility (ΔR2 = 0.05, p < 0.01), and learning experience (ΔR2 = 0.03, p < 0.01) (total R2 = 0.26 to 0.47, p < 0.01). Only a minority of participants reported that they could not swim further than 5 meters using general stroke (37.15%).ConclusionNational education trainers programs must be prioritized with the primary strategy of transferring knowledge to swimming and water safety. Families with lower income must be included without exceptions. This is perhaps a key factor in preventing NFAE, increasing SC, and increasing water safety.

Perceptions of tap water associated with low-income Michigan mothers' and young children's beverage intake.

To quantify perceptions of tap water among low-income mothers with young children residing in Michigan and examine associations between perceptions of tap water, mothers' and young children's beverage intake, and mothers' infant feeding practices. Cross-sectional study. Online survey. Medicaid-insured individuals who had given birth at a large Midwestern US hospital between fall 2016 and fall 2020 were invited by email to complete a survey in winter 2020 (N 3881); 15·6 % (N 606) completed eligibility screening, 550 (90·8 %) were eligible to participate, and 500 (90·9 %) provided valid survey data regarding perceptions of tap water, self and child beverage intake, and infant feeding practices. Two-thirds (66·2 %) of mothers reported that their home tap water was safe to drink without a filter, while 21·6 % were unsure about the safety of their home tap water. Mothers' perceptions of their home tap water were associated with their own tap and bottled water intake and their young children's tap water and bottled water intake. Mothers with more negative perceptions of tap water in general, independent of their perceptions about their home tap water, consumed more bottled water and sugar-sweetened beverages, and their young children drank bottled water and fruit drinks more frequently. Few associations were observed between mothers' perceptions of tap water and infant feeding practices. Uncertainty about tap water safety and negative perceptions of tap water are common among low-income Michigan mothers. These beliefs may contribute to less healthful and more costly beverage intake among mothers and their young children.

Kids With Altitude: Acute Mountain Sickness and Changes in Body Mass and Total Body Water in Children Travelling to 3800 m.

We explored the incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and extravascular lung water (ELW) in children in relation to changes in body composition and peripheral blood oxygenation (SpO2) during 1 week of acclimatization to 3800 m. In a prospective cohort study, 10 children (7 female, ages 7-14 y) and 10 sex-matched adults (ages 23-44 y) traveled via automobile from sea level to 3000 m for 2 nights, followed by 4 nights at 3800 m. Each morning, body mass and body water (bioelectrical impedance), SpO2 (pulse oximetry), AMS (Lake Louise Questionnaire), and ELW (transthoracic echocardiography) were measured. No differences were found between children and adults in SpO2 or ELW. At 3800 m 7 of 10 children were AMS+ vs 4 of 10 adults. Among those AMS+ at 3800 m, the severity was greater in children compared to adults (5±1 vs 3 ± 0; P=0.005). Loss of body mass occurred more quickly in children (day 5 vs day 7) and to a greater extent (-7±3% vs -2±2%; P<0.001); these changes were mediated via a larger relative loss in total body water in children than in adults (-6±5% vs -2±2%; P=0.027). Children demonstrated a higher incidence of AMS than adults, with greater severity among those AMS+. The loss of body water and body mass at high altitude was also greater in children, albeit unrelated to AMS severity. In addition to awareness of AMS, strategies to maintain body weight and hydration in children traveling to high altitudes should be considered.

Predictors of Age at Juice Introduction and Associations with Subsequent Beverage Intake in Early and Middle Childhood

BackgroundThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that if parents choose to introduce juice, they wait until ≥12 months, citing concerns of obesity and dental caries. ObjectivesWe sought to identify correlates of early juice introduction (<6 months) and determine whether early introduction establishes a pattern of sugary beverage intake in childhood. MethodsUpstate KIDS is a prospective birth cohort study with follow-up through 7 years (n = 4989). The age of juice introduction was assessed from responses on periodic questionnaires from 4–18 months and categorized as <6, 6 to <12, and ≥12 months. Sociodemographic information was reported using vital records or maternal questionnaires. At 24, 30, and 36 months and 7 years, mothers reported their child's regular juice, soda, water, and milk intakes. The analysis was restricted to singletons and 1 randomly selected twin from each pair with information on juice introduction (n = 4067). We assessed associations of sociodemographic correlates with juice introduction using Cox proportional hazard models. The relations of juice introduction with beverage intake were evaluated using Poisson or logistic regression for adjusted risk ratios (aRR) or ORs, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates and total beverage intake. ResultsOf the mothers, 25% and 74% introduced juice prior to 6 and 12 months, respectively. Younger maternal age; black or Hispanic race/ethnicity; lower educational attainment; Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children participation (yes); smoking during pregnancy; a higher pre-pregnancy BMI; a lower household income; and living in a townhouse/condominium or mobile home were associated with earlier juice introduction. Earlier juice introduction was related to a higher childhood juice intake, any soda intake, and lower water intake, holding total beverage intake constant [aRR, 1.5 (95% CI: 1.3–1.7; P-trend < 0.0001); adjusted OR 1.6 (95% CI: 1.0–2.4; P-trend = 0.01); aRR 0.9 (95% CI: 0.8–0.9; P-trend < 0.0001), respectively]. ConclusionsMarkers of lower socioeconomic status are strongly associated with earlier juice introduction, which, in turn, relates to sugary beverage intake in childhood, potentially replacing water.

Lunch Box Innovation Product Design In The Millennial Era

Almost of kids in the world still bring a lunch box and a bottle of water in their bag when their go to school. His mother always prepares a lunch box complete with a bottle of drinking water, hoping that his son can enjoy his favorite lunch and avoid starvation. Sometimes the mother is very worried when the lunch box has been brought by the child but the water bottle is left behind. Then the mother was willing to take her child's water bottle to her school. This is certainly not expected by either the mother or the child. As a form of concern for the author to this problem, the author proposes a lunch box design with a lunch box lid that also functions as a drinking water bottle. The idea of this design proposal is ones grab, both are food &amp;amp; drink in your hand. The goal is how to make a kids can grab their food and drink easily and practice. So it is proposed to modify a top cover of common foodpack to become a drink bag. The design process begins with analyzing market needs, making sketches, creating 3D design models using the Autodesk Inventor CAD application, material selection, and product evaluation.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial found that a novel herbal formula Urox® (Bedtime Buddy®) assisted children for the treatment of nocturnal enuresis

BackgroundNocturnal enuresis or ‘bedwetting’, is a form of night-time urinary incontinence occurring in younger children. A diagnosis can be socially disruptive and psychologically stressful for a child. The most common strategies used by parents are waking the child during the night to use the bathroom and limiting the child's water intake before going to bed. Hypothesis/PurposeTo determine if a herbal capsule formulation taken once daily can reduce incidence and frequency of nocturnal enuresis in children. Study DesignThis randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of an herbal medicine product to reduce the symptoms of nocturnal enuresis. Participants, aged between 6 and 14 years of age, were recruited from the community in Australia. They were randomised via computerised random-number generation at study enrolment to receive one or two oral capsules in the morning of either Urox® (Bedtime Buddy®) or placebo. The Paediatric Quality of life (Pin-Q) was used as a quality-of-life measure and waking wet, fluid intake and urinary urgency per week were monitored. ResultsForty-one children completed the trial with an attrition rate of 16%. There were more males (64.6%) compared to females (35.4%) and the mean age was 8.6 years. Forty-one point seven percentages (41.7%) of participants had improvements in bed wetting by two months which was a highly clinically relevant effect (Cohen's D = 0.98). The primary outcome found that there was a statistically significant reduction in NE (p = 0.034; CI 0.086–2.095) and between groups using longitudinal analysis (p = 0.04, Coefficient -1.12, CI 95% -2.20 - -0.04). In the secondary outcomes, urinary urgency reduced statistically significantly for the intervention (p = 0.002; a reduction of 18.3% difference for Bedtime Buddy compared to an increase of 3.7% for the placebo). ConclusionUrox® (Bedtime Buddy®) may assist children in reducing nocturnal enuresis compared to placebo. In addition, it may assist in reducing daily incontinence and urinary urgency.

Reduced water collection time improves learning achievement among primary school children in India

In low-and-middle-income countries, the provisioning of safe drinking water is a challenge that will likely worsen with climate change. Securing water will require more work and time, burdening women and children the most. Currently, the consequences of this time burden to children's development remain understudied. To address this gap, we examine the tradeoff between children's household water collection responsibilities and learning achievement. Using nationally representative data from India, we measure the effect of daily fetching time on primary school children's learning achievement in a two-stage regression model, with rainfall as the instrument. Our analyses indicate that higher fetching times predict lower mathematics (-1.23 standard deviations, 95CI[-2.32, -0.14]), reading (-1.13 standard deviations, 95CI[-2.07, -0.19]), and writing (-1.21 standard deviations, 95CI[-1.89, -0.51]) test scores. These effects are heterogeneous across sex and infrastructure type. For example, we find girls’ mathematical and reading skills profit more from reductions in fetching time than boys’ (score less affected for boys by β amount: mathematics: β=0.26 points, 95CI[0.095, 0.42]; reading: β=0.27 points, 95CI[0.054, 0.49]). Children using hand pumps, open wells, or tube wells are hurt more academically in mathematics and writing by increases in fetching time than children with mostly off-premises piped access (e.g., writing scores more affected by β amount: hand pump: β=-0.18, 95CI[-0.29, -0.081]; open well: β=-0.18, 95CI[-0.33, -0.040]; tube well: β=-0.14, 95CI[-0.29, -0.00072]). Given these results, we recommend off-premises piped infrastructure in the absence of piped-to-premises water in water-insecure contexts and offer guidance for targeting infrastructure investments in India.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a school- and community-based intervention to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent type 2 diabetes in vulnerable families across Europe: the Feel4Diabetes-study

The Feel4Diabetes-study implemented a school- and community-based intervention to promote healthy lifestyle and prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in six European countries. The intervention included a special focus on families at increased T2DM risk. The current study evaluates the intervention's cost-effectiveness.A Markov-type health economic model was developed to predict the incidence of T2DM and its complications. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (lifetime horizon, societal perspective) were calculated based on the overall intervention effect on health behaviour, and stratified for low- and high-risk families. Sensitivity analyses captured input parameters uncertainty. A budget impact analysis was performed.The increase in children's water consumption and physical activity led to a modest gain in quality adjusted life years (QALYs) at a low intervention cost and budget impact. Medical cost savings due to avoided illness could only be achieved on the very long-term (>30 years). The intervention in its entirety was cost-effective (more QALYs at a reasonable investment) in Belgium, Finland, Bulgaria, and Hungary, while being dominant (net savings and more QALYs) in Greece and Spain. Results were cost-effective for the low-risk families, who only received the school- and community-based intervention component. Results for the high-risk families were only cost-effective (with considerable uncertainty) in Greece and Spain, but not when the intervention would need to be repeated.The Feel4Diabetes-intervention is potentially cost-effective, especially in countries with a high overweight and obesity prevalence, at a limited budget impact. The incremental financial investments to reach and support high-risk families did not result in the hoped-for health benefits.

P64 Tap Water Safety and Connection to the Flint Water Crisis Associated with Beverage Intake Among Low-Income Michigan Families

<h3>Background</h3> Many Michigan communities have experienced threats to the safety of their tap water; the most well-known being the Flint Water Crisis. Little is known about how Michigan families perceive tap water and the extent to which beliefs about tap water safety influence beverage intake. <h3>Objective</h3> To identify perceptions of tap water safety among low-income mothers residing in Michigan and examine associations between these perceptions, mothers' beverage intake, infant feeding practices, and young children's beverage intake. <h3>Study Design, Settings, Participant</h3> In fall 2020, 3,881 low-income women who had given birth at the University of Michigan hospital between fall 2016 and fall 2020 were invited to complete a one-time online survey. Sixteen percent of women responded; 13% (N = 503) were eligible to participate and provided valid data. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Bivariate analyses and multivariable regression were used to examine associations between perceptions of tap water safety and mother-reported self and child beverage intake. <h3>Results</h3> Eleven percent of mothers reported that their tap water is unsafe to drink and 22% were unsure if their water is safe to drink. Negative perceptions of home tap water and tap water in general were associated with greater consumption of bottled water, using bottled water (vs tap) to make infant formula, and young children's bottled water intake. Mothers with friends or family in Flint during the Flint Water Crisis also drank more bottled water and gave their children bottled water more often than mothers without. Mothers' negative perceptions of tap water in general were associated with greater sugar-sweetened beverage intake among mothers and young children. On average, mothers spent $27/month on bottled water. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Distrust of tap water is common among low-income Michigan mothers. This distrust creates an economic and health burden due to reliance on bottled water and may increase socioeconomic inequalities in nutrition. Community-based interventions that improve trust and increase knowledge of tap water safety among low-income women are needed.

Interventions to increase the consumption of water among children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

SummaryThe aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the effectiveness of interventions to increase children's water consumption. A systematic literature search was conducted in seven electronic databases. Studies published in English before 18 February 2019 that evaluated any type of intervention that measured change in water consumption among children aged 2 to 12 years by applying any type of design were included. Of the 47 interventions included in the systematic review, 24 reported a statistically significant increase in water consumption. Twenty‐four interventions (17 randomized controlled trials and seven studies with other controlled designs) were included in the meta‐analysis. On average, children in intervention groups consumed 29 mL/d (confidence interval [CI] = 13–46 mL/d) more water than did children in control groups. This effect was larger in eight interventions focused specifically on diet (MD = 73 mL/d, CI = 20–126 mL/d) than in 16 interventions focused also on other lifestyle factors (MD = 15 mL/d, CI = 1–29 mL/d). Significant subgroup differences were also found by study setting and socioecological level targeted but not by children's age group, intervention strategy, or study design. In conclusion, there is evidence that, on average, lifestyle interventions can lead to small increases in children's daily water consumption. More research is needed to further understand the specific intervention elements that have the greatest effect.

Assessing the relationship between water and nutrition knowledge and beverage consumption habits in children.

To examine the relationship between knowledge and beverage consumption habits among children. Cross-sectional analysis. Linear regression was used to identify sociodemographic, dietary and behavioural determinants of beverage consumption and knowledge, and to describe the relationships between children's knowledge and water and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. Seventeen elementary schools in London, Ontario, Canada. A total of 1049 children aged 8-14 years. Knowledge scores were low overall. Children with higher knowledge scores consumed significantly fewer SSB (β = -0·33; 95 % CI -0·49, -0·18; P < 0·0001) and significantly more water (β = 0·34; 95 % CI 0·16, 0·52; P = 0·0002). More frequent refillable water bottle use, lower junk food consumption, lower fruit and vegetable consumption, female sex, higher parental education, two-parent households and not participating in a milk programme were associated with a higher water consumption. Male sex, higher junk food consumption, single-parent households, lower parental education, participating in a milk programme, less frequent refillable water bottle use and permission to leave school grounds at lunchtime were associated with a higher SSB consumption. Water was the most frequently consumed beverage; however, 79 % of respondents reported consuming an SSB at least once daily and 50 % reported consuming an SSB three or more times daily. Elementary-school children have relatively low nutrition and water knowledge and consume high proportions of SSB. Higher knowledge is associated with increased water consumption and reduced SSB consumption. Interventions to increase knowledge may be effective at improving children's beverage consumption habits.

A school-based mentoring program developing healthy behaviors of adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A pilot feasibility study

BackgroundStudies have reported that adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have a higher prevalence of obesity due to medication intake, poor diet, and physical inactivity. More importantly, they lack awareness and comprehension to prevent weight problems. Thereby, health-promoting practices should be offered in schools for adolescents with IDD. Objective/HypothesisThis pilot study examined the feasibility of a school-based intervention using the I Can Do It! (ICDI) national health promotion model to promote healthy behaviors of adolescents with IDD. MethodsA pretest-posttest design was employed. Fourteen adolescents (9 males, 5 females) aged 12–15 years (mean = 13.4, SD = 0.9) from self-contained classrooms completed a 14-week intervention (60–70 min/session) over 4-month period. Healthy behaviors were evaluated by body composition (waist circumference and BMI z-score), physical activity level and nutrition behaviors. ResultsBody composition did not change as a result of the intervention. The intervention increased the amount of time spent in physical activity, but not the frequency. In contrast, the children's water consumption did significantly increase after the intervention (d = 3.39). The amount of fruit and vegetables also significantly increased after the intervention, where only 7% reported eating these daily before the intervention and afterwards 86% reported eating fruits and vegetables daily (p < .0001). ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that it is feasible to conduct a goal-driven, mentor-based intervention in school for adolescents with IDD. While preliminary effectiveness results are promising, future research should focus on rigorously testing the effectiveness of the ICDI model and examining the programs long-term sustainability.

A randomized trial of a multi-level intervention to increase water access and appeal in community recreation centers

IntroductionImproving children's tap water intake and reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is beneficial for health and health equity, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color. Existing community level interventions to improve the intake of tap water have predominantly occurred in schools and have focused on promoting water consumption in cafeterias during lunch or snack periods. MethodsThe “Hydrate Philly” intervention was developed to target multiple environmental and social factors to improve tap water consumption in community recreation centers in low-income communities: replacing old and unappealing water fountains with appealing water-bottle-filling “hydration stations”, conducting water safety testing and publicizing results, disseminating reusable water bottles, promoting tap water, and discouraging SSB consumption. Efficacy of the intervention will be tested through a group-randomized controlled trial (n = 28 centers) of the intervention's impact on center-level water fountain/station use as measured by flow meters during a youth summer camp program primarily for children aged 6–12 years. Intervention impact on the primary outcome (use of drinking water sources) will be examined with a difference-in-differences approach using an ordinary least squares regression model for analysis at the center level. Secondary outcomes include SSBs brought to summer camp, reusable and single-use bottled water use, program trash, and recreation center staff SSB consumption. DiscussionMultilevel approaches are needed to increase tap water intake and decrease SSB consumption among low-income and minority youth beyond school and meal settings. The current study describes the Hydrate Philly intervention, the study design, and baseline characteristics of recreation centers participating in the study.ClinicalTrials.gov Registration: #NCT03637465

Determination of nine bisphenols in children's water bottle by online enrichment coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection

A method was developed for the rapid determination of bisphenol A (BPA) and eight structural analogs in children's plastic water bottles by online enrichment coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). The correlation coefficients of the nine bisphenols were greater than 0.998. The limits of detection (LOQs) ranged from 0.13 ng/L to 66.7 ng/L. The recoveries ranged from 90.7% to 112.4% (RSD<11.3%, n=6). This method was applied to monitor nine bisphenols in children's water bottles. The results showed that except 4,4'-(9H-fluoren-9-ylidene)bisphenol (BPFL), all the remaining eight bisphenols were detected in different water bottles. The amounts of bisphenols leached increased with the increase of soaking time, and decreased after washing several times at 100℃. The proposed strategy is rapid, sensitive, reliable and eco-friendly, and is suitable for the simultaneous analysis of new bisphenols in water samples.