Could children exposed to intimate partner violence against their mother have more functional gastrointestinal disorders?

Abstract Objective: To analyze the association between child exposure to intimate partner violence (CEIPV) committed against their mother and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in school-age children. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out that evaluated 626 mother-child pairs living in a poor urban area in the Northeast of Brazil. The mothers were asked about their children's exposure to intimate partner violence. Holden's classification was used, which investigates ten types of CEIPV from prenatal care. The number of exposures, age of onset, and the perpetrator of the exposure were also verified. The FGIDs in children were identified from the mother's responses to the questionnaire about pediatric gastrointestinal symptoms, Roma III version parent-report, translated and cross-culturally adapted into Brazilian Portuguese. Results: FGIDs were more frequent among children exposed to violence than those not exposed (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.04-2.58; p = 0.03). Likewise, in children who suffered four or more types of exposure (OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.10-2.96; p = 0.01), in which the exposure started in the first two years of life (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.08-3.47; p = 0.02) and in those whose biological father was the perpetrator of the violence (OR; 1.62; 95% CI: 1, 05-2.48; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Corroborating the proposal of the biopsychosocial model, CEIPV increases the chance of occurrence of FGIDs in school-age children. Therefore, early identification and proposals for appropriate interventions are suggested both for the prevention of CEIPV and for the prevention and follow-up of FGIDs.

Toxic stress on a pediatric population during the COVID-19 pandemic / Estresse tóxico em uma população pediátrica durante a pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of social isolation as a result of the coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) pandemic in children and adolescents aged 0-17 years in Southern Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which 542 questionnaires answered by parents or legal guardians of children and adolescents aged 0-17 years residing in the Brazilian South region, through Google Forms®. Questionnaires answered incompletely or from children outside the stipulated age group and from other regions of the country were excluded from the research. The collected data were organized into descriptive and association tables containing absolute and relative frequencies, medians, averages, standard deviations, quartile deviations, average, and proportion estimates in the form of 95% confidence intervals and the result of the chi-square test of independence. Data analysis was fulfilled with the application aid of Microsoft Excel 2016 and Epi Info version 7.2.1.0 of 01/27/2017. Statistically significant associations were considered when p<0.05. Results: There was an increase in the perception of nervousness (62.7%), anxiety (67.7%), and sadness (51.3%) in children and adolescents during the pandemic period. This study evidenced a high prevalence of screens overuse (50.9%) and sedentary lifestyle (39.1%) in this age group during the period. Furthermore, the occurrence of regressive behaviors occurred more frequently in the age group of 3-6 years (57.1%) and between 7 and 10 years (44.6%). Conclusions: It is inferred from this study that one of the implications resulting from the pandemic period is the increase of toxic stress in the pediatric population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o impacto do isolamento social em decorrência da pandemia associada ao coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19), em crianças e adolescentes de zero a 17 anos da Região Sul do Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal em que foram obtidos 542 questionários, respondidos por pais ou responsáveis legais de crianças e adolescentes de zero a 17 anos residentes da Região Sul brasileira, por meio do Google Forms®. Questionários respondidos de maneira incompleta ou de crianças fora da faixa etária estipulada e de outras regiões do país foram excluídos da pesquisa. Os dados colhidos foram organizados em tabelas descritivas e de associação contendo frequências absolutas, relativas, médias, medianas, desvios padrão, desvios quartílicos, estimativas de média e de proporção em forma de intervalos com 95% de confiança e resultado do teste do qui-quadrado de independência. A análise dos dados foi realizada com o auxílio dos aplicativos Microsoft Excel 2016 e Epi Info versão 7.2.1.0, de 27 de janeiro de 2017. Foram consideradas associações estatisticamente significativas quando p<0,05. Resultados: Houve aumento da percepção de nervosismo (62,7%), ansiedade (67,7%) e tristeza (51,3%) em crianças e adolescentes no período da pandemia. O estudo evidenciou alta prevalência de uso excessivo de telas (48,2%) e de sedentarismo (39,1%) nessa faixa etária durante o período. Ademais, a ocorrência de comportamentos regressivos ocorreu de maneira mais frequente nas faixas etárias de 3-6 anos (57,1%) e de 7-10 anos (44,6%). Conclusões: Infere-se deste estudo que uma das implicações do período da pandemia é o aumento do estresse tóxico na população pediátrica.

Pobreza, traumas tempranos, déficit atencional y deserción educacional: un círculo de daño. Lecciones aprendidas en el Programa Soymás, La Pintana / Poverty, early trauma, attention deficit and educational dropout: a circle of harm. Lessons learned in the Soymás Program, La Pintana

El antecedente de maltrato infantil y el Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad (TDAH), son condiciones que tienen una alta prevalencia en los jóvenes de sectores vulnerables. Analizamos su relación con deserción escolar, que también es mayor en tales contextos. La deserción es un fenómeno multifactorial, influenciado por factores propios del estudiante, de la institución, del contexto familiar y del entorno social. Presentamos hallazgos en la Fundación Soymás, institución de formación para madres adolescentes, localizada en La Pintana, una de las comunas con mayor pobreza en Chile, donde la deserción en 2022 fue 45%. De acuerdo a la encuesta ACES de 10 eventos traumáticos en la niñez, 50% de las estudiantes sufrió 3 o más, y 21% 7 o más. Al menos un 40% de la población cumplía criterios de TDAH y un 30% adicional manifestaba síntomas sugerentes (versus 4,5% de TDAH reportado en adolescentes del país). Constatamos una asociación directa entre las tres variables: Maltrato, TDAH y Deserción. Estos hallazgos deberían ser considerados en políticas públicas, reforzando la necesidad de colaboración entre Salud y Educación.

A history of child abuse and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are conditions that have a high prevalence in young people from vulnerable sectors. We analyze its relationship with school dropout, which is also higher in such contexts. Dropout is a multifactorial phenomenon, influenced by factors specific to the student, the institution, the family context, and the social environment. We present findings at the Soymás Foundation, a training institution for adolescent mothers, located in La Pintana, one of the counties with the highest poverty in Chile, where dropout in 2022 was 45%. According to the ACES survey of 10 traumatic events in childhood, 50% of the students suffered 3 or more, and 21% 7 or more. At least 40% of the population met the criteria for ADHD and an additional 30% manifested suggestive symptoms (versus 4.5% of ADHD reported in adolescents in the country). We found a direct association between the three variables: Abuse, ADHD and Desertion. These findings should be considered in public policies, reinforcing the need for collaboration between Health and Education.

Toxic stress, epigenetics and child development

Abstract Objectives: To describe the concept of toxic stress, present the basics of epigenetics and discuss their relationship with child development. Data source: Narrative literature review through a search in the SciELO, Lilacs, Medline databases using the terms Adverse Childhood Experience OR Early Life Stress, Epigenomic OR Epigenetic, Child Development OR Infant Development. Data synthesis: Continuing stress response, known as toxic stress, can occur when a child experiences intense, frequent, and/or prolonged adversity-such as physical or emotional abuse, chronic neglect, for example-without adequate adult support. This toxic stress can have harmful effects on learning, behavior, and health throughout life. Epigenetics, an emerging scientific research area, shows how environmental influences affect gene expressions and explains how early experiences can impact throughout life. Conclusions: Toxic stress causes changes in the human body response systems that can be explained in part by epigenetic changes, which can be temporary or long-lasting. Pediatricians must be aware of these mechanisms and their consequences, seeking to prevent them and thus promote the health, well-being, and quality of life of children, contributing to their full development.

The potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child growth and development: a systematic review

Abstract Objective This was a systematic review of studies that examined the impact of epidemics or social restriction on mental and developmental health in parents and children/adolescents. Source of data The PubMed, WHO COVID-19, and SciELO databases were searched on March 15, 2020, and on April 25, 2020, filtering for children (0-18 years) and humans. Synthesis of data The tools used to mitigate the threat of a pandemic such as COVID-19 may very well threaten child growth and development. These tools — such as social restrictions, shutdowns, and school closures — contribute to stress in parents and children and can become risk factors that threaten child growth and development and may compromise the Sustainable Development Goals. The studies reviewed suggest that epidemics can lead to high levels of stress in parents and children, which begin with concerns about children becoming infected. These studies describe several potential mental and emotional consequences of epidemics such as COVID-19, H1N1, AIDS, and Ebola: severe anxiety or depression among parents and acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, and depression among children. These data can be related to adverse childhood experiences and elevated risk of toxic stress. The more adverse experiences, the greater the risk of developmental delays and health problems in adulthood, such as cognitive impairment, substance abuse, depression, and non-communicable diseases. Conclusion Information about the impact of epidemics on parents and children is relevant to policy makers to aid them in developing strategies to help families cope with epidemic/pandemic-driven adversity and ensure their children's healthy development.

Evaluation of child development: beyond the neuromotor aspect / Avaliação do desenvolvimento infantil: além do neuromotor

Abstract Objective: To review the epidemiology and update the scientific knowledge on the problems of development and behavior in childhood, and the recommendations for the role of the pediatrician in identifying and managing delays and disturbances in child development and mental health. Sources: A search for relevant literature was performed in the PubMed and Scopus databases and publications of the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. Summary of the findings: With the decline in the incidence of communicable diseases in children, problems with development, behavior, and emotional regulation are increasingly becoming a part of the work of pediatricians, yet many are not trained and feel uncomfortable about this extension of their role. The available screening tools for child development and behavior are reviewed, and a ‘school readiness’ checklist is presented, together with recommendations on how the pediatrician can incorporate developmental surveillance into routine practice, aware of the need for children to acquire social, emotional, and cognitive skills so that they can develop their full potential. Conclusions: The pediatrician's role in the future will include both physical and mental health, recognizing that social development, resilience, and emotional maturity are as important as physical growth and neuromotor skills in a child's life course.

Resumo Objetivo: Revisar a epidemiologia e atualizar os conhecimentos científicos sobre os problemas do desenvolvimento e do comportamento na infância e das recomendações do papel do pediatra na identificação e conduta frente aos transtornos da saúde mental infantil. Fontes de dados: Pesquisamos a literatura relevante nas bases de dados PubMed e Scopus e em publicações do National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. Síntese dos dados: Com o declínio na incidência de doenças transmissíveis em crianças, problemas do desenvolvimento, comportamento e regulação emocional fazem cada vez mais parte do trabalho do pediatra, mas muitos ainda não estão treinados e se sentem desconfortáveis com essa extensão do seu papel. Os instrumentos de triagem do desenvolvimento e comportamento foram revisados e uma lista de verificação da “prontidão escolar” foi apresentada, juntamente com orientações sobre como o pediatra pode incorporar a vigilância da saúde mental em sua de rotina de atendimento, consciente da necessidade da aquisição das habilidades sociais, emocionais e cognitivas para que a criança possa desenvolver toda sua potencialidade. Conclusões: O papel do pediatra no futuro irá abranger tanto a saúde física quanto a mental e reconhecer que o desenvolvimento social, a resiliência e o amadurecimento emocional são tão importantes quanto o crescimento físico e as habilidades neuromotoras no curso da vida de uma criança.

The formation of citizens: the pediatrician's role / A formação do cidadão: papel do pediatra

ABSTRACT Objective: This review article aims to define the fundamental role of the pediatrician in the formation of citizens in the 21st century. Source of data: Significant bibliographical contributions produced by neuroscience, ecology, and epigenetics in the early childhood scenario. Synthesis of data: Many diseases that impair the lives of adults result from severe and often uncontrollable disorders that occur in early childhood, an irreplaceable period for the safe construction of the human brain, personality, and intelligence. There is noteworthy scientific evidence that has become unquestionable, according to which abuse and neglect and other forms of violence to which children are exposed during the the course of their lives, are the genesis of many physical ailments and other mental diseases, including depressive morbidity and schizophrenia. Conversely, it is also emphasized that healthy practices such as reading and listening to/playing music are able to intensively contribute to the exercise of cognitive capacity inherent to this period of life, as a prerequisite for the acquisition of learning indispensable to the high educational performance during the schooling period. Conclusion: In the light of the disclosed scientific evidence, the pediatrician emerges as the most differentiated professional to provide preventive and curative care indispensable to the skilled formation of a healthy citizen.

RESUMO Objetivo: O presente artigo de revisão científica tem por objetivo configurar o papel fundamental do pediatra na formação do cidadão do século XXI. Fontes dos dados: Contribuições bibliográficas importantes produzidas pela neurociência, ecologia e epigenética no âmbito da primeira infância. Síntese dos dados: Grande número de doenças que desqualificam a vida de pessoas adultas resulta de sérios, e muitas vezes incontroláveis, distúrbios, que ocorrem na primeira infância, período insubstituível para a construção segura do cérebro, da personalidade e da inteligência humana. Destaca-se a evidência científica que se tornou inquestionável, segundo a qual os abusos e negligência e outras formas de violência, às quais a criança é exposta durante o ciclo de vida de mais complexa dinâmica existencial, estão na gênese de várias enfermidades físicas e outras de natureza mental, inclusive as morbidades depressivas e a própria esquizofrenia. Ressalta, por outro lado, as práticas saudáveis como a leitura e a música, capazes de contribuir intensamente para o exercício da capacidade cognitiva inerente a esse período de vida como prerrequisito para aquisição da aprendizagem indispensável à alta performance educacional no período da escolaridade. Conclusão: À luz das evidências científicas arroladas, o pediatra emerge como o profissional mais diferenciado para a prestação dos cuidados preventivos e curativos indispensáveis à estruturação qualificada de um cidadão saudável.