ABSTRACT
Objective: The rising global epidemic of childhood obesity is a major public health challenge. Despite the urgency, there is a lack of data on the awareness and implementation of preventative measures. The aim of this study was to identify areas for improvement in the prevention and management of childhood obesity worldwide. Methods: A cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to 132 members of national pediatric societies of the International Pediatric Association. Results: Twenty-eight (21.2%) participants, each from a different country across six World Health Organization (WHO) regions completed the survey. Most participants reported that national prevalence data of childhood obesity is available (78.6%), and the number increased during the Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic (60.7%). In most countries (78.6%), the amount of sugar and salt in children's products is provided but only 42.9% enacted regulations on children-targeted advertising. Childhood obesity prevention programs from the government (64.3%) and schools (53.6%) are available with existing support from private or non-profit organizations (71.4%). Participants were aware of WHO's guidance concerning childhood obesity (78.6%), while fewer were aware of The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund's (UNICEF) guidance (50%). Participants reported that WHO/UNICEF guidance acted as a reference to develop policies, regulations and national programs. However, progress was hindered by poor compliance. Lastly, participants provided suggestions on tackling obesity, with responses ranging from developing and reinforcing policies, involvement of schools, and prevention across all life stages. Conclusion: There are different practices in implementing prevention measures to counter childhood obesity globally, particularly in statutory regulation on food advertising and national programs. While support and awareness was relatively high, implementation was hindered. This reflects the need for prompt, country-specific evaluation and interventions.
Subject(s)
Pediatric Obesity , Child , Humans , Pediatric Obesity/epidemiology , Pediatric Obesity/prevention & control , Cross-Sectional Studies , Schools , World Health OrganizationSubject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Pediatrics , Disease Prevention , Noncommunicable Diseases/prevention & control , Public Health , Latin America , SpainABSTRACT
La mortalidad y formas graves atribuibles al COVID-19 en población pediátrica han sido bajas en comparación con los adultos. No obstante, los niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNA) constituyen un universo especialmente afectado por la pandemia, en cuanto a restricción y limitación de sus derechos. La Subcomisión de Derechos de la Niñez y Adolescencia y el Comité de Pediatría Social de la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría entendieron trascendente recolectar sus voces para relevar el impacto que la transición de la situación de pandemia por COVID-19 a la actual "nueva normalidad" ha producido en los sentimientos, emociones y deseos de los NNA en Argentina. Realizamos un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, basado en encuesta anónima, entre NNA argentinos de 6 a 18 años residentes en Argentina. El análisis incluyó 1537 entrevistas efectivas. Los resultados permitieron sugerir recomendaciones para desarrollar estrategias de afrontamiento, contención y acompañamiento de los NNA en la pospandemia.
The frequency of the severity of the different expressions of SARS-COV-2 disease, and its mortality in the pediatric population have been low unlike in the adult population. However, children and adolescents have been very affected by this virus, through the restriction and limitations of their rights. The Subcommittee on the Rights of the Childhood and Adolescence and the Committee of Social Pediatrics of the Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría understood that it was very important to gather their voices to weigh the impact of the transition from COVID pandemic to this "new normalcy" and the effects on argentine children and adolescents' rights, emotions and desires, especially those related to accessibility to education and health. We carried on a qualitative descriptive narrative transversal phenomenological research, through an open anonymous survey, among children and adolescents between 6 and 18 years old, living in Argentina; 1537 surveys were collected. The research findings allowed elaborate recommendations to develop strategies to face, protect and accompany the children and adolescents during the post-pandemic.
Subject(s)
Humans , Child , Adolescent , Adaptation, Psychological , Child Advocacy , Argentina , Surveys and Questionnaires , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
The frequency of the severity of the different expressions of SARS-COV-2 disease, and its mortality in the pediatric population have been low unlike in the adult population. However, children and adolescents have been very affected by this virus, through the restriction and limitations of their rights. The Subcommittee on the Rights of the Childhood and Adolescence and the Committee of Social Pediatrics of the Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría understood that it was very important to gather their voices to weigh the impact of the transition from COVID pandemic to this "new normalcy" and the effects on argentine children and adolescents' rights, emotions and desires, especially those related to accessibility to education and health. We carried on a qualitative descriptive narrative transversal phenomenological research, through an open anonymous survey, among children and adolescents between 6 and 18 years old, living in Argentina; 1537 surveys were collected. The research findings allowed elaborate recommendations to develop strategies to face, protect and accompany the children and adolescents during the post-pandemic.
La mortalidad y formas graves atribuibles al COVID-19 en población pediátrica han sido bajas en comparación con los adultos. No obstante, los niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNA) constituyen un universo especialmente afectado por la pandemia, en cuanto a restricción y limitación de sus derechos. La Subcomisión de Derechos de la Niñez y Adolescencia y el Comité de Pediatría Social de la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría entendieron trascendente recolectar sus voces para relevar el impacto que la transición de la situación de pandemia por COVID-19 a la actual "nueva normalidad" ha producido en los sentimientos, emociones y deseos de los NNA en Argentina. Realizamos un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, basado en encuesta anónima, entre NNA argentinos de 6 a 18 años residentes en Argentina. El análisis incluyó 1537 entrevistas efectivas. Los resultados permitieron sugerir recomendaciones para desarrollar estrategias de afrontamiento, contención y acompañamiento de los NNA en la pospandemia.
ABSTRACT
La Subcomisión de Derechos del Niño y el Comité de Pediatría Social, de la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría, realizaron un trabajo de campo que permitiera dar voz a nuestros niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNA) durante la cuarentena y el aislamiento social obligatorio impuestos en nuestro país por la pandemia mundial por la enfermedad por el nuevo coronavirus (COVID-19). Los objetivos fueron relevar el impacto sobre sus sentimientos, emociones y deseos; evaluar y comparar las repercusiones personales, familiares y sociales antes, durante y después de la cuarentena; e identificar las necesidades de apoyo y contención.Los resultados de la investigación permiten afirmar que los niños han sido los más afectados y los menos escuchados. La cuarentena ha tenido un enorme impacto individual, social y familiar en los NNA, y reclama un abordaje holístico, comprometido y mancomunado de la sociedad civil, las familias, los profesionales de la salud, los docentes y las autoridades políticas.
The Subcommittee on the Rights of the Child and the Social Pediatrics Committee of the Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría carried out a fieldwork that allowed us to give a voice to our children and adolescents (NNA), during quarantine and social isolation mandatory imposed in our country by the global pandemic COVID-19. The objectives were to analyze the impact on their feelings, emotions and desires; evaluate and compare personal, family and social repercussions pre, intra and post quarantine; and identify support and containment needs.The results of the research allow us to affirm that children have been the most vulnerable and the least listened to. The quarantine has had an enormous individual, social and family impact on children and adolescents and calls for a holistic, committed and joint approach from civil society, families, health professionals, teachers and political authorities
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Adolescent , Perception , Social Isolation/psychology , Child Welfare/psychology , Quarantine/psychology , Emotions , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/psychology , Child Health , Epidemiology, Descriptive , Cross-Sectional Studies , Interviews as Topic , Adolescent Health , Physical Distancing , Human RightsABSTRACT
The Subcommittee on the Rights of the Child and the Social Pediatrics Committee of the Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría carried out a fieldwork that allowed us to give a voice to our children and adolescents (NNA), during quarantine and social isolation mandatory imposed in our country by the global pandemic COVID-19. The objectives were to analyze the impact on their feelings, emotions and desires; evaluate and compare personal, family and social repercussions pre, intra and post quarantine; and identify support and containment needs. The results of the research allow us to affirm that children have been the most vulnerable and the least listened to. The quarantine has had an enormous individual, social and family impact on children and adolescents and calls for a holistic, committed and joint approach from civil society, families, health professionals, teachers and political authorities.
La Subcomisión de Derechos del Niño y el Comité de Pediatría Social, de la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría, realizaron un trabajo de campo que permitiera dar voz a nuestros niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNA) durante la cuarentena y el aislamiento social obligatorio impuestos en nuestro país por la pandemia mundial por la enfermedad por el nuevo coronavirus (COVID-19). Los objetivos fueron relevar el impacto sobre sus sentimientos, emociones y deseos; evaluar y comparar las repercusiones personales, familiares y sociales antes, durante y después de la cuarentena; e identificar las necesidades de apoyo y contención. Los resultados de la investigación permiten afirmar que los niños han sido los más afectados y los menos escuchados. La cuarentena ha tenido un enorme impacto individual, social y familiar en los NNA, y reclama un abordaje holístico, comprometido y mancomunado de la sociedad civil, las familias, los profesionales de la salud, los docentes y las autoridades políticas.
