The generation gap in numbers: parent-child disagreement on youth's emotional and behavioral problems: a Greek community based-survey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate discrepancies between parent and child reports on youth's emotional and behavioral problems in a representative, community based sample of Greek 18-year-olds, and to identify associated factors. METHODS: A total of 2,927 completed pairs of parent-child questionnaires were studied, including the child behavior checklist (CBCL) and the youth self-report (YSR). Linear regression analysis was used to identify both child and parental characteristics significantly associated with parent/child disagreement on scores for youth's Internalising, Externalising and Total problems scales for both genders separately. RESULTS: Although there was a strong correlation between scores on the YSR and CBCL corresponding scales, parent/child discrepancies were more likely to occur when the later: had good academic performance, were dissatisfied from their self-image or their life. Parental factors that influence discrepancies in parent/child scale scores were: low paternal education for both genders, father being the informant for boys, and maternal stress and lack of awareness of leisure activities for girls. CONCLUSION: The associations found highlight the contributions of both parents and children to the discrepancies on emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence. This study may facilitate constructive parenting practices through generations.

Social determinants of self-reported emotional and behavioral problems in Greek adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the social factors associated with self-reported emotional and behavioral problems among Greek adolescents. METHODS: At age 18, a population-based sample of 3373 Greek adolescents completed the Youth Self-Report (YSR) questionnaire. RESULTS: The results from the multivariate analysis indicated that both lack of intimate friendships and not having parental monitoring were independently associated with problem behavior among both male and female adolescents. Engagement in sexual activities was significantly associated with higher YSR scores among both genders. Absence of academic motivation was associated with higher YSR scores in girls only. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that social factors, including negative family functions, lack of academic motivation and not having close friends, were associated with emotional and behavioral problems among adolescents and imply the need to develop a supportive social network for adolescents.

Does exclusive breastfeeding increase after hospital discharge? A Greek study.

To monitor the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Greek maternity wards and to investigate possible changes in infant-feeding practices during the first month after hospital discharge, the authors questioned 4310 Greek mothers from 7 hospitals on the fourth day postpartum. Odds ratios were calculated to estimate the effects of health system, demographic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. Any breastfeeding and full breastfeeding initiation rates were 85% and 23%, respectively. One month postpartum, the corresponding rates of any and exclusive breastfeeding were 79% and 61%, respectively. Mothers of infants who lacked continuous rooming-in while in the maternity ward (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.27-3.40) and with previous experience of breastfeeding (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.19-1.79) were more likely to reestablish exclusive breastfeeding at home despite the use of supplementation in the maternity ward. It seems women are capable of overcoming supplementation in hospital and can revert to exclusive breastfeeding at home.

Prevalence of recurrent complaints of pain among Greek schoolchildren and associated factors: a population-based study.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of recurrent complaints of pain (RCP) in Greek children, and to examine associations with socio-demographic characteristics and psychosocial factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study comprising a nationally representative population of 8130 7-y-old Greek schoolchildren. Data were collected by mailed questionnaires (response rate 89%). RCP was defined as present if at least one of the complaints of headache, abdominal pain or limb pain occurred at least once a week. RESULTS: The RCP prevalence rate was 7.2%, with significant gender differences (8.8% of girls, 5.7% of boys; p<0.001). RCP was significantly positively associated with a chronic health problem among the children, frequent change of residence, poor school performance, often watching TV and rarely playing with other children. There were no statistically significant associations of RCP with family structure and socio-economic status. CONCLUSION: The results are indicative of the prevalence of RCP in Greek schoolchildren. This study enlightens the psychosocial component of RCP and emphasizes the importance of gathering information on children's social background in medical settings.

Improvement of sun-related knowledge and protection practice.

The aim of this study was to examine changes in sun-related knowledge and sun protection practice among Greek mothers and children during 1993-2002. A total of 315 mothers in 1993 and 295 mothers in 2002, with their 649 and 491 children respectively, were randomly selected to answer the same questionnaire on sun-related issues. Sun knowledge and protection practice were determined by an index score. Significantly more mothers in 2002 compared to 1993 had 'good' (58.9% versus 16%) and 'excellent' levels (28% versus 6%) of sun knowledge (p<0.001). In 2002, 40% of the mothers and children (versus 27% and 30% each in 1993) had 'good' levels of sun protection practice, while 28% of the mothers and 26% of the children (versus none in 1993) reported 'excellent' levels (p<0.001). Knowledge and sun protection practice were significantly improved, probably due to an information campaign conducted between both surveys.