Segregación escolar del alumnado con necesidades educativas especiales en Educación Infantil en el contexto local / School segregation of students with special educational needs in Early Childhood Education in the local context

Esta investigación busca profundizar en la segregación escolar del alumnado con necesidades educativas especiales del segundo ciclo de Educación Infantil estimando su magnitud, determinando la incidencia de la titularidad del centro y de su adscripción al Programa Bilingüe y describiendo su evolución. Para ello, se realiza un estudio ex post facto con datos de los 10.182 estudiantes del segundo ciclo de Educación Infantil matriculados en alguno de los 77 centros ordinarios públicos y privados-concertados situados en dos ciudades de tamaño medio-grande de la Comunidad de Madrid. Los resultados indican que la magnitud de la segregación escolar está en torno al 0.20 (ISG); que la incidencia de la titularidad es baja (4.6 %), pero es alta la del Programa Bilingüe (17.2 % de promedio); y que la segregación ha descendido ligeramente en los últimos años, pero las diferencias entre centros atendiendo a su titularidad y adscripción al Programa Bilingüe han crecido. Con ello, se concluye que hay que prestar atención a la segregación en Educación Infantil y tomar medidas para combatirla. También se destaca la necesidad de replantear el Programa Bilingüe por su incidencia en la segregación escolar. (AU)

This research aims to explore the school segregation of students with special educational needs in the second cycle of Early Childhood Education by estimating its magnitude, determining the incidence of school ownership and affiliation to the Bilingual Program, and describing its evolution. To achieve this, we conduct an ex post facto study with data from the 10,182 students enrolled in one of the 77 public and private-subsidised schools in the Community of Madrid. The results indicate that the magnitude of school segregation is around 0.20 (ISG); that the incidence of school ownership is low (4.6 %), while the incidence of the Bilingual Program is high (17.2 % on average); and that segregation has slightly decreased in recent years, however the differences between schools based on ownership and affiliation to the Bilingual Program have increased. Therefore, we conclude that it is necessary to address segregation in Early Childhood Education and that measures need to be taken to combat it. We also highlight the importance of reconsidering the Bilingual Program due to its impact on school segregation. (AU)

Segregación escolar del alumnado con necesidades educativas especiales en Educación Infantil en el contexto local / School segregation of students with special educational needs in Early Childhood Education in the local context

Esta investigación busca profundizar en la segregación escolar del alumnado con necesidades educativas especiales del segundo ciclo de Educación Infantil estimando su magnitud, determinando la incidencia de la titularidad del centro y de su adscripción al Programa Bilingüe y describiendo su evolución. Para ello, se realiza un estudio ex post facto con datos de los 10.182 estudiantes del segundo ciclo de Educación Infantil matriculados en alguno de los 77 centros ordinarios públicos y privados-concertados situados en dos ciudades de tamaño medio-grande de la Comunidad de Madrid. Los resultados indican que la magnitud de la segregación escolar está en torno al 0.20 (ISG); que la incidencia de la titularidad es baja (4.6 %), pero es alta la del Programa Bilingüe (17.2 % de promedio); y que la segregación ha descendido ligeramente en los últimos años, pero las diferencias entre centros atendiendo a su titularidad y adscripción al Programa Bilingüe han crecido. Con ello, se concluye que hay que prestar atención a la segregación en Educación Infantil y tomar medidas para combatirla. También se destaca la necesidad de replantear el Programa Bilingüe por su incidencia en la segregación escolar. (AU)

This research aims to explore the school segregation of students with special educational needs in the second cycle of Early Childhood Education by estimating its magnitude, determining the incidence of school ownership and affiliation to the Bilingual Program, and describing its evolution. To achieve this, we conduct an ex post facto study with data from the 10,182 students enrolled in one of the 77 public and private-subsidised schools in the Community of Madrid. The results indicate that the magnitude of school segregation is around 0.20 (ISG); that the incidence of school ownership is low (4.6 %), while the incidence of the Bilingual Program is high (17.2 % on average); and that segregation has slightly decreased in recent years, however the differences between schools based on ownership and affiliation to the Bilingual Program have increased. Therefore, we conclude that it is necessary to address segregation in Early Childhood Education and that measures need to be taken to combat it. We also highlight the importance of reconsidering the Bilingual Program due to its impact on school segregation. (AU)

Childhood Trauma and Parental Burnout: The Mediating Role of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation and Reflective Functioning.

This study investigated the mediating role of difficulties in emotion regulation and reflective functioning in the association between childhood trauma and parental burnout. The participants included 402 mothers with children ranging in age from 1 to 6 years. Mothers completed the Parental Burnout Assessment (PBA) the parental reflective functioning questionnaire (PRFQ), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26, and Hayes Macro in SPSS was also used to analyze the effects of mediating variables. The results show that although childhood trauma and parental burnout do not have a direct and significant relationship, there is a significant indirect relationship through difficulties in emotional regulation and the two factors of parental reflective functioning, i.e., pre-mentalization, interest and curiosity about mental states. These findings contribute to the understanding of the importance of variables such as difficulties in emotion regulation and reflective functioning, which play a mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma and parental burnout. This suggests that designing interventions and prevention to reduce parental burnout based on emotion regulation and reflective functioning may be beneficial.

Low-income fathers are emotionally resilient: A qualitative exploration of paternal emotions across early parenting.

Emotions play an important role in fostering positive parenting and healthy child development. This qualitative study explored the affective experiences of racially diverse US fathers with low income across the prenatal, postnatal, and early childhood periods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 fathers. Interview questions asked about fathers' early parenting experiences that elicit parenting emotions of different valence. Results from thematic analysis demonstrated activation of multiple emotions depending on different proximal and distal experiences. Specific to proximal experiences, fathers reported feeling both excited and anxious about pregnancy and joyful and disappointed at childbirth. Related to distal experiences, fathers reported feeling encouraged by their social support networks that further aid their parenting, but feeling marginalized given systematic barriers (e.g., societal bias, high incarceration rates of Black fathers). Most importantly, fathers' parenting emotions, especially negative ones, led to them resolving to stay involved in their children's lives, gaining a sense of responsibility, and changing behaviors to do right by their children. Fathers resorted to various coping strategies to regulate their negative emotions. Overall, fathers with low income are emotionally resilient. Infant and early childhood health professionals should support fathers' mental health to promote father-child engagement and thus, ultimately, young children's mental health and wellbeing.

Las emociones juegan un papel importante en fomentar una crianza positiva y un saludable desarrollo del niño. Este estudio cualitativo exploró las experiencias afectivas de papás de Estados Unidos de bajos recursos económicos que son racialmente diversos a lo largo de los períodos prenatal, postnatal y la temprana niñez. Se llevaron a cabo entrevistas semiestructuradas con 24 papás. Las preguntas de la entrevista trataban acerca de las tempranas experiencias de crianza de los papás que provocaban emociones de crianza de valencia diferente. Los resultados de análisis temáticos demostraron la activación de múltiples emociones dependiendo de diferentes emociones proximales y distales. Específico a las experiencias proximales, los papás reportaron sentirse tanto emocionados como ansiosos acerca del embarazo y alegres y decepcionados al momento del nacimiento. Con relación a las experiencias distales, los papás reportaron sentirse animados por parte de sus redes de apoyo social que ayudaron en su acercamiento a la crianza y sentirse marginalizados dadas las barreras sistemáticas. De manera más importante, las emociones de crianza de los papás especialmente las negativas, les llevaron a decidir mantenerse involucrados en las vidas de sus niños, adquiriendo un sentido de responsabilidad y cambiando conductas para hacer lo correcto con sus niños. Los papás recurrieron a varias estrategias para regular sus emociones negativas. En general, los papás de bajas entradas económicas son emocionalmente fuertes. Los profesionales de la salud infantil y en la temprana niñez deben apoyar la salud mental de los papás para promover la compenetración papá­niño y a la larga, la salud mental y el bienestar de los niños pequeños.

Prevalence of child maltreatment in a nationwide sample of 18 to 31 year-olds in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Child maltreatment (CM) can have devastating and potentially lifelong effects for those affected and is a major contributor to mental health problems. To tackle public health problems it is crucial to have reliable data on CM. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and predictors of CM in a nationwide sample of the German population of young adults. METHODS: The study population (young adults aged 18 to 31 years) stems from the KiGGS Cohort study, the longitudinal branch of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for children and adolescents. This sample meets the criteria of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicator 16.2.3. The data was collected between 2014 and 2017. CM were assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) in. In addition, socio-demographic variables and other known risk factors for CM were assessed. A total of 6433 (47.8% female) participants were included in the analyses. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to investigate predictors of maltreatment subtypes. Ordinal regression was used to examine their association with experience of multiple forms of CM. RESULTS: Overall, 18.4% (f: 20.9%, m: 16.1%) of the participants reported having experienced at least one type of CM; 6.7% (f: 8.8%, m: 4.8%) reported experiences of emotional abuse, 3.7% (f: 3.9%, m: 3.5%) physical abuse, 3.5% (f: 5.3%, m: 1.7%) sexual abuse, 9.0% (f: 9.9%, m: 8.2%) emotional neglect and 8.6% (f: 8.5%, m: 8.7%) physical neglect. Gender, subjective social status, education and household dysfunction (e.g. living with an individual who is using substances) emerged as significant predictors for different types of CM. Additionally, all these factors were significant risk factors for experiencing cumulative CM. CONCLUSIONS: CM is common in the German population, with almost one in five people experiencing at least one type of CM. The results reveal important risk factors for the occurrence of CM. In particular, people with lower social status and those who grew up in dysfunctional households are at higher risk of CM. Greater support for this vulnerable population may reduce the prevalence of CM.

An open-label, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial of different silver diamine fluoride application intervals to arrest dental caries.

BACKGROUND: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an antimicrobial agent and alternative treatment option that can be used to arrest dental decay. While there is optimism with SDF with regard to caries management, there is no true consensus on the number and frequency of applications for children. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of 38% SDF to arrest early childhood caries (ECC) at three different application regimen intervals. METHODS: Children with teeth that met International Caries Detection and Assessment System codes 5 or 6 criteria were recruited from community dental clinics into an open-label, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial from October 2019 to June 2021. Participants were randomized to one of three groups using sealed envelopes that were prepared with one of three regimens inside: visits one month, four months, or six months apart. Participants received applications of 38% SDF, along with 5% sodium fluoride varnish (NaFV), at the first two visits to treat cavitated carious lesions. Lesions were followed and arrest rates were calculated. Lesions were considered arrested if they were hard on probing and black in colour. Statistics included descriptive and bivariate analyses (Kruskal one-way analysis of variance and Pearson's Chi-squared test). A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Eighty-four children participated in the study (49 males and 35 females, mean age: 44.4 ± 14.2 months). Treatment groups were well matched with 28 participants per group. A total of 374 teeth and 505 lesions were followed. Posterior lesions represented only 40.6% of affected surfaces. Almost all SDF treated lesions were arrested for the one-month (192/196, 98%) and four-month (159/166, 95.8%) interval groups at the final visit. The six-month group experienced the lowest arrest rates; only 72% (103/143) of lesions were arrested (p < 0.001). The duration of application intervals was inversely associated with improvements in arrest rates for all lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Two applications of 38% SDF and 5% NaFV in one-month and four-month intervals were comparable and very effective in arresting ECC. Applications six months apart were less effective and could be considered inferior treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04054635 (first registered 13/08/2019).

Study on the association between malnutrition, early childhood caries and caries activity among children aged 3-5 years.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the association between malnutrition and early childhood caries (ECC) and caries activity among children aged 3-5 years, in order to provide a theoretical basis for preventing and blocking ECC and improving malnutrition. METHODS: Children aged 3-5 years from six kindergartens in Zhao Xian, China were enrolled in this study. The decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft) of all children were examined and recorded. The Cariostat method was used to detect dental caries activity, collect anthropometric data and measure haemoglobin concentration. Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire on the general characteristics and oral health behaviour of the participants. The "Growth Standards for Chinese Children Under 7 Years Old" was used to assess the nutritional status of all participating children. Wilcoxon rank sum test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyse and evaluate the relationship between ECC, caries activity and malnutrition. RESULTS: A total of 635 children who met the criteria were included in this study. After adjusting for confounding factors, logistic regression showed that the risk of ECC was significantly increased in underweight children compared with normal children (OR = 5.43, P < 0. 05); compared with normal children, the risk of ECC decreased in overweight and obese children (OR = 0.31, P < 0.001); underweight children had higher caries severity than normal weight children, and the difference was statistically significant (OR = 2.69, P < 0. 05); stunted children had higher caries severity than normal weight children and the difference was statistically significant (OR = 2.28, P < 0.05); underweight was positively associated with caries activity and the association was statistically significant (OR = 2.33, P < 0. 05); stunting was positively associated with caries activity and the association was statistically significant (OR = 2.1, P < 0.05); overweight and obesity were negatively associated with caries activity and the association was statistically significant (OR = 0.61, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of ECC among children aged 3-5 years was positively associated with undernutrition and negatively associated with overnutrition. The severity of ECC among children aged 3-5 years was positively associated with undernutrition. The caries activity among children aged 3-5 years was positively associated with undernutrition and negatively associated with overnutrition.

Exploring influential factors in childhood vaccine delays in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Infectious diseases present a substantial worldwide health challenge, yet vaccines have played a crucial role in significantly decreasing illness rates. Despite their effectiveness, global vaccination coverage stands at 85%, leaving a considerable number of infants without routine immunization. Our study seeks to examine the occurrence of delayed primary vaccination and the factors influencing it in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia addressing a critical void in current research. Methodology: A cross-sectional investigation was carried out in the primary care facilities of the first health cluster in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Information was gathered utilizing a well-structured questionnaire, modified from a prior study. The study encompassed children aged two years and younger, accompanied by their parents who brought their vaccination cards for the visit. Non-probability convenience sampling was employed for data collection. Subsequently, the data underwent thorough cleaning in Excel (Microsoft Excel) and was subjected to analysis using IBM SPSS 29 (IBM SPSS Statistics 29). Results: The study involved 402 participants, primarily over 12 months old, with a balanced gender distribution. Noteworthy findings indicate a 20.9% prevalence of childhood vaccine delays, with reasons such as high-grade fever (33.3%) and travel (26.2%). Significant associations were found in children aged 6-12 months (25.8%, P = 0.039), families with over four children (31%, P = 0.010), perceptions of vaccine harm (50.0%, P = 0.013), and acknowledgment of neglect (96.4%, P = 0.001). Conclusion: The research illuminates the complex factors influencing childhood vaccine delays in Saudi Arabia. Stressing the significance of personalized interventions, it underscores the necessity to tackle challenges specific to age, parental perspectives, and access issues for improved vaccination outcomes.

Effectiveness of "SAFAL MATRUTV GATS" (Stunting alleviation by facilitation of antenatal-postnatal-interventions for low birth weight reduction) - A peer-led self-empowerment group at rural villages in Eastern Maharashtra: Protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial.

Background: Stunting or chronic malnutrition has been one of the major challenges to mankind for ages. The trends from the National Family Health surveys are more or less stagnant with a huge failure of the public health systems to tackle the problem of malnutrition. Innovative approaches are needed to tackle malnutrition. Objective: This pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial (CTRI registration no. Trial REF/2023/08/071521) is planned to assess the effectiveness of a multifaceted antenatal and postnatal health educational intervention package implemented from the first trimester of pregnancy up to one year of infant age in reducing the rates of Low Birth Weight and improving the maternal-infant growth and developmental indicators in a cohort of rural pregnant women as compared to existing standards of care. Implication - The study emphasizes the importance of an ongoing continuum of care during the first 1000 days for effective birth weight, preventing malnutrition, and fostering infant growth and development as its programmatic pathway to impact. Results: We anticipate that the intervention will complement the existing health programs and will be implemented through the grassroot-level workers along with a community peer named "Safalta Tai" enabling community ownership of the intervention. Discussion: It also has a robust inbuilt monitoring and evaluation system through participatory action research for making it scalable and sustainable beyond the implementation period. Conclusion: The program leverages on the existing goverment programs like the poshan abhiyaan and the digital health mission. It has the potential to be incorporated in the exsiting health infrastructure without any additional resources and scaled up if found effective in reduction of low birth weight which is an important determinant of stunting in under five children.

Guardians' involvement in the management of childhood illnesses in Vhembe district, Limpopo.

Background: Guardians' involvement in the management of childhood illnesses plays a pivotal role in reducing mortality and morbidity among children under 5 years old. It is through the guardian's eyes that the child can be afforded timely healthcare, prevented from contracting an illness and effectively taken prescribed medication. Aim: The study aimed to explore the guardians' lived experiences in their involvement in managing childhood illnesses in Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa. Setting: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study was conducted with 16 purposively sampled participants. Methods: One-on-one individual interviews were conducted with participants. Data were analysed following Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Results: Guardians reported their involvement by seeking child healthcare in healthcare facilities when ill and due for immunisations. Involvement in childhood care is performed through assessment of child illness at home, follow-up, referral of children to healthcare facilities, promotion of child health and prevention of childhood illnesses. Conclusion: Children remain dependent on guardians for their well-being. Seeking care, preventing illnesses and promoting childhood health are vital in reducing child mortality and childhood morbidity. Contribution: Involving and empowering guardians regarding the care of children under 5 years old are vital in achieving Sustainable Development Goal number 3 in 2030.

Determinants of Parental Vaccine Hesitancy During the COVID-19 Era in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background Despite the success of childhood vaccination in reducing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), vaccine hesitancy remains a significant challenge in several countries, such as Saudi Arabia, both during and beyond the COVID-19 era. Furthermore, the pandemic may have impacted vaccine hesitancy trends, potentially affecting parents' intentions to adhere to scheduled childhood vaccination programs. Aim This article aims to assess the extent of parents' hesitancy toward childhood vaccination, determine if it increased or decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the factors and determinants that influenced this hesitancy, whether positively or negatively, during the COVID-19 era, and estimate the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in relation to the acceptance of scheduled childhood vaccination. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia through a snowball sampling technique. Data were collected between September 2022 and October 2022 using an online survey using Google Forms. The inclusion criteria were parents or guardians in Saudi Arabia with a child up to 18 years of age. Responses were analyzed using SPSS V25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US), with chi-square tests and logistic regression performed to compare hesitancy and vaccination status. Results Among the 1,209 parents and care providers who participated, the prevalence of parents' vaccine hesitancy was 374 (30.9%). The educational level of the parents was not significantly associated with hesitancy status (p 0.490). The most refused vaccine was Mpox (345; 28.5%), whereas the one that caused the most hesitancy was the COVID-19 vaccine (352; 29.1%). Regarding the parents' concerns, the main reason for their hesitancy was the influence of their negative perceptions from social media content, including false or misleading information and negative allegations about vaccines, reported by 449 (18.98%) of the participants. Logistic regression analysis indicated that negative social media perceptions significantly increased the likelihood of vaccine hesitancy (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.78-2.60, p < 0.001). Conclusion Our study highlights the prevalence of parental vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 era; the most significant hesitancy was observed toward the COVID-19 vaccine, and the mpox vaccine was the most rejected. Negative social media was the main reason for parental hesitancy; public health efforts should focus on providing accurate and easily accessible information through educational campaigns on social media and other platforms.

Adrenocortical deviations and adverse clinical outcomes in children and adolescents exposed to interparental intimate partner violence: A systematic review.

Childhood exposure to interparental intimate partner violence (i-IPV) is a pervasive form of child maltreatment, posing major public health concerns and elevating risks for enduring adverse clinical and developmental consequences. However, assessing the full spectrum of clinical effects is challenging, potentially leading to inconsistent identification of children in need of early intervention. This systematic review aimed to identify hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis dysfunction following i-IPV exposure, elucidating the underlying biopsychobehavioural mechanisms and predicting adverse outcomes. We searched Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO for peer-reviewed studies from infancy through adolescence, screened reference lists and conducted forward searches. Analysis of 23 publications (N = 1848) revealed associations between i-IPV and altered adrenocortical function from early childhood, influenced by FKBP5 haplotype, parental caregiving and offspring emotional insecurity. Results showed that the adrenocortical stress response may predict internalising and externalising problems, childhood asthma, impaired executive function and poor academic performance. Nonetheless, inconsistencies in findings between studies suggest methodological heterogeneity and potential bias. Identifying biomarkers such as cortisol can enhance prediction and mechanism-based intervention efforts but long-term studies with a common theoretical and methodological framework are needed for comprehensive understanding. Integrating biological, emotional, and behavioural assessments could potentiate trauma services and research, ultimately improving outcomes for affected children.

Epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia in a patient with ATP1A3-related neurologic disorder.

We report on an 11 year old Polish girl who experienced paroxysmal episodes with decreased consciousness, (hemi)plegia, movement disorders, slurred speech, dysphagia, and abnormal eye movements. An extensive etiological work-up (brain MRI, EEG, EMG, NCS, toxic, metabolic, infectious, and auto-immune screening) was not conclusive. A genetic analysis with whole-exome sequencing demonstrated a de novo heterozygous mutation in the ATP1A3 gene (c.2232C>G, p.Asn744Lys). A 48 h video-EEG monitoring that was conducted in our unit later confirmed the absence of ictal discharge during an episode of hemidystonia, demonstrating its non-epileptic etiology. However, several discharges of generalized spike waves, which were facilitated by intermittent photic stimulation and eyelid closure were recorded, of which a few were associated with eyelid myoclonia. Taken together, these findings are characteristic of epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia. The clinical picture of this patient partially fulfills the diagnostic criteria of relapsing encephalopathy with cerebellar ataxia as well as alternating hemiplegia of childhood. It is increasingly recognized that the distinct syndromes described with ATP1A3 mutations are overlapping and could be identified in the same patients. Certain variations in ATP1A3 have been linked to an increased risk of developing generalized epilepsy syndromes. We hereby present the second case in the literature of a patient with epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia with an ATP1A3-related neurological disorder.

The mediating role of adolescent psychopathology in the association between frequent or severe childhood abuse and labor market inactivity in young adulthood: A causal mediation approach.

BACKGROUND: Labor market inactivity is common among young adults with a history of childhood abuse, which might be attributable to elevated psychopathology in adolescence. OBJECTIVE: We examined and decomposed the effect of adolescent psychopathology in the association between frequent or severe childhood abuse and labor market inactivity in young adulthood. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: This study used data from the population and high-risk samples of the Dutch prospective TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (N = 2172). METHODS: Childhood abuse included measures of emotional, physical and sexual abuse. We operationalized adolescent psychopathology using the broadband emotional and behavioral problem scales. Labor market inactivity in young adulthood was defined as being neither in education, employment nor training or receiving benefits. We applied causal mediation analysis combined with a four-way decomposition approach to estimate our effects of interest. RESULTS: Individuals who reported frequent or severe childhood abuse were 1.51 (95 % CI: 1.13 to 2.22) times more likely to report labor market inactivity, constituting an excess relative risk (ERR) of 0.51. Most of this excess relative risk is due to mediation by psychopathology at 64.7 % (ERR: 0.33, 95 % CI: 0.16 to 0.50). We found no evidence for a mediated interactive effect (ERR: -0.04, 95 % CI: -0.24 to 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent psychopathology largely explains the association between frequent and severe childhood abuse and labor market inactivity in young adulthood. Intervening in the occurrence of adolescent psychopathology following frequent and severe childhood abuse may reduce the risk of subsequent labor market inactivity.

Temperament in Early Childhood Is Associated With Gut Microbiota Composition and Diversity.

Temperament is a key predictor of human mental health and cognitive and emotional development. Although human fear behavior is reportedly associated with gut microbiome in infancy, infant gut microbiota changes dramatically during the first 5 years, when the diversity and composition of gut microbiome are established. This period is crucial for the development of the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in emotion regulation. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between temperament and gut microbiota in 284 preschool children aged 3-4 years. Child temperament was assessed by maternal reports of the Children's Behavior Questionnaire. Gut microbiota (alpha/beta diversity and genera abundance) was evaluated using 16S rRNA sequencing of stool samples. A low abundance of anti-inflammatory bacteria (e.g., Faecalibacterium) and a high abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria (e.g., Eggerthella, Flavonifractor) were associated with higher negative emotionality and stress response (i.e., negative affectivity, ß = -0.17, p = 0.004) and lower positive emotionality and reward-seeking (i.e., surgency/extraversion, ß = 0.15, p = 0.013). Additionally, gut microbiota diversity was associated with speed of response initiation (i.e., impulsivity, a specific aspect of surgency/extraversion, ß = 0.16, p = 0.008). This study provides insight into the biological mechanisms of temperament and takes important steps toward identifying predictive markers of psychological/emotional risk.

The socio-cultural contexts shaping health-seeking behaviours among community members regarding childhood cancer in Tanzania: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Timely diagnosis of childhood cancer, early hospital presentation and completion of treatment significantly improve outcomes. Unfortunately, in Tanzania, thousands of children die of cancer each year without ever being diagnosed or treated. To reduce childhood death from cancer, it is important to understand the social-cultural context, values and beliefs that influence healthcare-seeking behaviours among the Tanzanian community. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study conducted in Mwanza, Kilimanjaro and Dar-es-Salaam regions between March and June 2021. We purposively selected community members aged ≥18 years from three rural and three urban settings to participate in seven focus group discussions (each with eight to 12 respondents). The participants were from communities without any affiliation to the treatment of children with cancer or treatment facilities. We transcribed, coded and analyzed data using a thematic-content approach with the support of NVIVO 12 software. RESULTS: Many had heard of breast or cervical cancer; however, most were unaware of childhood cancer. Adults believe that cancer in children is caused by witchcraft and cannot be cured by modern medicines available at hospitals. These beliefs lead parents to first seek care from traditional healers, which hence delay presentation to the hospital. Other community concerns included the cost of transportation, investigation-related costs, and the long duration of treatment. These have an influence on treatment adherence leading to seeking alternative treatment, such as spiritual or traditional treatment. CONCLUSION: Low community awareness, late hospital presentation, and treatment abandonment remain a challenge in childhood cancer in most parts of Tanzania. Belief about childhood cancer being a result of witchcraft and superstition contributes to limited health-seeking behaviours. Cultural and contextually relevant awareness campaign interventions are needed to increase cancer knowledge in Tanzanian communities.

Alterations in functional brain connectivity associated with developmental dyscalculia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the study of resting neural networks in different neurological and mental disorders. While previous studies suggest that the default mode network (DMN) may be altered in dyscalculia, the study of resting-state networks in the development of numerical skills, especially in children with developmental dyscalculia (DD), is scarce and relatively recent. Based on this, this study examines differences in resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) data of children with DD using functional connectivity multivariate pattern analysis (fc-MVPA), a data-driven methodology that summarizes properties of the entire connectome. METHODS: We performed fc-MVPA on resting-state images of a sample composed of a group of children with DD (n = 19, 8.06 ± 0.87 years) and an age- and sex-matched control group of typically developing children (n = 23, 7.76 ± 0.46 years). RESULTS: Analysis of fc-MVPA showed significant differences between group connectivity profiles in two clusters allocated in both the right and left medial temporal gyrus. Post hoc effect size results revealed a decreased rs-FC between each temporal pole and the DMN in children with DD and an increased rs-FC between each temporal pole and the sensorimotor network. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an aberrant information flow between resting-state networks in children with DD, demonstrating the importance of these networks for arithmetic development.

Mental health in mothers and fathers of children with chronic disorders.

Objective: This study applied the Family Systems Illness Model to examine how child disorder severity influences mental health in mothers and fathers of children with chronic (mainly developmental) disorders (CD). Methods: We measured parental mental health and perceived child disorder severity among 204 mothers and 125 fathers of 220 children with CD and compared the mental health scores with norms. We analyzed how much of the variance in parental mental health was explained by child disorder severity, including discrepancy between maternally and paternally perceived severity. Results: Compared to norms, we found elevated mental health problems in both mothers (d = 0.45) and fathers (d = 0.20) of children with CD. Mothers had higher scores than fathers on both mental health problems (d = 0.63) and severity (d = 0.43). Perceived disorder severity was similarly associated with mental health problems for mothers (ß = 0.23) and fathers (ß = 0.34). Discrepancy between maternal and paternal perceived disorder severity did not influence parental mental health. Conclusion: Findings suggest gender-specific challenges in parenting children with CD. Subjective perception of disorder severity plays a substantial role for parental mental health. Innovation: This comparative study of mothers and fathers contributes to a predominantly mother-focused field.

The effect of infection prevention and control programme for childcare workers in daycare centres: A systematic review.

PROBLEM: Infectious diseases can easily spread in daycare centres (DCCs), primarily due to inadequate hygiene practices of both childcare workers and children. Therefore, childcare workers who provide direct care in early childhood play a crucial role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases in DCCs. This systematic review aims to identify current evidence and examine the effect of the infection prevention and control (IPC) programme for childcare workers in daycare centres, and to obtain a pooled estimate of the intervention's effect using meta-analysis, if possible ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We searched literature through CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases, we also performed manual searches on Google Scholar and citation lists. Inclusion criteria comprised: 1) Experimental or quasi-experimental design studies that were published in the English language from October 1971 to December 2023, 2) Population focused on childcare workers responsible for early childhood in DCCs, 3) The intervention focused on the ICP programme, and 4) Outcomes related to childcare workers SAMPLE: From 3,964 articles, eight studies were included in this review RESULTS: Half of the total studies concentrated on hand hygiene intervention, while the remaining four addressed the prevention of infectious diseases and infection control. These studies reported an increase in knowledge, self-efficacy, and compliance regarding hand hygiene, and knowledge and practices related to infectious diseases. Two studies included nurses as conductors in the programme CONCLUSION: IPC programme effectively enhances some knowledge and performances in childcare workers IMPLICATION: Nurses can conduct IPC programme within daycare centres by utilizing evidence-based educational tools. Further research is needed to require well-reported studies, especially randomized controlled trials. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023492592.