Pediatric Reports

6 pages, 217 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Improving the Early Assessment of Child Neglect Signs—A New Technique for Professionals

by Giovanni Giulio Valtolina, Concetta Polizzi and Giovanna Perricone

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 390-395; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020035 - 19 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1963

This paper grants some considerations on a critical phenomenon for child health: child neglect. It is an omission-type form of childhood maltreatment, which is widespread but very hard to intercept. For the assessment of child neglect, the Italian Society of Pediatric Psychology (S.I.P.Ped.) [...] Read more.

This paper grants some considerations on a critical phenomenon for child health: child neglect. It is an omission-type form of childhood maltreatment, which is widespread but very hard to intercept. For the assessment of child neglect, the Italian Society of Pediatric Psychology (S.I.P.Ped.) has developed and validated a specific assessment technique (the C.N.A. technique). It is supposed to be for parents of children between 3 and 9 years old. It is based on a paradigm that identifies the dysregulation of parental competence as the cause of neglect. It can occur in hypo- or hyperactivation of three fundamental factors (recognition, stimulation, and care). The child neglect assessment technique (C.N.A.) differs from the retrospective tools available in the literature since it allows for interception of the “signs” of possible child neglect when negligence occurs. Full article

9 pages, 266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Assessment of Psychomotor Development in Full-Term Children at 12 Months of Age with Munich Functional Development Diagnostics Depending on the Feeding Method: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Grażyna Pazera, Marta Młodawska, Kamila Kukulska and Jakub Młodawski

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 381-389; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020034 - 12 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1949

Abstract

Background: Psychomotor development is the most important outcome determining the proper growth and development of children. Optimizing childcare and modifying risk factors can provide the child with the best conditions to realize their developmental potential. The study aimed to assess the impact of [...] Read more.

Background: Psychomotor development is the most important outcome determining the proper growth and development of children. Optimizing childcare and modifying risk factors can provide the child with the best conditions to realize their developmental potential. The study aimed to assess the impact of the feeding method on the psychomotor development of full-term children at 12 months of age with Munich Functional Developmental Diagnostics (MFDD). Methods: The study included 242 full-term children who were examined at 12 months of age by a child neurologist using MFDD. The children were divided into two groups depending on the feeding method: breastfed (146) vs. formula-fed (93). We analysed selected obstetric and neonatal risk factors as well as MFDD scores within the groups. Results: The only axis on the MFDD scale on which we observed a difference between the groups was social skills. No differences were noted between the groups in the analysis of the gross and fine motor skills, with regard to perception or active and passive speech. Conclusions: The full-term, exclusively breastfed infants over their first 6 months of age or longer have greater social skills in comparison with the formula-fed infants when measured on the MFDD axis. Full article

8 pages, 2244 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Efficacy and Safety of Enteral Human Recombinant Insulin to Reduce the Time to Full Enteral Feeding in Preterm Infants: A Meta-Analytical Study

by Faiza Qudsia, Muhammad Adil, Maha Kamran, Muhammad Azam, Huzaifa Ahmad Cheema, Abia Shahid and Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 373-380; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020033 - 7 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1656

Abstract

Recombinant human insulin plays an important role in the gut maturation of preterm infants. This meta-analysis was carried out to assess the efficacy and safety of enteral recombinant human insulin in decreasing the time to full enteral feeding in preterm infants. The pooling [...] Read more.

Recombinant human insulin plays an important role in the gut maturation of preterm infants. This meta-analysis was carried out to assess the efficacy and safety of enteral recombinant human insulin in decreasing the time to full enteral feeding in preterm infants. The pooling of data from four clinical trials yielded a significant decrease in the time to full enteral feeding in preterm infants under both low (Mean difference [MD] −3.43 days; 95% CI: −6.18 to −0.69 days; I2 = 48%) and high doses of insulin (MD −7.10 days; 95% CI: −10.02 to −4.18 days; I2 = 0%). These findings require confirmation by further large trials that evaluate the efficacy and safety of enteral insulin, especially at supraphysiological doses. Full article

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13 pages, 305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Negative Outcomes Associated with Medication in Neonates on Parenteral Nutrition Therapy

by Evelin Nataly Vega Díaz, Aida Adriana Miranda Barros, Monica Alexandra Castelo Reyna, Dennys Tenelanda López and Irvin Tubon

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 360-372; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020032 - 6 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1869

Abstract

Objective: In Ecuador, studies on clinical daily practice problems focused on parenteral nutrition in neonates are scarce. Therefore, this research aimed to identify negative results associated with medications (NRAM) in neonates with parenteral nutrition (PN) in a third-level hospital in Ecuador. Material and [...] Read more.

Objective: In Ecuador, studies on clinical daily practice problems focused on parenteral nutrition in neonates are scarce. Therefore, this research aimed to identify negative results associated with medications (NRAM) in neonates with parenteral nutrition (PN) in a third-level hospital in Ecuador. Material and methods: An observational, prospective, descriptive study was designed in the neonatology area of a tertiary-level public hospital, where, for over four months, the medical records, PN prescriptions, and pharmacy-managed databases of 78 patients were analyzed. Drug-related problems (DRPs) as possible causes of NRAM were classified through administrative, physicochemical, and clinical validation. Results: DRPs classified as follows were found: 78.81% by physicochemical, 17.62% by clinical, and 3.57% by administrative validation. The NRAM were 72% quantitatively uncertain, 16% needed, and 11% quantitatively ineffective. Conclusion: The NRAM associated with DRPs were statistically related to prematurity condition, APGAR score, PN time, and the number of medications administered, which suggests the need to create a nutritional therapy committee at the health facility. Full article

11 pages, 462 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Investigating Non-Pharmacological Stress Reduction Interventions in Pediatric Patients Confirmed with Salivary Cortisol Levels: A Systematic Review

by Maria Grigoropoulou, Emmanouil I. Kapetanakis, Achilleas Attilakos, Anestis Charalampopoulos, Anastasia Dimopoulou, Efstratios Vamvakas, Eleftheria Mavrigiannaki and Nikolaos Zavras

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 349-359; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020031 - 1 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2312

Abstract

For many children, hospitalization can lead to a state of increased anxiety. Being away from home, the invasive procedures undertaken, and the uncertainty of the outcome cause an uncomfortable situation in anticipation of real or imagined hazards. This systematic review aims to assess [...] Read more.

For many children, hospitalization can lead to a state of increased anxiety. Being away from home, the invasive procedures undertaken, and the uncertainty of the outcome cause an uncomfortable situation in anticipation of real or imagined hazards. This systematic review aims to assess current evidence on the types of non-pharmacological interventions used and their impact on children’s anxiety or distress levels when they visit the hospital for planned or unplanned admissions. The Databases PubMed, Psych INFO, and Google Scholar were queried for papers published from January 2000 to March 2023 reporting the use of non-pharmacological interventions interacting with children in hospital or clinical environments and confirmed with saliva cortisol levels. A total of nine studies were retrieved. Across these studies, four different strategies of non-pharmacological interventions were used. Anxiety and distress were found to be reduced in the majority of the studies as confirmed with salivary cortisol. Overall, there is evidence that non-pharmacological interventions hold a promising role in reducing levels of anxiety or distress in children as confirmed with saliva cortisol. However, research on saliva cortisol as a tool of anxiety measurement requires higher quality studies to strengthen the evidence base. Full article

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8 pages, 274 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome Temporally Associated with COVID-19 in a Regional Pediatric Hospital from México

by Joel Barroso-Santos, Angelina Ingrid Robledo-Martínez, Sara Elva Espinosa-Padilla, Rubén Genaro Hurtado del Ángel, Felipe Arteaga-García, Mónica Langarica-Bulos, José Antonio Madrid-Gómez-Tagle, Beatriz Adriana Sánchez-Reyes, Sarai Eunice Hernández-Cadena, Jorge Iván Suárez-Soto, Carolina Delgado-Amézquita, Brenda Godínez-Hernández, Octavio Otamendi-Canales and Angélica Saraí Jiménez-Osorio

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 341-348; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020030 - 26 May 2023

Viewed by 1840

Abstract

Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) is an inflammatory condition temporally associated with COVID-19 in children; nevertheless, the clinical and immunologic spectrum of MIS-C is heterogeneous, and its long-term effects are unknown. During the period of August 2020 to December 2021, a total of 52 [...] Read more.

Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) is an inflammatory condition temporally associated with COVID-19 in children; nevertheless, the clinical and immunologic spectrum of MIS-C is heterogeneous, and its long-term effects are unknown. During the period of August 2020 to December 2021, a total of 52 MIS-C cases were confirmed in pediatric patients from the Hospital del Niño DIF Hidalgo, diagnosed using criteria from the World Health Organization. All patients had serologic IgG confirmation of SARS-CoV2, the mean age of the patients was 7 years, and 94% of the patients did not have a previous underlying disease. In addition to the presentation of lymphopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, elevations in D-dimer and ferritin levels were observed in all patients. There was clinical improvement with intravenous gamma globulin and corticosteroid treatment. Full article

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Graphical abstract

8 pages, 1552 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Future Perspective for ALK-Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma with Initial Central Nervous System (CNS) Involvement: Could Next-Generation ALK Inhibitors Replace Brain Radiotherapy for the Prevention of Further CNS Relapse?

by Makito Tanaka, Hiroki Miura, Soichiro Ishimaru, Gen Furukawa, Yoshiki Kawamura, Kei Kozawa, Seiji Yamada, Fumitaka Ito, Kazuko Kudo and Tetsushi Yoshikawa

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 333-340; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020029 - 26 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2574

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) at diagnosis is rare and leads to poor prognosis with the use of the standard ALCL99 protocol alone. CNS-directed intensive chemotherapy, such as an increased dose of intravenous MTX, increased dose of [...] Read more.

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) at diagnosis is rare and leads to poor prognosis with the use of the standard ALCL99 protocol alone. CNS-directed intensive chemotherapy, such as an increased dose of intravenous MTX, increased dose of dexamethasone, intensified intrathecal therapy, and high-dose cytarabine, followed by cranial irradiation, has been shown to improve survival in this population. In this paper, the authors describe a 14-year-old male with an intracranial ALCL mass at onset who received CNS-directed chemotherapy followed by 23.4 Gy of whole-brain irradiation. After the first systemic relapse, the CNS-penetrating ALK inhibitor, alectinib, was applied; it has successfully maintained remission for 18 months without any adverse events. CNS-penetrating ALK inhibitor therapy might prevent CNS relapse in pediatric ALK-positive ALCL. Next-generation ALK inhibitors could be introduced as a promising treatment option, even for primary ALCL with CNS involvement, which could lead to the omission of cranial irradiation and avoid radiation-induced sequalae. Further evidence of CNS-penetrating ALK inhibitor combined therapy for primary ALK-positive ALCL is warranted to reduce radiation-induced sequalae in future treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Oncology and Chemotherapy: Challenges and Strategies)

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10 pages, 1739 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury Requiring Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in A Neonate with Aortic Stenosis—A Case Report

by Catalin Cirstoveanu, Carmina Georgescu, Nicolae Ruxandra, Mihaela Bizubac, Eliza Cinteza, Corina Maria Vasile, Cristina Filip and Irina Margarint

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 323-332; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020028 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2739

Abstract

Background: Acute kidney injury occurs commonly in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. We report a case of a neonate with congenital heart disease who developed acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery, administration of iodinated contrast [...] Read more.

Background: Acute kidney injury occurs commonly in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. We report a case of a neonate with congenital heart disease who developed acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery, administration of iodinated contrast media for cardiac catheterization, and a combination of nephrotoxic drugs. Case report: A term neonate without a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease and with a good postnatal transition was transferred at 13 days of life to the MS Curie Emergency Hospital for Children, Newborn Intensive Care Unit, from a regional hospital where he was admitted at 10 days of life with severe general status, respiratory distress, cyanosis, and arterial hypotension. The cardiac ultrasound detected critical aortic valve stenosis, hypoplastic descending aorta, acute heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension. The patient was intubated and mechanically ventilated and received antibiotherapy (meropenem, vancomycin, and colistin), inotropic and vasoactive support (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and milrinone), and diuretic support (furosemide, aminophylline, and ethacrynic acid). A balloon aortic valvuloplasty was performed several hours after admission, but after two days the patient required reintervention by open heart surgery due to relapsing severe aortic stenosis. He developed oligo-anuria, generalized edema, and altered renal function tests on the second postoperative and fourth day post-contrast media administration. Continuous renal replacement therapy was initiated for 75 h, leading to almost instant improvement in blood pressure, then diuresis and creatinine levels. The patient required long-term treatment for heart, respiratory, and liver failure. He was discharged at almost four months of age with normal renal function tests, blood pressure, and good urine output without diuretic support. The literature review indicates that contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) requiring continuous renal replacement therapy is rare. Conclusions: Our current case proves that iodinated contrast media administration in a neonate with concomitant insults, such as cardiac surgery for a specific pathology, aortic stenosis, coarctation, arch stenosis, arterial hypotension, and administration of nephrotoxic drugs, may lead to severe kidney injury. Full article

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12 pages, 1221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parental Knowledge and Awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Fatma Alzahrani, Basma A. Al-Jabri, Salah Aldeen L. Ramadan, Abdulaziz M. Alshehri, Abdulaziz S. Alsheikh, Hanan Hassan Mushaeb, Sara Faisal Albisher and Maab Sadek AlSwealh

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 311-322; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020027 - 5 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3232

Abstract

Background: Despite the serious consequences of shaken baby syndrome (SBS), previous studies revealed a low level of knowledge among Saudi parents. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. An electronic questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms to parents of pediatric age group children [...] Read more.

Background: Despite the serious consequences of shaken baby syndrome (SBS), previous studies revealed a low level of knowledge among Saudi parents. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. An electronic questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms to parents of pediatric age group children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 524 responses were received. Data about participants’ demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding SBS were collected through convenient random sampling. Results: A total of 524 responses were received; 30.7% of the participants were familiar with SBS. The Internet and the social media platforms were the most common sources of information. There was no statistically significant correlation between knowledge levels and participants’ sociodemographic factors; only 32.3% of individuals had good knowledge. Of them, 84% had a positive attitude towards learning more about SBS, and 40.1% and 34.3% were interested in learning more about SBS before and during pregnancy, respectively. Carrying the baby and shaking were the actions most frequently taken when a baby was crying. Of them, 23.9% forcefully shake their child, while 41.4% of them throw their infant up in the air and catch it. Conclusions: It is important to conduct health education programs on SBS for mothers throughout the prenatal period. Full article

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10 pages, 1543 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Growing up with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: An Arduous Journey

by Tanguy Dutilleux, Nesrine Farhat, Ruth Heying, Marie-Christine Seghaye and Maurice Beghetti

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 301-310; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020026 - 5 May 2023

Viewed by 2175

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is an uncommon and severe disease. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy investigated for cardiac murmur and exercise intolerance. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was suspected at clinical examination and confirmed by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. This case [...] Read more.

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is an uncommon and severe disease. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy investigated for cardiac murmur and exercise intolerance. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was suspected at clinical examination and confirmed by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. This case of pulmonary hypertension was classified as idiopathic given the negative etiological investigation. Vasoreactive testing with oxygen and nitric oxide was negative. Therefore, treatment with sildenafil (1.4 mg/kg/d) and bosentan (3 mg/kg/d) was initiated. This allowed the stabilization of, but not a decrease in, pulmonary artery pressure for the next 5 years, during which the patient’s quality of life was significantly reduced. At a later follow-up, the estimated pulmonary pressure was found to have increased and become supra-systemic, with a consequent deterioration in the child’s condition. This led to the decision to enter him into a clinical trial that is still ongoing. Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is a severe disease that can present with non-specific symptoms, such as asthenia and exercise limitation, which are important not to trivialize. The disease is associated with significantly decreased quality of life in affected children and carries a high burden in terms of mortality and morbidity. The current knowledge about IPAH in children is reviewed, with a particular focus on the future prospects for its treatment and the related quality of life of patients. Full article

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8 pages, 421 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Leclercia adecarboxylata in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Systematic Review

by John Dotis, Antonia Kondou, Vasiliki Karava, Georgia Sotiriou, Athina Papadopoulou, Charalampos Zarras, Chrysi Michailidou, Eleni Vagdatli and Nikoleta Printza

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 293-300; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020025 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2046

Abstract

Background: Leclercia adecarboxylata is a Gram-negative bacillus that can rarely cause infections in humans. We recently treated a case of peritonitis due to L. adecarboxylata in a peritoneal dialysis (PD) pediatric patient, and we systematically reviewed all the relevant reported cases in [...] Read more.

Background: Leclercia adecarboxylata is a Gram-negative bacillus that can rarely cause infections in humans. We recently treated a case of peritonitis due to L. adecarboxylata in a peritoneal dialysis (PD) pediatric patient, and we systematically reviewed all the relevant reported cases in the literature. Methods: We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases, and we reviewed 13 such cases (2 children, 11 adults) that were reported, including our patient. Results: The mean (±SE) age was 53.2 ± 22.5 years, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1:1.6. Their mean vintage period on PD prior to L. adecarboxylata peritonitis was 37.5 ± 25.3 months. The VITEK card was the identification diagnostic tool in most cases (63%). The antimicrobial agent that was most frequently used was ceftazidime, which was implemented in 50% of cases as initial therapy, either as a monotherapy or combination therapy; in only two patients (15.3%) was the Tenkhoff catheter removed. The median duration of treatment was 18 days (range of 10–21 days), and all 13 patients that were reviewed were healed. Conclusions: Physicians should be aware that L. adecarboxylata is noted to rarely cause peritonitis in PD patients; however, this pathogen seems to be sensitive to most antimicrobial agents and can result in a favorable outcome with the selection of appropriate treatment. Full article

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11 pages, 1424 KiB

Open AccessReview

Intravesical Agents in the Treatment of Bladder Clots in Children

by Marcello Della Corte, Erica Clemente, Elisa Cerchia, Sabrina De Cillis, Enrico Checcucci, Daniele Amparore, Cristian Fiori, Francesco Porpiglia and Simona Gerocarni Nappo

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 282-292; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020024 - 14 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3770

Abstract

Bladder blood clots represent an infrequent urinary condition in children. They usually result from hematuria with many underlying causes, such as urinary tract infections and urethral/bladder traumas. Treatment options for clot removal include trans-urethral or suprapubic bladder irrigation and, if unsuccessful, endoscopic management [...] Read more.

Bladder blood clots represent an infrequent urinary condition in children. They usually result from hematuria with many underlying causes, such as urinary tract infections and urethral/bladder traumas. Treatment options for clot removal include trans-urethral or suprapubic bladder irrigation and, if unsuccessful, endoscopic management under general anesthesia with a resectoscope. In younger male children, however, the repeated passage of a trans-urethral resectoscope may be challenging and traumatic, due to the small lumen diameter. Eventually, an open surgical approach can be required in many patients. Few anecdotal non-surgical approaches have been proposed for the management of bladder blood clots in children. This review aims to summarize the conservative techniques described in the literature with the instillation of intravesical agents, analyzing the different strategies and their advantages. Full article

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10 pages, 261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Caregivers’ Self-Rated General Health, Physical and Mental Health Status, Disease Morbidity and Association with Uncontrolled Asthma in Children

by Chisa O. Oparanma, Chukwuemeka E. Ogbu, Ebubechukwu Ezeh, Stella C. Ogbu, Otobo I. Ujah and Russell S. Kirby

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 272-281; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020023 - 6 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1619

Abstract

This study examined the association between caregivers’ self-rated general health, poor physical/mental health days, disease morbidity and asthma control in children from the United States with current asthma. The data analyzed for this study were obtained from 7522 children aged 0–17 years who [...] Read more.

This study examined the association between caregivers’ self-rated general health, poor physical/mental health days, disease morbidity and asthma control in children from the United States with current asthma. The data analyzed for this study were obtained from 7522 children aged 0–17 years who participated in the 2012–2014, 2015–2017, 2018, and 2019 cycles of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Asthma Call-back Survey (ACBS). We employed univariate analysis to describe the study population and weighted binary logistic regression to examine the association of predictors with asthma control. Approximately 50% of the children had uncontrolled asthma. The results show that caregivers who reported fair general health had a 61% higher likelihood of reporting uncontrolled asthma in their children compared to those who reported good/very good/excellent health (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–2.26). Poor caregiver general health did not reach statistical significance in predicting uncontrolled asthma (aOR = 1.05, 95% CI, 0.62–1.75). Furthermore, having 1 to 14 poor physical/mental health days ([aOR] = 1.70; 95% CI, 1.28–2.227) and ≥15 poor physical/mental health days (aOR = 1.82, 95% CI, 1.31–2.53) was predictive of uncontrolled asthma in children. Additionally, endorsing one reported disease (aOR = 1.49, 95% CI, 1.15–1.93) and ≥2 diseases (aOR = 1.38, 95% CI, 1.08–1.78) was associated with uncontrolled child asthma. These findings underscore the association between caregivers’ self-reported general health, poor mental/physical health days, disease morbidity and uncontrolled asthma among children from the U.S. with asthma. Pediatricians and child health practitioners should recall the importance of this relationship. To facilitate the identification of caregivers at risk and provide more comprehensive and effective care for children with asthma, healthcare practitioners should utilize every child asthma care encounter to inquire about the overall health of caregivers. Full article

9 pages, 244 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Maternal Prevention Behavior and Future Intention to Vaccinate for Children

by Marjan Zakeri, Ekere J. Essien and Sujit S. Sansgiry

Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 263-271; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15020022 - 3 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1688

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to understand how a mother’s current COVID-19 prevention behaviors were associated with the mother’s future intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Methods: Using a cross-sectional online survey, mothers who had at least one child [...] Read more.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to understand how a mother’s current COVID-19 prevention behaviors were associated with the mother’s future intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Methods: Using a cross-sectional online survey, mothers who had at least one child between 3 and 15 years old were recruited. COVID-19 prevention behaviors evaluated were wearing a mask, appropriate coughing/sneezing, social distancing, staying home, and handwashing. Participants’ age, marital status, race, educational level, incidence of COVID-19 infection in the household, healthcare worker in the household, and future intention to vaccinate children were obtained. Results: Among the 595 participants, 38.3% indicated they did not intend to use the COVID-19 vaccine for their children. Participants with no intention for vaccination had lower mean scores on wearing masks (p < 0.0001), social distancing (p < 0.0001), staying home (p < 0.0001), and handwashing (p < 0.05). The incidence of COVID-19 infection in the household was associated with a lower mean score of staying home (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that most mothers were compliant with the CDC recommended guidelines at the time of the survey. Mothers who indicated high adherence to prevention behaviors had a higher likelihood to consider vaccination for their children. Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is available for children as young as six months, healthcare providers need to be aware of the relationship between current prevention behaviors and future intention to vaccinate. They need to counsel parents appropriately with recommendations for children to keep practicing prevention behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection COVID-19: What Happens in Pediatric Research in the Era of Pandemic)

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Pediatr. Rep., Volume 15, Issue 2 (June 2023) – 14 articles

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