Children

15 pages, 721 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using the School Environment to Promote Walking amongst Adolescent Females: A Mixed-Method Study

by Angela Carlin, Marie H. Murphy and Alison M. Gallagher

Children 2019, 6(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030049 - 23 Mar 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5220

Schools have the potential to promote physical activity (PA) in adolescents through physical education (PE) and extra-curricular PA. The aims of this study were to firstly understand the experiences of adolescent females who participated in a school-based walking programme (the Walking In ScHools [...] Read more.

Schools have the potential to promote physical activity (PA) in adolescents through physical education (PE) and extra-curricular PA. The aims of this study were to firstly understand the experiences of adolescent females who participated in a school-based walking programme (the Walking In ScHools (WISH) study) and secondly, to assess the potential for schools to further promote PA outside of structured PE. A sample of female participants (n = 45, mean age 13.1 years) who participated in the WISH study were randomly selected to participate in focus group discussions, to explore their experiences of the intervention. In addition, an online survey was distributed to all post-primary schools (n = 208) in Northern Ireland to assess the provision of extra-curricular PA and further evaluate the feasibility of the WISH study. In total, six focus groups were conducted. Walking during the school day was viewed as an acceptable form of PA by adolescent females, providing an opportunity to be active with friends, and helped participants overcome barriers previously associated with being active at school. Responding schools (n = 59) identified adolescent females and non-sporty pupils as sub-groups who would benefit most from participation in a school-based walking programme. This study has highlighted that the delivery of a walking programme within the school setting is acceptable, warranted and practically feasible from the point of view of adolescent females and key stakeholders within the school setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Children and Adolescents)

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9 pages, 589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effectiveness of a Resilience Intervention Program on Emotional Intelligence of Adolescent Students with Hearing Loss

by Narges Adibsereshki, Nikta Hatamizadeh, Firoozeh Sajedi and Anoshirvan Kazemnejad

Children 2019, 6(3), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030048 - 21 Mar 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6533

Abstract

Adolescents with hearing loss have been shown to have some emotional difficulties. This study investigated the effectiveness of a resilience training program on the emotional intelligence of mainstreamed adolescent students with hearing loss. In this experimental study, a pre-test, post-test, follow up and [...] Read more.

Adolescents with hearing loss have been shown to have some emotional difficulties. This study investigated the effectiveness of a resilience training program on the emotional intelligence of mainstreamed adolescent students with hearing loss. In this experimental study, a pre-test, post-test, follow up and control group design was implemented. After receiving informed consents, 122 students with hearing loss in mainstreaming settings were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (61 students in interventional group and 61 in control). The interventional group received training in groups of 3 to 5, for 6 weeks (two times per week for 75 min). The intervention focused on feelings, thinking (positive, negative) and outcomes of negative thinking, coping strategies, strengths and weakness, problem solving, communication skills, social skills, negotiation, despising and ridiculing, intra- and interpersonal skills. The Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC) and the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale were used to measure the resilience and the emotional intelligence (EI) of participants respectively just before intervention, as well as at the 6- and 14-week marks. The Friedman Test was used to compare changes in emotional intelligence between interventional and control groups. The intervention increased the resilience scores by 20 points. Although the EI of both groups were similar at the beginning of the research, there was a significant difference between the control and interventional groups in emotional intelligence and its aspects after intervention, at the 6-week and 14-week measurements (p < 0.001). The effect size was 1.5 for the EI total score. The 6-week resilience training program was very effective at improving emotional intelligence and could be readily used to help students with hearing loss improve their emotional abilities. Full article

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15 pages, 253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Training Working Memory of Children with and without Dyslexia

by Claudia Maehler, Christina Joerns and Kirsten Schuchardt

Children 2019, 6(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030047 - 20 Mar 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 9974

Abstract

For the future school performance of a child in the fields of literacy and numeracy, the operational efficiency of working memory is a central predictor. Children affected by dyslexia exhibit specific deficits in the functions of working memory. A software application for elementary [...] Read more.

For the future school performance of a child in the fields of literacy and numeracy, the operational efficiency of working memory is a central predictor. Children affected by dyslexia exhibit specific deficits in the functions of working memory. A software application for elementary school-age children has been specifically developed for this study, attempting to improve the working memory’s operational efficiency. Based on Baddeley’s model of working memory (1986), the phonological loop, the visuo-spatial sketchpad, and the central executive were trained in 18 sessions over a period of six weeks. The group of test subjects undergoing this training was composed of third-graders, of which 43 were and 27 were not affected by dyslexia. The untrained control group was made up of 41 third-graders with dyslexia and 28 without dyslexia. While the short-term effects of the program could not be proven, the present analyses focus on long-term effects. The results obtained from a pre-test/follow-up design reveal that no long-term increases in performance regarding phonological and central executive working memory could be confirmed. Only the visuo-spatial Corsi block span exhibited a training effect over a period of three months. Additionally, training did not show any long-term effect of performance improvement, not even for a subgroup of children with dyslexia and an especially low working memory performance. Thus, even after this study, the question whether working memory can be trained or not remains partly unanswered but leaves us predominantly pessimistic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dyslexia and Comorbid Disorders: Transdisciplinary Assessment and Treatment)

8 pages, 1592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Child Morbidity and Disease Burden in Refugee Camps in Mainland Greece

by Asterios Kampouras, Georgios Tzikos, Eustathios Partsanakis, Konstantinos Roukas, Stefanos Tsiamitros, Dimitrios Deligeorgakis, Elisavet Chorafa, Maria Schoina and Elias Iosifidis

Children 2019, 6(3), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030046 - 17 Mar 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6052

Abstract

The crisis conflicts in Syria have forced a lot of people to relocate and live in mainland Greece, where they are hosted in refugee camps. In the present study, our aim was to assess child morbidity and overall disease burden in two camps [...] Read more.

The crisis conflicts in Syria have forced a lot of people to relocate and live in mainland Greece, where they are hosted in refugee camps. In the present study, our aim was to assess child morbidity and overall disease burden in two camps in northern Greece during a six-month winter period. A primary health care office was founded in each camp. Refugees of all ages with health problems were examined daily by specialty doctors. Cases were classified into two categories: Infectious or non-infectious. In total, 2631 patients were examined during this period (out of the 3760 refugees hosted). Of these patients, 9.8% were infants, 12.7% were toddlers, and 13.4% were children. Most of the visits for children aged less than 12 years old were due to infectious diseases (80.8%). The most common sites of communicable diseases among children were the respiratory tract (66.8%), the skin (23.2%), and the urinary (3.2%) and gastrointestinal tracts (6.2%). Non-communicable diseases were mostly due to gastrointestinal (20.2%), respiratory (18.2%), surgical (13.1%), and allergic (10.3%) disorders. Infants, toddlers, and children suffered more frequently from respiratory infections, while in adolescents and adults, non-infectious diseases were more common. Toddlers and children were more likely to fall ill in comparison to infants. Conclusions: During the winter period, infectious diseases, especially of the respiratory tract, are the main reason for care seeking among refugees in Greek camps, with toddlers suffering more than other age groups. The overall mortality and referral percentage were low, indicating that adequate primary care is provided in this newly established refugee hosting model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children on the Move: The Health of Refugee, Immigrant and Displaced Children)

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11 pages, 808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Longitudinal Fibular Deficiency: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Lower Limb Function of Children and Young People with That of Unaffected Peers

by Joshua W. Pate, Mark J. Hancock, Louise Tofts, Adrienne Epps, Jennifer N. Baldwin, Marnee J. McKay, Joshua Burns, Eleanor Morris and Verity Pacey

Children 2019, 6(3), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030045 - 15 Mar 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5401

Abstract

Longitudinal fibular deficiency (LFD), or fibular hemimelia, is congenital partial or complete absence of the fibula. We aimed to compare the lower limb function of children and young people with LFD to that of unaffected peers. A cross-sectional study of Australian children and [...] Read more.

Longitudinal fibular deficiency (LFD), or fibular hemimelia, is congenital partial or complete absence of the fibula. We aimed to compare the lower limb function of children and young people with LFD to that of unaffected peers. A cross-sectional study of Australian children and young people with LFD, and of unaffected peers, was undertaken. Twenty-three (12 males) children and young people with LFD (74% of those eligible) and 213 unaffected peers, all aged 7–21 years were subject to the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS/KOOS-Child) and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT/CAIT-Youth). Linear regression models compared affected children and young people to unaffected peers. Participants with LFD scored lower in both outcomes (adjusted p < 0.05). The difference between participants with LFD and unaffected peers was significantly greater among younger participants than older participants for KOOS activities and sports domain scores (adjusted p ≤ 0.01). Differences in the other KOOS domains (pain/symptoms/quality of life) and ankle function (CAIT scores) were not affected by age (adjusted p ≥ 0.08). Children and young people with LFD on average report reduced lower limb function compared to unaffected peers. Knee-related activities and sports domains appear to be worse in younger children with LFD, and scores in these domains become closer to those of unaffected peers as they become older. Full article

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8 pages, 201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smoke-Free Ordinances and Policies Protect Youth, but Ordinances Appear to Have Little Impact on Non-Combustible Tobacco Use

by Nell Valentine, Emily McClelland and Robert McMillen

Children 2019, 6(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030044 - 11 Mar 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5742

Abstract

Smoke-free ordinances and policies protect youth from exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) and cigarette use. This study investigated whether smoke-free ordinances also protect youth from the use of other tobacco products. We compared the prevalence of SHS exposure, cigarette smoking, cigar smoking, smokeless [...] Read more.

Smoke-free ordinances and policies protect youth from exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) and cigarette use. This study investigated whether smoke-free ordinances also protect youth from the use of other tobacco products. We compared the prevalence of SHS exposure, cigarette smoking, cigar smoking, smokeless tobacco use, and e-cigarette use among high school students living in a municipality with or without a smoke-free ordinance and in homes with and without smoke-free policies. Data were analyzed using the 2017 Mississippi Youth Tobacco Survey (n = 1923). Smoke-free ordinances were found to be associated with lower prevalence of SHS exposure (41.9% vs. 51.5%), cigarette smoking (5.1% vs. 11.4%), and cigar smoking (7.2% vs. 10.9%). There were no differences in smokeless tobacco use (6.6% vs. 6.5%) or e-cigarette use (11.2% vs 12.1%). Smoke-free homes were associated with lower prevalence of SHS exposure (38.0% vs 74.6%), cigarette smoking (4.8% vs. 17.6%), cigar smoking (6.4% vs. 16.4%), smokeless tobacco use (4.9% vs. 13.2%), and e-cigarette use (9.6% vs. 19.5%), p < 0.05 for all comparisons. The results suggest that smoke-free ordinances and policies protect against exposure to tobacco smoke and use of combustible tobacco products, but smoke-free ordinances do not protect from smokeless tobacco and e-cigarette use. Tobacco-free, rather than smoke-free, ordinances might offer more protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tobacco and Nicotine Use and Exposure Among Children and Adolescents)

24 pages, 11478 KiB

Open AccessReview

Morphological and Advanced Imaging of Epilepsy: Beyond the Basics

by Aikaterini Fitsiori, Shivaprakash Basavanthaiah Hiremath, José Boto, Valentina Garibotto and Maria Isabel Vargas

Children 2019, 6(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030043 - 11 Mar 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 14603

Abstract

The etiology of epilepsy is variable and sometimes multifactorial. Clinical course and response to treatment largely depend on the precise etiology of the seizures. Along with the electroencephalogram (EEG), neuroimaging techniques, in particular, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are the most important tools for [...] Read more.

The etiology of epilepsy is variable and sometimes multifactorial. Clinical course and response to treatment largely depend on the precise etiology of the seizures. Along with the electroencephalogram (EEG), neuroimaging techniques, in particular, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are the most important tools for determining the possible etiology of epilepsy. Over the last few years, there have been many developments in data acquisition and analysis for both morphological and functional neuroimaging of people suffering from this condition. These innovations have increased the detection of underlying structural pathologies, which have till recently been classified as “cryptogenic” epilepsy. Cryptogenic epilepsy is often refractory to anti-epileptic drug treatment. In drug-resistant patients with structural or consistent functional lesions related to the epilepsy syndrome, surgery is the only treatment that can offer a seizure-free outcome. The pre-operative detection of the underlying structural condition increases the odds of successful surgical treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of neuroimaging techniques in epilepsy, highlighting recent advances and innovations and summarizes frequent etiologies of epilepsy in order to improve the diagnosis and management of patients suffering from seizures, especially young patients and children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pediatric Epilepsy)

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27 pages, 30257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Management of Congenital Heart Disease: State of the Art; Part I—ACYANOTIC Heart Defects

by P. Syamasundar Rao

Children 2019, 6(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030042 - 8 Mar 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 14066

Abstract

Since the description of surgery for patent ductus arteriosus in late 1930s, an innumerable number of advances have taken place in the management of congenital heart defects (CHDs). In this review the current status of treatment of seven of the most common acyanotic [...] Read more.

Since the description of surgery for patent ductus arteriosus in late 1930s, an innumerable number of advances have taken place in the management of congenital heart defects (CHDs). In this review the current status of treatment of seven of the most common acyanotic CHDs was reviewed. The discussion included indications for, and timing of, intervention and methods of intervention. The indications are, by and large, determined by the severity of the lesion. Pressure gradients in obstructive lesions and the magnitude of the shunt in left-to-right shunt lesions are used to assess the severity of the lesion. The timing of intervention is different for each lesion and largely dependent upon when the criteria for indications for intervention were met. Appropriate medical management is necessary in most patients. Trans-catheter methods are preferable in some defects while surgery is a better option in some other defects. The currently available medical, trans-catheter, and surgical methods to treat acyanotic CHD are feasible, safe, and effective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Congenital Heart Disease: Recent Advances in the Diagnosis and Management)

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12 pages, 380 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Does Peer Rejection Moderate the Associations among Cyberbullying Victimization, Depression, and Anxiety among Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

by Michelle F. Wright and Sebastian Wachs

Children 2019, 6(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030041 - 4 Mar 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7766

Abstract

While the consequences of cyberbullying victimization have received some attention in the literature, to date, little is known about the multiple types of strains in adolescents’ lives, such as whether cyberbullying victimization and peer rejection increase their vulnerability to depression and anxiety. Even [...] Read more.

While the consequences of cyberbullying victimization have received some attention in the literature, to date, little is known about the multiple types of strains in adolescents’ lives, such as whether cyberbullying victimization and peer rejection increase their vulnerability to depression and anxiety. Even though some research found that adolescents with disabilities show higher risk for cyberbullying victimization, most research has focused on typically developing adolescents. Thus, the present study focused on examining the moderating effect of peer rejection in the relationships between cyberbullying victimization, depression, and anxiety among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. There were 128 participants (89% male; ages ranging from 11–16 years old) with autism spectrum disorder in the sixth, seventh, or eighth grade at 16 middle schools in the United States. Participants completed questionnaires on cyberbullying victimization, peer rejection, depression, and anxiety. Results revealed that cyberbullying victimization was associated positively with peer rejection, anxiety, and depression among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Further, peer rejection was linked positively with depression and anxiety. Peer rejection moderated the positive relationship between cyberbullying victimization and depression, but not anxiety. Implications for prevention programs and future research are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk and Resilience Factors Associated with Peer Victimization in Children and Adolescents)

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6 pages, 168 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Regulation of E-Cigarettes in the United States and Its Role in a Youth Epidemic

by Mark A. Gottlieb

Children 2019, 6(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030040 - 4 Mar 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 9058

Abstract

During the first decade of federal regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), the e-cigarette industry has rapidly grown. Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General and Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration each declared the rapid rise in rates of youth using these [...] Read more.

During the first decade of federal regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), the e-cigarette industry has rapidly grown. Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General and Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration each declared the rapid rise in rates of youth using these products to be an “epidemic.” While a foundational basis for regulating ENDS has been in effect since 2016, deferred enforcement has contributed to acute rise in use by youth. The Agency has undertaken several initiatives to address the problem and warned manufacturers that if current youth trends continue, it will be “game over.” Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tobacco and Nicotine Use and Exposure Among Children and Adolescents)

11 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Japanese Systems to Support Inclusive Education for Children Requiring Medical Care, Current Status of Such Support, and Related Challenges—Based on the Results of Surveys Involving Departments of Education Supporting their Enrollment in General Schools

by Tomoko Yamamoto and Koichi Moriwaki

Children 2019, 6(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030039 - 4 Mar 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5311

Abstract

Based on the results of our surveys involving several municipal departments of education that support the enrollment of children requiring medical care in general schools, this report describes Japanese systems to support inclusive education for these children, the current status of such support, [...] Read more.

Based on the results of our surveys involving several municipal departments of education that support the enrollment of children requiring medical care in general schools, this report describes Japanese systems to support inclusive education for these children, the current status of such support, and related challenges. The municipal departments of education that systematically support inclusive education for children requiring medical care began to promote such education in their communities before the initiation of nationwide enrollment support for the children. In addition, their sections in charge of enrollment support also manage affairs related to human rights education, rather than general affairs for special support and education. Such a variation in the sections in charge resulted in differences in the purposes of support. Further nationwide surveys should be conducted to develop universal design principles and comprehensively support inclusive education for children requiring medical care. Full article

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7 pages, 2494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reference Ranges for Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels in Neonates as a Function of Gestational Age (22–42 Weeks) and Postnatal Age (0–29 Days): Mathematical Modeling

by Felix Scholkmann, Daniel Ostojic, Helene Isler, Dirk Bassler, Martin Wolf and Tanja Karen

Children 2019, 6(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030038 - 1 Mar 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6903

Abstract

Hematological values of neonates need to be interpreted taking into account the fact that the reference ranges depend on the age of the neonate. We aimed to derive two general mathematical models for reference ranges for hemoglobin concentration (cHb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels [...] Read more.

Hematological values of neonates need to be interpreted taking into account the fact that the reference ranges depend on the age of the neonate. We aimed to derive two general mathematical models for reference ranges for hemoglobin concentration (cHb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels in neonates as a function of gestational age (GA) and postnatal age (PNA), since it is known that GA and PNA are independent factors determining cHb and Hct. For this purpose, cHb and Hct values from the data set of Henry and Christensen (2015, Clin. Perinatol., 42, 483–497) from about 100,000 neonates (GA: 22–42 weeks, PNA: 0–28 days) were used and general models with two quadratic functions were derived. To the best of our knowledge, the models we have developed are the first published ones to provide reference ranges for cHb and Hct for neonates incorporating the parallel dependence on GA and PNA. Full article

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10 pages, 2620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality Improvement Project to Improve Screening for Tobacco Use in Adolescent Inpatients at a Children’s Hospital

by Lauren A. Wagner, Adolfo L. Molina, Karisa Grizzle, Meghan E. Hofto, Lauren B. Nassetta, Mary M. Orr, Nichole Samuy, Erinn O. Schmit, Cassi Smola, Kathleen F. Harrington and Susan C. Walley

Children 2019, 6(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030037 - 28 Feb 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4775

Abstract

Tobacco use begins in adolescence for the majority of smokers. The purpose of this study was to increase screening and reporting of tobacco use in hospitalized adolescents at a tertiary care children’s hospital. We completed a nursing focus group to understand challenges and [...] Read more.

Tobacco use begins in adolescence for the majority of smokers. The purpose of this study was to increase screening and reporting of tobacco use in hospitalized adolescents at a tertiary care children’s hospital. We completed a nursing focus group to understand challenges and completed four iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, which included: (1) in-person nursing education regarding tobacco use screening, (2) addition of an e-cigarette-specific screening question, (3) the creation and dissemination of an educational video for nursing, and (4) adding the video as a mandatory component of nursing orientation. Run charts of the percentage of patients screened who reported tobacco use were created. Absolute counts of tobacco products used were also captured. From January 2016 to September 2018, 12,999 patients ≥13 years of age were admitted to the hospital. At baseline, 90.1% of patients were screened and 4.8% reported tobacco use. While the absolute number of adolescents reporting e-cigarette use increased from zero patients per month at baseline to five, the percentage of patients screened and reporting tobacco use was unchanged; the majority of e-cigarette users reported use of other tobacco products. This study demonstrates that adding e-cigarettes to screening increases reporting and suggests systems level changes are needed to improve tobacco use reporting. Full article

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9 pages, 189 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Linkage between Exposure to Violence and Victimization, Coping, and Adjustment among Urban Youth: Findings from a Research Study on Adolescents

by Zina McGee, Chelsea Alexander, Khasya Cunningham, Celine Hamilton and Courtney James

Children 2019, 6(3), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/children6030036 - 27 Feb 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4725

Abstract

From examinations of the literature on the influence that exposure to violence and coping strategies have on delinquent behavior and emotional outcomes, this study addresses the association between violent victimization and the moderating effects of coping strategies among 500 African-American adolescents who exhibit [...] Read more.

From examinations of the literature on the influence that exposure to violence and coping strategies have on delinquent behavior and emotional outcomes, this study addresses the association between violent victimization and the moderating effects of coping strategies among 500 African-American adolescents who exhibit both externalizing behaviors such as delinquency and internalizing symptoms, including anxiety and depression. The investigation examines the development of the aforementioned adjustment problems in response to victimization, and the findings indicate a relationship between the specific indices of victimization, including peer violence, and the symptomatology and coping mechanisms utilized by the youth in this study. Suggestions for future research in this area are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk and Resilience Factors Associated with Peer Victimization in Children and Adolescents)

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Children, Volume 6, Issue 3 (March 2019) – 14 articles

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