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Physical, Psychological and Social Health in Childhood: The Role of Health Determinants

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A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Pediatric Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 January 2025 | Viewed by 10862

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Eva Maria Navarrete-Munoz

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Guest Editor

Department of Surgery and Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Miguel Hernandez University, 03550 Alicante, Spain
Interests: child and adolescent health; neuropsychology development; community health; sensory reactivity; obesity; psychometrics; occupational therapy; environmental factors; daily activity living; nutritional epidemiology; social factors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Desirée Valera-Gran

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Guest Editor

Department of Surgery and Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Miguel Hernandez University, 03550 Alicante, Spain
Interests: development, adaptation and validadtion of assessment tools; evidence-based healthcare practice; health determinants; occupation-based health promotion; occupation based epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A comprehensive understanding of the determinants affecting the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of childhood is imperative for the promotion of lifelong well-being and optimal health outcomes. By conducting an accurate assessment of these factors, we can augment our insights, providing a more robust foundation for the development of evidence-based strategies and policies aimed at fostering the holistic health of children.

The forthcoming Special Issue is dedicated to describing the magnitude of changes in children's health, encompassing obesity, adiposity, cardiometabolic risk, sensory reactivity, coordination disorders, emotional and behavioral problems, mental and psychomotor problems, and other factors that affect their well-being. Additionally, we seek to compile papers that examine the influence of environmental factors on physical, mental, or social health outcomes. We extend our invitation to the submission of diverse types of manuscripts, such as original research articles and reviews (scoping reviews, systematic reviews, and/or meta-analyses). Furthermore, diverse methodological and theoretical approaches are also welcome to be submitted.

Dr. Eva Maria Navarrete-Munoz
Dr. Desirée Valera-Gran
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sensory reactivity
cardiometabolic factors
neuropsychological development
neurodevelopmental disorders
mental health
well-being
emotional and behavioral problems
nutritional factors
contextual factors
physical activity
parental determinants
social problems and factors

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 1633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Literacy and Physical Activity in Early Years Education: What’s Known, What’s Done, and What’s Needed?

by Natalie Weir, Andy Pringle and Clare M. P. Roscoe

Children 2024, 11(11), 1355; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111355 - 8 Nov 2024

Viewed by 804

Abstract

Background: Physical literacy (PL) is increasingly recognised as essential for fostering lifelong engagement in physical activity (PA), particularly when nurtured in early childhood. Yet there remains limited understanding of how stakeholders in early years (EY) education perceive, value, and implement a PL-informed approach. This study aims to explore knowledge and beliefs regarding PL and PA in relation to 3–5-year-olds, investigating key questions around perceived importance, current practices, and barriers to implementation. Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating semi-structured expert interviews (n = 11), focus groups (n = 22), and a survey (n = 210). Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from qualitative data, and survey data were analysed to complement and triangulate the qualitative findings. Results: The findings revealed variation in stakeholders’ awareness of PA recommendations and confusion over terminology. Whilst stakeholders acknowledged the importance of PL, there remains uncertainty about the connection between theory and practical application. Identified barriers included resource limitations, conflicting priorities, and insufficient training and policy support. Feedback on an educational PL-EY model was generally positive, suggesting strong potential as a tool to support PL understanding and application in early childhood contexts. Conclusions: Given the pivotal role of EY education in shaping children’s behaviours, health, and wellbeing, this study highlights the necessity of a holistic approach to interventions, strong stakeholder involvement, and evidence-based practices to foster PL in EY children. The PL-EY model presents a promising direction for future resources and education and raises critical questions about what effective interventions to develop PL in this age group should consider and look like. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Psychological and Social Health in Childhood: The Role of Health Determinants)

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12 pages, 438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enjoyment in Sport and Alcohol Use among Adolescents: Examining the Mediating Role of Engagement

by Vanina Schmidt, Juan Facundo Corti, Ignacio Celsi, María Julia Raimundi and Isabel Castillo

Children 2024, 11(8), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11080977 - 13 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1008

Abstract

Background: Alcohol consumption among young people is a significant public health concern. Previous studies have indicated that participation in sports, through the positive experiences it offers, may function as a protective factor against alcohol intake. This study aimed to examine the influence of enjoyment and personal fulfillment on adolescent alcohol use, exploring the role of engagement with sports as a mediating variable. Methods: A total of 370 adolescents (mean age = 15.08; SD = 1.48) participated in the study and completed the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, the Enjoyment in Sports Scale, and the Athlete Engagement Questionnaire. Results: The results demonstrated that enjoyment is related to lower alcohol consumption through personal fulfillment and engagement in sporting activity. Conclusions: It is crucial to facilitate positive experiences in sport that promote engagement and generate a sense of personal fulfillment, as these factors may reduce the likelihood of risky alcohol consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Psychological and Social Health in Childhood: The Role of Health Determinants)

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18 pages, 1293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fear of Fat, Processes of Change, and Weight-Related Behaviors in Mexican and Spanish Adolescents

by María Marentes-Castillo, Isabel Castillo, Inés Tomás, Olivia González-Acevedo and Octavio Álvarez

Children 2024, 11(8), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11080925 - 30 Jul 2024

Viewed by 828

Abstract

Background: Fear of fat is a relevant variable in initiating weight regulation behaviors in adolescents. However, little is known about the experiential and behavioral change processes that mediate the choice between healthy and unhealthy weight regulation behaviors in this population. Method: The general objective was to examine the predictive role of fear of fat on weight-related behaviors (healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors) through the mediation of experiential and behavioral change processes (consciousness raising, counterconditioning, helping relationships, reinforcement management, self-liberation, self-reevaluation, stimulus control, substance use) in 838 adolescents aged 15–19 years from Mexico and Spain using parallel mediation analysis. Additionally, the study examined the correlations between the variables with regard to gender and country, as well as the differences in the use of processes of change across stages of change through the use of a multivariate analysis of variance. The Spanish version of the Fear of Fat, Stages of Change, Processes of Change, and Weight-Related Behaviors scales were used. Results: The mediation analysis showed that fear of fat predicted healthy weight control behaviors through consciousness raising, self-liberation, and stimulus control. On the other hand, fear of fat predicted unhealthy weight control behaviors through counterconditioning, stimulus control, and the use of weight loss substances. Intervening to reduce fear of fat may be a way to modify the processes of change used by adolescents to regulate their weight. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that adolescents may initiate weight control behaviors as a result of fear of fat. This process is mediated by experiential and behavioral processes that influence weight regulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Psychological and Social Health in Childhood: The Role of Health Determinants)

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12 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Exploring the Association between Parental Employment Status, Education Level, and Sensory Reactivity in Spanish Children Aged 3–7 Years: Findings from the InProS Study

by Rocío Muñoz-Sánchez, Miriam Hurtado-Pomares, Iris Juárez-Leal, Jessica Piñero, Eva-María Navarrete-Muñoz and Desirée Valera-Gran

Children 2024, 11(7), 855; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11070855 - 14 Jul 2024

Viewed by 666

Abstract

This study explored the association between parental employment status and education level and the prevalence of sensory reactivity (SR) in population-based sample of school-aged children. SR was assessed in 495 children using the parent-reported Short Sensory Profile (SSP) questionnaire. Children with SR were identified based on probable or definitive differences in total SSP and subscales. Association between parental employment and education level were explored using multiple Poisson regression models with robust variance, adjusted for potential confounders. The main findings showed that a mother’s unemployment status was associated with higher prevalence of SR for the taste/smell sensitivity subscale (PR = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.08–2.56), and the low energy/weak (PR = 2.18, 95%CI: 1.31–3.49) subscale. A lower education level of a father was also associated with a higher prevalence of sensory problems on the tactile sensitivity subscale (PR_{primary education} = 2.68, 95%CI: 1.27–5.61; PR_{secondary education} = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.004–3.66) and the low energy/weak subscale (PR_{secondary education} = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.02–3.73). This study underscores the impact of parental employment and education on SR in school-aged children, offering insights for interventions and support systems aimed at improving their sensory functioning and overall well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Psychological and Social Health in Childhood: The Role of Health Determinants)

11 pages, 737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships between Food Insecurity, Self-Efficacy, and Changes in Body Mass Index among the Youth in Taiwan: Analysis from a Longitudinal Cohort Survey

by Ya-Chi Huang, Chin Xuan Tan, Chih-Ting Lee and Meng-Che Tsai

Children 2024, 11(6), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11060663 - 29 May 2024

Viewed by 969

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity is a heightened concern among economically disadvantaged youth, and it may contribute to the atypical body mass index (BMI) patterns frequently observed in this group. Self-efficacy seems to intervene in the negative impacts of contextual restraints. This study investigated the relationship between food insecurity, self-efficacy, and BMI trajectory among economically disadvantaged Taiwanese youth. Methods: We utilized three-wave longitudinal data from the Taiwan Database of Children and Youth in Poverty. The Food Insecurity Score (FIS) assessed food insecurity with a 4-item scale measuring reduced meal frequency, hunger, skipping meals, and economic constraints. Moreover, the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) assessed self-efficacy, showcasing the ability to handle stress effectively and envision success scenarios, contributing to positive outcomes. By employing latent growth modeling, we were able to delineate the impacts of baseline food insecurity and self-efficacy on initial BMI and its subsequent growth trajectory. Results: Elevated baseline FIS significantly predicted higher initial BMI (coefficient = 0.420, p = 0.042). Baseline GSES was negatively associated with initial BMI (coefficient = −0.093, p < 0.001) but positively predicted the BMI growth rate (coefficient = 0.023, p = 0.011). Conclusion: Enhancing self-efficacy may be an effective multidisciplinary intervention to address psychosocial and socioeconomic factors when tackling weight problems in vulnerable youth groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Psychological and Social Health in Childhood: The Role of Health Determinants)

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13 pages, 1138 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Early Childhood Development in Marginalised Roma Communities: The Role of Parental Education and Household Equipment

by Jana Plavnicka, Shoshana Chovan and Daniela Filakovska Bobakova

Children 2024, 11(6), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11060622 - 23 May 2024

Viewed by 933

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the effect of socioeconomic disadvantage accumulated in marginalised Roma communities (MRCs) on early childhood development and to assess the role of selected socioeconomic indicators in the association between belonging to MRCs vs. the majority and early childhood development. We obtained cross-sectional data from 232 mother–child dyads from MRCs and the majority population. The differences in early childhood development and background variables between the two groups were tested using chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests. The moderated mediation was tested using PROCESS Macro in SPSS Model 14 on 5000 bootstrap samples. Statistically significant differences between children from MRCs and the majority were found in terms of maternal age, parental education, household equipment, as well as early childhood development. Household equipment moderated the indirect effect of being from MRCs vs. the majority on early childhood development through parental education. The indirect effect through parental education was high at a low household equipment level, reduced at an average level and non-significant at a high level of household equipment. Our study uncovered disparities in early childhood development between children from MRCs and the majority population. Parental education significantly influenced developmental outcomes, while household equipment mitigated its impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Psychological and Social Health in Childhood: The Role of Health Determinants)

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10 pages, 498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Participation as a Predictor of Quality of Life among Japanese Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders Analyzed Using a Machine Learning Algorithm

by Hiroyasu Shiozu, Daisuke Kimura, Ryoichiro Iwanaga and Shigeki Kurasawa

Children 2024, 11(5), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050603 - 16 May 2024

Viewed by 1132

Abstract

Participation is important for children’s quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to identify participation factors that influence QOL among Japanese children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Ninety-two Japanese parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders participated in this study. The parents completed the parent version of the Kid- and Kiddo-KINDL health-related QOL questionnaire and the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth. The data were examined using the random forest algorithm to analyze the participation factors that affected the children’s QOL. The analyses revealed that school and community environmental factors that affected participation were the most important predictors of QOL among children. As school and community environments can significantly impact the QOL of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, greater focus should be placed on participation in environmental contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Psychological and Social Health in Childhood: The Role of Health Determinants)

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10 pages, 298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Participation Strategies of Parents of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: An Exploratory Study

by Hiroyasu Shiozu, Daisuke Kimura, Ryoichiro Iwanaga and Shigeki Kurasawa

Children 2024, 11(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11020192 - 3 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1514

Abstract

Strategies are critical to promote child participation in important life activities. This study analyzed the participation strategies of the parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Ninety-two Japanese elementary children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their parents were recruited. The parents completed the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) questionnaire. Strategy text data obtained from the PEM-CY were analyzed with the co-occurrence network and correspondence analyses. The co-occurrence network analysis showed that the commonality of strategies to enable participation at home, school, and community settings was able to explain the child’s characteristics when involved in each setting. The correspondence analysis also suggested the need for specific strategies in each setting. The importance of strategies to improve the attitudinal environment and promote the participation of children with neurodevelopmental disorders was evident. Reducing stigma is important in all environments, especially in the public sphere. In addition, specific strategies are needed in each setting, suggesting the importance of context-specific approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Psychological and Social Health in Childhood: The Role of Health Determinants)

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Review

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30 pages, 831 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Scoping Review to Identify Community- and Societal-Level Strategies Evaluated from 2013 to 2023 for Their Potential Impact on Child Well-Being in the United States

by Katie A. Ports, Whitney L. Rostad, Peter Coyne, Jadyn Dunning, Andrea E. Gonzalez and Adam Troy

Children 2024, 11(9), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11091070 - 31 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1128

Abstract

There is increased recognition for solutions that address the social determinants of health (SDOHs)—the context in which families are raising children. Unfortunately, implementing solutions that address inequities in the SDOHs has proven to be difficult. Many child and family serving systems and communities do not know where to start or do not have the capacity to identify and implement upstream SDOH strategies. As such, we conducted a scoping review to assess the status of evidence connecting strategies that address the SDOHs and child well-being. A total of 29,079 records were identified using natural language processing with 341 records meeting inclusion criteria (e.g., outcomes focused on child well-being, interventions happening at a population level, and evaluations of prevention strategies in the United States). Records were coded, and the findings are presented by the SDOH domain, such as strategies that addressed economic stability (n = 94), education access and quality (n = 17), food security (n = 106), healthcare access and quality (n = 96), neighborhood and built environment (n = 7), and social and community context (n = 12). This review provides an overview of the associations between population-level SDOH strategies and the impact—good and bad—on child well-being and may be a useful resource for communities and practitioners when considering equitable solutions that promote thriving childhoods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Psychological and Social Health in Childhood: The Role of Health Determinants)

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Other

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27 pages, 842 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Multistakeholder Perspectives on the Determinants of Family Fundamental Movement Skills Practice: A Qualitative Systematic Review

by Robert J. Flynn, Andy Pringle and Clare M. P. Roscoe

Children 2024, 11(9), 1066; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11091066 - 30 Aug 2024

Viewed by 836

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is a significant public health crisis that is exposing children to associated morbidities and premature mortality. However, parents can positively influence physical activity trajectories and improve health outcomes by nurturing fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children. This is the first study to explore the determinants of family FMS practice via a systematic synthesis of qualitative evidence. Methods: Keyword searches were completed in SPORTDiscus, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Studies that offered perspectives relating to influences on the FMS of 2–6-year-old children in the family context via qualitative approaches, including visual methodologies that provided an important voice to children, were included. A thematic analysis was used to establish key themes. Results: The emergent themes included parent knowledge and beliefs, self-efficacy of parents to teach, and the home environment. Parents often undervalued FMS and lacked the self-efficacy to teach due to poor understanding, conflicting priorities, and multifaceted societal influences. Children preferred autonomous play and socialisation but were negatively influenced by technology and restrictive household rules. Conclusions: Greater knowledge exchange between stakeholders is necessary to empower parents and enhance FMS application at home. More community initiatives could facilitate greater access to outdoor spaces, facilities, and equipment, which may improve family engagement with FMS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Psychological and Social Health in Childhood: The Role of Health Determinants)

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