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Children
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Children's Public Health and Healthcare: Global Perspective and New Trends
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Children's Public Health and Healthcare: Global Perspective and New Trends

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 April 2025) | Viewed by 7142

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Muhammad Chutiyami

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
Interests: community and population health; child and family health; infectious diseases and immunisation; health education and promotion; community-based interventions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As public health challenges become increasingly complex and interconnected, understanding the unique aspects of children’s health needs and creating innovative interventions have never been more critical. In this Special Issue, we aim to explore evolving trends and gain insight into children's health within a global context.

We would like to invite you to contribute original research papers, reviews, and case studies that shed light on current children's health perspectives, innovative health interventions, and emerging trends in children's health beyond hospital care.

This Special Issue seeks to compile a comprehensive collection of perspectives to enhance our understanding and inform better practices and policies to improve children's health outcomes globally. Whether your focus is on preventive strategies, clinical outcomes, or policy implications, we welcome your contributions to this vital collection. Your contribution will help shape the future of children’s public health and healthcare.

Dr. Muhammad Chutiyami
Guest Editor

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

  • AI in children’s public health
  • telehealth in child care
  • child health disparities
  • home-based child health services
  • new immunization trends
  • environmental impacts on child health
  • children nutritional interventions
  • child mental health
  • child healthcare innovations
  • children's global health initiatives

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 232 KiB  
Article
The Quality of Life of Iranian Mothers and Fathers of Children with Autism
by Sayyed Ali Samadi, Farzaneh Ghanimi and Roy McConkey
Children 2025, 12(4), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12040454 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 280
Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that has life-long impacts on individuals and their families, who are the main caregivers. This study investigated the self-reported quality of life (QoL) of Iranian mothers and fathers and aimed to identify the predictors associated with higher [...] Read more.
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that has life-long impacts on individuals and their families, who are the main caregivers. This study investigated the self-reported quality of life (QoL) of Iranian mothers and fathers and aimed to identify the predictors associated with higher scores on the World Health Organisation’s QoL brief measure (WHOQOL-BREF), particularly those related to their child’s autism. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with two national samples of parents: one in which the mothers and father were related (n = 119 families) and a second sample involving 383 unrelated mothers and fathers, making a total of 623 Iranian parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants completed self-report measures assessing QoL, perceived child-rearing stress, social support, and coping strategies as well as pertinent demographic information of themselves and their child. These were chosen on the basis of previous research. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis. Results: There were few significant differences between mothers and fathers in both samples on the various rating scales. Regression analyses identified satisfaction with personal health and with their marriage, along with support from family as the main predictors of higher quality-of-life ratings. Access to professionals and positive interactions with their children augmented the contribution to parents’ overall quality of life. The children’s autism had minimal direct impact on the parental quality of life although it likely accentuated the importance to parents of the identified predictors. Discussion: The findings support the case for services to adopt a family-centred approach to the support they provide and for a greater engagement with fathers. Three strands are proposed for future research: recruiting families who receive little or no support, the identification of strategies for meeting the personal needs of parents, and undertaking longitudinal studies of interventions to improve family quality of life and the outcomes these have on the person with autism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children's Public Health and Healthcare: Global Perspective and New Trends)
28 pages, 460 KiB  
Article
Association Between Family Planning and Early Childhood Development: Secondary Analysis of the 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys
by Gamze Gezgen Kesen and Sıddıka Songül Yalçın
Children 2025, 12(2), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020220 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 591
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Early childhood development (ECD) significantly influences long-term academic and social outcomes. Family planning (FP) can affect ECD by altering family dynamics and resource allocation. We aimed to investigate the association between the unmet need for family planning (UMNFP) and early [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Early childhood development (ECD) significantly influences long-term academic and social outcomes. Family planning (FP) can affect ECD by altering family dynamics and resource allocation. We aimed to investigate the association between the unmet need for family planning (UMNFP) and early childhood development (ECD), as well as family child care practices in Türkiye. Materials and Methods: We included mothers with children under 5 years from the “2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys” (TDHS). Dependent variables included the ECD index, child care practices. Independent variables included FP needs, child–family characteristics. The study applied complex sample analysis. Results: The UMNFP was not associated with poorer child care practices; however, the availability of multiple types of toys or books was associated with the presence of UMNFP. Children from families with UMNFP had engaged in a smaller number of activities compared to their peers. However, on developmental assessments, these children did not perform differently than the comparison group. Factors such as maternal education and socioeconomic status also significantly moderated these effects, highlighting the complex interplay between FP and ECD. Conclusions: UMNFP is not associated with adverse child care practices but is related inversely to some educational activities and engagement in Türkiye, though no direct relationship with early childhood development (ECD) outcomes was identified. Expanding access to FP services and addressing socioeconomic disparities have the potential to improve child care practices, thereby contributing to more equitable developmental outcomes nationwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children's Public Health and Healthcare: Global Perspective and New Trends)
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14 pages, 958 KiB  
Article
Bacterial Meningitis in Infants Under 90 Days of Age: A Retrospective Single-Center Study
by Martina Buttera, Sofia Mazzotti, Tommaso Zini, Lucia Corso, Valeria Dallai, Francesca Miselli, Luca Bedetti, Katia Rossi, Eugenio Spaggiari, Lorenzo Iughetti, Licia Lugli and Alberto Berardi
Children 2024, 11(12), 1411; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11121411 - 22 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1073
Abstract
Background: Bacterial meningitis (BM) in infants is a serious condition that can lead to significant complications. Lumbar puncture (LP) is essential to provide diagnoses, however false negatives may result if LP is performed after the starting of antibiotic therapy. Methods: We conducted a [...] Read more.
Background: Bacterial meningitis (BM) in infants is a serious condition that can lead to significant complications. Lumbar puncture (LP) is essential to provide diagnoses, however false negatives may result if LP is performed after the starting of antibiotic therapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of infants of any gestational age with BM within their first 90 days of life and admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Modena Policlinico between 1 January 2011, and 31 December 2023. Results: A total of 44 episodes of meningitis were confirmed in 40 infants, diagnosed by positive cerebrospinal fluid cultures (n = 37), polymerase chain reaction testing (n = 4), or both methods (n = 3). Three out of forty infants (8%) experienced a relapse of meningitis. Most episodes (31/44, 70%) occurred in preterm infants. The incidence of early-onset meningitis was lower than that of late-onset (0.18 vs. 0.94 cases per 1000 births, respectively), with Gram-positive accounting for most cases (27/44, 61%). LP was performed prior to antibiotic administration in most episodes (30/44, 68%). Two preterm infants (5%) died from meningitis-related complications. Forty-two episodes occurred among thirty-eight surviving infants; brain lesions were detected through brain ultrasound or MRI in nine out of forty-two episodes (21%). Conclusions: Preterm infants have higher rates of BM, brain lesions or case fatalities. Early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment are critical to improve outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children's Public Health and Healthcare: Global Perspective and New Trends)
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20 pages, 1804 KiB  
Article
Anaemia Profile and Inflammation Markers in Stunted Children Under Two Years in Indonesia
by Luhung Budiailmiawan, Aryati Aryati, Nursin Abd. Kadir, Laily Indrayanti Yusuf, Lia Gardenia Partakusuma, Louisa Markus and Leni Lismayanti
Children 2024, 11(11), 1315; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111315 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1007
Abstract
Background: Stunting is a common issue affecting children who suffer from chronic malnutrition in Indonesia. The Indonesian government has introduced supplementary food programs for stunted children, but the results have been less satisfactory. This may be due to the presence of anaemia and [...] Read more.
Background: Stunting is a common issue affecting children who suffer from chronic malnutrition in Indonesia. The Indonesian government has introduced supplementary food programs for stunted children, but the results have been less satisfactory. This may be due to the presence of anaemia and comorbid diseases. Haematology tests and inflammation markers are necessary to identify these conditions. This study aimed to examine the anaemia profiles and inflammation markers in stunted children under two years old. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design with cluster samples and consecutive analysis was used. The study was conducted between December 2023 and March 2024 at the West Nusa Tenggara Hospital and Palabuhanratu Sukabumi Hospital laboratories. Samples were obtained from various Public Health Centres in Sukabumi, West Java, North Maluku, and West Nusa Tenggara. Data collection comprised interviews, measurements, and the assessment of haematology, biochemical, and inflammatory markers. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20, which includes descriptive analysis, correlation, comparison, and chi-square tests. Results: Two hundred and ten stunted children were identified with various anaemias and comorbidities. These anaemias included suspected thalassemia (38.1%), iron deficiency (18.1%), and anaemia of chronic diseases (13.3%). Based on the inflammatory markers obtained, TB was suspected (21.4%), inflammatory bowel disease (18.1%) was suspected, and allergic proctocolitis was suspected (31.9%). Conclusions: Analysis of the anaemia profiles and inflammatory markers revealed various types of anaemia and suspected comorbidities in stunted children. It is recommended that anaemia profiles and inflammation markers be assessed at the primary healthcare level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children's Public Health and Healthcare: Global Perspective and New Trends)
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12 pages, 447 KiB  
Article
A New Method to Evaluate Joint Hypermobility in Paediatric Patients with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Preliminary Study
by Leonardo Zoccante, Marco Luigi Ciceri, Gianfranco Di Gennaro and Marco Zaffanello
Children 2024, 11(9), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11091150 - 23 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1889
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a wide range of conditions that develop during the formation of the central nervous system, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Tourette syndrome (TS) is another neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by motor and vocal [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a wide range of conditions that develop during the formation of the central nervous system, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Tourette syndrome (TS) is another neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by motor and vocal tics, which often co-occurs with ASD and ADHD. This study explores the feasibility of assessing joint hypermobility in children with specific neurodevelopmental conditions by measuring both ankles’ passive range of motion (pROM). Methods: This study involved children diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, and TS, aged 5 to 15 years, who were compared with a control group of healthy children. The Beighton and Brighton scores and the pROM of the left and right ankles were measured. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0 for Windows (IBM SPSS Statistics, Chicago, IL, USA). A total of 102 subjects participated in this study (72.52% male, with a mean age of 10.7 ± 2.2 years). The sample included 24 children with ASD, 27 with ADHD, 26 with TS, and 25 healthy controls. Results: The pROM of the right and left ankles showed a significant positive correlation with the Beighton and Brighton scores in children with NDDs (ASD, ADHD, and TS combined). A trend towards higher Beighton scores (≥6) was observed in the ADHD and TS groups, with significance found in the TS group (p = 0.013). The pROM of the right ankle was significantly higher in the ADHD (p = 0.021) and TS (p = 0.013) groups compared to the controls. Although the left ankle followed a similar trend in the TS group, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.066). Controlling for age, the diagnosis of ASD, ADHD, and TS does not appear to impact any of the variables examined. Conclusions: There is a trend towards a higher prevalence of individuals with elevated Beighton scores in the ADHD and TS groups, suggesting greater general flexibility or hypermobility in these patients. However, the pROM of the right ankle is significantly higher in the ADHD and TS groups, with solid evidence in the TS group. These findings were not observed in children with ASD. However, it is necessary to consider the measurements obtained in relation to the patients’ age. Finally, given that the pROM of the ankles correlates with the Beighton and Brighton scores, it could be utilised for the initial screening, monitoring, and follow-up of JH in some children with NDDs. Further investigations are required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children's Public Health and Healthcare: Global Perspective and New Trends)
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