International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

10 pages, 310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 on Child Maltreatment: Income Instability and Parenting Issues

by Janet Yuen-Ha Wong, Abraham Ka-Chung Wai, Man Ping Wang, Jung Jae Lee, Matthew Li, Jojo Yan-Yan Kwok, Carlos King-Ho Wong and Anna Wai-Man Choi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041501 - 5 Feb 2021

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 6648

Abstract

Introduction: Children are widely recognized as a vulnerable population during disasters and emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic, like a natural disaster, brought uncertainties and instability to the economic development of the society and social distancing, which might lead to child maltreatment. This study [...] Read more.

Introduction: Children are widely recognized as a vulnerable population during disasters and emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic, like a natural disaster, brought uncertainties and instability to the economic development of the society and social distancing, which might lead to child maltreatment. This study aims to investigate whether job loss, income reduction and parenting affect child maltreatment. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of 600 randomly sampled parents aged 18 years or older who had and lived with a child under 10 years old in Hong Kong between 29 May to 16 June 2020. Participants were recruited from a random list of mobile phone numbers of a panel of parents. Of 779 recruited target parents, 600 parents completed the survey successfully via a web-based system after obtaining their online consent for participating in the survey. Results: Income reduction was found significantly associated with severe (OR = 3.29, 95% CI = 1.06, 10.25) and very severe physical assaults (OR = 7.69, 95% CI = 2.24, 26.41) towards children. Job loss or large income reduction were also significantly associated with severe (OR= 3.68, 95% CI = 1.33, 10.19) and very severe physical assaults (OR = 4.05, 95% CI = 1.17, 14.08) towards children. However, income reduction (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.15, 0.53) and job loss (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.28, 0.76) were significantly associated with less psychological aggression. Exposure to intimate partner violence between parents is a very strong and significant factor associated with all types of child maltreatment. Having higher levels of difficulty in discussing COVID-19 with children was significantly associated with more corporal punishment (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.34), whereas having higher level of confidence in managing preventive COVID-19 behaviors with children was negatively associated with corporal punishment (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.76, 0.99) and very severe physical assaults (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.58, 0.93). Conclusions: Income instability such as income reduction and job loss amplified the risk of severe and very severe child physical assaults but protected children from psychological aggression. Also, confidence in teaching COVID-19 and managing preventive COVID-19 behaviors with children was significantly negatively associated with corporal punishment during pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Health Care)

14 pages, 572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Theory of Mind in ADHD. A Proposal to Improve Working Memory through the Stimulation of the Theory of Mind

by Rocío Lavigne, Antonia González-Cuenca, Marta Romero-González and Marta Sánchez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9286; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249286 - 11 Dec 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3297

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between Theory of Mind (ToM), Working Memory (WM), and Verbal Comprehension (VC). Performance of these variables was evaluated in 44 elementary students (6–12 years) diagnosed with ADHD. Their performance in all variables was [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between Theory of Mind (ToM), Working Memory (WM), and Verbal Comprehension (VC). Performance of these variables was evaluated in 44 elementary students (6–12 years) diagnosed with ADHD. Their performance in all variables was collected through the Neuropsychological Battery (NEPSY-II) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children IV. The results showed that fifty percent of the participants were below the 25th percentile in ToM and that this low performance was not related to age. In addition, analyses showed statistically significant relationships between WM, VC, and ToM. Analysis of the effect of WM and VC on ToM showed that only WM explained the variance in participant performance in ToM. These results led us to raise the need to include ToM among the skills to be stimulated in programs for the treatment of ADHD, accompanying other skills related to social adaptation that are usually included in such programs. Likewise, considering that ToM implies putting into practice skills such as considering different points of view, attending to relevant aspects of the context, making decisions, inferring mental states, and predicting behaviors, we believe that through the stimulation of ToM, WM would also be stimulated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Health Care)

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11 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Time Spent on Smart Devices and Change in Refractive Error: A 1-Year Prospective Observational Study among Hong Kong Children and Adolescents

by Chi-wai Do, Lily Y. L. Chan, Andy C. Y. Tse, Teris Cheung, Billy C. L. So, Wing Chun Tang, W. Y. Yu, Geoffrey C. H. Chu, Grace P. Y. Szeto, Regina L. T. Lee and Paul H. Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8923; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238923 - 30 Nov 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3032

Abstract

This study examined the association between smart device usage and the 1-year change in refractive error among a representative sample of Hong Kong children and adolescents aged 8–14 years. A total of 1597 participants (49.9% male, mean age 10.9, SD 2.0) who completed [...] Read more.

This study examined the association between smart device usage and the 1-year change in refractive error among a representative sample of Hong Kong children and adolescents aged 8–14 years. A total of 1597 participants (49.9% male, mean age 10.9, SD 2.0) who completed both baseline (2017–2018) and 1-year follow-up (2018–2019) eye examinations were included in the present study. The non-cycloplegic auto-refractive error was measured and the average spherical equivalent refraction (SER) was analyzed. The participants also self-reported their smart device usage at baseline. Multivariate regression adjusted for age, sex, baseline SER, parents’ short-sightedness, BMI, time spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and caregiver-reported socio-economic status showed that, compared with the reference group (<2 h per day on both smartphone and tablet usages), those who spent ≥2 h per day using a smartphone and <2 h per day using a tablet had a significantly negative shift in refractive error (1-year change in SER −0.25 vs. −0.09 D, p = 0.01) for the right eye, while the level of significance was marginal (1-year change −0.28 vs. −0.15 D, p = 0.055) for the left eye. To conclude, our data suggested spending at most 2 h per day on both smartphones and tablets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Health Care)

9 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supporting Students with Neurodevelopment Disorders in School Health Care—School Nurses’ Experiences

by Andrea Berglund Melendez, Maria Malmsten, Eva-Lena Einberg, Eva K. Clausson and Pernilla Garmy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(16), 5752; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165752 - 9 Aug 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5899

Abstract

Students with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are present in every school, and most likely, there are a few students in every class. School health care is responsible for providing support to all students, especially those with special needs. The aim of the study was [...] Read more.

Students with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are present in every school, and most likely, there are a few students in every class. School health care is responsible for providing support to all students, especially those with special needs. The aim of the study was to describe school nurses’ experiences of supporting students with NDDs. A qualitative method consisting of seven focus group interviews (that included a total of 35 school nurses) in Southern Sweden was conducted. Three themes were identified in the findings: helping students with NDDs to interpret sensations, detecting early signs of distress among students with NDDs, and using an inclusive design for health education. This study highlights the importance of school nurses in identifying the needs of students with NDDs and promotes a person-centered approach to achieve a healthy and safe learning environment for all students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Health Care)

15 pages, 352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of an Unstructured Free Play and Mindfulness Intervention on Wellbeing in Kindergarten Students

by Regina Lai Tong Lee, Shelly Jerrine Lane, Anson Chui Yan Tang, Cynthia Leung, Stephen Wai Hang Kwok, Lobo Hung Tak Louie, Graeme Browne and Sally Wai Chi Chan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5382; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155382 - 26 Jul 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8781

Abstract

Play is known as the core occupation of young children as it lays a foundation for their early development and physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Literature suggests that unstructured free play and mindfulness interventions may independently promote wellbeing among preschoolers. However, there is [...] Read more.

Play is known as the core occupation of young children as it lays a foundation for their early development and physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Literature suggests that unstructured free play and mindfulness interventions may independently promote wellbeing among preschoolers. However, there is no clear evidence of their combination in supporting wellness in early learning environments. We conducted a quasi-experimental study with 42 children aged four to six years, attending two kindergartens in Hong Kong. The intervention included unstructured play with non-directional loose parts (play materials), conducted outdoors for one hour daily followed by a mindfulness intervention for 10 min per day indoors. The intervention lasted for five consecutive days. We examined happiness and aspects of playfulness before and after the intervention, finding a significant increase in all areas. Given greater freedom in play choice, children showed more disruptive behaviors during unstructured play than the control group engaging in recess as usual. We conclude that unstructured play in addition to mindfulness intervention is effective in promoting students’ happiness and playfulness, both of which may help maintain mental health and wellbeing amid stressors such as transition and separation. The increased disruptive behavior requires additional investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Health Care)

15 pages, 342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between the Chronotypes and Eating Habits of Hong Kong School-Aged Children

by Branda Yee-Man Yu, Wing-Fai Yeung, Yuan-Shan Ho, Fiona Yan Yee Ho, Ka Fai Chung, Regina Lai Tong Lee, Mei Yuk Lam and Shucheng Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2583; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072583 - 9 Apr 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4859

Abstract

Later chronotypes have been found to be associated with unhealthy diets in adolescents and adults, but no study has been conducted in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the chronotypes and dietary patterns of school-aged children. Children [...] Read more.

Later chronotypes have been found to be associated with unhealthy diets in adolescents and adults, but no study has been conducted in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the chronotypes and dietary patterns of school-aged children. Children aged 7–11 and their parents were recruited from five mainstream schools in Hong Kong. The parents were told to complete questionnaires on the children’s circadian preferences, food frequency, and dietary behaviors. All of the questionnaires were distributed and collected by schoolteachers. No gender differences in chronotype were observed (all p > 0.05). The evening-type was associated with significantly greater odds of viewing television (TV) during meals (adjusted odds ratios (OR) = 5.62 in boys and 5.39 in girls). Evening-oriented boys were prone to skipping breakfast (adjusted OR = 14.78), whereas evening-oriented girls were at risk of consuming fast food (adjusted OR = 7.74). There are indications of some gender differences in chronotype-related eating patterns. Sleep duration and screen time significantly mediated the associations between later chronotypes and unhealthy eating habits. Individualized dietary recommendations in accordance with circadian preferences may be effective at promoting healthy and nutritious diets for school-aged children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Health Care)

20 pages, 375 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations Between Quality of Life, Psychosocial Well-being and Health-Related Behaviors Among Adolescents in Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, Thai and the Filipino Populations: A Cross-Sectional Survey

by Regina L.T. Lee, Wai Tong Chien, Jason Ligot, Jennifer M. Nailes, Keiko Tanida, Sachi Takeuchi, Masanori Ikeda, Sachiyo Miyagawa, Toshisaburo Nagai, Rutja Phuphaibul, Chatsiri Mekviwattanawong, Ying-Ya Su, Rui Xing Zhang, Paul H. Lee and Stephen W. H. Kwok

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2402; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072402 - 1 Apr 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4920

Abstract

Health-related behaviors during adolescence have lifelong impacts. However, there are unclear areas regarding the associations between health-related quality of life and demographic characteristics, as well as physical and psychosocial indicators. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between quality of [...] Read more.

Health-related behaviors during adolescence have lifelong impacts. However, there are unclear areas regarding the associations between health-related quality of life and demographic characteristics, as well as physical and psychosocial indicators. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between quality of life and body weight, sleep outcome, social support by age, and cohabitants, given that income, self-esteem, lifestyle, emotional, social and behavioral problems were taken into account among adolescents in East and Southeast Asia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Zhengzhou of China, Hong Kong, Kansai region of Japan, Taipei of Taiwan, Bangkok of Thailand and Manila of the Philippines between 2016 and 2017 among 21,359 urban adolescents aged between 9 and 16. The results showed that adolescents who had better self-esteem and control of emotions and behaviors had much higher level of perceived quality of life. Those who were overweight or obese, sleepy in the daytime, and not living with parents had worse quality of life compared with those who were not. In conclusion, psychosocial well-being should have a higher priority in the promotion of quality of life among Asian adolescents. Nevertheless, further studies are required to explore the differences in perceived quality of life between genders and countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Health Care)

Review

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16 pages, 470 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Design, Content and Delivery of Relationship and Sexuality Education Programmes for People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review of the International Evidence

by Michael Brown, Edward McCann, Maria Truesdale, Mark Linden and Lynne Marsh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(20), 7568; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207568 - 18 Oct 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6306

Abstract

There is growing empirical evidence regarding the relationship and sexuality experiences and needs of children, young people and adults with intellectual disabilities. A total of twelve papers met the inclusion criteria regarding relationship and sexuality education (RSE) programmes specific to the needs of [...] Read more.

There is growing empirical evidence regarding the relationship and sexuality experiences and needs of children, young people and adults with intellectual disabilities. A total of twelve papers met the inclusion criteria regarding relationship and sexuality education (RSE) programmes specific to the needs of this population. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed and quality appraisal undertaken. The four themes identified were principles informing RSE programme development, design and content of RSE programmes, delivery of RSE programmes and evaluation of RSE programmes. The discussion presents areas that need to be addressed to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities, their families, carers and professionals are fully involved in the design and delivery of RSE programmes. Further research is required to identify the impact of the programmes and the sustained outcomes achieved. Recommendations are made regarding the activities required to enable the development of evidence-based and person-centred approaches to relationship and sexuality programmes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Health Care)

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2 pages, 237 KiB

Open AccessErratum

Erratum: Lee, R.L.T., et al. Effects of an Unstructured Free Play and Mindfulness Intervention on Wellbeing in Kindergarten Students. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 5382

by Regina Lai Tong Lee, Shelly Jerrine Lane, Anson Chui Yan Tang, Cynthia Leung, Stephen Wai Hang Kwok, Lobo Hung Tak Louie, Graeme Browne and Sally Wai Chi Chan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3163; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063163 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2197

Abstract

The authors wish to make the following corrections to their paper [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Health Care)

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