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1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Children's Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 44511

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Chiara Ionio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CRIdee, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123 Milano, Itlay
Interests: perinatal psychology in typical and atypical situations; effects of preterm birth on the child’s neuropsychological and affective development and on parent-child relationships; impact of chronic and acute illness on the child's affective, social, relational and communicative development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Early Childhood Development (ECD) is an essential social predictor of adult health. As affirmed in The Marmot Review (2010), “Giving every child the best start in life is crucial to reducing health inequalities across the life course (p. 22)”.

The roots of each area of human development (physical, intellectual and emotional) are established throughout early childhood. Indeed, events that occur during these first years (starting from prenatal life) have a lifelong impact on several aspects of health and well-being. Therefore, it is necessary to address and focus on children's positive early experiences to resolve health inequalities and promote physical and mental development. In particular, research has demonstrated the importance of a “good-enough” environment for physical, emotional, social and cognitive support, which is vital to ensuring healthy psychological, neurological, relational and emotional child development.

Given the demonstrated value of promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children, this Special Issue focuses on early child development. By gathering empirical and theoretical works, the aim is to shed light on protective and risk factors to promote healthy childhood development, which could translate to life-long benefits for the physical, cognitive, emotional, affective and social development of the child.

Prof. Dr. Chiara Ionio
Guest Editor

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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. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 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 2500 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

  • early physical and psychological child development
  • perinatal psychology
  • early mother–child/father–child interactions
  • perinatal maternal and paternal support

Published Papers (16 papers)

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12 pages, 1418 KiB  
Article
Public Engagement in Digital Recommendations for Promoting Healthy Parental Behaviours from Preconception through the First 1000 Days
by Giulia Cinelli, Ileana Croci, Francesco Gesualdo, Elisabetta Pandolfi, Kiersten Pilar Miller and Alberto Eugenio Tozzi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1329; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021329 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1171
Abstract
Web-based digital interventions may play a central role for health promoting strategies in the first “1000 days”, from conception through the first 2 years of life. We developed a web platform providing evidence-based recommendations in the first 1000 days through short videos, and [...] Read more.
Web-based digital interventions may play a central role for health promoting strategies in the first “1000 days”, from conception through the first 2 years of life. We developed a web platform providing evidence-based recommendations in the first 1000 days through short videos, and we studied engagement by users from preconception through parenthood in the second year of life. We described the access to videos by topic and used a multilevel model to explore the user characteristics associated with access to the video recommendations. Overall, breastfeeding, physical activity and nutrition were the most popular topics (normalized views: 89.2%, 87.2% and 86.4% respectively), while content on paternal health and smoking and alcohol was less engaging (37.3% and 42.0%). Nutrition content was the most viewed in the preconception period and during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. Nutrition and breastfeeding were also the most popular topics for users with children less than 2 years old. Higher levels of health literacy were associated only with child health content. The study findings indicate that digital strategies should be adapted according to the time period in the first 1000 days. Alternative digital promotion strategies for the less engaging topics should be considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
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14 pages, 788 KiB  
Article
Effects of COVID-19 Financial and Social Hardships on Infants’ and Toddlers’ Development in the ECHO Program
by Sara S. Nozadi, Ximin Li, Xiangrong Kong, Brandon Rennie, Deborah Kanda, Debra MacKenzie, Li Luo, Jonathan Posner, Courtney K. Blackwell, Lisa A. Croen, Assiamira Ferrara, Thomas G. O’Connor, Emily Zimmerman, Akhgar Ghassabian, Leslie D. Leve, Amy J. Elliott, Rebecca J. Schmidt, Jenna L. N. Sprowles and Johnnye L. Lewis
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1013; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021013 - 05 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2265
Abstract
Background: The financial hardships and social isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic have been found to adversely affect children’s developmental outcomes. While many studies thus far have focused on school-aged children and the pandemic-related impacts on their academic skills and behavior problems, relatively [...] Read more.
Background: The financial hardships and social isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic have been found to adversely affect children’s developmental outcomes. While many studies thus far have focused on school-aged children and the pandemic-related impacts on their academic skills and behavior problems, relatively less is known about pandemic hardships and associations with children’s development during their early years. Using a racially and economically diverse sample, we examined whether hardships experienced during the pandemic were associated with children’s development with a particular focus on communication and socioemotional development. Methods: Participants from eight cohorts of the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program provided data on pandemic-related financial and social hardships as well as child developmental outcomes. Financial hardship was defined as at least one parent experiencing job loss or change, and social hardship was defined as families’ quarantining from household members or extended family and friends. The development of children under 4 was assessed longitudinally, before and during the pandemic (N = 684), using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). The Generalized Estimating Equations, which accounted for within-child correlation, were used for analysis. Results: Families from minority backgrounds and low socioeconomic status disproportionately experienced pandemic-related hardships. Male children had higher odds of experiencing negative changes in communication and personal social skills from pre- to during-pandemic visits (ORs ranged between 2.24 and 3.03 in analysis with binary ASQ outcomes and ranged from −0.34–0.36 in analyses with ASQ z-scores, ps = 0.000). Pandemic-related hardships in the social and financial areas did not explain within-individual changes in children’s developmental outcomes. Conclusion: Negative developmental changes from pre- to during-pandemic were found in boys, yet we did not find any associations between increased experience of pandemic-related hardships and children’s development. E how pandemic hardships affect development using a larger sample size and with longer follow-up is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
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14 pages, 508 KiB  
Article
Interventions by Caregivers to Promote Motor Development in Young Children, the Caregivers’ Attitudes and Benefits Hereof: A Scoping Review
by Marlene Rosager Lund Pedersen and Anne Faber Hansen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11543; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811543 - 14 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2248
Abstract
In the first year of life, the child’s caregivers, including parents and daycare staff, play an essential role, as they are responsible for implementing daily activities to promote the motor development of young children. However, what does the research show about interventions to [...] Read more.
In the first year of life, the child’s caregivers, including parents and daycare staff, play an essential role, as they are responsible for implementing daily activities to promote the motor development of young children. However, what does the research show about interventions to promote the motor development of 0–36-month-olds carried out by the child’s caregivers, and what are the caregivers’ experiences and attitudes hereof? This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the published studies to derive an overall interpretation. A systematic search was conducted in five scientific databases, resulting in 10,219 articles, of which 9 met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate that providing early intervention to 0–36-month-old children, in which the caregivers carry out the activities, promotes the young child’s motor development. Furthermore, the interventions increase the caregivers’ interest and motivation to promote the young child’s motor development, which is essential in maintaining the behaviour after the end of the interventions. Supervision and guidance provided for the child’s caregivers concerning knowledge and skills about age-appropriate behaviours and facilitation of their child’s motor development increases the caregivers’ self-confidence, interest, and motivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
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11 pages, 321 KiB  
Article
Listening to the Fathers of Twins—Being Sensitive to Fathers’ Needs in Maternity and Child Healthcare
by Kristiina Heinonen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10639; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710639 - 26 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2347
Abstract
Objective: In a multiple-birth family, parenthood means being a parent to more than one child of the same age. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of fathers of twins in order to contribute to the understanding of twin [...] Read more.
Objective: In a multiple-birth family, parenthood means being a parent to more than one child of the same age. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of fathers of twins in order to contribute to the understanding of twin fatherhood and the needs for support. This article also provides some concrete guidance for midwives and nurses. Design: This qualitative research study was guided by the hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Setting: Notification of the study was published on the Multiple Births Association website for the fathers of twins. The data comprised fathers’ (n = 6) diaries and/or notes and in-depth interviews. Results: The following themes describe the phenomenon of being a father of twins: “Fatherhood of twins grows gradually”, “Strengthening of twin fatherhood by being present and involved”, “Father develops his relationship with each and both of the twins”, and “Making space for multiple fatherhood”. This article concentrates on the latter two themes. Conclusions: Fatherhood/parenthood is a very special time in a person’s life and has many effects on a child’s health and wellbeing and his/her life. Fathers of twins want to create a close bond with them by being actively present and involved in the children’s daily life, also with a view to the future. The staff of the hospital and maternity and child health clinic play a vital role in implementing services meant for multiple-birth families in the holistic understanding of and support for fathers/parents during the transition to parenthood and after the children’s birth. Implications for practice: Midwives and nurses are vital in providing support for, sharing knowledge with, and giving advice to fathers and different kinds of families. Multiprofessional cooperation that links evidence-based knowledge, theory, and practice, ensuring that the voices of both parents are heard and respected, is key to improving the care for different kinds of families and families with special needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
10 pages, 519 KiB  
Article
Determinants of Delayed Initiation of Breastfeeding: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates
by Zainab Taha, Aysha Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Ludmilla Wikkeling-Scott, Ahmed Ali Hassan and Dimitrios Papandreou
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9048; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159048 - 25 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1740
Abstract
One of the best practices to reduce the risk of infant morbidity and mortality is the early initiation of breastfeeding, specifically within the first hour of birth, as the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends. Limited data exist on breastfeeding initiation and its related [...] Read more.
One of the best practices to reduce the risk of infant morbidity and mortality is the early initiation of breastfeeding, specifically within the first hour of birth, as the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends. Limited data exist on breastfeeding initiation and its related factors in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). Therefore, the purpose of this research study was to evaluate and analyze the determinant factors associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding among mothers with children aged <2 years old in a cross-sectional multicenter setting in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. Seven governmental community and healthcare centers participated in the study from diverse geographic areas of Abu Dhabi. A trained female research assistant collected information from mothers with young children attending the centers. All participants were informed in detail about the purpose of the study and signed a written consent form. A total of 1610 mother–child pairs were included in the study. The mean (standard deviation) of maternal age and children’s age was 30.1 (5.1) years and 8.1 (5.9) months, respectively. Six hundred and four (604) (37.5%) reported delayed initiation of breastfeeding. Factors associated with delayed breastfeeding initiation were being of non-Arab nationality (adjusted odds ratio (A.O.R.) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.63), caesarean section (AOR 2.85, 95% CI 2.26, 3.58), non-rooming-in (AOR 2.82, 95% CI 1.53, 5.21), first birth order (AOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07, 1.69), and mothers with low-birth-weight children (AOR 3.30, 95% CI 2.18, 4.99) as was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, approximately four out of ten mothers delayed initiation of breastfeeding for more than one hour after delivery. The results of this study call for urgent policy changes to improve the early initiation rates of breastfeeding mothers in the U.A.E. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
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12 pages, 863 KiB  
Article
Parent’s Health Locus of Control and Its Association with Parents and Infants Characteristics: An Observational Study
by Daniela Morniroli, Patrizio Sannino, Serena Rampini, Elena Nicoletta Bezze, Eleonora Milotta, Silvia Poggetti, Paola Marchisio, Samantha Bosis, Laura Plevani, Fabio Mosca and Maria Lorella Giannì
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 5804; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19105804 - 10 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1253
Abstract
The Parent Health Locus of Control (PHLOC) investigates the individual’s beliefs about the factors that govern their state of health and that of their children. The direct association between PHLOC and preventive health behaviours compliance has already been demonstrated in the literature. However, [...] Read more.
The Parent Health Locus of Control (PHLOC) investigates the individual’s beliefs about the factors that govern their state of health and that of their children. The direct association between PHLOC and preventive health behaviours compliance has already been demonstrated in the literature. However, it is still unclear how socio-demographic variables affect the PHLOC. We investigated the Parent Health Locus of Control of parents of full-term and preterm infants and evaluated whether there were any correlations between PHLOC and socio-demographic characteristics of both parents and infants. A single-centre transverse observational study was conducted in the Neonatology Operating Unit IRCCS Ca ‘Granda Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan. A self-administered questionnaire of the PHLOC scale was distributed to a sample of 370 parents of 320 full-term and 52 preterm infants attending the follow-up service. Parents under the age of 36 and with a higher level of education (bachelor’s degree or above) believe less in the influence of the media on their child’s health. Parents of preterm and first-child infants recognize the greater influence of health care workers, while parents of newborns that have experience complications in their clinical course, believe more in the influence of fate (Chance Health Locus of Control) and God. Younger parents with a higher level of education may be more prone to healthy preventative behaviours. Preterm birth is positively associated with an increased trust in health care professionals. The experience of disease can increase a “Chance Health Locus of Control” and risky behaviours. Assessment of PHLOC helps identify categories of parents prone to risky health behaviours and offer targeted health education interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
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10 pages, 324 KiB  
Article
Promoting Caregiver Early Childhood Development Behaviors through Social and Behavioral Change Communication Program in Tanzania
by Eliza Broadbent, McKayla McConkie, Emily Aleson, Lily Kim, Rebekah Stewart, Generose Mulokozi, Kirk A. Dearden, Mary Linehan, Dennis Cherian, Scott Torres, Ben T. Crookston, Parley C. Hall and Joshua H. West
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5149; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095149 - 23 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2407
Abstract
Objectives: Stunting remains a prevalent issue in Tanzania. The consequences of stunting include reduced height, greater susceptibility to disease, and diminished cognitive ability throughout the lifespan. Lack of psychosocial stimulation is associated with increased stunting, particularly in terms of its cognitive impact. The [...] Read more.
Objectives: Stunting remains a prevalent issue in Tanzania. The consequences of stunting include reduced height, greater susceptibility to disease, and diminished cognitive ability throughout the lifespan. Lack of psychosocial stimulation is associated with increased stunting, particularly in terms of its cognitive impact. The Addressing Stunting in Tanzania Early (ASTUTE) program was a large social and behavior change communication (SBCC) intervention that aimed to reduce childhood stunting in the region by targeting early childhood development (ECD) behaviors. The purpose of this study is to report on the extent to which exposure to ASTUTE might be related to ECD behaviors. Methods: ASTUTE disseminated program messages via a mass media campaign and interpersonal communication (IPC). Logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between exposure to TV, radio, IPC messages, and key ECD behaviors of female primary caregivers and male heads of household. Results: Among primary caregivers, IPC was positively associated with all ECD behaviors measured. Radio was associated with all behaviors except drawing with their child. TV was associated with all behaviors except playing with their child. Among heads of household, only the radio was positively associated with the ECD behaviors measured. Conclusions for practice: Findings indicate that SBCC interventions that include mass media and IPC components may be effective at promoting parental engagement in ECD behaviors. Significance: We know that ECD is important for a child’s development. We know that parents play a critical role in promoting ECD behaviors. We are still exploring ways to influence parents so that they are more involved in ECD behaviors. The results presented here provide evidence for successful mass media and IPC efforts to improve parents’ ECD behaviors. We hope this study will add more evidence for large interventions such as these to the literature, and we are very hopeful that governments and large international NGOs will prioritize SBCC approaches in the future, especially in locations where face-to-face interventions may be challenging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
10 pages, 501 KiB  
Article
Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration and Perceptions of Infant Sleep: The Mediating Role of Postpartum Anxiety
by Siân M. Davies, Bethany F. Todd-Leonida, Victoria M. Fallon and Sergio A. Silverio
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4494; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084494 - 08 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2555
Abstract
(1) Background: Existing literature has identified associations between exclusive breastfeeding, maternal mental health, and infant sleep. This study aims to examine these relationships simultaneously and consider the mediating role of postpartum anxiety. (2) Methods: Participants completed validated measures of postpartum anxiety, infant sleep, [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Existing literature has identified associations between exclusive breastfeeding, maternal mental health, and infant sleep. This study aims to examine these relationships simultaneously and consider the mediating role of postpartum anxiety. (2) Methods: Participants completed validated measures of postpartum anxiety, infant sleep, and reported exclusive breastfeeding duration. Postpartum mothers with infants between six and twelve months (n = 470) were recruited to a cross-sectional online survey containing a battery of psychological measures. (3) Results: Correlation analyses examined the relationships between the predictor (exclusive breastfeeding duration), outcome (perceptions of infant sleep), and mediator (postpartum anxiety). Exclusive breastfeeding duration was significantly associated with postpartum anxiety (p < 0.05), postpartum anxiety was significantly associated with perceptions of infant sleep (p < 0.001), and exclusive breastfeeding duration was significantly associated with perceptions of infant sleep (p < 0.001). A simple mediation model was conducted, showing a significant total (B = −0.029 (0.010), p < 0.05), direct (B = −0.035 (0.009), p < 0.001), and indirect effect (B = 0.007, SE = 0.003, 95% CI = 0.000 to 0.014) of exclusive breastfeeding duration on perceptions of infant sleep via postpartum anxiety. (4) Conclusions: Associations were identified between exclusive breastfeeding duration, postpartum anxiety, and perceptions of infant sleep. The mediation model suggests postpartum anxiety may be an underlying mechanism which reduces exclusive breastfeeding duration and negatively affects maternal perceptions of infant sleep quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
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12 pages, 369 KiB  
Article
Monochorionic Twins and the Early Mother-Infant Relationship: An Exploratory Observational Study of Mother-Infant Interaction in the Post-Partum Period
by Chiara Ionio, Eleonora Mascheroni, Gianluca Lista, Caterina Colombo, Giulia Ciuffo, Marta Landoni, Irene Daniele and Merideth Gattis
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2821; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052821 - 28 Feb 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2104
Abstract
The extraordinary increase in twin rates and specifically monochorionic twin pregnancies represents a major public health issue due to the associated increased risks for the mother, the child and their relationship. The aim of the present study was to examine the quality of [...] Read more.
The extraordinary increase in twin rates and specifically monochorionic twin pregnancies represents a major public health issue due to the associated increased risks for the mother, the child and their relationship. The aim of the present study was to examine the quality of mothers’ behaviour during mother–infant interaction in the early postpartum period by comparing mothers of twins and mothers of singletons during face-to-face interaction with their infants. Demographic and clinical information was collected by trained research psychologists from the mothers’ and the childrens’ clinical records and from interviews with the mothers. At three months (corrected for prematurity), the interactions of the dyads (11 mother-twin infant dyads and 11 mother-singleton dyads) were filmed at participants’ homes in accordance with the procedure of the Global Rating Scales. Maternal behaviour during interactions was assessed and rated by two trained research psychologists. With regard to the mothers’ interaction with each twin, no differences were found between mothers’ scores in every GRS subscale, indicating that mothers did not interact differently with their twins. Comparisons between mothers of MC twins and mothers of singletons showed that the quality of maternal sensitive behaviour during the interactions were lower in mothers of twins (0.35) Mothers of twins were also more distant during interactions with their babies and more likely to experience depression symptoms than mothers of singletons (0.05). Future research should examine mother-infant relationships following twin birth with larger samples. Such research will be especially useful in evaluating the potential benefits of interventions to promote positive mother-infant interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
13 pages, 1517 KiB  
Article
Reduced n-3 and n-6 PUFA (DHA and AA) Concentrations in Breast Milk and Erythrocytes Phospholipids during Pregnancy and Lactation in Women with Obesity
by Rodrigo Chamorro, Karla A. Bascuñán, Cynthia Barrera, Jorge Sandoval, Claudia Puigrredon and Rodrigo Valenzuela
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 1930; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19041930 - 09 Feb 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2113
Abstract
Obesity during pregnancy is a worrying public health problem worldwide. Maternal diet is critical for fatty acid (FA) placental transport and FA content in breast milk (BM). We evaluated FA composition in erythrocytes phospholipids (EP) and BM in pregnant women with (OBE, n [...] Read more.
Obesity during pregnancy is a worrying public health problem worldwide. Maternal diet is critical for fatty acid (FA) placental transport and FA content in breast milk (BM). We evaluated FA composition in erythrocytes phospholipids (EP) and BM in pregnant women with (OBE, n = 30) and without (non-OBE, n = 31) obesity. Sixty-one healthy women were evaluated at their 20–24th gestational week and followed until 6th month of lactation. Diet was evaluated through a food frequency questionnaire. FA composition of EP and BM was assessed by gas-liquid chromatography. The OBE group showed lower diet quality, but total n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), ALA, EPA, and DHA dietary intake was similar between groups. N-3 PUFA, ALA, DHA, and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in EP were lower at the 6th lactation month in the OBE group. In BM, the arachidonic acid (AA) concentration was lower at the end of the lactation, and DHA content showed an earlier and constant decline in the OBE group compared to the non-OBE group. In conclusion, n-3 PUFA and AA and DHA levels were reduced in EP and BM in pregnant women with obesity. Strategies to increase n-3 PUFA are urgently needed during pregnancy and lactation, particularly in women with obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
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7 pages, 521 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Different Periods of Walking Experience on Kinematic Gait Parameters in Toddlers
by Marta Gimunová, Martin Sebera, Michal Bozděch, Kateřina Kolářová, Tomáš Vodička and Martin Zvonař
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010058 - 22 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1451
Abstract
This study aimed to analyse the kinematic differences in gait between three groups of toddlers who differed in their weeks of independent walking (IW) experience, but not in anthropometrical characteristics, to determine the relationship between walking experience without the side effect of morphological [...] Read more.
This study aimed to analyse the kinematic differences in gait between three groups of toddlers who differed in their weeks of independent walking (IW) experience, but not in anthropometrical characteristics, to determine the relationship between walking experience without the side effect of morphological differences on gait parameters. Twenty-six toddlers participated in this study. Depending on the week of their IW, toddlers were divided into three groups: Group 1 (1–5 weeks of IW), Group 2 (6–10 weeks of IW), and Group 3 (11–15 weeks of IW). Each toddler walked barefooted over a 2-m long pathway, and 3D kinematic data were obtained. A decrease in the upper limb position, hip flexion, and step width, i.e., changes towards the adult gait pattern, were observed in Group 3. Less experienced walkers exhibited a wider step width despite no statistically significant difference in body mass and height between groups. Results of this study show no statistically significant difference in step length between groups, suggesting that step length is more related to height than to the walking experience. The increased step length in more experienced walkers reported in previous studies may therefore be a result of different heights and not walking experience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
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9 pages, 306 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Malnutrition and Associated Factors of Stunting among 6–23-Month-Old Infants in Central Rural China in 2019
by Jing Liu, Jing Sun, Jian Huang and Junsheng Huo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8165; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158165 - 02 Aug 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2541
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition and to investigate the associated factors of stunting among 6–23-month-old infants in poor rural areas of central China. The China Nutrition Improvement Project on Children in Poor Areas was conducted in 56 national-level poor [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition and to investigate the associated factors of stunting among 6–23-month-old infants in poor rural areas of central China. The China Nutrition Improvement Project on Children in Poor Areas was conducted in 56 national-level poor counties of seven provinces in 2019. We performed a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis to determine the associated factors of stunting. This cross-sectional study included 17,193 infants. The overall prevalence of stunting was the highest (3.9%), followed by overweight (3.0%), underweight (2.1%), wasting (2.0%), and obesity (0.5%). Girls [OR = 0.55, 95% CI (0.46, 0.65)], infants meeting requirements of minimum diversity diet [OR = 0.81, 95% CI (0.67, 0.98)], and mothers with middle-school or high-school education and above decreased the prevalence of stunting. Infants with diarrhea in two weeks [OR = 1.26,95% CI (0.98, 1.62)] were at higher odds of stunting. The malnutrition status in the study areas was improved, and vulnerable infants were found to need additional and earlier monitoring to detect and fundamentally prevent undernutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
14 pages, 539 KiB  
Article
Association between Early Life Child Development and Family Dog Ownership: A Prospective Birth Cohort Study of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
by Machiko Minatoya, Atsuko Ikeda-Araki, Chihiro Miyashita, Sachiko Itoh, Sumitaka Kobayashi, Keiko Yamazaki, Yu Ait Bamai, Yasuaki Saijo, Yukihiro Sato, Yoshiya Ito, Reiko Kishi and The Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 7082; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18137082 - 02 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3340
Abstract
Pets may play a role in the social-emotional development of children. In particular, some studies have suggested that family dog ownership is associated with better health outcomes. To date, no study has assessed child development in association with dog ownership of different time [...] Read more.
Pets may play a role in the social-emotional development of children. In particular, some studies have suggested that family dog ownership is associated with better health outcomes. To date, no study has assessed child development in association with dog ownership of different time points. The purpose of the current study was primary to investigate whether “ever” family dog ownership was associated with early child development, and secondary to further examine whether associations between family dog ownership and early child development differ among family dog ownership of status, including “past only”, “current only”, and “always” groups, using the data of family dog ownership obtained at multiple time points. Associations between family dog ownership and infant development at 3 years of age were examined using data from a nationwide prospective birth cohort study, the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (n = 78,941). “Ever” family dog ownership was categorized to “past only”, “current only”, and “always”. We observed that children with “ever” family dog ownership showed a significantly decreased risk of developmental delay in the communication (odds ratio [OR] = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78, 0.96), gross motor (OR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.92), problem-solving (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.96) and personal-social (OR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.92) domains compared to children with “never” family dog ownership. Furthermore, a significantly decreased risk of developmental delay in gross motor function was observed in association with living with dogs in the “past only” (OR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.95) and “always” (OR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.98). In addition, a decreased risk of developmental delay in the problem-solving domain was associated with “past” family dog ownership (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.97) and in the personal-social domain was associated with “always” family dog ownership (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.68, 0.95). Given the possible positive association between early life child development and family dog ownership, living with dogs may be an important factor to be considered when assessing child development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
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16 pages, 338 KiB  
Article
Measuring the Impact of Genetic and Environmental Risk and Protective Factors on Speech, Language, and Communication Development-Evidence from Australia
by Paula Cronin and Stephen Goodall
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4112; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084112 - 13 Apr 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2516
Abstract
Speech and language acquisition is one of the key development indicators of optimal literacy development in infancy and early childhood. Over the last decade there has been increasing interest in the development of theoretical frameworks which underpin the underlying complexity of a child’s [...] Read more.
Speech and language acquisition is one of the key development indicators of optimal literacy development in infancy and early childhood. Over the last decade there has been increasing interest in the development of theoretical frameworks which underpin the underlying complexity of a child’s language developmental landscapes. This longitudinal study aims to measure the impact of genetic and environmental risk and protective factors on speech, language, and communication development (SLCN) among 5000 infants in Australia. Using robust panel fixed-effects models, the results demonstrate that there are clear and consistent effects of protective factors and SLCN associated with the infant’s family [coefficient (SD) = 0.153, 95% standard error (SE) = 8.76], the in utero environment [coefficient (SD) = 0.055, standard error (SE) = 3.29] and early infant health [coefficient (SD) = 0.074, standard error (SE) = 5.28]. The impact of family and in utero health is dominant at aged 2 to 3 years (relative to 0 to 1 years) across the domains of language and communication and more dominant from birth to 1 years for speech acquisition. In contrast, the evidence for the impact of genetics on SLCN acquisition in infancy, is less clear. The evidence from this study can be used to inform intervention policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)

Review

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13 pages, 950 KiB  
Review
Parenting Programme Structure, Potential Barriers, and Facilitators: A Scoping Review
by Ana Ramos, Filomena Matos and Hélia Soares
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13655; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013655 - 21 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2050
Abstract
Becoming a parent is a challenging transition, and stress factors may arise. This scoping review aims to map, from the literature, the structure, potential barriers, and facilitators to be considered when conducting a parenting programme for parents of children up to 3 years [...] Read more.
Becoming a parent is a challenging transition, and stress factors may arise. This scoping review aims to map, from the literature, the structure, potential barriers, and facilitators to be considered when conducting a parenting programme for parents of children up to 3 years old. It followed the JBI methodology and included studies with parents of children up to 3 years old (Participants), studies about parenting programme structure, its potential barriers, and facilitators (Concept) in the healthcare or community setting (Context). Qualitative and/or quantitative study designs and grey literature publications between 2016 and 2021 were eligible. The search was performed in three stages in CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE with Full Text, and PubMed databases. It was also conducted in OpenGrey, ProQuest, Portuguese Open Access Scientific Repository, and Google Scholar. Fourteen articles were selected. The following aspects were identified regarding parenting programmes: benefits; structuring elements to be considered; facilitating factors and possible barriers to its development, and measurement instruments to assess the programme. Parenting programmes are important ways to contribute to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient society. It should be adapted to individuals, groups, and communities. They add value to parents, children, and society and should be carefully adapted to the group’s needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
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14 pages, 1051 KiB  
Review
Parent–Infant Skin-to-Skin Contact and Stress Regulation: A Systematic Review of the Literature
by Chiara Ionio, Giulia Ciuffo and Marta Landoni
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094695 - 28 Apr 2021
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 10843
Abstract
Several studies have focused on neonatal maternal separation (MS) to investigate behavioural and neuroendocrine reactions to lack of contact, but only a few have focused on early separation in the first days or weeks after birth. This literature review investigates the vital importance [...] Read more.
Several studies have focused on neonatal maternal separation (MS) to investigate behavioural and neuroendocrine reactions to lack of contact, but only a few have focused on early separation in the first days or weeks after birth. This literature review investigates the vital importance of contact and touch by exploring how skin-to-skin contact (SSC) regulates stress in the mother–infant relationship. Various databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were searched for literature published between 2015 and 2020. From 1141 articles, 22 were declared eligible. The reviewed articles showed how SSC regulates child stress by biological indicators such as the autonomic nervous system (ANS), heart rate variability (HRV), cortisol, and oxytocin. This research concludes the importance of SSC for stress regulation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With no research to date indicating a possible risk of neonatal COVID-19 transmission following SSC, SSC should continue to be practiced for all women, as recommended by the WHO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1000 Days to Get a Good Start in a Child's Life)
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