Search Results (648)

Background: Bullying is a significant problem worldwide and in Lithuania, especially among children and adolescents. This study aimed to assess the associations of bullying with adolescents’ subjective sense of happiness and general health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous written questionnaire. Adolescents at various schools across Lithuanian cities and districts were surveyed to investigate the frequency of bullying among them over the past six months and its impact on their subjective sense of happiness and well-being. Results: This study included 4124 students from seventh to tenth grade; their average age was 14.48 ± 1.15 years, with 49.35% being boys. Over the past six months, the highest bullying incidence occurred at school, accounting for 25.79% of the cases. Only half of the respondents (48.81%) felt happy, and a little more than half felt healthy (63.11%). It was found that bullying at school (ρ_s = −0.224; ρ_s = −0.197), outside school (ρ_s = −0.207; ρ_s = −0.180), and online (ρ_s = −0.175; ρ_s = −0.110) is associated with adolescents’ sense of happiness and health. Conclusion: Bullying is common among Lithuanian adolescents and has a negative impact on their subjective happiness and well-being. It is crucial to develop prevention initiatives to decrease bullying in schools and within the community. Full article

Geographic disparities threaten equitable access for children to health-promoting safe green spaces, and quality early education in the communities in which they live and grow. To address gaps in the field, we integrated the fields of developmental psychology, public health, and environmental science to examine, at the population level, associations between the environmental burden, socioeconomic vulnerability, and kindergarten readiness in a diverse urban county. Three administrative datasets were integrated through an early childhood data sharing research partnership in Miami-Dade County. The Bruner Child Raising Vulnerability Index, the five domains of the Environmental Burden module from the Environmental Justice Index, and public school kindergarten readiness scores were aggregated at the census tract level. Analysis of variance and multiple regression analyses found associations between socioeconomic vulnerability and race/ethnicity. The socioeconomic vulnerability levels were highest in census tracts with a higher percentage of Black residents, compared to all other races/ethnicities. Areas of greater social vulnerability had lower kindergarten readiness and a higher environmental burden. A higher environmental burden predicted lower kindergarten readiness scores above and beyond race/ethnicity and socioeconomic vulnerability. The findings advance our understanding of global challenges to sustainable healthy child development, such as the persistence of a disproportionate environmental burden and inequitable access to resources such as green spaces and early education programs. The present study results can inform community health improvement plans to reduce risk exposures and promote greater access to positive environmental and educational resources for all children. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood/youth are ideally the best periods to teach healthy behaviors; unfortunately, children/adolescents are frequently characterized by unhealthy lifestyles and reduced well-being. Lifestyle improvement early in life may play a fundamental role in determining present health, preventing many chronic diseases, and fostering well-being. Having a clear picture of the lifestyle characteristics of a group can help institutions and schools define effective educational and intervention strategies. This observational study aims to examine whether information collected from children and adolescents about their lifestyles and perceptions of well-being could help identify particular groups that deserve specific interventions, implemented by the school, to improve their overall health. Methods: After administering a simple lifestyle/well-being questionnaire to 225 children/adolescents at an Italian school complex, we investigated the relationships between lifestyles and perceptions of well-being by constructing statistical indicators through nonlinear principal component analysis. Then, we defined lifestyle typologies based on lifestyle indicators and studied the distribution of the well-being indicator across such typologies, also adjusting for sex and age effects. Results: The study shows that lifestyle worsens with age (p < 0.001) and influences overall well-being perception. We identified four lifestyle typologies by combining two indicators of sedentary behavior and sleep, and of quality of nutrition and the volume of physical activity. The healthier the lifestyle, the better the overall well-being perception is (represented by the indicator that includes the perceived quality of health, sleep, and academic performance) (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Tailored educational/intervention strategies that consider specific groups’ characteristics, rather than general counseling, might be more effective at improving health/well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood stunting remains a critical public health issue in low- and middle-income countries. Despite Malaysia’s economic growth, there is limited large-scale evidence on the determinants of stunting among children from infancy to primary school age. This cross-sectional study, part of South East Asian Nutrition Surveys II (SEANUTS II), aimed to determine sociodemographic and environmental risk factors for stunting among 2989 children aged 0.5–12 years. Methods: Children were recruited from four regions in Peninsular Malaysia (Central, East Coast, 2022–2030Northern, Southern). Standing height or recumbent length was measured, and stunting was classified based on WHO criteria (height-for-age Z-score below −2 standard deviations). Parents reported information on socioeconomic status, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to determine the determinants of stunting. Results: Stunting prevalence was 8.9%, with infants (aOR = 2.92, 95%CI:1.14–7.52) and young children (aOR = 2.92, 95%CI:1.80–4.76) having higher odds than school-aged children. Key biological predictors included low birth weight (aOR = 2.41; 95%CI:1.40–4.13) and maternal height <150 cm (aOR = 2.24; 95%CI:1.36–3.70). Chinese (aOR = 0.56; 95%CI:0.35–0.88) and Indian children (aOR = 0.16; 95%CI:0.05–0.52) had a lower risk of stunting compared to Malays. Conclusions: This study highlights the ongoing challenge of childhood stunting in Malaysia, with age, birth weight, ethnicity, and maternal height identified as key determinants. These findings call for early identification of at-risk households and targeted support, especially through education and financial aid to foster healthy child growth. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity is a significant public health issue linked to poor diet, low physical activity, and limited access to supportive environments. Green schoolyards may promote physical activity and improve health outcomes. This study evaluated the impact of the Green Healthy Primary School of the Future (GHPSF) intervention—greening schoolyards—on children’s BMI z-scores, waist circumference, and hip circumference over 18 months, and compared these effects to those observed in the earlier Healthy Primary School of the Future (HPSF) initiative. Methods: This longitudinal quasi-experimental study included two intervention and two control schools in Limburg, a province both in the Netherlands and Belgium. Children aged 8–12 years (n = 159) were assessed at baseline, 12 months, and 18 months for anthropometric outcomes. Linear mixed models were used to estimate intervention effects over time, adjusting for sex, age, country, and socioeconomic background. Standardized effect sizes (ESs) were calculated. Results: The intervention group showed a greater reduction in BMI z-scores at 12 months (ES = −0.15, p = 0.084), though this was not statistically significant. Waist circumference increased in both groups, but less so in the intervention group, at 12 months (ES = −0.23, p = 0.057) and 18 months (ES = −0.13, p = 0.235). Hip circumference and waist–hip ratio changes were minimal and non-significant. GHPSF effect sizes were comparable to or greater than those from the HPSF initiative. Conclusions: Though not statistically significant, trends suggest that greening schoolyards may support favorable changes in anthropometric outcomes. Further research with larger samples and longer follow-up is recommended. Full article

This paper presents the design, development, and pilot deployment of Vitalia, an AR-gamified application targeting the formation of healthy habits in primary education children. Developed within the EU DUSE project, Vitalia integrates physical activity, nutritional education, and immersive storytelling into a gamified framework to promote sustained behavioral change. Grounded in evidence-based behavior change models and co-designed with health, nutrition, and physical activity experts, the system envisions high daily engagement rates and measurable knowledge improvements. The concept positions Vitalia as a scalable model for child-centric, ethically responsible digital health interventions, with the potential to be integrated into school curricula and public health strategies. Full article

Background: Understanding the determinants of children’s outdoor play is an important element for child development and broader public health outcomes. There is growing evidence that children’s opportunities for play, particularly outdoor risky play, are diminishing. Parents are concerned with keeping their child safe while affording them independence to play. This study explored parents’ attitudes to risky play and practices around children’s independent mobility in Ireland with the aim of informing public health strategies promoting healthy childhood environments. Methods: An online survey comprising validated scales and standardised questions was completed by a nationally represented sample of 376 parents of children up to 16 years. Data was analysed via descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression analysis. Results: A total of 376 participants accessed the survey, of which 349 completed it. A total of 84% of participants were female. A total of 74% agreed that children need regular exposure to actual risk to develop risk management skills, and 71% trusted their children to play safely. Chi-square tests reveal significant associations between outdoor play in the rain and school travel (p < 0.01), and appropriate age to begin activities at home and in educational settings (p < 0.05). A moderate association was found between the method of school travel and children’s permission to play in the rain (Cramer’s V = 0.51). Respondents considered supervision to be a necessity to ensure their children’s safety. Overall, the results indicate that parents were risk-averse in three of the six categories of risky play, namely, play near dangerous elements, play with adult tools, and out-of-sight play. Conclusions: This study presents a descriptive analysis of findings from the Ireland State of Play Survey. Findings indicate that although parents recognise the benefits of risky play, there is some contradiction between parental attitudes and actual practices, with a lack of willingness or confidence in permitting their children to participate in all such activities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity is a global epidemic. Addressing the modifiable risk factors with effective policies is crucial for both prevention and intervention. This scoping review aims to provide a situational analysis of childhood obesity in Greece by mapping the available evidence on the prevalence of obesity among Greek children and adolescents and exploring the existing policies implemented to address this issue. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on 15 September 2023, using the PubMed, Scopus, and IATROTEK-online databases to identify studies related to childhood obesity and policies in Greece. Keyword groups were developed for “childhood obesity,” “Greece,” and either “prevalence” or “policies”. Additional sources, including Google and Google Scholar, were screened to ensure comprehensiveness. Results: A total of 66 studies were included: 61 on obesity prevalence (≤18 years of age) and 5 on existing policies tackling childhood obesity, all in Greece. The collective prevalence was observed to lie within the subsequent range of values: 2.8–21.2%. Regarding both genders, the observed prevalence ranged from 2.8% to 26.7% in males, and between 1.3% and 33.7% in females. The policies adopted in Greece cover various domains (healthy nutrition, public preferences, physical activity, school policies, and programs related to childhood obesity). Conclusions: Childhood obesity in Greece is a major challenge. Greece currently uses some policies and strategies to combat childhood obesity. There is still work to be done: policies play a pivotal role as a key tool to influence lifestyle habits on a broad scale and exert a considerable impact on the reduction in this prevalent health concern. Full article

Background/Objectives: Digital technologies have become increasingly integrated into the daily lives of children and adolescents, largely because their interactive and visually engaging design is particularly suited to the younger users. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, significantly lowering the average age of access to the digital devices. However, scientific consensus remains divided regarding the developmental impact of digital media use—particularly its cognitive, motor, and emotional consequences—depending on whether the use is passive or active. This review aims to explore these effects across developmental stages, focusing on both behavioral and neurobiological dimensions, and to identify emerging risks and protective factors associated with digital engagement. Methods: A PRISMA review was conducted on the impact of digital media use among pre-school children and adolescents. Behavioral, psychosocial, and neurobiological aspects were examined, with specific attention to epigenetic changes, techno-stress, digital overstimulation, and immersive technologies (e.g., virtual and augmented reality). Results: The findings suggest that passive digital consumption is more often associated with negative outcomes, such as impaired attention and emotional regulation, especially in younger children. Active and guided use may offer cognitive benefits. Neurobiological research indicates that chronic exposure to digital stimuli may affect stress regulation and neural development, possibly via epigenetic mechanisms. Effects vary across developmental stages and individual vulnerabilities. Conclusions: A nuanced understanding of digital engagement is essential. While certain technologies can support development, excessive or unguided use may pose risks. This review provides age-specific recommendations to foster balanced and healthy technology use in children and adolescents. Full article

The number of studies suggesting that social networking services (SNSs) use poses a risk to children’s body image continue to expand, but most studies have focused on adolescents. The study aimed to examine the associations between SNS use and body image among elementary school children in Japan. This study examined the relationship between SNSs use and body size perception and preference, body size misperception, and ideal body image among 1261 preadolescents (611 boys and 650 girls), aged 8–12 years (mean age = 9.64; SD =1.15; 52% girls), separately by sex. Using hierarchical multivariate linear regression analyses and logistic regression analyses, we examined body image factors and SNS use as the dependent and independent variables, respectively. Findings indicate that children who use SNSs do not significantly differ from nonusers regarding body dissatisfaction. However, SNS use is positively associated with body size misperception in girls. Additionally, for boys and girls, SNS use seems to increase the likelihood of admiring the body image of media figures rather than friends or classmates. Understanding how SNS use influences body image remains important for promoting healthy development in children. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity disproportionately affects Hispanic families in the U.S. Although parenting practices and interventions appear to be viable approaches to lower the risk of childhood obesity, there is limited information on which parenting practices would be relevant and culturally appropriate for Hispanic families. This study aimed to document the health-related factors that impact Hispanic parenting practices to inform evidence-based parenting interventions to improve child health outcomes and reduce the risk of childhood obesity. Methods: We conducted cross-sectional, formative research guided by the COREQ checklist. Hispanic parents of elementary school-aged children were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. Eligible parents completed a brief sociodemographic survey, the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ), and an individual semi-structured interview. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed using a coding-based thematic approach. Results: Seventeen parents (88.2% female) participated in the study, and the majority reported Spanish as their preferred language (70.6%). According to parent-reported data, the children’s (52.9% female) mean age was 8.4 ± 1.5 years, and over half were classified as having overweight or obesity. The CFPQ analysis indicated that parents scored highest on subscales related to encouraging healthy eating and eating variety, a finding that was reinforced by interview data. Qualitative analysis identified four key themes: 1. parenting roles, routines, and strategies for promoting culturally appropriate and healthy meals; 2. beliefs of children’s health and weight; 3. beliefs on physical activity and screen time; and 4. environmental and social factors affecting access to healthy food and physical activity. Conclusions: Both quantitative and qualitative results emphasize that parents engage in healthy eating guidance and eating variety and are aware of the factors that impact parenting practices and their children’s health. To improve child health outcomes and reduce the risk of childhood obesity among Hispanic families, parenting interventions need to be culturally responsive and address the factors that influence parenting practices. The findings from this study highlight four key areas to prioritize when designing or adapting parenting interventions to lower the risk of childhood obesity among Hispanic families. Full article

Background: While previous research on children’s diets has primarily focused on individual nutrients or foods, recent years have seen increasing attention to the analysis of dietary patterns. In school-aged children enrolled in the CroCOSI study, this research focused on identifying the dietary patterns and examining their potential links with childhood obesity. Methods: Data were collected from a nationally representative sample comprising 5608 children aged 7–10 years and their parents in this cross-sectional study. To evaluate the nutritional status of the children, BMI-for-age was assessed using z-score values. Results: A factor analysis using data from the FFQ revealed three dietary patterns: Western, Healthy, and Breakfast. Children who scored high for consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, cheese, dairy products, and 100% fruit juice were categorized into the Healthy dietary pattern, whereas those with high scores for cereals and milk were assigned to the Breakfast dietary pattern. Conclusions: The Western dietary pattern did not show a significant relationship with obesity among school-aged children (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.98–1.00; p = 0.11). The risk of obesity was lower among children following the Healthy (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.98–0.99; p = 0.045) and Breakfast (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99; p = 0.001) dietary patterns.The results can help in creating food policies with the aim of reducing childhood obesity in Croatia. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity is a global health concern. Early development of fundamental movement skills (FMS) and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) are key modifiable factors for prevention. This study assessed the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, school-based intervention for childhood obesity prevention. Methods: Children aged 3–5 years from a preschool in Messina, Italy, participated in a 9-month intervention integrating nutritional education and physical activity. FMS were evaluated using the MOBAK test. Anthropometric measurements and MD adherence (through the Kid-Med questionnaire) were collected. Caregivers completed an online survey reporting lifestyle changes. Results: Significant improvements were observed in FMS: object control (score 1) increased from 2.67 ± 1.78 to 4.28 ± 1.82, locomotor skills (score 2) from 4.69 ± 1.96 to 5.83, 5.83 ± 1.70, and total MOBAK score (score 3) from 7.35 ± 3.09 to 10.11± 2.94. (p < 0.001 for all). Kid-Med scores significantly improved from (3.79 ± 2.31 vs. 5.03 ± 2.69) (p = 0.0027), indicating enhanced MD adherence. Post-intervention, adherence was classified as poor (27.4%), moderate (53.2%), and optimal (19.4%). Although only a minority of parents reported lifestyle changes, over 50% noted increased fruit and vegetable intake in their children. Males showed higher FMS scores and waist circumference compared to females. Conclusions: A school-based multidisciplinary intervention significantly improved motor competence and dietary habits in preschool children. These findings underscore the importance of early, integrated strategies involving families and educators to support healthy development and prevent childhood obesity. Full article

Introduction: The entry into force of a new education law (LOMLOE) in Spain introduces a regulatory framework that is committed to Health Education (HE) in the school context. Schools are considered strategic settings for acquiring healthy patterns that can last a lifetime, as confirmed by major European organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission (EC). The objective of this study was to conduct an expert consensus analysis of Decree 150/2022, on Early Childhood Education (ECE) curriculum in the region of Galicia (Spain), with regard to aspects related to HE. The analysis focused on issues related to physical, mental/emotional and social health and included comparisons with curricula from other regions of Spain and other European countries. Method: To this end, a panel of four experts (from the fields of nursing and physical education) was assembled to conduct a consensus analysis of the legislative document, using a mixed-method approach that combined the Delphi technique with structured face-to-face consensus meetings. Results: The summary of the final proposal reflects a document aligned with societal needs regarding children’s health while also addressing mental/emotional and social health. Conclusion: The proposal aims to promote the acquisition of healthy lifestyle habits that are sustained over time. However, the success of the document in terms of both content and practical application remains uncertain. Further studies will be needed in the coming years to analyze and provide concrete evidence regarding its outcomes and impact on students. Full article