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Keywords = mothers’ characteristics

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17 pages, 2601 KiB  
Article
Tree Selection of Vernicia montana in a Representative Orchard Cluster Within Southern Hunan Province, China: A Comprehensive Evaluation Approach
by Juntao Liu, Zhexiu Yu, Xihui Li, Ling Zhou, Ruihui Wang and Weihua Zhang
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2351; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152351 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 332
Abstract
With the objective of identifying superior Vernicia montana trees grounded in phenotypic and agronomic traits, this study sought to develop and implement a comprehensive evaluation method which would provide a practical foundation for future clonal breeding initiatives. Using the Vernicia montana propagated from [...] Read more.
With the objective of identifying superior Vernicia montana trees grounded in phenotypic and agronomic traits, this study sought to develop and implement a comprehensive evaluation method which would provide a practical foundation for future clonal breeding initiatives. Using the Vernicia montana propagated from seedling forests grown in the Suxian District of Chenzhou City in southern Hunan Province, we conducted pre-selection, primary selection, and re-selection of Vernicia montana forest stands and took the nine trait indices of single-plant fruiting quantity, single-plant fruit yield, disease and pest resistance, fruit ripening consistency, fruit aggregation, fresh fruit single-fruit weight, fresh fruit seed rate, dry seed kernel rate, and seed kernel oil content rate as the optimal evaluation indexes and carried out cluster analysis and a comprehensive evaluation in order to establish a comprehensive evaluation system for superior Vernicia montana trees. The results demonstrated that a three-stage selection process—consisting of pre-selection, primary selection, and re-selection—was conducted using a comprehensive analytical approach. The pre-selection phase relied primarily on sensory evaluation criteria, including fruit count per plant, tree size, tree morphology, and fruit clustering characteristics. Through this rigorous screening process, 60 elite plants were selected. The primary selection was based on phenotypic traits, including single-plant fruit yield, pest and disease resistance, and uniformity of fruit ripening. From this stage, 36 plants were selected. Twenty plants were then selected for re-selection based on key performance indicators, such as fresh fruit weight, fresh fruit seed yield, dry seed kernel yield, and oil content of the seed kernel. Then the re-selected optimal trees were clustered and analyzed into three classes, with 10 plants in class I, 7 plants in class II, and 3 plants in class III. In class I, the top three superior plants exhibited outstanding performance across key traits: their fresh fruit weight per fruit, fresh fruit seed yield, dry seed yield, and seed kernel oil content reached 41.61 g, 42.80%, 62.42%, and 57.72%, respectively. Compared with other groups, these figures showed significant advantages: 1.17, 1.09, 1.12, and 1.02 times the average values of the 20 reselected superior trees; 1.22, 1.19, 1.20, and 1.08 times those of the 36 primary-selected superior trees; and 1.24, 1.25, 1.26, and 1.19 times those of the 60 pre-selected trees. Fruits counts per plant and the number of fruits produced per plant of the best three plants in class I were 885 and 23.38 kg, respectively, which were 1.13 and 1.18 times higher than the average of 20 re-selected superior trees, 1.25 and 1.30 times higher than the average of 36 first-selected superior trees, and 1.51 and 1.58 times higher than the average of 60 pre-selected superior trees. Class I superior trees, especially the top three genotypes, are suitable for use as mother trees for scion collection in grafting. The findings of this study provide a crucial foundation for developing superior clonal varieties of Vernicia montana through selective breeding. Full article
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17 pages, 530 KiB  
Article
Associations Between Maternal Meal Frequency Patterns During Pregnancy and Neonatal Anthropometric Outcomes: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study
by Oana Liliana Atomei, Petronela Vicoveanu, Camelia Oana Iațcu, Florina Ioana Gliga, Calin Coriolan Craciun and Monica Tarcea
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2437; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152437 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 318
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Maternal dietary behaviors, including meal frequency patterns, may influence fetal growth. This study examined the associations between maternal meal frequency patterns during pregnancy—categorized as structured, moderately irregular, or highly irregular—and neonatal anthropometric outcomes, including weight, length, head, chest, and abdominal circumferences, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Maternal dietary behaviors, including meal frequency patterns, may influence fetal growth. This study examined the associations between maternal meal frequency patterns during pregnancy—categorized as structured, moderately irregular, or highly irregular—and neonatal anthropometric outcomes, including weight, length, head, chest, and abdominal circumferences, and Apgar score. A secondary objective was to assess whether maternal education and household income modify these associations. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1025 mother–newborn pairs from a socioeconomically diverse Romanian cohort. Maternal meal frequency patterns were classified based on self-reported weekly consumption. Neonatal anthropometric outcomes were obtained from medical records. Multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for maternal and neonatal characteristics, assessed the associations between meal frequency patterns and birth outcomes. Interaction terms evaluated effect modification by maternal education and income. Results: Structured maternal meal frequency patterns were associated with a slight but significant reduction in neonatal length compared to highly irregular patterns (β = −0.36 cm; 95% CI: −0.68 to −0.04; p = 0.02). A borderline inverse association with birth weight was also observed (β = −63.82 g; 95% CI: −128.87 to 1.23; p = 0.05). No significant differences were found for other anthropometric indicators or Apgar score. Maternal education modified the association between moderately irregular patterns and chest circumference (β = 0.15 cm; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.25; p = 0.003), while household income modified the association with abdominal circumference (β = 0.14 cm; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.26; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Maternal meal frequency patterns were modestly associated with neonatal length, while socioeconomic factors modified specific anthropometric outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of considering social context in prenatal nutritional recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal Nutritional Status and Infant Development)
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18 pages, 292 KiB  
Article
Literacy or Useless Knowledge? Associations Between Health Literacy and Lifestyle Among Adolescents
by Bernadett Varga, Gábor Pál Stromájer, Dóra Heizler, Melinda Csima and Tímea Stromájer-Rácz
Children 2025, 12(8), 978; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12080978 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 395
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Health literacy plays a fundamental role in adolescents’ health-related decisions and behaviors. The aim of our study was to assess the level of health literacy among 16–17-year-old students in Southern Hungary and to examine the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Health literacy plays a fundamental role in adolescents’ health-related decisions and behaviors. The aim of our study was to assess the level of health literacy among 16–17-year-old students in Southern Hungary and to examine the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors. Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in the autumn of 2024 in Baranya and Somogy counties. A total of 133 students completed a self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic variables and health behaviors. Health literacy was measured using the validated HELMA-H instrument. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, t-tests, and ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: Overall, 62.7% of the students demonstrated adequate, while 37.3% demonstrated inadequate levels of health literacy. No significant association was found between overall health literacy and sociodemographic variables; however, partial associations were observed on specific subscales. Boys reported better access to health information (p = 0.037), while children of mothers with higher educational attainment scored better in comprehension (p = 0.042) and appraisal (p = 0.036). In the case of the numeracy subscale, children of mothers with the lowest educational level showed significantly better results (p = 0.006). Students with higher health literacy levels were less likely to smoke or consume caffeine; however, a reverse trend was observed regarding alcohol consumption. Physical activity showed a positive association with healthier behaviors (p < 0.05). Discussion: The use of digital technologies, interactive learning strategies, and the involvement of family members—especially mothers—may support the development of health-conscious decision-making in adolescents. Consequently, health education programs should focus not only on knowledge transfer but also on fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Global Pediatric Health)
13 pages, 246 KiB  
Article
A Multicentric Analysis of a Pre-Ecographic Score in Pregnancy: Time for a Dedicated Classification System
by Gianluca Campobasso, Fabio Castellana, Annalisa Tempesta, Alice Bottai, Annachiara Scatigno, Elisa Rizzo, Francesca Petrillo, Grazia Cappello, Prisco Piscitelli and Roberta Zupo
Epidemiologia 2025, 6(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/epidemiologia6030039 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
Objectives: The objectives are to evaluate the influence of different maternal characteristics on ultrasound image quality and operator satisfaction, and to assess, preliminarily, a rating scale to stratify the difficulty level of ultrasound examination in early gestation. Methods: A multicentric observational [...] Read more.
Objectives: The objectives are to evaluate the influence of different maternal characteristics on ultrasound image quality and operator satisfaction, and to assess, preliminarily, a rating scale to stratify the difficulty level of ultrasound examination in early gestation. Methods: A multicentric observational study of ultrasound scans was carried out on singleton pregnant women undergoing routine gestational ultrasound at 11–14 weeks and 19–21 weeks of gestation at two Prenatal Care Centers in the Apulia region (Southern Italy). Inclusion criteria included the presence of one or more limiting features, i.e., obesity, retroverted uterus, myomas, previous abdominal surgery, and limited echo-absorption. Each woman was given an overall pre-echographic limiting score from 0 to 9. The outcome measure was the operator’s satisfaction with the examination, scored on a Likert scale. Nested linear regression models (raw, semi- and fully adjusted) were built for each of the two trimesters on the pre-ecographic limiting score (0–9 points) as dependent variables, with the operator’s satisfaction as the regressor. Results: The whole sample included 445 pregnant women. The two-center samples did not show statistically different baseline features. The operator’s satisfaction with the sonographic examination was significantly (and inversely) related to the pre-echographic limiting score, regardless of the mother’s age, the operator performing the ultrasound, the Hospital Center where the ultrasound examination was performed, and the duration of the sonographic examination. Conclusions: A number of maternal conditions need to be monitored for good ultrasound performance; using a specific rating scale to stratify the level of difficulty of the ultrasound examination at early gestation could represent a potentially useful tool, although it requires further validation. Full article
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12 pages, 262 KiB  
Article
Engaging Fathers in Home-Based Parenting Education: Home Visitor Attitudes and Strategies
by Heidi E. Stolz and Melissa Rector LaGraff
Fam. Sci. 2025, 1(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/famsci1010003 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 192
Abstract
Much U.S. research supports the effectiveness of parenting education delivered via the home visiting method. Home visitors are essential to reaching fathers in this context, but not all have favorable attitudes toward father engagement or feel confident working with fathers. Given that father [...] Read more.
Much U.S. research supports the effectiveness of parenting education delivered via the home visiting method. Home visitors are essential to reaching fathers in this context, but not all have favorable attitudes toward father engagement or feel confident working with fathers. Given that father involvement is important for a wide range of child and adolescent outcomes and that fathers benefit from parenting education, it is important to better understand the forces that shape home visitors’ attitudes toward fathers, and thus their subsequent efforts to include them in publicly funded programming. Using survey data from 95 home visitors in Tennessee, this study explores whether home visitors’ beliefs about fathers and attitudes toward father engagement vary as a function of home visitor or agency characteristics. Results suggest training in social work, reporting father-friendly organizational attitudes and behaviors at one’s agency, and reporting supervisor support specifically for father engagement relate to various favorable fathering attitudes. Home visitors’ strategies to engage fathers in home visiting are presented, including strategies for before, during, and after the home visit. Overall, family service agency administrators are in key positions to make decisions that can improve agency father-friendliness, home visitor attitudes toward fathers, and subsequent outcomes for fathers, mothers, and children. Full article
12 pages, 1192 KiB  
Article
Clinical Insights into Risk Factors for Infantile Hemangioma and Propranolol Treatment Outcomes
by Ioana Roșca, Raluca-Gabriela Miulescu, Alexandra-Maria Roman, Oana-Alexandra Peta, Alina Turenschi, Anca Miu, Aurelia Sosoi, Andreea Teodora Constantin, Leonard Năstase, Sânziana Miu, Alexandru Dinulescu, Elena Poenaru and Florica Șandru
Diagnostics 2025, 15(14), 1792; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15141792 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 391
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common vascular tumor in neonates, influenced by multiple prenatal and perinatal factors. This study aimed to identify risk factors in both infants and mothers, assess their link to clinical characteristics and severity, and evaluate treatment outcomes [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common vascular tumor in neonates, influenced by multiple prenatal and perinatal factors. This study aimed to identify risk factors in both infants and mothers, assess their link to clinical characteristics and severity, and evaluate treatment outcomes when systemic propranolol therapy was administered. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study analyzing 43 infants under 12 months, including 11 neonates (<28 days) diagnosed with IH. Maternal and neonatal factors, diagnostic timelines, clinical presentation, and treatment efficacy were examined. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, focusing on gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, and the Infantile Hemangioma Referral Score (IHReS). Results: The study found a female predominance and a correlation between IH and pre-term birth (50%) and low birth weight (<2760 g, 51.16%). Maternal anemia (23%) and gestational hypertension (9%) were present in the cohort, but no statistical association with IH severity was found. A significant number (44.18%) were diagnosed within the first two weeks postpartum. The IHReS was inversely correlated with Apgar scores, with newborns scoring above 8 having a lower IHReS. Treatment with propranolol (1–3 mg/kg/day) was highly effective, resulting in significant lesion regression in most patients. Mild complications included sleep disturbances (12%) and diarrhea (9%). The most affected areas were the face/eyelid (32.55%), limbs (18.6%), and anterior thorax. Additionally, 42% of cases had an IHReS above 4, with multiple hemangiomas increasing severity. Conclusions: IH was common in pre-term and low-birth-weight infants, whereas the maternal comorbidities observed in this small cohort did not show a definitive association, underscoring the need for controlled studies. Early diagnosis, risk stratification, and timely propranolol therapy are crucial in achieving favorable outcomes. Further research is needed to assess long-term effects and evaluate risks of treatment rebound. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis)
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13 pages, 227 KiB  
Article
The Relationship Between Maternal Employment and Educational Status and Children’s Oral Health: A Study Focusing on the Panel Study on Korean Children
by Eun-Jeong Kim, Su-Min Kang, Min-Jeong Ko, Da-Yeon Kim, Je-Yeong Kim, Mi-Seong Choi and Hye-ju Lee
Hygiene 2025, 5(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene5030031 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 601
Abstract
Parental attention and care is essential for children and adolescents who are unable to take care of their own oral health. There have been studies on the characteristics of mothers and the oral conditions of children in Korea, but there are very few [...] Read more.
Parental attention and care is essential for children and adolescents who are unable to take care of their own oral health. There have been studies on the characteristics of mothers and the oral conditions of children in Korea, but there are very few previous studies that report on the oral health status of children according to the employment status of mothers. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between maternal employment and educational status and children’s oral health. Using data from the 10th Panel Study on Korean Children (PSKC), we analyzed the association between maternal employment and education status and the occurrence of dental caries among 1175 nine-year-old Korean children. The relationship was examined through cross-tabulation and logistic regression analysis. After adjusting for the mother’s age, parental style, parental relationship, family talk time, family meal time, leisure time, area of residence, and household income, the study found that children with working and studying mothers were 1.159 times more likely to have dental caries than children with non-working and non-studying mothers. The relationship between maternal employment and educational status and children’s oral health was confirmed. Based on the results of this study, it is expected that systematic follow-up studies will be needed to better understand the association and causal relationship between dental caries and oral disease in children according to whether mothers are employed or educated. Full article
20 pages, 868 KiB  
Article
Association of Pre- and Gestational Conditions and Barriers to Breastfeeding with Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices
by Reyna Sámano, Gabriela Chico-Barba, Hugo Martínez-Rojano, María Eugenia Mendoza-Flores, María Hernández-Trejo, Carmen Hernández-Chávez, Andrea Luna-Hidalgo, Estefania Aguirre-Minutti, Ricardo Gamboa, María Eugenia Flores-Quijano, Otilia Perichart-Perera and Andrea López-Ocampo
Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2309; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142309 - 13 Jul 2025
Viewed by 471
Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding is essential for preventing non-communicable diseases. However, mothers with chronic illnesses tend to breastfeed less, increasing the likelihood of abandoning breastfeeding, especially if they experience gestational complications. Objective: To analyze the association between factors such as prepregnancy maternal characteristics, gestational complications, [...] Read more.
Background: Breastfeeding is essential for preventing non-communicable diseases. However, mothers with chronic illnesses tend to breastfeed less, increasing the likelihood of abandoning breastfeeding, especially if they experience gestational complications. Objective: To analyze the association between factors such as prepregnancy maternal characteristics, gestational complications, food security, barriers, and facilitators with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 566 women who had prenatal care and gave birth at the National Institute of Perinatology (Mexico City) between 2021 and 2024. Surveys were administered on breastfeeding practices, food insecurity, barriers, and facilitators of exclusive breastfeeding in mothers. In addition, sociodemographic information, medical history (prepregnancy conditions and complications), gestational weight gain, and neonatal outcomes were recorded. Results: Of the 566 women, only 43.6% practiced exclusive breastfeeding, with a median duration of 4 months. Exclusive breastfeeding was more frequent in young, stay-at-home mothers with lower educational attainment and in those with food insecurity, who also tended to delay the introduction of complementary foods until after six months. Prepregnancy risk conditions (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.06–2.30) and multiparity (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.08–2.49) increased the risk of non-exclusive breastfeeding. Conversely, food insecurity (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20–0.78) and counseling from healthcare personnel (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.51) showed a protective effect. The analysis also showed that paid employment (OR 4.68, 95% CI 1.65–13.21), the perception of low milk production (OR 6.45, 95% CI 2.95–14.10), maternal illness/medication (OR 3.91, 95% CI 1.36–11.28), and fatigue (OR 4.67, 95% CI 1.36–11.28) increased the probability of non-exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions: In Mexico, the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding faces challenges, especially in mothers who begin pregnancy with significant chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, advanced maternal age, and hypothyroidism, among others. Healthcare personnel should provide personalized advice to each woman from the prenatal stage on strategies to achieve and maintain exclusive breastfeeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition in Women)
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25 pages, 4400 KiB  
Article
Early Childhood Anemia in Ghana: Prevalence and Predictors Using Machine Learning Techniques
by Maryam Siddiqa, Gulzar Shah, Mahnoor Shahid Butt, Asifa Kamal and Samuel T. Opoku
Children 2025, 12(7), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12070924 - 12 Jul 2025
Viewed by 363
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Early childhood anemia is a severe public health concern and the most common blood disorder worldwide, especially in emerging countries. This study examines the sources of childhood anemia in Ghana through various societal, parental, and child characteristics. Methods: This research [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Early childhood anemia is a severe public health concern and the most common blood disorder worldwide, especially in emerging countries. This study examines the sources of childhood anemia in Ghana through various societal, parental, and child characteristics. Methods: This research used data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS-2022), which comprised 9353 children. Using STATA 13 and R 4.4.2 software, we analyzed maternal, social, and child factors using a model-building procedure, logistic regression analysis, and machine learning (ML) algorithms. The analyses comprised machine learning methods including decision trees, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), logistic regression, and random forest (RF). We used discrimination and calibration parameters to evaluate the performance of each machine learning algorithm. Results: Key predictors of childhood anemia are the father’s education, socioeconomic status, iron intake during pregnancy, the mother’s education, and the baby’s postnatal checkup within two months. With accuracy (94.74%), sensitivity (82.5%), specificity (50.78%), and AUC (86.62%), the random forest model was proven to be the most effective machine learning predictive model. The logistic regression model appeared second with accuracy (67.35%), sensitivity (76.16%), specificity (56.05%), and AUC (72.47%). Conclusions: Machine learning can accurately predict childhood anemia based on child and paternal characteristics. Focused interventions to enhance maternal health, parental education, and family economic status could reduce the prevalence of early childhood anemia and improve long-term pediatric health in Ghana. Early intervention and identifying high-risk youngsters may be made easier with the application of machine learning techniques, which will eventually lead to a healthier generation in the future. Full article
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13 pages, 574 KiB  
Article
Determinants of the Association Between Maternal Anemia and Neonatal Hemoglobin
by Rebecca K. Campbell, Nicole K. Tanna, Julie Hartwig, Catalin S. Buhimschi and Irina A. Buhimschi
Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2292; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142292 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 384
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Iron stores accrued in utero are critical for fetal and infant neurodevelopment. Low neonatal hemoglobin (Hb) may indicate inadequate iron capture and storage. Prior studies differ on whether and under what conditions maternal anemia predicts neonatal Hb; whether sex differences are present [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Iron stores accrued in utero are critical for fetal and infant neurodevelopment. Low neonatal hemoglobin (Hb) may indicate inadequate iron capture and storage. Prior studies differ on whether and under what conditions maternal anemia predicts neonatal Hb; whether sex differences are present is unknown. Methods: Maternal and neonatal Hb and sociodemographic and health characteristics were abstracted from electronic medical records for biorepository participants at a tertiary academic medical center. Maternal anemia was defined as Hb < 11 g/dL in trimesters T1 and T3 and Hb < 10.5 g/dL in T2. Adjusted linear regression models were used to estimate associations of maternal anemia with neonatal Hb. Sex differences were evaluated with product terms and stratification. Results: In 228 participants with maternal Hb measured, the prevalence of prenatal (pre-delivery) and delivery anemia was 54% and 44%, respectively. Maternal race and ethnicity but no other sociodemographic characteristics were associated with maternal anemia. Neonatal hematology was available for 114 newborns < 7 days old (50%; 52% male). The median (IQR) neonatal Hb was 16.7 g/dL (14.9, 18.0) and did not differ by sex, but it was lower among infants of mothers with vs. without delivery anemia (15.9 vs. 17.1, p = 0.032) and those identifying as Black vs. Hispanic or other (16.0, 17.9, 17.0, respectively; p = 0.003). Independent associations of maternal anemia and race and ethnicity with neonatal Hb were stronger in males and attenuated to null in females. Conclusions: Maternal anemia was highly prevalent and associated sex-specifically with neonatal Hb independent of maternal race and ethnicity. Future studies to replicate these findings with a more comprehensive panel of iron biomarkers are needed. Functional consequences of greater susceptibility to risk factors for low neonatal Hb in male infants need to be further investigated. Full article
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12 pages, 242 KiB  
Article
Knowledge of Homosexuality and Attitudes Toward Lesbian and Gay Parenting Among Israeli Nurses in Mother-Child Health Clinics
by Eitan Gur, Oren Wacht, Dorit Segal-Engelchin and Orli Grinstein-Cohen
Societies 2025, 15(7), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070189 - 6 Jul 2025
Viewed by 529
Abstract
The growing number of lesbian and gay (LG) parent families in Israel, along with the increasing involvement of nurses in Mother-Child Health Clinics (MCHCs) in supporting them, served as the impetus for this study. The study aimed to examine (1) MCHC nurses’ knowledge [...] Read more.
The growing number of lesbian and gay (LG) parent families in Israel, along with the increasing involvement of nurses in Mother-Child Health Clinics (MCHCs) in supporting them, served as the impetus for this study. The study aimed to examine (1) MCHC nurses’ knowledge of homosexuality and attitudes toward LG parenting; (2) the association between their knowledge and attitudes; and (3) their association with socio-demographic, professional, and LG-related characteristics. Findings from 65 MCHC nurses revealed moderate levels of knowledge about homosexuality, low levels of negative attitudes, and moderate levels of positive attitudes toward LG parenting. Nurses who were Jewish, secular, or living in a city had greater knowledge about homosexuality and fewer negative beliefs about LG parenting. Acquaintance with LG individuals was associated with fewer negative beliefs about LG parenting. Greater knowledge about homosexuality correlated with fewer negative beliefs and more positive perceptions of LG parenting, suggesting that enhanced knowledge fosters more positive attitudes toward LG parenting. The findings emphasize the need for tailored, knowledge-based training in nursing education for MCHC settings, considering nurses’ diverse cultural backgrounds, level of religiosity, and familiarity with LG individuals. Incorporating content on homosexuality and LG parenting may promote more inclusive and supportive care practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Queer Care: Addressing LGBTQ+ Needs in Healthcare and Social Services)
16 pages, 236 KiB  
Article
Quality of Life for Patients with Down Syndrome and Their Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Parental Perspective in Saudi Arabia
by Amal Khaleel AbuAlhommos, Maitham Abdullah Al Hawaj, Ashwaq Ali Alanazi, Hanadi Hwthael Alrashidi, Maha Faleh Aldawsari and Rasan Ali Alajmi
Healthcare 2025, 13(13), 1614; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13131614 - 6 Jul 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
Background: Patients with Down syndrome (DS) commonly experience psychological and mental problems. Studying the quality of life (QoL) of children with DS is important because it increases knowledge related to understanding the challenges that this group may face. This study aims to examine [...] Read more.
Background: Patients with Down syndrome (DS) commonly experience psychological and mental problems. Studying the quality of life (QoL) of children with DS is important because it increases knowledge related to understanding the challenges that this group may face. This study aims to examine the QoL of children with DS from a parental perspective in terms of physical, emotional, social, and school domains, depending on several factors, and identify demographic characteristics of their parents that may affect their QoL. Methods: This online survey study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between November 2024 and March 2025. The inclusion criteria targeted parents of children with confirmed DS diagnoses aged between 8 and 18 years. Results: The findings of this study showed that children with DS aged between 0 and 2 years had significantly lower QoL scores (10.18 ± 3.83) compared to other age groups (p = 0.02). In addition, gender differences were significant in the emotional (p = 0.03), social (p = 0.01), and school (p = 0.01) domains, with females scoring lower QoL scores in all areas compared to males. Moreover, educational level showed significant results across all domains, particularly for children with no education, who had the lowest QoL scores in the physical domain (22.34 ± 7.53, p = 0.004), emotional domain (10.41 ± 3.79, p = 0.003), social domain (11.22 ± 4.06, p = 0.001), and school domain (8.75 ± 5.09, p = 0.001). The findings of this study showed that children with DS who are in primary school (odds ratio (OR) = 5.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.85–18.78, p = 0.003) and middle school (OR = 5.27, 95% CI: 1.44–19.31, p = 0.012) had significantly higher odds of better QoL compared to children with no formal education. Additionally, children cared for by their fathers had significantly lower odds compared to those cared for by their mothers (OR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01–0.90, p = 0.041). None of the demographic characteristics of caregivers reached a statistical significance level to have influence on caregivers QoL (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrated a low level of QoL, affecting the emotional, social, and school domains, especially among female children with DS aged between 0 and 2 years with no formal education and cared for by their fathers. Governments should develop a comprehensive plan to care for these children and families in order to enhance their rights and quality of life, thereby placing emphasis on those who exhibit parameters related to a lower QoL. Full article
20 pages, 454 KiB  
Article
Differential Effects of Gynecological and Chronological Age on Low Birth Weight and Small for Gestational Age
by Reyna Sámano, Gabriela Chico-Barba, Estela Godínez-Martínez, Hugo Martínez-Rojano, Ashley Díaz-Medina, María Hernández-Trejo, Pablo César Navarro-Vargas, María Eugenia Flores-Quijano, María Eugenia Mendoza-Flores and Valeria Sujey Luna-Espinosa
Biomedicines 2025, 13(7), 1639; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13071639 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 584
Abstract
Background: Adolescents with a chronological age of less than 15 years or a gynecological age of less than 2 years may have a higher probability of complications because they are more likely to conceive within 1 to 2 years of menarche and, therefore, [...] Read more.
Background: Adolescents with a chronological age of less than 15 years or a gynecological age of less than 2 years may have a higher probability of complications because they are more likely to conceive within 1 to 2 years of menarche and, therefore, are still growing and maturing. This could impair their ability to adapt to the physiological demands of pregnancy. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between chronological age and gynecological age with low birth weight and small for gestational age among adolescent mothers in Mexico City. Methods: A retrospective cohort design of adolescent mother–child dyads was conducted. The study followed 1242 adolescents under 19 years of age and their children, collecting data on physical, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics, including hemoglobin levels. Low birth weight was assessed using the Intergrowth-21st project standards and categorized as above or below 2500 g. The mothers were grouped by chronological age (<15 years and ≥15 years) and gynecological age (<3 years and ≥3 years). Adjusted odds ratios were calculated using binary logistic regression models. The outcome variables were low birth weight and small for gestational age. The independent variables included gynecological age, chronological age, age at menarche, hemoglobin concentration, and gestational weight gain, among others. All independent variables were converted to dummy variables for analysis. Calculations were adjusted for the following variables: marital status, maternal education, occupation, educational lag, family structure, socioeconomic level, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and initiation of prenatal care. Results: The average age of the participants was 15.7 ± 1 years. The frequency of small for gestational age and low birth weight was 20% and 15.3%, respectively. Factors associated with small for gestational age included gynecological age < 3 years [aOR = 2.462, CI 95%; 1.081–5.605 (p = 0.032)], hemoglobin < 11.5 g/dL [aOR = 2.164, CI 95%; 1.08–605 (p = 0.019)], insufficient gestational weight gain [aOR = 1.858, CI 95%; 1.059–3.260 (p = 0.031)], preterm birth [aOR = 1.689, CI 95%; 1.133–2.519 p = 0.01], and living more than 50 km from the care center [aOR = 2.256, CI 95%; 1.263–4.031 (p = 0.006)]. An early age of menarche [aOR = 0.367, CI 95%; 0.182–0.744 (p = 0.005)] showed a protective effect against small for gestational age. Factors associated with low birth weight included gynecological age < 3 years [aOR = 3.799, CI 95%; 1.458–9.725 (p = 0.006)], maternal age < 15 years [aOR = 5.740, CI 95%; 1.343–26.369 (p = 0.019)], preterm birth [aOR = 54.401, CI 95%; 33.887–87.335, p = 0.001], living more than 50 km from the care center [aOR = 1.930, CI 95%; 1.053–3.536 (p = 0.033)], and early age of menarche [aOR = 0.382, CI 95%; 0.173–0.841 (p = 0.017), which demonstrated a protective effect, respectively. Conclusions: The study concludes that biological immaturity, particularly early gynecological age, significantly contributes to adverse birth outcomes during adolescent pregnancies. Interestingly, early menarche appeared to have a protective effect, whereas chronological age was not a significant predictor of small for gestational age. Chronological age has an even greater impact: women younger than 15 years are 5.7 times more likely to have low birth weight infants. However, chronological age did not increase the likelihood of having an SGA newborn. Full article
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14 pages, 211 KiB  
Article
Gendered Dimensions of Menstrual Health: Lifestyle, Biology, and Coping Strategies Among Female Medical Students
by Nam Hoang Tran, Ngoc Bao Dang, Kien Trung Nguyen, Tien Minh Bui and Quang Ngoc Phan
Sexes 2025, 6(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes6030035 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 286
Abstract
This study aims to explore the associations between menstrual health, lifestyle behaviors, biological traits, and coping strategies among female students at a Vietnamese medical university. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 884 female students across five academic majors. Data on demographics, menstrual patterns, [...] Read more.
This study aims to explore the associations between menstrual health, lifestyle behaviors, biological traits, and coping strategies among female students at a Vietnamese medical university. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 884 female students across five academic majors. Data on demographics, menstrual patterns, biological characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and coping mechanisms were collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation, and logistic regression to identify significant predictors of self-reported menstrual changes post university admission. Of the 884 participants, 49.8% reported menstrual changes after entering university. Among the lifestyle-related factors, increased daily electronic use (mean = 5.83 h) and later bedtimes (mean = 23:58) were associated with menstrual change (p < 0.01). Older age and higher academic year emerged as significant predictors of menstrual changes (p < 0.001). Additionally, students with blood groups A and B exhibited a higher risk compared to those with group O (p < 0.05), and Rh-positive status was also significantly associated with menstrual changes (p = 0.05). In terms of knowledge and coping practices, students who had premenstrual syndrome awareness since school were significantly less likely to report menstrual changes (p = 0.003). Although use of pain relief, particularly painkillers, correlated with higher reported pain severity, it was not directly linked to menstrual change. On the other hand, clinic consultations were positively associated with menstrual changes (p = 0.003), while students who relied on their mothers as counselors exhibited a protective association (p = 0.001). Menstrual health in university-aged women is influenced by a complex interplay of lifestyle behaviors, biological traits, and menstrual knowledge. Early education and structured coping support may serve as protective factors. The findings call for targeted menstrual health programs in university settings. Full article
17 pages, 261 KiB  
Article
Screen-Related Parenting Practices in Mexican American Families with Toddlers: Development of Culturally- and Contextually-Relevant Scales
by Darcy A. Thompson, Laura K. Kaizer, Sarah J. Schmiege, Natasha J. Cabrera, Lauren Clark, Haley Ringwood, Estefania Miramontes Valdes, Andrea Jimenez-Zambrano and Jeanne M. Tschann
Children 2025, 12(7), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12070874 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 402
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Screen-related parenting practices (e.g., restriction, coviewing) influence the way children use screen devices. Although children start using screen devices (e.g., televisions [TV], tablets) in the first few years of life, rigorously developed measures of screen-related parenting practices for parents of toddlers do [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Screen-related parenting practices (e.g., restriction, coviewing) influence the way children use screen devices. Although children start using screen devices (e.g., televisions [TV], tablets) in the first few years of life, rigorously developed measures of screen-related parenting practices for parents of toddlers do not exist. The objective of this study was to develop culturally and contextually relevant survey measures of screen-related parenting practices for use in Mexican American families with toddlers. Methods: Measures were developed using an exploratory sequential mixed methods (qualitative → quantitative) approach. Mexican American mothers of toddlers (15–26 months of age) participated in semi-structured interviews. Using the interview findings, domains of parenting practices across screen device types were identified, and survey items were developed. Items were administered by phone to 384 Mexican American mothers. Analyses included evaluation of the factor structure and psychometric properties of nine domains of parenting practices and evaluations of correlations between each scale and demographic characteristics. Results: Factor analyses supported a one-factor solution for each parenting practice as follows: Restrict TV Time (8 items), Coview TV (10 items), Behavioral Regulation with TV (12 items), Restrict Mobile Device Time (8 items); Coview Mobile Devices (10 items); Behavioral Regulation with Mobile Devices (16 items), Restrict Screen Content (8 items), Allow Screen Use Around Sleep (6 items), and Allow Screen Use While Eating (6 items). The reliabilities were acceptable (Cronbach’s alphas > 0.80). Hispanic acculturation, maternal age, and child age were correlated with many of the scales of parenting practices. Conclusions: The measures developed in this study offer a way to evaluate the use and impact of screen-related parenting practices in Mexican American families with toddlers. The use of these measures will enable investigators to identify relationships among parenting practices, screen use, and child well-being, which could inform the design of early childhood interventions promoting healthy screen use in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Mental Health)
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