Search Results (12)

Background: Thallium is a metal that is ubiquitous in our natural environment. Despite its potential for high toxicity, thallium is understudied and not regulated in food. The California Department of Public Health was alerted to a household cluster of elevated urine thallium levels noted among a mother (peak 5.6 µg/g creatinine; adult reference: ≤0.4 µg/g creatinine) and her three young children (peak 10.5 µg/g creatinine; child reference: ≤0.8 µg/g creatinine). Objectives: This case report identifies questions raised after a public health investigation linked a household’s thallium exposure to a commercially available food product. We provide an overview of the public health investigation. We then explore concerns, such as gaps in toxicological data and limited surveillance of thallium in the food supply, which make management of individual and population exposure risks challenging. Methods: We highlight findings from a cross-agency investigation, including a household exposure survey, sampling of possible environmental and dietary exposures (ICP-MS analysis measured thallium in kale chips at 1.98 mg/kg and 2.15 mg/kg), and monitoring of symptoms and urine thallium levels after the source was removed. We use regulatory and research findings to describe the challenges and opportunities in characterizing the scale of thallium in our food supply and effects of dietary exposures on health. Discussion: Thallium can bioaccumulate in our food system, particularly in brassica vegetables like kale. Thallium concentration in foods can also be affected by manufacturing processes, such as dehydration. We have limited surveillance data nationally regarding this metal in our food supply. Dietary reviews internationally show increased thallium intake in toddlers. Limited information is available about low-dose or chronic exposures, particularly among children, although emerging evidence shows that there might be risks associated at lower levels than previously thought. Improved toxicological studies are needed to guide reference doses and food safety standards. Promising action towards enhanced monitoring of thallium is being pursued by food safety agencies internationally, and research is underway to deepen our understanding of thallium toxicity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Many women at risk for and surviving with breast/ovarian cancer are simultaneously raising children. These women often experience unique challenges due to concurrent demands as both parents and patients with cancer. Community-based cancer control organizations offer vital patient navigation (PN), including psychoeducational services. Yet, little is known about how PN addresses these mothers’ comprehensive care needs. Methods: We examined PN program data from N = 1758 women served by a national cancer organization. Results: Out of the 69% of navigated women who were mothers, most were raising adult children only (age ≥ 18; 56%); however, 31% were mothers with young children only (age < 18), and 13% were mothers with both adult and young children (χ² = 341.46, p < 0.001). While mothers with adult children reported poorer quality of life (QoL) than mothers with young children (physically unhealthy days, t = −2.2, df = 526, p < 0.05; total unhealthy days, t = −1.2, df = 533, p < 0.05), there were no significant differences in their PN experiences. For mothers with young children, a better QoL was associated with a lower genetic risk for cancer (r = −0.12) and a stronger sense of psychosocial empowerment (r = 0.10) (all p’s < 0.05). In an adjusted multivariate regression model of QoL, as empowerment increased, the influence of PN quality decreased (ß = −0.007, SE of ß = 0.00, p = 0.02), suggesting that strengthening mothers of young children’s sense of agency over their breast/ovarian cancer is critical to achieving overall well-being. Conclusions: CBO-led cancer control programming that supportively cares for mothers across their cancer journey can be essential to their QoL, especially for those who are raising minors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices directly affect child health, development, and survival, especially under 2 years of age and ultimately affect adult life well-being. As the primary caregivers of the children, mothers with higher health literacy may better perceive the benefits of optimal complementary feeding practices, leading to improved health outcomes for their children. In this study, we aimed to assess complementary feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months in Turkey according to 2021 World Health Organization IYCF indicators [minimum dietary diversity (MDD); minimum meal frequency (MMF); minimum acceptable diet (MAD); egg and/or flesh food consumption (EFF); sweet beverage consumption (SwB); unhealthy food consumption (UFC); zero vegetable or fruit consumption (ZVF); and bottle feeding (BoF)] and investigate their associations with sociodemographic characteristics and mothers’ health literacy. Methods: With a descriptive study design, we reached 572 mothers of children aged 6–23 months from five regions of Turkey. We used the Turkey Health Literacy Scale-32 (TSOY-32) to assess mothers’ health literacy. Results: While maternal and child age are significantly associated with more complementary feeding practices, specifically MDD, MAD, and EFF, having multiple children has negative impacts on several complementary feeding indicators, including MDD, MMF, MAD, UFC, and ZVF. The only indicator associated with mothers’ TSOY-32 scores was zero fruit and vegetable consumption. Conclusion: Raising awareness among mothers about the importance of complementary feeding practices and identification of vulnerable groups will guide practitioners and policymakers to improve child health and nutrition. Full article

In Japan, maternal and child health (MCH) services were canceled or limited during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially damaging the mental health of mothers raising young children. This study aimed to examine associations between difficulty in accessing MCH services and various stress responses among such mothers in Japan. An Internet-based questionnaire survey was conducted in November 2022 targeting mothers raising young children who had registered with a Japanese online research company (n = 1032). The questionnaires included items from the Public Health Research Foundation Stress Checklist (Short Form) (PHRF-SCL(SF)), sociodemographic variables, and questions about difficulty accessing MCH services due to COVID-19. Chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. In total, 45.7% of mothers experienced difficulty in accessing MCH services due to COVID-19. Mean PHRF-SCL(SF) scores were 4.9 for anxiety, 7.3 for tiredness, 2.8 for autonomic symptoms, and 5.2 for depression. These scores indicated worse stress responses than the general population and mothers raising young children before the COVID-19 pandemic. Mothers who experienced difficulty in accessing MCH services due to COVID-19 were 1.47–1.53 times more likely to be associated with high stress responses (PHRF-SCL(SF) scores). Given the difficulty mothers faced accessing MCH services due to COVID-19 and the negative impact this had, careful follow-up and support are necessary for mothers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

There are some concerns about the adequacy of vegetarian diets for pregnant women, infants, and young children because diets that exclude meat and other animal-based products increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies. The aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional knowledge of parents raising 12- to 36-month-old children on vegetarian diets and to evaluate the children’s diets based on the recommendations formulated in the model food ration. The study involved a questionnaire survey that was completed by 326 women raising their children on various types of vegetarian diets and 198 women raising their children on an omnivorous diet. Mothers raising children on a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet had the highest nutritional knowledge scores (15.8 points on average), whereas control group mothers and women raising children on a vegan diet had the lowest nutritional knowledge scores (average of 13.6 points). Parents who raised their children on more restrictive vegetarian diets were more aware of the risk of nutritional deficiencies and administered dietary supplements more frequently. A vegetarian diet can be safe for young children, but parents should be educated about the risk of nutritional deficiencies and the principles of healthy nutrition regardless of the administered diet, and effective communication between parents, pediatricians, and dietitians should be the cornerstone of every nutritional strategy in the management of vegetarian children. Full article

This study is a descriptive research study conducted to identify factors that affect children of Korean mothers the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive health behavior. It was confirmed that knowledge of COVID-19, maternal confidence, and risk perception of COVID-19 infection were related to the Preventive health behaviors of COVID-19 of Korean mothers with children. The subjects of this study were 191 mothers residing in Korea and raising children under the age of 5, and data were collected through an online questionnaire. We used the Google platform to fill out a questionnaire and collect data using a network sampling method from mothers who voluntarily participated in a survey at an online community meeting of mothers with young children. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, t-test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis using IBM SPSS statistics 21.0 program. Preventive health behaviors of COVID-19 factor 1 are positively correlated with: mothers’ COVID-19 knowledge (r = 0.192, p < 0.01), confidence in infant care knowledge(r = 0.179, p < 0.05), and satisfaction with the role of mother(r = 0.351, p < 0.001). Negatively correlated with: unacceptable risk perception(r = −0.222, p< 0.01). Preventive health behaviors of COVID-19 factor 2 are positively correlated with: mothers’ COVID-19 knowledge (r = 0.166, p < 0.05), confidence in infant care knowledge(r = 0.179, p < 0.05), and satisfaction with the role of mother(r = 0.338, p < 0.001). Negatively correlated with: unacceptable risk perception(r = −0.205, p < 0.01). To strengthen COVID-19 preventive health behavior of Korean mothers with young children, it is suggested that education programs should be developed to provide accurate knowledge, increase maternal confidence, and improve the risk perception of COVID-19 infection. Full article

Background: Bronchiolitis is a seasonal, global acute lower respiratory tract infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and is a leading cause of hospital admission in young children. A peer-led (parents to parents) intervention was implemented to empower parents of children at risk of bronchiolitis and reduce hospital admissions. This paper reported the evaluation that aimed to gain the perspectives and experiences of five key stakeholder groups. Methods: A qualitative remote interview-based design, informed by Appreciative Inquiry was used. Thematic analysis was used. Results: Sixty-five stakeholders participated: parents (n = 43; mothers, n = 42), Parent Champions (n = 9), Children’s Centre Managers (n = 8), Children’s Centre Group Leaders (n = 11), and Core Team (n = 4). An overarching theme ‘Parents reaching out to parents’ was supported by five sub-themes (Raising awareness and sharing knowledge; Creating connection, trust, and confidence; Flourishing in their role as a Parent Champion; Rising to the challenges; and Knowledge is power, prevention is key: the government needs to know this.) Conclusions: Parent-to-parent peer support via the Parent Champions was perceived positively by parents who wanted to learn and improve the lives and health of their children. Parent Champions were successful in delivering information. Considering the socioeconomic burden of bronchiolitis to services and families, the potential for an upstream, relatively low cost, high-reach innovative intervention, as evidenced in this project, seems a valuable opportunity for improving children’s respiratory health. Full article

The purpose of this study was to categorize subjective perceptions of smartphone app use among mothers with young children, derive characteristics of each perception type, and interpret the findings to determine appropriate smartphone use for each perception type. We applied the Q methodology to classify and analyze the types of perceptions of mothers with young children. Ultimately, we selected 40 Q samples by comprehensively analyzing in-depth interviews with mothers of young children and conducting reviews of literature related to smartphone app use. The P samples in the study consisted of 31 mothers. We performed data analysis using the QUANL program. The analysis identified four types of smartphone users: (1) “multi-adapters” who actively utilize functions, (2) “chaos dilemma” users who understand the disadvantages of smartphones but cannot refrain from using smartphone apps, (3) “time-killer dependent” users who utilize apps to relieve temporary stress and anxiety, and (4) “self-development focused users” who pursue positive changes. Based on these findings, we suggest ways in which mothers of young children can utilize smartphone apps in a developmental and appropriate manner. Full article

Young children have unique nutritional requirements, and breastfeeding is the best option to support healthy growth and development. Concerns have been raised around the increasing use of milk-based infant formulas in replacement of breastfeeding, in regards to health, social, economic and environmental factors. However, literature on the environmental impact of infant formula feeding and breastfeeding is scarce. In this study we estimated the environmental impact of four months exclusive feeding with infant formula compared to four months exclusive breastfeeding in a Norwegian setting. We used life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, including the impact categories global warming potential, terrestrial acidification, marine and freshwater eutrophication, and land use. We found that the environmental impact of four months exclusive feeding with infant formula was 35–72% higher than that of four months exclusive breastfeeding, depending on the impact category. For infant formula, cow milk was the main contributor to total score for all impact categories. The environmental impact of breastfeeding was dependant on the composition of the lactating mother’s diet. In conclusion, we found that breastfeeding has a lower environmental impact than feeding with infant formula. A limitation of the study is the use of secondary LCA data for raw ingredients and processes. Full article

Parental interactions through play contributes significantly to child development of cognitive and executive functioning skills. In Thailand, there is little evidence of factors contributing to parental–child interactions. In response to SDG target 4.2.3 monitoring (the percentage of children under 5 years experiencing positive and stimulating home learning environments), this study aimed to assess the prevalence and profile of parental interactions with their children under the age of five. We analysed data from the 6th Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted by the National Statistical Office in 2019. Face-to-face interviews with mothers and/or legal guardians were conducted. A total of 8856 children under the age of five were enrolled in this survey. Most participants, 90.3%, had engaged in at least four out of six activities with their children. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that children raised by parents with secondary or post-secondary educations had a significantly greater chance to have parental interactions than children raised by parents who completed primary education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.66, and AOR = 2.34 for secondary and post-secondary education). Children who possessed three or more children’s books and had experience of toy play had a significantly higher chance of having parental interactions (AOR = 3.08 for book possessing, and AOR = 1.50 for the experience of toy play). Children who spent 1–3 h daily screen time had a significantly lower chance of having parental interactions than those who spent less than one hour of screen time (AOR = 0.67). In conclusion, with the emerging influence of digital technology, we recommend family and community promote parental interactions through play with young children. Full article

This study looks into the parenting beliefs and behavior of female Japanese immigrants, who have stayed in Korea for more than 20 years, and attempts to explore factors for their distinct parenting style compared to their Korean counterparts. In Korea and Japan, a mother’s parenting is seen as crucial, while paternal responsibility is considered minimal. There are few studies that look into parenting patterns of Japanese immigrant women in Korea, especially from the perspective of their children. The study is based on in-depth interviews and participant observation in 2014 with 21 young Japanese-Korean adults recruited through snowball sampling. In raising children, the priorities of mothers were not academic but instead focused on children’s autonomy, wholesome personality, religiosity, various life experiences, maintaining health, and non-intervention. The mothers’ own cultural background and strong Japanese identity, limited interaction with Korean mothers or exclusive interaction with Japanese mothers, the role of the father figure as only a breadwinner, and mothers’ strong devotion to church activities tend to influence their parenting. An exploration of the mechanisms behind the differences in their styles of parenting is important before judging their parenting to be improper or maladjusted. Understanding parenting styles of families from diverse backgrounds helps to understand what society will look like in the near future. Full article

Background: There is a substantial body of evidence supporting the association between maternal active smoking during pregnancy and child development, but the association between prenatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and early child development has not been well documented. This cross-sectional study examines the association between prenatal exposure to ETS and the development of children in their first two years of life. Methods: We interviewed the primary caregivers of 446 children under two years old in rural Guizhou Province, China. Based on self-reported assessments about whether the mother was exposed to ETS during pregnancy, we divided the children into the ETS-exposed group or the non-exposed group. Sociodemographic information was collected through a questionnaire. The cognitive, language, motor, and socioemotional abilities of children were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III (BSID-III). A multivariate linear regression model adjusting for confounding variables was used to estimate the association of interest. Results: About 60% of mothers experienced ETS exposure during pregnancy. Cognitive and language scores were lower among children in the ETS-exposed group. When adjusting for characteristics of the child, the mother, the household, and village fixed effects, prenatal exposure to ETS was associated with lower cognition scores (−3.41; 95% confidence interval (CI): −6.39 to −0.42; p = 0.03) and language scores (−3.01; 95% CI: −5.39 to −0.09; p = 0.04). Frequency of prenatal exposure to ETS was also negatively associated with language development (−0.48; 95% CI: −0.87 to −0.09; p = 0.02) before children reached two years old. Conclusions: Prenatal exposure to ETS is negatively associated with the cognitive and language development of rural young children within their first two years of life. The government should take action to raise public awareness about the negative effects of tobacco use, with an emphasis on the protection of pregnant women and their children, in order to carry through comprehensive smoke-free laws in rural areas, while also increasing tobacco taxation. Full article