Father's involvement associated with rural children's depression and anxiety: A large-scale analysis based on data from seven provinces in China.

To investigate the relationship between father involvement in parenting and mental health problems among children and adolescents in rural China. The Rural Children's Mental Health dataset includes mental health information from 2,489 children and adolescents aged 5-16 in seven provinces in China. The relationship between father involvement in children and adolescents depression risk and anxiety was analyzed by Spearman's correlation analysis, logistic regression analysis, and restricted cubic spline. Father involvement was significantly and negatively associated with depression scores (r = -0.38, P < 0.001) and anxiety scores (r = -0.18, P < 0.001) in rural Chinese children and adolescents. Both multivariate models indicate that the highest level of father involvement has a protective effect on the risk of depression among children and adolescents (OR = 0.268 and 0.303, 95% CI: 0.149~0.483 and 0.144~0.636), while the association with anxiety risk is only significant in the multivariate model 1 (OR = 0.570, 95% CI: 0.363~0.896). Father involvement is a protective factor for the risk of depression among children and adolescents in rural China. The level of father involvement should be increased, and active participation should be encouraged to reduce the risk of depression in their children and to further promote the mental health of children and adolescents in China.

Wellbeing and illbeing in women exposed to physical and sexual violence during peripregnancy: a population-based longitudinal study.

Background: Physical and sexual violence against pregnant women have been associated with detrimental mental health outcomes for victims. Few studies have examined both positive (wellbeing) and negative (illbeing) mental health indicators in the same sample. Additionally, the literature assessing mental health based on different forms of violence is limited.Objective: To compare both wellbeing (life satisfaction) and illbeing (anxiety and depression) trajectories between non-victimized and victims of physical, sexual and both forms of violence that occurred during or shortly before pregnancy. Further, we analyse whether social support moderates these trajectories.Method: This longitudinal study is based on the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort, including the period from early pregnancy to toddlerhood (3 years). We compared wellbeing and illbeing trajectories of non-victims (n = 73,081), victims of physical abuse (n = 1076), sexual abuse (n = 683), and both forms of abuse (n = 107) using Growth Curve Modelling. Finally, social support was included as a moderator of wellbeing and illbeing trajectories.Results: Results indicated that victims scored systematically lower in wellbeing and higher in illbeing. Exposure to violence did not significantly change the wellbeing trajectory, pointing to similar developments in wellbeing among victims and non-victims for the considered period. On the other hand, different trajectories in illbeing occurred between victims and non-victims, as well as between victimized groups. Victims experienced greater change in illbeing scores, with a steeper decrease in illbeing compared to non-victims. Both victims and non-victims returned to respective baseline scores 3 years after birth. All women benefited from social support, but victims of physical abuse were particularly protected by social support.Conclusions: There is an alarming persistence of mental health problems in women exposed to violence during peripregnancy. Different forms of violence differentially impact women's mental health. Social support is beneficial among all pregnant women.

Victims of peripregnancy violence score systematic lower in wellbeing over time than non-victims. However, the wellbeing trajectories among victims and non-victims are similar.On the other hand, illbeing (anxiety and depression) trajectories differ for non-victims and victims of physical, sexual and both forms of violence. All women decreased their levels of illbeing from pregnancy to the first 6 months postpartum, but victims had a steeper decrease during this period compared to non-victims.All women benefited from social support, but victims of physical abuse were particularly protected by social support.

Trajectories of psychological distress for Australian fathers parenting a child on the autism spectrum: Evidence from early childhood to adolescence.

LAY ABSTRACT: This study explores the mental health journey of fathers with children on the autism spectrum. Little is known about mental health over time for these fathers. This research spans six-timepoints from when children were aged 4 to 14 years, to track fathers' mental health. This study had three aims: (1) report estimates of fathers' psychological distress across 10 years of child development; (2) identify separate courses of psychological distress over time; and (3) identify early risk factors associated with these courses. This study used data from 281 fathers of children on the autism spectrum who took part in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Using a statistical method to group fathers based on their psychological distress scores over 10 years of child development, the results showed that two groups best explained the data; this included a group of fathers who experienced low levels of psychological distress over the 10 years of child development (84%), and another group of fathers who experienced heightened psychological distress across this time (16%). Further analysis showed that fathers who had an ongoing medical condition and higher levels of interparental conflict with their partners were more likely to be in the heightened psychological distress group. These findings show that almost one in six fathers deal with persistent psychological distress throughout their child's early childhood and into early adolescence. This study advocates for interventions focusing on improving fathers' physical health and the couple relationship as ways to positively impact fathers' mental health in the long run.

Testing maternal effects of vitamin-D and omega-3 levels on offspring neurodevelopmental traits in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal vitamin-D and omega-3 fatty acid (DHA) deficiencies during pregnancy have previously been associated with offspring neurodevelopmental traits. However, observational study designs cannot distinguish causal effects from confounding. METHODS: First, we conducted Mendelian randomisation (MR) using genetic instruments for vitamin-D and DHA identified in independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Outcomes were (1) GWAS for traits related to autism and ADHD, generated in the Norwegian mother, father, and child cohort study (MoBa) from 3 to 8 years, (2) autism and ADHD diagnoses. Second, we used mother-father-child trio-MR in MoBa (1) to test causal effects through maternal nutrient levels, (2) to test effects of child nutrient levels, and (3) as a paternal negative control. RESULTS: Associations between higher maternal vitamin-D levels on lower ADHD related traits at age 5 did not remain after controlling for familial genetic predisposition using trio-MR. Furthermore, we did not find evidence for causal maternal effects of vitamin-D/DHA levels on other offspring traits or diagnoses. In the reverse direction, there was evidence for a causal effect of autism genetic predisposition on lower vitamin-D levels and of ADHD genetic predisposition on lower DHA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Triangulating across study designs, we did not find evidence for maternal effects. We add to a growing body of evidence that suggests that previous observational associations are likely biased by genetic confounding. Consequently, maternal supplementation is unlikely to influence these offspring neurodevelopmental traits. Notably, genetic predisposition to ADHD and autism was associated with lower DHA and vitamin-D levels respectively, suggesting previous associations might have been due to reverse causation.

Anxiety in the family: A five-wave random-intercept cross-lagged panel analysis of dynamic reciprocal associations between father, mother, and child anxiety.

This five-wave longitudinal study examined the between- and within-family dynamic associations between father, mother, and child anxiety and the moderating effects of child gender in Chinese culture. Five hundred and twenty-two father-mother dyads of children (59% boys; Mage T1 = 8.34 years) completed measures of father, mother, and child anxiety at five time points, 6 months apart. Between-family associations suggested that children whose parents had more anxiety symptoms showed higher anxiety levels, and mothers or fathers whose partners had more anxiety symptoms showed higher anxiety levels. At the within-family level, after periods with higher child anxiety symptoms, mothers reported higher anxiety symptoms and vice versa. However, no reciprocal associations were found between father and child anxiety and between father and mother anxiety. Finally, the associations between father, mother, and child anxiety did not differ across boys and girls. Our findings highlight the importance of distinguishing among between-family and within-family associations and help to develop effective programs to prevent anxiety disorders in families.

Prevalence of suicidal and self-harm ideation in fathers during the perinatal and early parenting period: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Suicide is a leading cause of death in males aged 25-44 years, an age which often coincides with becoming a father. This review aims to synthesise the evidence of the prevalence of suicidal and self-harm ideation in fathers during the perinatal, postnatal and early parenting period. METHODS: Five databases were searched (PsycINFO, Medline, Web of Science, PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) to identify papers published between 1 January 2000 and 9 March 2023. A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of suicidality and self-harm ideation across the included studies. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 4215 articles were identified, with 14 studies included in the review. The combined pooled prevalence of suicidal and self-harm ideation was 4.2% (95% CI [2.6%, 6.2%]). Prevalence estimates were higher for self-harm ideation at 5.1% (95% CI [2.6%, 6.2%]) than for suicidality at 3% (95% CI [0.9%, 6.1%]). CONCLUSIONS: This review found that a considerable proportion of fathers experience suicidal and self-harm ideation during the early years of parenting. However, the paucity of rigorous prevalence studies indicates that further research in this area is needed urgently.

Young fatherhood, masculinities, and structural factors in South Africa.

Background: This paper explores the intricate interplay between young fatherhood, masculinities, and structural factors in South Africa. The country grapples with a complex web of social, economic, and cultural dynamics that shape the experiences of young men's transition into fatherhood. Methods: This qualitative study used snowball and purposive sampling techniques. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 24 young biological fathers aged between 18 and 24 years in an informal settlement in Durban (12) and a rural community in Pietermaritzburg (12), KwaZulu-Natal. Four focus-group discussions, in groups of four participants, were conducted with 16 of the participants who took part in the in-depth interviews. Data were analysed thematically on the local constructions of young fatherhood and masculinities and how both were associated with structural factors. Results and discussion: Young fatherhood in South Africa is associated with a number of structural vulnerabilities, such as living in communities with high alcohol and drug abuse, low educational attainment, inadequate access to healthcare, unemployment, poverty, and crime. These structural vulnerabilities, deeply entrenched in the country's history and socioeconomic fabric, together with prevailing notions of masculinities, often rooted in hegemonic ideals of dominance and control, intersect with societal expectations of fatherhood, thereby shaping young men's identities, roles, and responsibilities as fathers. Conclusion: The findings suggest young men's involvement during the transition to fatherhood appears multi-determined. To effectively support young fathers and promote family well-being, it is imperative to address the root causes of structural inequalities, challenge rigid norms of masculinities, and foster inclusive policies and programmes that empower young men to embrace their roles as caregivers and agents of change within their families and communities.

Relationship Between Father-Child Attachment and Adolescents' Anxiety: The Bidirectional Chain Mediating Roles of Neuroticism and Peer Attachment.

Background: Adolescent anxiety is closely associated with the quality of parent-child attachment. However, previous studies have predominantly focused on the impact of mother-child attachment. Little is known about the direct and indirect associations of father-child attachment on adolescent anxiety. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the association and underlying mechanisms that link father-child attachment and adolescent anxiety. A bidirectional chain mediating model was constructed to test whether neuroticism and peer attachment play bidirectional mediating roles in father-child attachment and adolescent anxiety. Methods: The proposed model was examined among 763 adolescents aged 11-16 years (male 53.1%) from four middle schools in Central China. Students completed questionnaires on father-child attachment, anxiety, neuroticism and peer attachment. The correlation and bidirectional chain mediating effect analyses were conducted using SPSS Process. Results: (1) Father-child attachment negatively correlated with adolescent anxiety and neuroticism, and positively correlated with peer attachment; (2) Father-child attachment had an indirect association on adolescent anxiety through three pathways: a partial mediating effect on neuroticism, a partial mediating effect on peer attachment, and a bidirectional chain mediating effect involving both neuroticism and peer attachment. Conclusion: This study revealed father-child attachment has an indirect association with adolescent anxiety through the bidirectional chain mediation of neuroticism and peer attachment. These empirical findings shed light on the intricate dynamic between father-child attachment and anxiety among Chinese adolescents, highlighting the crucial role of fathers in the prevention and reduction of adolescent anxiety from the perspectives of father-child dynamics, personal traits, and interpersonal relationships.

Development, Acceptability, and Initial Implementation of an Interactive Text-Messaging Program for Fathers with Low Income.

OBJECTIVES: This study describes the development, acceptability, and implementation of an interactive text messaging program to engage fathers enrolled in home visitation programs. METHODS: We used an iterative development approach that integrated rapid testing of intervention content with acceptability feedback from program participants to examine the processes of implementation. In Study 1, we describe the rapid testing framework and present data from 171 men who provided feedback on Text4Dad content via three online surveys. In Study 2, a case study, we use administrative data from 108 fathers with whom we pilot-tested Text4Dad in three community-based home visiting programs, with the program implemented by fatherhood program community health workers (F-CHWs). Content analysis of exchanges between F-CHWs and fathers describes the specific use of Text4Dad. RESULTS: Across all three online surveys, fathers reported positive reviews of the Text4Dad content. The F-CHWs used Text4Dad mainly to push out information, especially that related to home visit scheduling and local events, instead of engaging in bidirectional interactions with fathers. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: We conclude with a set of recommendations for social service and maternal and child health providers regarding the feasibility of implementing text messaging to support home visiting in community-based settings.

Fathers' experiences of nurses' roles and care practices during their preterm infant's stay in the neonatal intensive care unit.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses play a crucial role in providing infant care, as well as in bridging the communication gap with parents. AIM: Explore fathers' perceptions and interactions with nurses during their preterm infants' stay in a NICU. DESIGN: Qualitative study using ethnographic data collection techniques. METHODS: Twenty fathers of preterm infants were purposively sampled in a level III NICU in Italy. Data collection comprised 120 h of participant observation, 68 informal conversations, and 20 semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Analysis revealed five primary themes: (i) communication and clarity about infants' health condition and progress, (ii) inclusiveness and guidance from nurses, (iii) fathers' satisfaction with nurses' support for mother, (iv) nurses' personal attention to the babies, and (v) nurses' varied personalities. CONCLUSION: Nurses are crucial in facilitating father-infant bonding in the NICU. Although the content of nurse communication is critical for fathers, the delivery style becomes especially relevant during their infant's hospitalization. Discrepancies in messages and guidance can negatively impact fatherly confidence and their ability to care for their preterm infants and support partners. Thus, training that emphasizes the recognition of the unique ways that fathers exhibit distress is crucial. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses play a critical role in shaping the fathers' experiences in NICU. Emphasizing clear communication and individualized care is vital. To strengthen father support in NICU settings, recommended approaches include regular training, holistic care, fostering inclusivity, emotional support, and improving bonding opportunities. REPORTING METHOD: Adherence to the COREQ guidelines.

The effect of breastfeeding education with digital storytelling on fathers' breastfeeding self-efficacy.

RATIONALE: There is growing evidence that fathers play an important role in the breastfeeding process and that fathers need education about breastfeeding. In our age of rapidly developing technology, the use of new teaching techniques in the education of fathers will provide more effective results. AIMS: In this study, the effect of breastfeeding education given with digital storytelling method on fathers' breastfeeding self-efficacy was examined. METHODS: The study is a pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted with the husbands of 80 pregnant women admitted to the childbirth preparation class of a state hospital. The study included a control group and an intervention of educational videos using a digital storytelling technique. Fathers were recruited from hospital antenatal classes and randomized to one of the two groups. Personal Information Form and Paternal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form were used for data collection. Each father completed data collection forms at the beginning of the study and at 3 months postpartum. The η2 effect size was calculated for significant differences in the independent and dependent groups t test methods used in the analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the posttest scores of the fathers in the intervention and control groups (p < 0.05). When the effect sizes were analysed, it was found that the increase in the intervention group (t = -24.342) was higher than the control group (t = -8.385). CONCLUSION: In the current study, the effect of using digital storytelling method in breastfeeding education on fathers' breastfeeding self-efficacy was found to be significantly higher than routine education. It is recommended that this new method be used in education and counselling and that studies be conducted to examine its effect on breastfeeding behaviour and fathers' breastfeeding support.

Fathers' experiences with supportive parenting interventions: A qualitative systematic review.

Despite proven efficacy, fatherhood interventions face challenges in attracting and retaining participants. This qualitative systematic review aims to inform the future design of fatherhood interventions by consolidating and synthesizing the evidence around fathers' experiences with interventions aimed at enhancing their involvement and relationships with their children. Following PRISMA guidelines, we analyzed 10 studies from a search of six electronic databases. Our analysis coalesced into three pivotal themes: (a) creating a sense of belonging: facilitating participation; (b) transformative takeaways; and (c) challenges of negotiating expectations of masculinity. Our findings indicate that group-based, culturally sensitive programs are advantageous but also reveal that fathers grapple with reconciling evolving fatherhood roles with societally entrenched expectations of masculinity. This review offers actionable insights for the future development, evaluation, and implementation of fatherhood interventions, particularly those utilizing qualitative research methodologies.

African American Fathers as a Solution to the Maternal Health Crisis.

The research is limited to the role of African American (AA) fathers in maternal health. African American fathers are largely not included in perinatal care, and their contribution may be essential in addressing the Black maternal health disparity crisis. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to examine the evidence of African American fathers involvement in supporting maternal health during the perinatal period. This conceptual paper will summarize research findings and will focus on 1) the evolution of the concept of fatherhood and the role of African American fathers; 2) the extent of African American fathers engagement during the perinatal period; and 3) the potential for African American fathers to play a key role in improving maternal health. Findings from this paper will enhance the evidence base on fathers' involvement in maternal health, highlight the research gaps, and opportunities to focus on African American fathers in addressing maternal morbidity and mortality among African American women.

Longitudinal trajectories and associated risk factors of paternal mental illness in the nine years surrounding the transition to fatherhood.

BACKGROUND: The arrival of one's first child is a known risk factor for mental illness, yet investigations on fathers' mental health are limited. We conducted a longitudinal investigation on paternal depression and anxiety in the nine years surrounding the transition to fatherhood. METHODS: Using a national cohort of French men (CONSTANCES, n = 6299), we investigated the prevalence and associated risk factors of mental illness amongst first-time fathers. Responses to the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) and 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) scales were used to identify clinically significant symptom scores. Self-declared mental illness was also reported by participants. Group-based modelling was used to identify latent trajectory groups for both measures. RESULTS: Levels of self-declared anxiety (averaging 4.9 % pre-fatherhood, 7.8 % post) exceeded that of depression (1.9 % pre- fatherhood, 3.3 % post) or other disorders. However, rates of clinically significant symptom scores (17-27 %) were consistently higher. Participants' mental health appeared to worsen from two-years prior to their child's arrival and improve from two-years after. We identified three trajectory groups for fathers' self-declared mental illness: Low stable (90.3 %); Low risk with high temporary increase (5.6 %); and Consistent high risk (4.1 %). Risk factors associated with worsening mental health trajectories were unemployment, not living with one's partner, having had adverse childhood experiences and foregoing healthcare due to financial reasons. LIMITATIONS: All measures of mental illness relied on participant self-reports and are thus subject to bias. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals an important period of heightened psychological vulnerability amongst first-time fathers, emphasising the need for increased and better adapted paternal mental health screening.

Associations between paternal autism traits and parenting from the Japan environment and children's study.

There are few studies on the parenting of fathers with autism traits. To investigate this issue, we examined the type of parenting performed by fathers with autism traits using data from a nationwide birth cohort study, the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Paternal parenting was evaluated by mothers or caregivers when the child was 2 years old. Father's autism traits were measured using the Japanese version of the self-administered Autism Spectrum Quotient. Logistic regression analysis was performed to statistically analyze the data. Fathers with autism traits were significantly less likely to prepare meals for their child and helping them eat (adjusted OR (aOR): 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.23), to helping the child change clothes (aOR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04-1.31). However, there were no associations between some parenting behaviors and autism traits (not changing diapers, not bathing with the child, and not playing with the child). Father's communication skill difficulties by autism traits associated with a lower tendency to perform all types of parenting. Interestingly, there were association between difficulties with social skills or attention-switching and more performing change diapers. These results indicate it is important to respect the child-rearing that fathers with autistic tendencies are able to do, while supporting them in child-rearing that they are significantly less able to do than fathers without autistic tendencies.

Fathers' involvement in pregnancy and childbirth in Africa: an integrative systematic review.

BACKGROUND: As notions of masculinity evolve globally, it is important to understand their dimensions within geographic regions and life contexts. African men's involvement in their partners'pregnancy and childbirth has been explored to a limited extent in the peer-reviewed literature. This analysis provides a comprehensive examination of the existing literature on the diverse experiences of fathers across the African continent. AIM: This study aims to provide an overview of fathers' experience of involvement in their partners' pregnancies andchildbirth in Africa. METHODS: A systematic integrative literature review guided the process. The review comprised problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis and presentation of results. Systematic searches were conducted in the Cinahl, PubMed and Scopus databases. RESULTS: The search identified 70 articles of which 31, relating to 11 African countries, were used. Of these, 20 were qualitative, 9 were quantitative and 2 were mixed-methods studies. Men's alienation from health services, and traditional gender norms that discourage fathers' supportive role during pregnancy were prevalent themes. Financial pressures also dominated fathers'experiences. At the same time, in 18 studies fathers expressed motivation to be involved partners and supportive fathers, despite stigma and exclusion from maternity services. CONCLUSION: This integrative review shows that fathers' experiences of their involvement in their partners' pregnancy and childbirth across African countries are influenced by multiple factors. While unwelcoming health services, traditional gender norms, and low income are barriers to male involvement, education, younger age, and modern gender norms are associated with greater male involvement.

Main findings: There is a diversity of experiences among fathers across the African continent, with healthcare system alienation, influential gender norms, and financial pressure being common themes.Added knowledge: Unwelcoming health services, traditional gender norms, and low income were found to be impediments to male involvement in their partners' pregnancy and childbirth, while education, younger age, and modern gender norms were associated with greater male involvement.Global health impact for policy and action: Information and education for men and conducive healthcare environments would enable more positive experiences for men and encourage their greater involvement.

Dr. Prakash Chand (PC) Bhatla: Father of Family Medicine.

Dr. Prakash Chand (PC) Bhatla MBBS was one of the illustrious past presidents (1975-76) of Indian Medical Association (IMA). He was a General Practitioner by vocation and a towering professional leader. He made an immense contribution to the discipline of Family Medicine - the academic discipline, medical specialty, and the knowledge domain of Family Physicians/Family Doctors within India as well as the global level. He was a brilliant human being and professional par excellence. He was probably one of the greatest leaders of the medical profession in India and a rightful successor to Dr BC Roy's legacy. As a rare achievement, he received the Dr BC Roy National Award from the President of India twice. He received this prestigious recognition award in 1977 for socio-medical relief in India and again in 1982 for the promotion of Specialty of General Practice. He founded IMA CGP (Indian Medical College of General Practitioners), and his foundational work led to the recognition of Family Medicine as a specialty in India. Due to his efforts, Family Medicine was included in the list of recognized specialties by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) as well by the Medical Council of India (MCI). His contribution to medicine at a global level is also remarkable. He is also considered one of the founding forefathers of WONCA - World Organization of Family Doctors. He was associated with the foundation process of WONCA from the beginning (1964). The International Liaison Committee organized the first World meeting of General Practice in Montreal (Canada) in 1964 and the second meeting in Salsburg in 1966. Dr Bhatla was the convenor of the Third World Conference on General Practice in New Delhi, India, in 1968. A global representative body of Family Medicine/General Practice was launched in 1972 in Melbourne, Australia. Due to contribution to WONCA, he was elected for the first ever WONCA fellowship, the most prestigious global Family Medicine award. He was contemporary to other world leaders of Family Medicine and Primary Care such as Ian McWhinney and Barbara Starfeild. He is rightfully recognized and remembered as Father of Family Medicine. Dr Bhatla's intellectual, professional, and administrative contribution laid down the sound background for the foundation of a Specialty body of Family Medicine in India called the Academy of Family Physicians of India. Life and work of Dr PC Bhatla continues to inspire family doctors, family physicians, general practitioners, and Family Medicine specialists across India, South Asia, and the World in the 21st century.

Paternal and induced gut microbiota seeding complement mother-to-infant transmission.

Microbial colonization of the neonatal gut involves maternal seeding, which is partially disrupted in cesarean-born infants and after intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. However, other physically close individuals could complement such seeding. To assess the role of both parents and of induced seeding, we analyzed two longitudinal metagenomic datasets (health and early life microbiota [HELMi]: N = 74 infants, 398 samples, and SECFLOR: N = 7 infants, 35 samples) with cesarean-born infants who received maternal fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). We found that the father constitutes a stable source of strains for the infant independently of the delivery mode, with the cumulative contribution becoming comparable to that of the mother after 1 year. Maternal FMT increased mother-infant strain sharing in cesarean-born infants, raising the average bacterial empirical growth rate while reducing pathogen colonization. Overall, our results indicate that maternal seeding is partly complemented by that of the father and support the potential of induced seeding to restore potential deviations in this process.

Association of parent-child health parameters and lifestyle habits - the "epi-family health" longitudinal study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle and habits, cardiovascular risk factors (CRF), bone and mental health, dietary habits, physical activity, among others are developed in childhood and adolescence. Family environment has shown to play an important role in these outcomes. However, whether the parent-child relationship lifestyle habits and health parameters can be influenced by physical activity patterns still unclear. The objective of this study will be to monitor and investigate the associations between lifestyle habits between parents and their children longitudinally, as well as verify whether in more active parents, the possible associations with lifestyle habits are different from those of parents considered less active. METHODS: The sample will consist of parents (father, mother, or both) and their children /adolescents. The participants will be recruited through public call by flyers spread across all the regions of the city and also through social media. The health parameters will include cardiovascular (cardiac autonomic modulation, blood pressure and resting heart rate), bone mineral density, anthropometric indices, handgrip strength, mental health (quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms and stress), self-reported morbidities and musculoskeletal pain. Lifestyle habits will include physical activity levels, sedentary behavior, sleep parameters, eating patterns, smoking and alcohol consumption. Sociodemographic variables of age, sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic status will be considered as covariates. The follow-up visits of data collection will be scheduled after a period of 12 months from the baseline assessment during every twelve months. DISCUSSION: The family environment has great potential to determine lifestyle habits in children and adolescents. Based on the results presented in the present study, we hope that health promotion actions can be better designed in the family environment.

Families of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Variables Associated with Family Quality of Life.

Families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities often face unique challenges that significantly impact their quality of life. Understanding the predictors of family quality of life (FQOL) is crucial for developing effective support systems and interventions. AIM: This study investigated the predictors that might influence the perception of families having a member with a disability regarding their quality of life (FQOL). METHOD: The sample consisted of 320 family members from the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: The overall results showed that participants' satisfaction with FQOL was at a moderate level. Further results indicated that variables associated with severity, type of disability, and the mother's age and education were significant predictors of the FQOL. CONCLUSIONS: These results emphasize the importance of considering the variables that impact FQOL, such as the severity and type of disability, and mother's related variables, when directing support to families with a member with a disability. The recommendations and limitations of the study were discussed.