A study of the sleep status of preschool children with a coordination development disorder / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To investigate the sleep status of preschool children with a coordination development disorder (DCD).Methods:Implementing stratified cluster sampling, 38, 900 questionnaires were distributed in 1000 classes of 200 kindergartens randomly selected in 11 prefecture-level cities of China′s Zhejiang Province. A total of 35, 464 valid responses were returned. On the basis of the responses, 2251 of the children were of (6.35%) were deemed DCD-positive, while the rest formed a DCD-negative group. The Children′s Family Social Environment and Sleep Health Questionnaire (1-6 years old) and the children′s sleep habits questionnaire were employed to investigate their sleep status.Results:①Regular sleeping time and duration, and falling asleep within 20 minutes were significantly less common in the DCD-positive group. In the negative group, shifting sleep place at night, finding it hard to sleep in strange environments, waking up ≥2 times a night, being awoken by others in the morning, difficulty in waking up and getting up in the morning, and bad mood after waking were significantly less frequent. ②In addition to delayed bedtime, the incidence of refusal to go to bed, fear of sleeping in the dark or alone, bedwetting, restless sleep, sleepwalking, talking in sleep, being awakened by nightmares, teeth grinding, loud snoring, apnea, dyspnea, crying and sweating after waking up at night, and insufficient sleep were all significantly higher in the DCD-positive group. ③The DCD-positive group also reported more sleeping in the daytime on weekends, more time on playing electronic products along with shorter sleep duration at night. There was, however, no significant difference between the two groups in sleep duration on school days and all day on weekends.Conclusion:Preschool children with a DCD have different sleep habits from those developing normally. They are more likely to suffer from sleep problems which affect their sleep duration.

Status quo of screen exposure and its determinants in 3- to 6-year-old children in Minhang district, Shanghai / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the screen exposure status in 3- to 6-year-old children in Minhang district and to analyze its determinants, so as to provide a basis for scientific intervention of screen exposure in children. 【Methods】 A total of 1 035 children aged 3 to 6 years were selected from 30 classes in 10 kindergartens in Minhang district by multi-stage cluster sampling in October 2022. An online questionnaire survey was conducted by their parents. Screen exposure was difined as spending more than one hour on video products per day. Multivariate Logistic regression model was adopted to analyze the determinants of children screen exposure. 【Results】 Among 1 035 children, 730 experienced screen exposure (70.53%). The average time of daily screen exposure was (1.67±0.98)h. The daily screen exposure time of children aged 3, 4, 5 and 6 years at weekends was (1.77±1.13), (1.76±1.04), (1.98±1.10)h and(2.08±1.22)h, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (F=3.98, P2hours/day (OR=2.10, 95%CI:1.35 - 3.27) when accompanying children, parents supporting children using video products(OR=1.59, 95%CI:1.17 - 2.15), children using video products before bedtime(OR=1.94, 95%CI:1.32 - 2.86), and unsupervised use of video products for children(OR=1.94, 95%CI:1.36 - 2.77) were independent risk factors for children′s screen exposure(P<0.05). Father′s education level of bachelor(OR=0.61,95%CI:0.43 - 0.89), master and above(OR=0.49, 95%CI:0.34 - 0.73) was a protective factor for children′s screen exposure(P<0.05). 【Conclusions】 Attention should be paid to the problem of screen exposure of 3 -to 6 - year-old children. Targeted efforts should be made to popularize the knowledge of the harm of early screen exposure to children among caregivers, caregivers are advocated for the rule formulation of screen behavior, scientifically regulate children′s screen exposure behaviors, and increase parent-child communication, so as to reduce the adverse effects of screen exposure on children′s health.

Reference values for inspiratory muscle related indexes of preschool children in Nanjing / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To generate reference values for inspiratory muscle of preschool children in Nanjing, so as to provide a reference index for evaluating children′s lung function and exercise performance. 【Methods】 A total of 236 preschool children were selected from the main urban area of Nanjing by stratified cluster sampling.The inspiratory muscles were evaluated by breath link respiratory function evaluation system to obtain the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and inspiratory peak flow rate.Pearson analysis was used to determine the correlation of MIP and inspiratory peak flow rate with gender, age, height and weight.Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was used to obtain the formula of MIP and inspiratory peak flow rate. 【Results】 Differences in MIP and peak inspiratory flow rate were not significant between boys and girls (P>0.05), but were statistically significant among different age groups and showed an increasing trend with age (F=13.660, 33.581, P<0.001).MIP and peak inspiratory flow rate were positively correlated with children′s age, height and weight (P<0.001).The regression model, proved to be statistically significant(F=12.913、22.398, P<0.08), indicated that height was the best predictor of MIP and age was the best predictor of inspiratory peak flow rate. 【Conclusions】 This study is the first study on the predicted value of inspiratory muscle in preschool children in China.The predicted value formula can provide a reference for clinical inspiratory muscle evaluation.

Characteristics of sensory integration in static balance of 4 - to 5-year-old children / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the sensory integration characteristics of 4- to 5-year-old preschool children while maintaining static balance, in order to provide reference for promoting the development of motor development. 【Methods】 A total of 128 preschool children were randomly selected in this study from a public kindergarten in Suzhou. Wearable sensor were worn at the center of mass(COM) position for four tests: T1 standing with eyes open, T2 standing with eyes closed, T3 standing with eyes open on a sponge pad, and T4 standing with eyes closed on a sponge pad. The angular velocity modulus(ω) of COM shaking was extracted, the Romberg quotient(RQ), vestibular Romberg quotient(VRQ), and the rate of increase in body stability when integrating different sensations were calculated. The contribution weights and sensory integration characteristics of visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular sensations to static balance were analyzed. Independent sample t-test was used to analyze the differences between different gender and age groups. 【Results】 The RQ was 1.20, and the VRQ was 1.58. The contribution rates of visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular senses to body balance were approximately 9.28%, 28.19% and 62.53%, respectively. The difference in the rate of increase in body stability between integrated vision and integrated proprioception with normal vestibular perception was statistically significant(P0.05) and the difference in half year old age was not statistically significant(P>0.05). 【Conclusions】 When preschool children aged 4 - 5 maintain static balance, the contribution of vestibular integration proprioception to body stability is greater than that of vestibular integrate vision. The contribution of vestibular and visual integrate proprioception to body stability is greater than that of vestibular and proprioception integrate vision. The sensory integration characteristics between boys and girls, as well as half year old children, are basically the same.

Epidemiological survey and influencing factors of overweight and obesity among preschool children in Suzhou / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of overweight and obesity among preschool children in Suzhou. 【Methods】 A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 24 452 children aged 3 - 6 years in different districts of Suzhou from December 2021 to June 2022. Then the prevalence rate of overweight and obesity was determined by physical measurements. A case-control study was conducted with a questionnaire survey of 3 786 children(1 893 in the obesity group and 1 893 in the control group) to analyze the factors influencing preschool obesity. 【Results】 1) The overall detection rates of overweight among preschool children in Suzhou was 14.8%(boys 14.6%, girls 15.0%). The overall detection rates of obesity was 7.9%(boys 8.7%, girls 7.1%), with a statistically significant difference between boys and girls(χ2=19.828, P<0.01). 2) There was statistically significant difference in the detection rates of obesity among different age groups(χ2=98.415, P<0.01), with the lowest rate in the 3 - 4 years old group(5.8%) and the highest rate in the 6 - 7 years old group(11.8%). 3) The overall detection rates of mild, moderate and severe obesity was 4.8%, 2.6% and 0.5%, respectively. The proportion of moderate and severe obesity significantly increased with age(χ2=57.275, P<0.01). 4) Risk factors for preschool obesity included birth weight >4 000g, cesarean section, parental overweight/obesity, strong appetite of children, eating speed <10min/meal, high frequency of fried food consumption(>1time/week), eating while watching television, sedentary behavior >2h/d, insufficient exercise endurance, screen time >1h/d, and late bedtime(after 21∶30)(P<0.05). Protective factors for preschool obesity included larger breakfast consumption, fruits and vegetables as regular snacks, and physical activity after meals(P<0.05). 5) Factors influencing the degree of preschool obesity included paternal overweight(OR=1.33, 95%CI:1.06 - 1.65), paternal obesity(OR=1.91, 95%CI:1.46 - 2.49), maternal overweight(OR=1.25, 95%CI:1.01 - 1.54), maternal obesity(OR=1.94, 95%CI:1.40 - 2.69), low education level of father(junior high school or below)(OR=1.57, 95%CI:1.25 - 1.96), strong appetite of children(OR=1.72, 95%CI:1.41 - 2.11), eating speed <10min/meal(OR=1.29, 95%CI:1.05 - 1.57), sedentary behavior >2h/d(OR=1.51, 95%CI:1.24 - 1.85), insufficient exercise endurance(OR=1.56, 95%CI:1.12 - 2.19), and screen time>1h/d(OR=1.42, 95%CI:1.16 - 1.75). 【Conclusions】 The detection rates of overweight and obesity among preschool children in Suzhou are relatively high, and the detection rate and severity of obesity increase with age. In addition to genetic factors, preschool obesity are also associated with pregnancy and birth history, as well as unhealthy lifestyle after birth.

Effect of intervention on the perception of body weight among parents of preschool children / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To explore the effect of health education intervention measures on improving parents′ perception of their children′s weight, so as to provide scientific basis for intervention in preschool obese children. 【Methods】 Children from 7 kindergartens in Luohu district were randomly selected in this study in October 2020, and were divided into intervention group and control group. The intervention group consisted of 1 318 children and parents from 3 kindergartens, and the control group consisted of 1 546 children and parents from 4 kindergartens. Parents in the intervention group received combination of online and offline health education intervention measures for 2 months, while parents in the control group received no intervention measures. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of parents′ perception of their children′s weight in intervention group and control group. 【Results】 After controlling for imbalanced variables such as parents′ education level, total monthly family income, and parents′ perception of their children′s weight, there was a statistically significant difference in the improvement of parents′ perception of their children′s weight status between two groups after intervention(OR=2.175, 95%CI: 1.536 - 3.080, P0.05). Regardless of whether the child′s weight status was normal or not, parents in the intervention group showed better improvement in their perception of their children′s weight status than the control group(OR=1.558, 6.111, 95%CI:1.025 - 2.368, 2.811 - 13.287, P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Health education measures can improve the perception bias of parents towards their preschool children′s weight, and the intervention effect varies among children of different genders and weight states.

Hotspots and trends of nutrition research in global preschool children from 2012 to 2022 based on Citespace visual analysis / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To review the scientific research advances in the field of preschool children′s nutrition from 2012 to 2022, in order to provide reference for relevant policy formulation and further scientific exploration in this area. 【Methods】 High-quality literature published both domestically and internationally between 2012 and 2022 was retrieved through Web of Science (WOS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. Excel and CiteSpace software were applied to visualize the research hotspots and frontier trends. 【Results】 A total of 1 816 English articles and 110 Chinese articles were included in the analysis. The cooperation network density of research institutions and authors was found to be low. Excluding the search terms, the top three English keywords were vitamin A (0.74), intervention (0.67), obesity prevention (0.55); the top three Chinese keywords were "anemia" (0.41), "obesity" (0.38), and "nutritional status" (0.18). In Chinese and English clusters, "anemia" and "physical activity" ranked first, respectively. The latest burst words identified were "dietary pattern" and "diet quality". 【Conclusions】 The number of English literature published in the field of preschool children′s nutrition is increasing, but it has shown a downward trend in the past three years in China. There are few studies in this field in China. The research hotspots primarily focus on the nutritional status of preschool children, with less attention paid to intervention research and methodological exploration. Further research in the field of preschool children′s nutrition in China may need to focus on the external determinants of preschool children′s nutrition, such as parental education, diet and food supply.

Correlation of body mass index with family status and feeding conditions among preschool children in Jingzhou City / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the distribution of body mass index(BMI) among preschool children in Jingzhou City and its correlation with family conditions and feeding practices, so as to provide scientific basis for the health management of overweight and obesity in children. 【Methods】 In August 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Jingzhou City using stratified cluster random sampling. Data on the height, weight, family conditions and feeding practices of children aged 3 - 6 years attending kindergartens were collected. Then BMI was calculated, and multivariate linear regression analysis was performed for data analysis. 【Results】 A total of 14 237 preschool children were surveyed. The overall average BMI was (16.40±3.40) kg/m2. Among them, the porpotion of children whose BMI were in lower, lower-middle, middle, upper-middle and upper range was 0.05%, 1.95%, 86.49%, 4.83% and 6.67%, respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that factors such as cesarean birth(β=0.17), paternal smoking(β=0.13), maternal smoking(β=0.39), being female(β=-0.22), total pre-tax family income(β=-0.13), private kindergartens (β=0.22) and a diet pattern primarily consisting of fried chicken, burgers, fries, carbonated drinks, and fruit juices (β=0.46) were linearly correlated with children′s BMI(P<0.05). 【Conclusions】 Overweight and obesity are prevalent among preschool children in Jingzhou City, with a higher proportion of BMI in the upper-middle and upper ranges. Parents and society should collaborate and take appropriate measures to ensure the healthy growth of children.

Association between screen time and psychological behaviors of preschool children in Lanzhou City / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the associations between different types of video screen time and psychological behaviors of preschool children, in order to provide evidence for promoting the development of children′s mental health. 【Methods】 From February to March 2023, a total of 1 361 parents of children aged 3 - 6 years from 6 kindergartens of Lanzhou were surveyed by cluster sampling method.Parents were surveyed to obtain information about the video use, and the children′s Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire (parent version) was used to assess children′s psychological and behavioral problems. 【Results】 The rate of daily screen time exceeding standard was 36.96% (503/1 361).The screen time was mainly spent in watching TV cartoons, followed by educational APP.The detection rate of abnormal total difficulty score was 11.61% (158/1 361), and the abnormalities of peer communication (32.26%) and prosocial behavior (12.34%) were the most prominent.After adjusting for related factors by multiple Logistic regression analysis, total screen time≥2h/d (OR=1.802) was found to be a risk factor for abnormal total difficulty score; watching TV cartoons≥2h/d was a risk factor for abnormal total difficulty score (OR=2.409) and peer communication (OR=2.222); playing games≥1h/d was a risk factor for abnormal total difficulty score, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactive behavior, and abnormalities of peer communication, the differences were all statistically significant (P<0.05).However, educational APP screen time<1h/d was a protective factor for abnormal total difficulty score(OR=0.615) and prosocial behavior (OR=0.549), but educational APP screen time≥2h/d was a risk factor for conduct problems (OR=2.302), the differences were all statistically significant (P<0.05). 【Conclusions】 The screen time of preschool children in Lanzhou cannot be ignored, and there is a significant correlation between overuse and children′s psychological and behavioral problems.Parents and schools should attach importance to the parent-child and peer interaction of preschool children and strengthen the intervention of preschool children′s video behavior.

Relationship between lifestyle and mental health in preschool children / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To explore lifestyle patterns among Chinese preschool school children by latent class analysis, and to analyze its associations with behavior problems from person-centered perspective, in order to provide theoretical reference for improving children′s mental health. 【Methods】 A questionnaire survey was conducted among parents of children aged 3 - 6 years old in five kindergartens in Xuzhou city by cluster sampling from April to May 2021.The survey content included the demographic characteristics, rearing environment, life behaviors and behavior problems, which was measured by Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire(SDQ). Latent class analysis was used to explore latent lifestyle patterns.Unadjusted and adjusted Logistic regression analysis was used to test the associations between latent lifestyle patterns and behavior problems. 【Results】 The sample size was 1 190, including 618 (51.9%) boys.Latent class analysis for 7 life behaviors showed that three latent class model was the best one: low-risk group (206, 17.3%), medium-risk group (721, 60.6%) and high-risk group (263, 22.1%).After controlling demographic factors, adjusted Logistic regression model showed that compared to low-risk group, children in high-risk group had more risks of developing hyperactivity (OR=2.129, 95%CI: 1.230 - 3.685), peer problems (OR=2.051, 95%CI: 1.316 - 3.197), and total difficulties (OR=2.081, 95%CI: 1.290 - 3.356). 【Conclusions】 Improper dietary balance and irrational structure of daily activities substantially escalate the risk of emotional and behavioral issues in preschool-age children.Helping preschool children form a healthy lifestyle pattern is conducive to preventing behavioral problems.

Development and test of reliability and validity of the Visual Cognitive Ability Assessment Scale for Preschool Children / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To develop the Visual Cognitive Ability Assessment Scale for Preschool Children and to evaluate its reliability and validity, in order to provide reference for clinical evaluation of visual cognitive ability of preschool children. 【Methods】 1) From November 2021 to February 2022, construct the dimension framework was constructed and the pool of scale items was compiled according to the theory. 2) In March to June 2022, items were screened preliminarily through group discussion and Delphi method. In August 2022, the entries was revised by a pre-survey in a small sample (n=50). 3) Parents of children aged 4 - 7 from 8 kindergartens in 4 main urban areas of Nanjing were investigated by stratified cluster random sampling method in September to December 2022. The valid sample of the first survey (n=344) was analyzed to conduct item analysis and re-test reliability analysis, the valid sample of the second survey (n=695) was tested for reliability and confirmatory factor analysis, then the scale was finally compiled and evaluated. 【Results】 1) The scale contained 19 items in 4 dimensions:visual memory, discerning vision, spatial vision and visual integration. All items passed the project analysis test. 2) The Cronbach′s α coefficient of each dimension ranged from 0.604 to 0.886, and the Cronbach′s α coefficient of the whole scale was 0.917. During the two surveys, the scores of each item were correlated, and the average retest reliability coefficient was 0.601 (P< 0.05). 3) Content validity index (S-CVI) at scale level was 0.91, and item level content validity index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.8 to 1.0. After several rounds of model modification, the confirmatory factor model fit well. 【Conclusion】 The reliability and validity of the Visual Cognitive Ability Assessment Scale for Preschool Children are acceptable and meet the requirements of the scale, which provides a practical tool for clinical screening of visual and cognitive disorders.

Efficacy of tele-rehabilitation program for preschool children with functional articulation disorders / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To observe the effect of tele-rehabilitation program on the articulation resolution of preschool children with functional articulation disorders (FAD), so as to provide reference for the clinical application of tele-rehabilitation in this context. 【Methods】 A total of 66 preschool children diagnosed with FAD in the outpatient department of Child Rehabilitation, Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital from March 2022 to March 2023 were selected into this study, and were divided into tele-rehabilitation group (n=32) and control group (n=34) by random number table method. The control group received daily family rehabilitation guidance, while the tele-rehabilitation group underwent a tele-rehabilitation program lasting for 3 months. All children were assessed using the Chinese phonological ability evaluation lexicon before and 3 months after the treatment. 【Results】 After 3 months of treatment, both the tele-rehabilitation group and the control group showed significant improvements in articulation resolution compared to before treatment (t=12.165、12.986, P0.05). 【Conclusion】 Tele-rehabilitation program effectively improves articulation resolution in preschool children with FAD, especially for mild to moderate preschool children with FAD.

Study on the current status of dental caries in preschool children in Chongming District， Shanghai / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of dental caries among preschool children in Chongming District， Shanghai， and to analyze the related factors influencing dental caries in preschool children in Chongming District， in order to provide references and suggestions for the prevention of dental caries in preschool children in Chongming District. MethodsFrom January to April 2022， 939 preschool children from 5 kindergartens in Chongming District of Shanghai were selected as the research objects through random cluster sampling. The dental caries prevalence rate and related risk factors of dental caries in preschool children were studied through oral examinations and questionnaire surveys. ResultsThe prevalence rate of dental caries among the 939 preschool children was 45.69%. The prevalence of dental caries in preschool children was not related to gender but increased with age （P<0.001）. Risk factors for dental caries in children included consuming desserts between meals or before bedtime （OR=3.049， P<0.001）， consuming sugared milk （OR=2.389， P=0.027）， presence of dental caries in caregivers （OR=1.888， P<0.001）， age （OR=1.758， P<0.001）， regular consumption of certain beverages by children （OR=1.250， P=0.029）， and the frequency of snack consumption （OR=1.191， P=0.034）. ConclusionTo reduce the incidence of dental caries in preschool children， it is recommended that caregivers undergo oral health examinations and dental caries treatment to reduce the transmission of cariogenic bacteria. Additionally， reducing the frequency of children’s consumption of snacks， sugary drinks， and dairy products， and avoiding unhealthy eating habits such as consuming desserts before bedtime are advised. It is also important to educate children on proper toothbrushing methods to ensure the effectiveness of toothbrushing and to encourage them to develop good oral hygiene habits.

Association between nutritional status of Filipino preschool children and participation in government programmes at the household and individual levels

@#Introduction: Health and nutrition interventions in developing countries have been linked to better thriving and survival of children. Identifying programmes with significant effect on the nutritional status of Filipino preschool children may aid in identifying impactful interventions in addressing malnutrition. This study evaluated the association between nutritional status of preschool children and government programme participation based on the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) results. Methods: Secondary data analysis of 12,949 preschool children was performed from the 2018 ENNS. The selected data included socioeconomic, anthropometric, and self-reported household-level and individual-level government programme participation. Chi-square test for association and multiple logistic regression were conducted using Stata version 16. Results: Participation in immunisation programme, growth monitoring, household food production, and awareness and usage of iodised salt were negatively associated with at least one type of undernutrition. Consequently, participation in deworming programme was positively associated with both underweight and stunting. Regression analysis showed that preschool children who underwent growth monitoring were less likely to be stunted (OR=0.58), while those who underwent newborn screening were less likely to be underweight (OR=0.53) and stunted (OR=0.62). On the contrary, dewormed children were more likely to be stunted (OR=1.63) and those from 4Ps households were more likely to be wasted (OR=2.24). Conclusion: There is a need to re-evaluate programme strategies to maximise the benefits provided. Programmes showing significant associations with nutritional status including immunisation, growth monitoring, deworming, household food production, and awareness and usage of iodised salt should be continued and sustained with updated policies.

Association between quality of motion and motor ability in early childhood / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between quality of motion and motor ability in early childhood, as well as the moderating effects of grade and gender. A total of 133 preschoolers (3- to 5-year-old class) were evaluated for quality of motion and motor ability using the “Athletic Aptitude Test II” developed by the Japan Sports Association to assess the fundamental movements of running, jumping, and throwing. Two observers evaluated quality of motion based on movies taken by tablet. The relationship between quality of motion and motor ability was determined using multiple regression analysis. In addition, we clarified the influence of grade and gender on the relationship between quality of motor and motor ability using moderation analysis. A significant relationship was found between quality of motion and motor ability for all movements. Grade moderated the relationship between the quality of running motion and the results of the 25-m run. Gender moderated the relationship between the quality of the throwing motion and the results of softball throwing. These results suggest an association between quality of motion and motor ability in early childhood, and show that improving quality of motion improves motor ability.

Distribution characteristics of astigmatism in preschool children from Tongzhou District of Beijing and its effect on visual acuity / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore the characteristics of astigmatism distribution among preschool children from Tongzhou District, Beijing, discuss its categorizations, severity, and the effect on preschoolers' vision, and clarify the influence of cycloplegic refraction on the detection of astigmatism.METHODS:In this cross-sectional study conducted from December 2021 to January 2022, a cluster random sampling method was utilized to assess 1 498 preschool children(2 996 eyes)from Tongzhou District, Beijing. The sample comprised 791 males and 707 females, with 222 children aged 3 to &#x0026;#x003C;4 years, 521 children aged 4 to &#x0026;#x003C;5 years, 647 children aged 5 to &#x0026;#x003C;6 years, and 108 children aged 6 to &#x0026;#x003C;7 years. Evaluations included visual acuity, anterior segment, computerized optometry, and cycloplegic refraction.RESULTS:Prior to cycloplegic refraction, the prevalence of astigmatism was found to be 61.88%(927/1498). For post-cycloplegic refraction, this percentage slightly increased to 64.02%(959/1498, P=0.095). Following cycloplegic refraction, the distribution of astigmatism severity was as follows: 51.87%(777/1498)had mild astigmatism, 9.41%(141/1498)had moderate astigmatism, and 2.74%(41/1498)had severe astigmatism. Astigmatism was predominantly with-the-rule across all age groups, with compound hyperopic astigmatism being the most frequent type. In cases of subnormal vision caused by astigmatism: low degree accounted for 9.38%, moderate degree accounted for 25.4%,and high degree accounted for 52.6%.CONCLUSION:The findings reveal a high incidence of astigmatism in preschool children, predominantly in a mild nature. Cycloplegic refraction was observed to have a negligible effect on the rate of astigmatism detection. Moreover, its impact on vision becomes more significant as the degree of astigmatism increases.

Association of Harsh physical disciplining and the mental and behavioral health problems among pre-school children in Ethiopia

Background: Harsh physical discipline may have an impact on the emotional and behavioral health and cognitive abilities of children and adolescents. There is little understanding of the association between harsh physical discipline and mental health issues in populations where harsh disciplinary measures are culturally normal. Objective: The primary objective of this research was to investigate the potential correlation between the use of harsh physical discipline methods and the development of mental and behavioral health issues in children. By ex-amining the impact of these disciplinary practices on the psychological well-being of children, this study sought to shed light on the potential long-term consequences of such parenting strategies. Through a thorough analysis of data collected from a diverse sample of families, the researchers aimed to provide valuable insights into the effects of harsh physical disciplining on child mental health outcomes. Methods: A cross-section survey was conducted on 358 pre-school children preschool children and their primary caregivers in ten randomly selected elementary schools in Addis Ababa. The Strengths and Difficulties (SDQ) questionnaire was used to measure the mental and behavioral health of the children. The Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale measured the primary caregivers' experience of harsh physical discipline. Result: The study found that more than two of the three primary caregivers witnessed the harsh physical discipline of pre-school children in their lifetime. The study also showed that the likelihood of having any of the mental or behavioral problems was higher among children who experienced harsh physical discipline. AOR = 5.8; 95% CI, 1.7, 17.4). It was also higher among preschool children in the second (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI, (1.2, 7.0)) order of birth and children perceived to have a moderate AOR = 5.0; 95% CI, (1.1, 23.4) and a lower AOR = 17.0; 95% CI, 17.0 (1.3, 218) school performance. Conclusion This study has revealed a concerning connection between the physical discipline of preschool-aged children and the development of mental and behavioral health issues. The findings underscore the importance of policymakers and stakeholders in implementing interventions to prevent harsh verbal and physical discipline of young children. Society as a whole must prioritize the well-being and emotional health of our youngest members, and taking steps to promote positive and nurturing forms of discipline is essential in safeguarding their overall development and future success.

A Delphi survey-based development and validation of cognitive-communication assessment tool for Indian preschoolers

ABSTRACT Purpose To address the need for a standardized assessment tool for assessing cognitive-communication abilities among Indian preschoolers, the current study aimed at describing a Delphi based development and validation process for developing one such tool. The objectives of the research were to conceptualize and construct the tool, validate its content, and assess its feasibility through pilot testing. Methods The study followed a Delphi approach to develop and validate the tool across four phases i.e. conceptualization; construction; content validation; and pilot testing. The first three phases were performed with a panel of six experts including speech-language pathologists and preschool teachers while the pilot testing was done with 20 typically developing preschoolers. A literature review was also conducted with the Delphi rounds to support the developmental process. Results The first two rounds of the Delphi aided in the construction of a culturally and linguistically suitable story-based cognitive-communication assessment tool with the memory (free recall, recognition, and literary recall) and executive function (reasoning, inhibition, and switching) related tasks relevant for preschoolers. The content validation of the tool was continued with the experts till the revisions were satisfactory and yielded an optimum Content Validity Index. The pilot test of the finalized version confirmed its feasibility and appropriateness to assess developmental changes in the cognitive-communication abilities of preschoolers. Conclusion The study describes the Delphi-based conceptualization, construction, content validation, and feasibility check of a tool to assess cognitive-communication skills in preschool children.

Determinantes del estado de vacunación infantil: abordando la brecha de equidad en República Dominicana-2019 / Determinants of childhood immunization status: addressing the equity gap in the Dominican Republic­2019

Introducción: Las desigualdades amenazan el progreso del país hacia la equidad y la cobertura de vacunación infantil. Siendo la cobertura inferior a la meta del 90% de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Objetivo: Identificar los determinantes sociales y las desigualdades en el estado de vacunación infantil en República Dominicana, 2019. Métodos: Se realiza un análisis basado en la Encuesta de Indicadores Múltiples por Conglomerados. Incluyendo una muestra ponderada de 1674 niños de 12-23 meses. Se calcula la regresión logística multinomial para identificar factores asociados a la vacunación. Adoptando p<0,05 para significación estadística. Utilizando una razón de probabilidades ajustada con intervalo de confianza del 95%. Empleando HEAT 4.0 para medir desigualdades y SPSS.23 para gestión y análisis de datos. Resultados: La edad media de los niños fue 17,4±3,5 meses. El 33% de ellos estaban completamente vacunados. La cobertura fue significativamente menor entre hijos de madre sin educación [AOR= 7,27; IC95%= 2,98­17,74]. La mayor cobertura se concentra en niños con altos niveles de educación y riqueza. Conclusión: Para lograr una cobertura de vacunación completa y equitativa, las intervenciones de salud pública deben diseñarse para satisfacer las necesidades de grupos de alto riesgo.

Introduction: In the Dominican Republic, inequalities threaten progress towards childhood vaccination equity and coverage, the latter being inferior to the World Health Organization's 90% goal. Objective: Identify the social determinants and inequalities in the state of childhood vaccination in the Dominican Republic, 2019. Methods: An analysis based on the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys is conducted. Including a weighted sample of 1674 children aged 12-23 months. The multinomial logistic regression is calculated to identify factors associated with vaccination. Using p<0,05 for statistical significance and an adjusted probability ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Employing HEAT 4.0 to measure inequalities and SPSS.23 for data management and analysis. Results: The children's mean age was 17,4±3,5 months. 33% of them were completely vaccinated. Coverage was significantly lower in children of mothers without education [AOR= 7,27; CI95%= 2,98­17,74]. Coverage was the highest in kids with high levels of education and wealth. Conclusion: To achieve complete and equitable vaccine coverage, public health interventions should be designed to satisfy the needs of high-risk groups.

Measuring categorisation in pre-school children: new toolkit, new insights

Introduction: whilst recent years have witnessed considerable research into infant categorisation, its development during the pre-school period has garnered far less interest and innovation. Objective: this paper documents the development of a valid and reliable new toolkit for measuring categorisation in children, designed to allow fine-grained differentiation through four short tasks. Methods: the paper outlines how a pilot study with 55 children reduced confounding variables, ruled out several explanations for performance variations and enabled procedural refinements. It then documents a study conducted with 190 children aged 30-60 months. Results: this more sophisticated testing mechanism challenges previously accepted developmental norms and suggests both sex and socio-economic status (and their interaction) influence categorisational abilities in pre-schoolers. Conclusion: the results indicate that preschool children's ability to categorise varies markedly, with implications for their capacity to access formal education.

Introdução: embora nos últimos anos tenha havido pesquisas consideráveis sobre a categorização infantil, seu desenvolvimento durante o período pré-escolar atraiu muito menos interesse e inovação. Objetivo: este artigo documenta o desenvolvimento de um novo kit de ferramentas válido e confiável para medir a categorização em crianças, projetado para permitir diferenciação refinada por meio de quatro tarefas curtas. Método: o artigo descreve como um estudo piloto com 55 crianças reduziu variáveis de confusão, descartou várias explicações para variações de desempenho e permitiu refinamentos de procedimentos. Em seguida, documenta um estudo realizado com 190 crianças de 30 a 60 meses. Resultados: este mecanismo de teste mais sofisticado desafia as normas de desenvolvimento previamente aceitas e sugere que o sexo e o status socioeconômico (e sua interação) influenciam as habilidades de categorização em pré-escolares. Conclusão: os resultados indicam que a capacidade de categorização dos pré-escolares varia acentuadamente, com implicações na sua capacidade de acesso à educação forma