Population child health: understanding and addressing complex health needs.

Advances in paediatric care mean that more children with complex medical problems (heart disease, neurodevelopmental problems and so on) are surviving their early years. This has important implications for the design and delivery of healthcare given their extensive multidisciplinary requirements and susceptibility to poor outcomes when not optimally managed. Importantly, their medical needs must also be understood and addressed within the context of the child and family's life circumstances. There is growing recognition that many other factors contribute to a child's complex health needs (CHNs), for example, family problems, fragmentation of health and care provision, psychological difficulties or social issues.To facilitate proactive care for these patients, we must develop accurate ways to identify them. Whole Systems Integrated Care-an online platform that integrates routinely collected data from primary and secondary care-offers an example of how to do this. An algorithm applied to this data identifies children with CHNs from the entire patient population. When tested in a large inner-city GP practice, this analysis shows good concordance with clinical opinion and identifies complex children in the population to a much higher proportion than expected. Ongoing refinement of these data-driven processes will allow accurate quantification and identification of need in local populations, thus aiding the development of tailored services.

Child health services during a COVID-19 outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence indicates that children are relatively spared from direct COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality, but that the indirect effects of the pandemic pose significant risks to their health and wellbeing. OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of the local COVID-19 outbreak on routine child health services. METHODS: The District Health Information System data set for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provincial health services was accessed, and monthly child health-related data were extracted for the period January 2018 - June 2020. Chronological and geographical variations in sentinel indicators for service access, service delivery and the wellbeing of children were assessed. RESULTS: During April - June 2020, following the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in KZN, significant declines were seen for clinic attendance (36%; p=0.001) and hospital admissions (50%; p=0.005) of children aged <5 years, with a modest recovery in clinic attendance only. Among service delivery indicators, immunisation coverage recovered most rapidly, with vitamin A supplementation, deworming and food supplementation remaining low. Changes were less pronounced for in- and out-of-hospital births and uptake rates of infant polymerase chain reaction testing for HIV at birth, albeit with wide interdistrict variations, indicating inequalities in access to and provision of maternal and neonatal care. A temporary 47% increase in neonatal facility deaths was reported in May 2020 that could potentially be attributed to COVID-19-related disruption and diversion of health resources. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple indicators demonstrated disruption in service access, service delivery and child wellbeing. Further studies are needed to establish the intermediate- and long-term impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on child health, as well as strategies to mitigate these.

Involving the headteacher in the development of school-based health interventions: A mixed-methods outcome and process evaluation using the RE-AIM framework.

Although interventions delivered in school settings have the potential to improve children's health and well-being, the implementation of effective interventions in schools presents challenges. Previous research suggests facilitating greater autonomy for schools to select interventions aligned to their needs could improve implementation and maintenance. The aim of this mixed-methods outcome and process evaluation was to explore whether involving headteachers in the developmental stages of health interventions influenced adoption, effectiveness (e.g. pupil fitness and physical activity, assessed quantitatively), implementation and maintenance (assessed quantitatively and qualitatively). Three UK primary schools were provided with a choice of five evidence-based physical activity interventions: Playground scrapstore, daily classroom refreshers, alternative afterschool clubs, parent and child afterschool activities and an 'In the Zone' playground intervention. To evaluate the impact of this autonomous approach, semi-structured interviews with headteachers (n = 3), teachers (n = 3), and a private coach, and focus groups with pupils aged 9-11 (n = 6, 31 pupils, 15 boys), were undertaken. This was alongside an outcome and process evaluation, guided by the RE-AIM framework. This study assessed the impacts on adoption, implementation and maintenance of the autonomous approach and the effect on physical activity (seven day accelerometry-GENEActiv) and aerobic fitness (20m shuttle run). All three schools adopted different intervention components; alternative afterschool clubs, parent and child afterschool activities and daily classroom refreshers. Headteachers welcomed greater autonomy in developing school-based interventions and appreciated the more collaborative approach. Mixed results were reported for the effectiveness, implementation and maintenance of the interventions adopted. Allowing pupils choice and promoting a positive school environment were key factors for enhancing engagement. Moreover, promoting inclusive physical activity projects with a consideration of existing curriculum pressures aided implementation. This mixed-methods study provides valuable insights about autonomous approaches to inform further development, implementation and maintenance for future interventions.

District Governance and Improved Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health in South Africa: Pathways of Change.

District-level initiatives to improve maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) generally do not take governance as their primary lens on health system strengthening. This paper is a case study of a district and sub-district governance mechanism, the Monitoring and Response Unit (MRU), which aimed to improve MNCH outcomes in two districts of South Africa. The MRU was introduced as a decision-making and accountability structure, and constituted of a "triangle" of managers, clinicians and information officers. An independent evaluation of the MRU initiative was conducted, three years after establishment, involving interviews with 89 district actors. Interviewees reported extensive changes in the scope, quality and organization of MNCH services, attributing these to the introduction of the MRU and enhanced support from district clinicians. We describe both the formal and informal aspects of the MRU as a governance mechanism, and then consider the pathways through which the MRU plausibly acted as a catalyst for change, using the institutional constructs of credible commitment, coordination and cooperation. In particular, the MRU promoted the formation of non-hierarchical collaborative networks; improved coordination between community, PHC and hospital services; and shaped collective sense-making in positive ways. We conclude that innovations in governance could add significant value to the district health system strengthening for improved MNCH. However, this requires a shift in focus from strengthening the front-line of service delivery, to change at the meso-level of sub-district and district decision-making; and from purely technical, data-driven to more holistic approaches that engage collective mindsets, widen participation in decision-making and nurture political leadership skills.

A Scoping Review of the Impact on Children of the Built Environment Design Characteristics of Healing Spaces.

AIM: This article elucidates current understanding in pediatric healthcare building design via scoping review of research on the impacts on the health and well-being of children of the architectural and landscape characteristics of healing spaces. BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that patients' phenomenological experiences of the built environment characteristics of healthcare buildings can impact their healing and well-being. It follows that understanding the healing effects of landscape and architecture can inform the design of healthcare settings for increased health benefits. METHOD: This method comprises five search stages: (1) research question is formed; (2) key words, search terms, and search strategy are identified; (3) databases are searched, and papers are assessed via inclusion and exclusion criteria; (4) information of the selected articles is extracted and summarized; and (5) key findings are interpreted and reported via comparative tabulation. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-three papers were found during the first search stage. After screening and evaluating for relevance and quality, 13 articles were selected for study. Analysis indicates that the built environment characteristics of pediatric healthcare environments that have healing benefits include access to nature, music, art and natural light, reduced crowding, reduced noise, and soft, cyclical, and user-controlled artificial lighting. CONCLUSIONS: While it is important to understand the design variables that influence pediatric healthcare, it is also necessary to contextualize them and to distinguish these variables from each other and appreciate their interaction. In other words, a more rounded understanding of these variables is required via research so that their individual and combined impacts are reflected in holistic design recommendations.

BABY-LED WEANING, AN OVERVIEW OF THE NEW APPROACH TO FOOD INTRODUCTION: INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the scientific literature on Baby-Led Weaning with an integrative literature review to identify risks and benefits. DATA SOURCE: The databases used were: National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS - Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and Virtual Health Library (BVS - Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) in December 2017. The inclusion criteria established were publications in English with the descriptor "baby-led weaning" in the heading, abstract, or keywords, classified as original articles, of primary nature, and available online and in full. We excluded review articles, editorials, letters to the editor, critical commentaries, and books on the subject, as well as articles not available in full and duplicates. DATA SUMMARY: We identified 106 articles, of which 17 met the selection criteria. The Baby-Led Weaning method was significantly associated with the baby's satiety, the start of complementary feeding, and adequacy of weight gain. On the other hand, choking and the intake of micronutrients were negatively associated, however with no statistical differences. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the benefits found, the risks still deserve attention and should be investigated with longitudinal randomized controlled studies to ensure the safety of the method when practiced exclusively.

Prevalence of anaemia among 6- to 59-month-old children in India: the latest picture through the NFHS-4.

India is the highest contributor to child anaemia among developing countries. To see the latest picture of child anaemia in India, data for 6- to 59-month-old children were taken from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2015-16 (NFHS-4). The study sample consisted of 1,37,347 children. The dependent variable was the anaemia status of the child. The objectives of the study were to assess (i) the distribution of anaemia prevalence by child age group, (ii) the prevalence of child anaemia by zone and state and (iii) the relation of child anaemia prevalence with social, demographic and economic variables, including maternal nutritional status and low birth weight. The study found that in India in 2015-16, 56% of 6- to 59-month-old children were anaemic - a decrease of only 13.5 percentage points since the NFHS-3 study conducted in 2005-06. It is well known that iron supplementation is necessary for child growth and brain development. This study suggests that, in addition, the socioeconomic conditions of households in India need to be improved to prevent child anaemia. Low birth weight and low maternal nutritional status are also responsible for the high prevalence of anaemia among children in India.

Emotional wellbeing in youth: A concept analysis.

AIM: The aim of this concept analysis is to report a synthesis of the extant literature and define emotional wellbeing in youth as a concept of emerging importance. BACKGROUND: Emotional wellbeing is a national research priority in the United States. It is not well defined nor understood in the context of its ontology, mechanisms, biomarkers, or promotion. As a result, interventional research cannot be adequately informed. DESIGN: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to inform the sample. DATA SOURCE: The scientific databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Ovid Medline, PsycINFO, NCBI, Allied and Complementary Medicine, EMBASE, EBSCO, JAMAevidence, CINAHL, Joanna Briggs Institute, and Reporter were queried. REVIEW METHODS: The Walker and Avant method was utilized to analyze the resultant sample for common themes of antecedents, attributes, and consequences of emotional wellbeing. RESULTS: Seventeen scientific research studies were included in the final sample. CONCLUSION: Attributes of emotional wellbeing in youth include overall positive emotions, positive self-esteem, and resilience. Antecedents are safe and stable nurturing relationships; family and social connectedness, hope, and positive body-image. The consequences of emotional wellbeing in youth include self-efficacy, self-actualization, the presence of positive health behaviors, and the absence of high-risk behaviors.

Baby-led weaning, an overview of the new approach to food introduction: integrative literature review / Baby-led weaning, panorama da nova abordagem sobre introdução alimentar: revisão integrativa de literatura

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the scientific literature on Baby-Led Weaning with an integrative literature review to identify risks and benefits. Data source: The databases used were: National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS - Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and Virtual Health Library (BVS - Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) in December 2017. The inclusion criteria established were publications in English with the descriptor "baby-led weaning" in the heading, abstract, or keywords, classified as original articles, of primary nature, and available online and in full. We excluded review articles, editorials, letters to the editor, critical commentaries, and books on the subject, as well as articles not available in full and duplicates. Data summary: We identified 106 articles, of which 17 met the selection criteria. The Baby-Led Weaning method was significantly associated with the baby's satiety, the start of complementary feeding, and adequacy of weight gain. On the other hand, choking and the intake of micronutrients were negatively associated, however with no statistical differences. Conclusions: Despite the benefits found, the risks still deserve attention and should be investigated with longitudinal randomized controlled studies to ensure the safety of the method when practiced exclusively.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a literatura científica referente ao desmame guiado pelo bebê (Baby-Led Weaning) por meio de revisão integrativa de literatura a fim de identificar riscos e benefícios. Fonte de dados: As bases de dados utilizadas foram: National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), US National Library of Medicine (PubMed) e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS); e a busca foi realizada em dezembro de 2017. Os critérios de inclusão estabelecidos foram publicações em inglês com o descritor "baby-led weaning" no título, resumo ou palavras-chave em artigos classificados como originais de natureza primária, disponibilizados online e na íntegra. Excluíram-se artigos de revisão, editoriais, cartas ao editor, comentários críticos e livros abordando o assunto, assim como artigos não disponíveis na íntegra e duplicatas. Síntese dos dados: Identificaram-se 106 artigos, dos quais 17 faziam parte do critério de seleção. O método Baby-Led Weaning teve associação significativa com a saciedade do bebê, início da alimentação complementar e adequação de ganho de peso. Já o engasgo e a ingestão de micronutrientes foram associados negativamente, contudo sem diferenças estatísticas. Conclusões: Apesar dos benefícios apontados, os riscos ainda merecem atenção por meio de pesquisas longitudinais controladas e randomizadas para fornecer mais segurança para a sua prática de forma exclusiva.

Vitamin D Screening Variations in Children and Adolescents: Who should be Screened?

PROBLEM: No consensus on vitamin D deficiency (VDD) screening in children and adolescents exists. Early VDD detection can improve the health of children. VDD can cause bone mineralization diseases, such as rickets in children. The purpose of this review is to determine existing VDD screening recommendations or clinical practice guidelines in children and adolescents. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Inclusion criteria were VDD screening 'guideline', 'clinical practice guideline', and 'recommendations' for children and adolescents in English, published 2001-2018. RESULTS: Eight current guidelines addressed VDD screening recommendations with the common recommendation results endorsing screening only for VDD in at-risk children and adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence for pediatric healthcare providers to recommend which VDD risk factors should be utilized for screening in children and adolescents. IMPLICATIONS: Further studies should focus on developing a validated VDD screening tool for children and adolescents based on risk factors.

Maternal and child characteristics and health practices affecting under-five mortality: A matched case control study in Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Though Ethiopia has shown a considerable improvement in reducing under-five mortality rate since 1990, many children still continue to die prematurely. Mixed results have been reported about determinants of under-five mortality. Besides, there is paucity of mortality studies in the current study site. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess maternal and child health related predictors of under-five mortality in Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A matched case control study was conducted in 2014 in Arba Minch Town and Arba Minch Zuria District of Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Conditional logistic regression was employed to identify the predictors of under-five mortality. Sampling weight was applied to account for the non-proportional allocation of sample to different clusters. Based on the Mosley & Chen's analytical framework for under-five and infant mortalities, the predictors were organized in to three groups: 1) personal illness control, 2) child feeding and newborn care and 3) other maternal and child related factors. RESULTS: Among personal illness control related factors: lack of post-natal care, immunization status of the child and lack of Vitamin A supplementation were significantly associated with higher rate of under-five mortality. Not breastfeeding and delaying first bath at least for 24 hours were child feeding and newborn care related factors which were found to be significantly associated with under-five mortality. Among other maternal and child related factors, shorter previous birth interval, history of death of index child's older sibling, being multiple birth and live birth after the index child were significantly associated with under-five mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In order to maintain reduction of under-five mortality during the Sustainable Development Goals era, strengthening of maternal and child health interventions, such as post-natal care, family planning, immunization, supplementation of Vitamin A for children older than six months, breastfeeding and delaying of first bath after delivery at least for 24 hours are recommended.

Sección de Neumología y Alergia Infantil del Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre / Pneumology and Child Child Allergy Section of the University Hospital 12 de Octubre

La Sección de Neumología y Alergia Infantil del Hospital 12 de Octubre ofrece atención integral al niño con patología alérgica y/o respiratoria ya desde su diagnóstico y aborda también el tratamiento y el seguimiento, tanto clínico como funcional con las técnicas más novedosas disponibles en la actualidad. Además de las patologías más prevalentes en la infancia, como el asma, atendemos también múltiples patologías complejas, de especial prevalencia en un hospital terciario como el 12 de Octubre, como la fibrosis quística, malformaciones broncopulmonares, displasia broncopulmonar, esofagitis eosinofílica, alergias alimentarias graves, ofreciendo la experiencia de especialistas en estos cuadros, de referencia en nuestra Comunidad y también en nuestro país (AU)

The Pneumology and Child Allergy Section of the Hospital 12 de Octubre offers comprehensive care to the child with allergic and/or respiratory condition from the time of their diagnosis and also approaches the treatment and follow-up, both clinical and functional with the newest techniques available at present. In addition to the most prevalent conditions in childhood, as asthma, we also attend to multiple complex conditions, of special prevalence in a tertiary hospital such as the 12 de Octubre, such as cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary malformations, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, eosinophilic esophagitis, severe food allergies, offering the experience of specialists in this pictures, of reference in our Community and also in our country (AU)

Beneficios del masaje infantil. Percepción de las madres en un centro de Atención Primaria / Benefits of the infant massage noticed by mothers in a Primary Care

OBJETIVOS. El objetivo principal del estudio fue confirmar los beneficios del masaje infantil (MI) que perciben las madres. Como objetivos secundarios se planteó conocer datos sociodemográficos de las madres que realizan el MI en casa y el tipo de lactancia predominante. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS. Estudio descriptivo longitudinal que incluyó a las madres que acudían al taller de masaje infantil de un centro de Atención Primaria de la provincia de León, con una muestra final de 49 madres. El periodo de recogida de datos fue de febrero de 2014 a febrero de 2015. Se entregó una encuesta diseñada para este estudio que recogía: tipo de lactancia, variables sociodemográficas (edad materna, estudios y etnia), los beneficios del masaje, si lo realizan en casa y si acuden acompañadas por su pareja. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa SPSS.13. RESULTADOS. Los beneficios más percibidos por las madres son el aumento del vínculo materno filial y la relajación, con un 95.9 % de respuesta positiva, seguido del aumento de la calidad del sueño en un 65.3 %. La disminución del llanto y la reducción de los cólicos tuvieron un 63.3 %. El 93.3 % de las madres realizan el masaje en casa. El tipo de lactancia predominante es la materna, con un 53.1 %. CONCLUSIONES. Las madres perciben los beneficios del masaje infantil en sus bebés y realizan la técnica en casa (AU)

OBJECTIVES. The main objective of the study was to confirm the infant massage benefits noticed by mothers. As for secondary objectives, the aim was to establish the sociodemographic characteristics of the mothers who practice the infant massage at home and the main type of feeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Longitudinal descriptive study which included the mothers who came to the infant massage workshop in a Primary Care Centre in León, with a sample composed of 49 mothers. Data were collected from February 2014 to February 2015. A questionnaire designed for this study was given, which contained: sociodemographic characteristics (mothers’ age, studies and ethnic group), benefits of the infant massage, if they did it at home and if the couple came to the workshop. For the statistical analysis, the software manager SPSS.13. was used. RESULTS. The main noticed benefits were increasing mother-child bond and relaxation, with a 95.9 % of positive answer, followed by the increasing of the sleep quality, in a 65.3 %. Less crying and decreasing of the colic had a 63.3 %. Most of the mothers, 93.3 %, did the massage at home. The main type of feeding was breast-feeding, 53.1 %. CONCLUSIONS. Mothers noticed the benefits of the infant massage and they do it at home (AU)

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY LEADERS' PERSPECTIVES ON CHILD HEALTH AND MORTALITY AND INEQUITY ISSUES IN RURAL EASTERN INDONESIA.

Since 2001 a decentralization policy has increased the responsibility placed on local government for improving child health in Indonesia. This paper explores local government and community leaders' perspectives on child health in a rural district in Indonesia, using a qualitative approach. Focus group discussions were held in May 2013. The issues probed relate to health personnel skills and motivation, service availability, the influence of traditional beliefs, and health care and gender inequity. The participants identify weak leadership, inefficient health management and inadequate child health budgets as important issues. The lack of health staff in rural areas is seen as the reason for promoting the use of traditional birth attendants. Midwifery graduates and village midwives are perceived as lacking motivation to work in rural areas. Some local traditions are seen as detrimental to child health. Husbands provide little support to their wives. These results highlight the need for a harmonization and alignment of the efforts of local government agencies and local community leaders to address child health care and gender inequity issues.