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1.
Stress ; 27(1): 2316042, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38377153

ABSTRACT

Exposure to social adversity has been associated with cortisol dysregulation during pregnancy and in later childhood; less is known about how prenatal exposure to social stressors affects postnatal cortisol of infants. In a secondary analysis of data from a longitudinal study, we tested whether a pregnant woman's reports of social adversity during the third trimester were associated with their infant's resting cortisol at 1, 6, and 12 months postnatal. Our hypothesis was that prenatal exposure to social adversity would be associated with elevation of infants' cortisol. Measures included prenatal survey reports of social stressors and economic hardship, and resting cortisol levels determined from infant saliva samples acquired at each postnatal timepoint. Data were analyzed using linear mixed effects models. The final sample included 189 women and their infants (46.56% assigned female sex at birth). Prenatal economic hardship was significantly associated with infant cortisol at 6 months postnatal; reports of social stressors were not significantly associated with cortisol at any time point. Factors associated with hardship, such as psychological distress or nutritional deficiencies, may alter fetal HPA axis development, resulting in elevated infant cortisol levels. Developmental changes unique to 6 months of age may explain effects at this timepoint. More work is needed to better comprehend the complex pre- and post-natal physiologic and behavioral factors that affect infant HPA axis development and function, and the modifying role of environmental exposures.


Subject(s)
Hydrocortisone , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Humans , Female , Child , Hydrocortisone/analysis , Longitudinal Studies , Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System , Social Alienation , Stress, Psychological/complications , Pituitary-Adrenal System , Saliva/chemistry
2.
Stress Health ; : e3373, 2024 Jan 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38268180

ABSTRACT

Stressful events are inherently emotional. As a result, the ability to regulate emotions is critical in responding effectively to stressors. Differential abilities in the management of stress appear very early in life, compelling a need to better understand factors that may shape the capacity for emotion regulation (ER). Variations in both biologic and behavioural characteristics are thought to influence individual differences in ER development. We sought to determine the differential contributions of temperament and heart rate variability (HRV; an indicator of autonomic nervous system function) to infant resting state emotionality and emotional reactivity in response to a stressor at 6 months of age. Participants included 108 mother-infant dyads. Mothers completed a measure of infant temperament at 6 months postnatal. Mother and infant also participated in a standardized stressor (the Repeated Still Face Paradigm) at that time. Electrocardiographic data were acquired from the infant during a baseline resting state and throughout the stressor. Fast Fourier Transformation was used to analyse the high frequency (HF) domain of HRV, a measure of parasympathetic nervous system activity. Infant ER was measured via standardized coding of emotional distress behaviours from video-records at baseline and throughout the stressor. Severity of mothers' depressive symptoms was included as a covariate in analyses. Results of linear regression indicate that neither temperament nor HRV were associated significantly with an infant's emotional resting state, although a small effect size was found for the relationship between infant negative affectivity and greater emotional distress (ß = 0.23, p = 0.08) prior to the stressor. Higher HF-HRV (suggesting parasympathetic dominance) was related to greater emotional distress in response to the stressor (ß = 0.34, p = 0.009). This greater emotional reactivity may reflect a more robust capacity to mount an emotional response to the stressor when infants encounter it from a bedrock of parasympathetic activation. Findings may inform eventual markers for assessment of ER in infancy and areas for intervention to enhance infant management of emotions, especially during stressful events.

3.
J Sch Health ; 94(5): 462-468, 2024 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38234257

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: School-based health centers (SBHCs) are ideal settings to address social needs of youth and families. Case managers can play a vital role in social care interventions. METHODS: We piloted a program to incorporate a Case Manager into the care team of 1 SBHC serving 2 local schools with over 900 students and their surrounding communities. This project's purpose was to evaluate program feasibility, utilization, and acceptability. Our mixed-methods evaluation included analyses of data from electronic health records, client satisfaction surveys, and staff interviews. RESULTS: During the 6-month pilot, the Case Manager served 133 clients (about one third of all SBHC clients served) through 593 contacts. Most contacts included referrals to support services (90%) and 37% addressed newcomer immigrant adjustment. All 37 respondents to the satisfaction survey during the 3-month administration period (44% response rate) reported that the Case Manager made them feel comfortable asking for help; 95% reported getting the help they needed. The 7 SBHC staff interviewed shared many program benefits, including increased time for clinical services. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: Inequities in children's health and educational achievement are influenced by structural factors. Results from our pilot program demonstrate that SBHCs may be well-positioned to deliver social care interventions and that case managers enhance the ability to deliver quality care. CONCLUSIONS: School-based programs to address unmet social needs are critical to supporting learning and wellness for all youth. Robust studies are needed to further test the impacts of case management in SBHCs.


Subject(s)
School Health Services , School Nursing , Child , Humans , Adolescent , Case Management , Schools , Students
4.
Pediatr Res ; 95(6): 1553-1563, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38233512

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prior work has found relationships between childhood social adversity and biomarkers of stress, but knowledge gaps remain. To help address these gaps, we explored associations between social adversity and biomarkers of inflammation (interleukin-1ß [IL-1ß], IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], and salivary cytokine hierarchical "clusters" based on the three interleukins), neuroendocrine function (cortisol, cortisone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, and progesterone), neuromodulation (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, stearoylethanolamine, oleoylethanolamide, and palmitoylethanolamide), and epigenetic aging (Pediatric-Buccal-Epigenetic clock). METHODS: We collected biomarker samples of children ages 0-17 recruited from an acute care pediatrics clinic and examined their associations with caregiver-endorsed education, income, social risk factors, and cumulative adversity. We calculated regression-adjusted means for each biomarker and compared associations with social factors using Wald tests. We used logistic regression to predict being in the highest cytokine cluster based on social predictors. RESULTS: Our final sample included 537 children but varied based on each biomarker. Cumulative social adversity was significantly associated with having higher levels of all inflammatory markers and with cortisol, displaying a U-shaped distribution. There were no significant relationships between cumulative social adversity and cortisone, neuromodulation biomarkers or epigenetic aging. CONCLUSION: Our findings support prior work suggesting that social stress exposures contribute to increased inflammation in children. IMPACT: Our study is one of the largest studies examining associations between childhood social adversity and biomarkers of inflammation, neuroendocrine function, neuromodulation, and epigenetic aging. It is one of the largest studies to link childhood social adversity to biomarkers of inflammation, and the first of which we are aware to link cumulative social adversity to cytokine clusters. It is also one of the largest studies to examine associations between steroids and epigenetic aging among children, and one of the only studies of which we are aware to examine associations between social adversity and endocannabinoids among children. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02746393.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Aging , Biomarkers , Inflammation , Stress, Psychological , Humans , Biomarkers/metabolism , Child , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Adolescent , Infant , Cytokines/metabolism , Infant, Newborn , Saliva/chemistry , Saliva/metabolism , Epigenesis, Genetic , Risk Factors
5.
Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks) ; 7: 24705470231173768, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37180829

ABSTRACT

Background: Mothers and their children demonstrate dyadic synchrony of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function, likely influenced by shared genetic or environmental factors. Although evidence has shown that chronic stress exposure has physiologic consequences for individuals-including on the HPA axis-minimal research has explored how unmet social needs such as food and housing instability may be associated with chronic stress and HPA axis synchrony in mother-child dyads. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from 364 mother-child dyads with low-income recruited during a randomized trial conducted in an urban pediatric clinic. We used latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify subgroups based on naturally occurring patterns of within-dyad hair cortisol concentration (HCC). A logistic regression model predicted dyadic HCC profile membership as a function of summative count of survey-reported unmet social needs, controlling for demographic and health covariates. Results: LPA of HCC data from dyads revealed a 2-profile model as the best fit. Comparisons of log HCC for mothers and children in each profile group resulted in significantly "higher dyadic HCC" versus "lower dyadic HCC" profiles (median log HCC for mothers: 4.64 vs 1.58; children: 5.92 vs 2.79, respectively; P < .001). In the fully adjusted model, each one-unit increase in number of unmet social needs predicted significantly higher odds of membership in the higher dyadic HCC profile when compared to the lower dyadic HCC profile (odds ratio = 1.13; 95% confidence interval [1.04-1.23]; P = .01). Conclusion: Mother-child dyads experience synchronous patterns of physiologic stress, and an increasing number of unmet social needs is associated with a profile of higher dyadic HCC. Interventions aimed at decreasing family-level unmet social needs or maternal stress are, therefore, likely to affect pediatric stress and related health inequities; efforts to address pediatric stress similarly may affect maternal stress and related health inequities. Future research should explore the measures and methods needed to understand the impact of unmet social needs and stress on family dyads.

6.
J Child Fam Stud ; 32(3): 796-811, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37143480

ABSTRACT

Latinx families may be particularly vulnerable to emotional dysfunction, due to higher rates of economic hardship and complex social influences in this population. Little is known about the impact of environmental stressors such as unmet social needs and maternal stress on the emotional health of Latinx children from low-income families. We conducted secondary analyses using survey and biomarker data from 432 Latinx children and mothers collected in a separate study. We used binomial and multinomial logistic regression to test if household social needs, or maternal perceived stress or hair cortisol concentration (HCC), predicted child measures of emotional functioning or child HCC, independent of relevant sociodemographic factors. Approximately 40% of children in the sample had symptoms consistent with emotional dysfunction, and over 37% of households reported five or more social needs. High perceived maternal stress predicted higher odds of child emotional dysfunction (OR = 2.15; 95% CI [1.14, 4.04]; p = 0.01), and high maternal HCC was positively associated with high child HCC (OR = 10.60; 95% CI [4.20, 26.74]; p < 0.01). Most individual household social needs, as well as the level of household social need, were not independently associated with child emotional dysfunction or child HCC. Our findings begin to define a framework for understanding emotional health, stress, and resilience when caring for Latinx children and mothers living with high levels of social need, and the need for integrated mental health and social needs screening and interventions in settings that serve this population.

7.
J Immigr Minor Health ; 25(4): 755-764, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36422792

ABSTRACT

Associations between household social needs, acculturation, and emotional health remain understudied, particularly among Latinx mothers. We analyzed baseline survey data from 455 Latinx mothers in a previous study. Using multinomial regression, we examined whether emotional problems and perceived stress were associated with household social needs and acculturation. Almost half the sample reported four or more household social needs. Social needs cumulatively and independently predicted increased odds of frequent emotional problems or perceived stress. Lower acculturation predicted lower odds of frequent emotional problems. There is increased risk for emotional problems and stress in low-income Latinx mothers who experience high social need. Integrated social service and mental health care models may be one way to improve health outcomes. More research is needed to understand how clinical settings can leverage unique cultural protective factors to address the social and emotional health needs of Latinx mothers.


Subject(s)
Acculturation , Mothers , Poverty , Female , Humans , Hispanic or Latino/psychology , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Health Services Needs and Demand , Emotions , United States
8.
Psychoneuroendocrinology ; 147: 105960, 2023 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36327758

ABSTRACT

Administration of antenatal corticosteroids (AC) is the standard of care during pregnancy for women who are at risk of early delivery. Evidence indicates that AC improve survival and reduce morbidity for preterm infants. However, research suggests that infants whose mothers receive AC have an altered hypothalamic-pituitary-axis (HPA) response to stressors in early life. Results are mixed regarding the nature of these effects, with studies showing both suppressed and augmented HPA activity. In addition, research is very limited beyond the 4th month of life. The purpose of this study was to determine if AC exposure was associated with infant cortisol levels in a resting state or in response to a stressor at 1, 6 and 12 months postnatal. We also evaluated the moderating role of preterm birth in this association. 181 women and their infants participated in the study. Women were recruited during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy; at this time, they completed the Perceived Stress Scale and provided 8 salivary samples over a 2-day period for cortisol assay. They provided these data again at 6 and 12 months postnatal. At 1, 6, and 12 months postnatal, salivary samples were collected from infants to examine their cortisol levels before and after participation in a 'stressor protocol'. Data were extracted from the medical record on AC exposure, gestational age, maternal obstetric risk, and neonatal morbidity. Mixed effects multilevel regression modeling was used to examine the aims. Infants whose mothers received AC had significantly lower resting state (B = -2.47, CI: -3.691, -0.0484) and post-stressor (B = -2.51, CI: -4.283, -0.4276) cortisol levels across the first year of life than infants whose mothers did not receive AC. There was no moderating effect of preterm birth on the relationship between AC exposure and cortisol. Results indicate a state of dampened HPA activation and cortisol hypo-arousal that persists across the first year of life among infants who were exposed to corticosteroids in utero. Further research is needed to examine mechanisms responsible for any alterations that occur during development of the fetal HPA axis, including epigenetic and biochemical factors that control hormonal secretion, negative feedback, and glucocorticoid receptor function throughout the HPA axis. Findings warrant careful consideration by obstetric clinicians of the benefits and risks of prescribing AC.


Subject(s)
Hydrocortisone , Premature Birth , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Hydrocortisone/pharmacology , Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System , Pituitary-Adrenal System , Infant, Premature , Adrenal Cortex Hormones , Stress, Psychological
9.
Prog Community Health Partnersh ; 17(4): 645-652, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38286779

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Regular consumption of produce is a challenge for families with young children in low food access areas. OBJECTIVE: A community partnership formed to evaluate feasibility of and interest in a child care center-based program for produce delivery from an online grocery vendor. METHODS: Surveys were collected from caregivers across three child care centers, including produce program participants. Descriptive statistics summarize household characteristics and participants' experience with the program. RESULTS: Challenges related to online payment and difficulty planning delivery times led to implementation of a modified intervention. Survey results revealed factors related to food access and storage that may impact interest and feasibility of online grocery in some communities. CONCLUSIONS: Online grocery vendors may increase accessibility to fresh produce for families, but barriers to their use still exist. Trusted community partners such as child care centers may offer some of the resources needed for success.


Subject(s)
Child Care , Community-Based Participatory Research , Humans , Child , Child, Preschool , Child Day Care Centers , Food , Trust
10.
Res Gerontol Nurs ; 14(3): 117-125, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34039151

ABSTRACT

Care in the home is increasingly complex, with family caregivers now expected to take on aspects of care previously managed by nurses and other health professionals. In a national sample of caregivers of older adults, we examined predictors and outcomes of level of care (low, medium, high) based on caregiving hours and counts of activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs supported. Characteristics associated with high level of care include Hispanic or "other" race/ethnicity, being unemployed, and specific care recipient conditions (e.g., Alzheimer's disease/dementia, cancer, mobility limitations). High compared to low level of care is also associated with caregiving difficulty and unmet needs. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and nursing research to further understand the features and dynamics of care complexity. Such research can inform family-centered interventions, health care system redesign, and health policies to support family caregivers of older adults engaged in complex care. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 14(3), 117-125.].


Subject(s)
Caregivers , Nursing Research , Activities of Daily Living , Aged , Hispanic or Latino , Humans
11.
Brain Behav Immun ; 94: 125-137, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33662503

ABSTRACT

Some individuals exposed to early life stress show evidence of enhanced systemic inflammation and are at greater risk for psychopathology. In the current study, caregivers and their offspring (0-17 years) were recruited at a pediatric clinic visit at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Mothers and seven-year-old children from the Growing Up inSingaporeTowards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) prospective birth cohort were used as a replication cohort. Caregivers perceived stress was measured to determine potential intergenerational effects on the children's functioning and inflammation levels. Children's emotional functioning in the UCSF cohort was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) inventory. Child emotional and behavioral functioning was measured using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) in GUSTO. Saliva was collected from the children and salivary levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-8 and TNF-α were measured using an electrochemiluminescent cytokine multiplex panel. Child IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-8 cytokine levels were clustered into low, average, and high cytokine cluster groups using hierarchical cluster analysis. We did not find that salivary cytokine clusters were significantly associated with children's emotional or behavioral function. However, cytokine clusters did significantly moderate the association between increased caregiver perceived stress and reduced child emotional functioning (UCSF cohort) and increased Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity (ADH) problems (GUSTO cohort, uncorrected Cohen's F2 = 0.02). Using a cytokine clustering technique may be useful in identifying those children exposed to increased caregiver perceived stress that are at risk of emotional and attention deficit hyperactivity problems.


Subject(s)
Caregivers , Cytokines , Emotions , Stress, Psychological , Adolescent , Adolescent Health , Child , Child Health , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Mental Health , Prospective Studies , Quality of Life , Saliva
12.
Glob Pediatr Health ; 8: 2333794X21989555, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33614841

ABSTRACT

The study evaluated an educational intervention with family child care home (FCCH) providers to implement nutrition standards. A convenience sample of licensed California FCCH providers (n = 30) attended a 2-hour, in-person group training in English or Spanish on nutrition standards for infants and children aged 1 to 5 years. Provider surveys and researcher observations during meals/snacks were conducted pre- and 3 months post-intervention. Providers rated the training as excellent (average score of 4.9 on a scale of 1-5). Adherence, assessed by survey and observation and compared over time using paired t-tests, increased from an average of 36% pre-intervention to 44% post-intervention (P = .06) of providers (n = 12) for infant standards and from 59% to 68% (P < .001) of providers (n = 30) for child standards. One-third (39%) of providers rated infant standards and 19% of providers rated child standards as difficult to implement. Nutrition standards can be implemented by FCCH providers after an educational intervention; a larger study is warranted with a representative group of providers.

13.
J Gerontol Nurs ; 46(9): 25-35, 2020 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32845344

ABSTRACT

Informal caregivers are increasingly performing medical/nursing tasks in the home for adult care recipients, often without adequate support. In the current study, using data from the Caregiving in the U.S. 2015 survey (N = 1,248), we examined associations between performing medical/nursing tasks and caregiver well-being (e.g., physical strain, emotional stress, burden of care). Overall, 58% of caregivers performed medical/nursing tasks. Compared to those who did not, those performing tasks had higher risk of emotional stress, physical strain, and high burden of care. Among task performers, difficulty performing tasks was associated with higher risk of all outcomes; having no choice in caregiving was independently associated with higher risk of emotional stress and physical strain. Caregivers performing medical/nursing tasks, particularly those who find tasks difficult, are at risk for adverse outcomes. New clinical approaches are needed to ensure meaningful conversations about caregivers' willingness, availability, and ability to perform medical/nursing tasks and to provide support for this part of the caregiving role. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(9), 25-35.].


Subject(s)
Caregivers , Task Performance and Analysis , Humans , Surveys and Questionnaires , United States
14.
JAMA Netw Open ; 3(3): e200701, 2020 03 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32154888

ABSTRACT

Importance: Social and economic contexts shape children's short- and long-term health. Efforts to address contextual risk factors are increasingly incorporated into pediatric health care. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of 2 social risk-related interventions. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial included English- and/or Spanish-speaking caregiver-child dyads recruited from a pediatric urgent care clinic nested in a large, urban, safety-net hospital. Study recruitment, enrollment, and follow-up were conducted from July 18, 2016, to March 8, 2019. Data analysis was conducted from January 1, 2019, to January 20, 2020. Interventions: Following standardized social risk assessment, caregivers were randomly assigned to receive either written information regarding relevant government and community social services resources or comparable written information plus in-person assistance and follow-up focused on service access. Main Outcomes and Measures: Caregiver-reported number of social risk factors and child health 6 months after enrollment. Results: Among 611 caregiver-child dyads enrolled in the study, 302 dyads were randomized to the written resources group and 309 dyads were randomized to the written resources plus in-person assistance group. The mean (SD) age of children was 6.1 (5.0) years; 483 children (79.1%) were Hispanic; and 315 children (51.6%) were girls. There were no significant differences between groups in the effects of the interventions. In post hoc secondary analyses, the number of reported social risks decreased from baseline to 6-month follow-up in both groups: caregivers who received written resources alone reported a mean (SE) of 1.28 (0.19) fewer risks at follow-up, while those receiving written resources plus in-person assistance reported 1.74 (0.21) fewer risks at follow-up (both P < .001). In both groups, there were small but statistically significant improvements from baseline to follow-up in child health (mean [SE] change: written resources, 0.37 [0.07]; written resources plus in-person assistance, 0.24 [0.07]; both P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: This randomized clinical trial compared 2 approaches to addressing social risks in a pediatric urgent care setting and found no statistically significant differences in the social risk and child and caregiver health effects of providing written resources at the point of care with vs without in-person longitudinal navigation services. Caregivers in both groups reported fewer social risks and improved child and caregiver health 6 months after the intervention. These findings deepen understanding of effective doses of social risk-related interventions. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02746393.


Subject(s)
Caregivers/psychology , Child Health Services/organization & administration , Child Health , Parents/psychology , Social Work/methods , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Retrospective Studies
16.
Appetite ; 138: 215-222, 2019 07 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30954634

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators to healthy eating among low-income Latino adolescents using an intervention development framework. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews (n = 30) were conducted with Latino youth ages 13-17 who had overweight or obesity at a safety-net clinic in San Francisco, CA. Adolescent beliefs and attitudes regarding healthy eating and individual, family, and community level barriers and facilitators were elicited. Interviews were analyzed using an inductive approach and the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation (COM-B) model. RESULTS: Participants had capability gaps; while they demonstrated basic nutrition knowledge, they also held significant misconceptions about healthy eating, equating "organic" with healthy and failing to recognize sugar in a number of beverages and foods. Families were a source of support through role modeling and purchasing fresh produce, yet in many cases also undermined adolescents' healthy eating goals through purchases of high calorie low nutrient food, an opportunity facilitator and challenge. By contrast, peers were mostly a negative influence due to frequent consumption of high calorie low nutrient food. The school environment posed opportunity challenges as participants found school lunch unpalatable and had ready access to unhealthy options nearby. Participants were motivated to improve their eating habits but often not resilient in the face of obstacles. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to promote healthy eating among low-income Latino adolescents should address common nutritional misconceptions, target families as well as teens, consider peer influences, and advocate for policy approaches that improve the school food environment.


Subject(s)
Diet, Healthy/psychology , Food Preferences/psychology , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Hispanic or Latino/psychology , Pediatric Obesity/psychology , Pediatric Obesity/therapy , Adolescent , Diet, Healthy/methods , Feeding Behavior/psychology , Female , Focus Groups , Hispanic or Latino/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Nutritional Status , Pediatric Obesity/prevention & control , Poverty/psychology , Poverty/statistics & numerical data , San Francisco
17.
Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care ; 42(6): 132-56; discussion 157-8, 2012 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22677513

ABSTRACT

School-based health centers (SBHCs) provide a variety of health care services to youth in a convenient and accessible environment. Over the past 40 years, the growth of SBHCs evolved from various public health needs to the development of a specific collaborative model of care that is sensitive to the unique needs of children and youth, as well as to vulnerable populations facing significant barriers to access. The SBHC model of health care comprises of on-school site health care delivery by an interdisciplinary team of health professionals, which can include primary care and mental health clinicians. Research has demonstrated the SBHCs' impacts on delivering preventive care, such as immunizations; managing chronic illnesses, such as asthma, obesity, and mental health conditions; providing reproductive health services for adolescents; and even improving youths' academic performance. Although evaluation of the SBHC model of care has been complicated, results have thus far demonstrated increased access to care, improved health and education outcomes, and high levels of satisfaction. Despite their proven success, SBHCs have consistently faced challenges in securing adequate funding for operations and developing effective financial systems for billing and reimbursement. Implementation of health care reform (The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [P.L. 111-148]) will profoundly affect the health care access and outcomes of children and youth, particularly vulnerable populations. The inclusion of funding for SBHCs in this legislation is momentous, as there continues to be increased demand and limited funding for affordable services. To better understand how this model of care has and could further help promote the health of our nation's youth, a review is presented of the history and growth of SBHCs and the literature demonstrating their impacts. It may not be feasible for SBHCs to be established in every school campus in the country. However, the lessons learned from the synergy of the health and school settings have major implications for the delivery of care for all providers concerned with improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents.


Subject(s)
Health Care Reform , School Health Services/organization & administration , Adolescent , Child , Delivery of Health Care, Integrated/organization & administration , Health Promotion/organization & administration , History, 20th Century , History, 21st Century , Humans , Models, Organizational , School Health Services/history , United States
18.
Curr Opin Pediatr ; 22(2): 234-40, 2010 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20125025

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Childhood vaccination recommendations in the United States have increased throughout the years. Many providers, patients, and families are overwhelmed and have concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Various barriers and challenges exist for healthcare providers to successfully implement the vaccination recommendations. This review will discuss the 2009 and newly released 2010 immunization recommendations, as well as challenges and strategies to improve vaccination in children and adolescents. RECENT FINDINGS: Seasonal influenza immunization continues to be promoted for all children, and recommendations for vaccination against novel influenza A have emerged as well. Concerns surrounding vaccine safety and necessity may cause increasing rates of vaccine refusal among some parents, but clear messages from providers and unbiased information about benefits and risks of immunization may counteract these doubts. Barriers to immunizing adolescents continue as access to healthcare in this age group changes. SUMMARY: Pediatric providers currently face numerous challenges in improving rates of immunization among children and adolescents. Promoting coverage through the influenza vaccines, counseling parents with clear information about the risks and benefits of vaccines, and taking advantage of nonpreventive visits for immunization are some strategies suggested to address these challenges.


Subject(s)
Immunization/standards , Adolescent , Child , Humans , Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage , Vaccination/standards
19.
Curr Opin Pediatr ; 21(2): 262-268, 2009 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19663043

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Childhood obesity rates remain high, especially among adolescents, minorities, and children with disabilities. The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association have released recommendations for childhood obesity treatment and prevention which include interventions related to physical and sedentary activity. This review explores recent updates in the area of physical activity and sedentary behavior related to these recommendations as well as emerging evidence relevant to physical activity among children with disabilities. RECENT FINDINGS: Safety and access are among some of the environmental barriers to children's participation in extracurricular physical activity that need to be addressed. Analyses of the relationship between physical activity and sedentary screen time continue to show inconsistent results, although evidence in support of active video games is increasing. Children with disabilities are a special subpopulation for whom physical activity should particularly be encouraged. SUMMARY: Increased physical activity and decreased sedentary behaviors are essential components of obesity management in children with and without disabilities. Pediatric providers are encouraged to address barriers to physical activity with all families and act as advocates for changes in the local community that support access to physical activity for all children.


Subject(s)
Disabled Persons/rehabilitation , Exercise , Obesity/prevention & control , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Health Behavior , Health Promotion , Health Services Accessibility , Humans , Motor Skills , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Television , Video Games
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