A qualitative exploration of mothers' perspectives on infant formula use in Uruguay.

The transformation of the first-food systems and the widespread availability and marketing of breastmilk substitutes undermine efforts to promote adequate breastfeeding practices. The objective of the present research was to explore mothers' perspectives on infant formula use in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. A generic qualitative design was used to explore mothers' perspectives on the factors that act as enablers or barriers for infant formula use. Semi-structured interviews with thirty-four mothers of 0-23 months old children, aged between 25- and 40-years old, were conducted. The interview transcripts were analyzed using content analysis based on inductive-deductive coding considering the framework of the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior (COM-B) model. The discourse of the interviewees enabled the identification of a wide range of barriers and enablers for the use of infant formula, which were related to the three components of the model: capabilities, opportunity, and motivation. The health system emerged as the key determinant of infant formula use. Most of the participants who used infant formula referred to medical indication when explaining the reasons underlying their infant feeding decisions. The working status of the mother and emotional aspects of the child feeding experience were also identified as key enablers of infant formula use, whereas knowledge about health benefits and breastfeeding techniques, support from families and health-professionals, and motivation to breastfeed were key barriers. Taken together, these results suggest that strategies to reduce the use of infant formula in Uruguay should mainly focus on providing opportunities to breastfeed by improving the quality of the support and guidance provided to families in the health system and facilitating greater balance between breastfeeding and work.

Effect of floral therapy in mothers of premature newborns: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To analyze the effect of using Bach's emergency compound, Five-Flower essence, on the stress level of mothers with premature newborns. METHODS: The randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 117 postpartum women. They were divided into intervention (with five-flower) and control groups. Their children were admitted to a Maternity Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, from June 2019 to May 2021. The use of the Five-Flower essence was proposed during hospitalization (4 drops every 15 min four times a day) and at home (16 drops a day at pre-determined times) in the ten days after the first intervention. The pre-and post-intervention parameters were evaluated using the Instrument Parental Stress Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and cortisol analysis. Student's T, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, and Generalized Estimating Equation models were used to analyze the data. The 5 % significance level was considered in statistical tests. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous regarding sociodemographic, obstetric, and neonatal characteristics (p > 0.05). Mean stress scores were calculated for the control (3.75) and intervention (3.82) groups before intervention and a range was observed for the control (2.75-3.44) and intervention (2.55-3.54) groups after the intervention; the difference between groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Mean cortisol levels were calculated for the control (3.53) and intervention (3.45) groups before intervention and a range was observed for the control (3.38-2.75) and intervention (2.32-2.86) groups after intervention, showing distinct declines in the groups but without statistical difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the Five-Flower essence as a non-pharmacological therapy is effective in reducing the stress and cortisol levels in mothers of premature newborns admitted to neonatal and semi-intensive care units.

Maternal schooling and child's age interaction and its association with ultra-processed food consumption in Brazilian children <5 years of age: Results from the Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019).

BACKGROUND: The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has increased worldwide, including among children. Maternal schooling has been associated with children's UPF consumption. The present study examined the interaction between maternal schooling and child age in the association with UPF consumption in Brazilian children <5 years. METHODS: The Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019) is a household-based population survey of 14,558 children <5 years residing in 123 Brazilian municipalities. A structured questionnaire was used to quantify the consumption of nine groups of UPF, according to the NOVA classification, on the day before the interview. The mean, standard deviation and 95% CI for UPF consumption are presented. A multiple Poisson regression model was used, including an interaction between maternal schooling and child age, to estimate the predicted consumption of UPF. RESULTS: The prevalence of consumption of at least one UPF group was 81% in Brazilian children <5 years, with the most consumed UPFs being sweet or savoury biscuits/cookies (51.0%), sweetened beverages (37.5%), baby cereals (29.4%) and yogurt (28.1%). Children 6-11 months of age had a lower mean consumption of UPF when maternal schooling was >12 years (0.73 [95% CI: 0.48-0.98]) compared to those whose mothers had ≤7 years (1.55 [95% CI: 1.18-1.92]) and 8-11 years of schooling (1.40 [95% CI: 1.19-1.61]). The interaction model between maternal schooling and child age (p < 0.001) indicated that children of mothers with higher schooling had significantly lower consumption of UPF up to 8 months of age. However, no significant differences in consumption were observed thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: The child age modifies the association of maternal schooling on UPF consumption, that is, UPF consumption was lower for children up to 8 months when their mothers had higher schooling, whereas no significant results were found for older infants.

Nursing mothers' social representations regarding sexualities in the breastfeeding context: a correspondence factor analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze nursing mothers' social representations of sexuality in the breastfeeding context and their repercussions in sexual and reproductive health. METHOD: An exploratory study grounded on the Theory of Social Representations and conducted in a Human Milk Bank from northern Brazil with 110 nursing mothers, following the Free Word Association Technique. Data were analyzed by means of Correspondence Factor Analysis in the software Tri- Deux-Mots 5.1. RESULTS: Sexual intercourse was the significant expression of sexualities, reflected in the representation of this phenomenon in breastfeeding, anchored in cultural gender relations; meanwhile, the search for sexual desire and pleasure connected to the ideal of romantic love arises. The bodily and daily changes inherent to this period take on an unfavorable connotation and become naturalized over time, negatively influencing nursing mothers' sexual and reproductive health. CONCLUSION: Understanding sexuality/sexualities in the breastfeeding context can support Nursing and Health care models in line with the social experiences and thoughts of the different groups of nursing mothers.

COMT Val158Met polymorphism protects the impact of a mother's history of childhood trauma on emotional and behavioural problems in preschool children.

Childhood trauma has a well-established negative impact on mental health outcomes across the lifespan. Cumulative evidence suggests an intergenerational transmission of trauma to descendants. In this way, considering the child's COMT Val158Met (rs4680: G > A) variant, the study aims to investigate the interactive effect of maternal childhood trauma on the emotional/behavioural problems of their offspring in preschoolers age (4-5 and 11 years old) from a population-based dyad of pregnant adolescent women. The behaviour problems of 310 children were assessed using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) instrument, and maternal trauma was assessed with the Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) between the 20 to 22° gestational weeks. Maternal childhood trauma increases the risk for all emotional/behavioural problems in the offspring, and no direct association between the child's Val158Met genotypes with emotional/behavioural problems. Interestingly, in moderation analysis adjusted by sex, age and skin colour, children of mothers exposed to childhood trauma, carrying the Val/Met genotype, are less likely to develop externalising (p = .020) and total problems (p = .041) when compared to homozygous (Val/Val and Met/Met). Thus, our findings reinforce evidence on the intergenerational impact of maternal trauma on emotional/behavioural problems and demonstrate that this risk is influenced by the genetic background of the individual, varying according to the functional COMT genotype, which confers a protective profile for the development of externalising and total problems.

[Attitude of mothers towards the demand for ultra-processed foods by children from 8 to 12 years of age in Basavilbaso, Entre Ríos, Argentina] / Actitud de las madres frente a la demanda de alimentos ultraprocesados por parte de niños de 8 a 12 años en Basavilbaso, Entre Ríos, Argentina.

Introduction: Mothers are the main mediators in the process of selecting and buying food for their children. Objective: Describe the purchasing attitude of mothers in response to the demand for ultra-processed foods by children between 8 and 12 years of age. For this, it was proposed: i) Characterize the ultra-processed foods that children request according to their mothers, ii) ii) Identify the factors considered when purchasing the foods requested by their children, iii) Evaluate their perception of the influence of advertising in their children's demand for food, and iv) Describe their attitude towards the behavior of children during purchases of ultra-processed foods. Methods: Non-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive quantitative study. An online survey was designed that allowed reaching the participation of 126 mothers of 153 children. Data were analyzed using univariate descriptive analysis techniques. Results: Sweet and salty cookies, desserts and ice creams, and sugary drinks were the products most requested by children. Mothers mainly considered price and nutritional quality when purchasing these foods. In addition, 83.3% of mothers stated that food advertising influences their children's demands. At the insistence of the children, more than 50% of the mothers occasionally agreed to purchase, although 73.8% had no difficulties refusing the requests. Conclusion: The purchasing attitude of mothers mediates between the demands of their children and their own decisions, establishing limits regarding certain foods requested.

Introducción: Las madres son las principales mediadoras en el proceso de selección y compra de alimentos para sus hijos. Objetivos: Describir la actitud de compra de madres frente a la demanda de alimentos ultraprocesados por parte de niños de entre 8 y 12 años. Para ello, se propuso: i) Caracterizar los alimentos ultraprocesados que los niños solicitan según las madres, ii) ii) Identificar los factores considerados al momento de adquirir los alimentos solicitados por los hijos, iii) Evaluar su percepción sobre la influencia de la publicidad alimentaria en la demanda de alimentos de sus hijos, y iv) Describir su actitud frente al comportamiento de los niños durante las compras de alimentos ultraprocesados. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo no experimental, transversal y descriptivo. Se diseñó una encuesta en línea que permitió alcanzar la participación de 126 madres de 153 niños. Los datos se analizaron mediante técnicas de análisis descriptivo univariable. Resultados: Las galletitas dulces y saladas, postres y helados, y bebidas azucaradas fueron los productos más solicitados por los niños. Las madres consideraron principalmente el precio y la calidad nutricional al adquirir estos alimentos. Además, el 83,3% de las madres afirmaron que la publicidad alimentaria influye en la demanda de sus hijos. Ante la insistencia de los niños, más del 50% de las madres ocasionalmente accedían a la compra, aunque el 73,8% no presentaba dificultades para negarse a los pedidos. Conclusión: La actitud de compra de las madres media entre las demandas de sus hijos y sus propias decisiones, estableciendo límites respecto a ciertos alimentos solicitados.

Effects of interpersonal psychotherapy on anxiety and alexithymia in mothers in the postpartum period: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of interpersonal psychotherapy on anxiety and alexithymia in mothers in the postpartum period. METHODS: This randomized controlled experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design was conducted to determine the effects of interpersonal psychotherapy on anxiety and alexithymia in mothers during the postpartum period. Data were collected from postpartum mothers who presented to the pediatric outpatient clinic in a private hospital in Istanbul at the pre- and post-tests between August 2022 and January 2023. The study was conducted between June 10, 2022, and June 23, 2023. In the study, data were obtained with the "Personal Information Form," "Beck Anxiety Inventory," and "Toronto Alexithymia Scale." This randomized controlled experimental study with the pre- and post-test designs was conducted in a private hospital in Istanbul, a province located on both sides of the Bosporus Strait in northwest Turkey, with 14 postpartum mothers. Of them, seven were assigned to the experimental group and seven to the control group. The participants in the experimental group underwent interpersonal psychotherapy. The participants in the control group underwent no intervention. In the analysis of the data, while repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the scale scores, Fisher's least significant difference test was used for multiple comparisons of the group*time interaction. RESULTS: The mean scores obtained from the "Beck Anxiety Inventory" and "Toronto Alexithymia Scale" by the participants in the experimental group before the interpersonal psychotherapy were 19.71±4.11 and 55.43±9.05, respectively, and 8.86±3.02 and 41.00±7.44, respectively, after the intervention, indicating that they decreased statistically significantly (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicated that interpersonal psychotherapy reduced anxiety and alexithymia levels in mothers in the postpartum period. Based on this result, it is recommended that interpersonal psychotherapy be utilized in clinical practice.

Cartilla para el fortalecimiento de la crianza en parentalidad positiva dirigido a madres, padres y cuidadores / Booklet for strengthening positive parenting aimed at mothers, fathers and caregivers

La presente publicación describe una propuesta de intervención grupal centrada en la adquisición de conocimientos y entrenamiento de habilidades bajo una metodología activa, reflexiva y transformadora para fortalecer las habilidades de crianza de madres, padres y/o cuidadores. Ser madre, padre o cuidador/a constituye una de las tareas más importantes en la vida de una persona, dado que, de su desempeño depende en gran medida el futuro que afectan el desarrollo psicosocial de las niñas, niños y adolescentes

Physical Activity Outcomes of a Culturally Tailored, Father-Focused, and Family-Centered Health Promotion Program for Mexican-Heritage Families: ¡Haz Espacio Para Papi! (Make Room for Daddy).

Despite the health benefits of physical activity (PA), many individuals do not meet PA recommendations. Family-centered PA approaches, particularly active engagement by Mexican-heritage fathers, may support family PA. This study reports PA outcomes of a culturally tailored, father-focused, and family-centered, program for Mexican-heritage families. Promotora researchers recruited participating families (n = 59, n = 42 complete cases), consisting of children (mean age: 10.1 [SD = 0.9]), fathers, and mothers from five randomly selected geographic clusters in low-resourced colonias in south Texas, in a stepped-wedge randomized design. PA was measured using wrist-worn ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers. Statistical analyses for moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), light PA (LPA), and sedentary time for the child, father, and mother were conducted using linear mixed models. The findings were as follows: children had no significant changes in MVPA (p = 0.18), LPA (p = 0.52), or sedentary behavior (p = 0.74); fathers had no significant changes in MVPA (p = 0.94), LPA (p = 0.17), or sedentary behavior (p = 0.15); and mothers had a significant decrease in LPA (p < 0.01), and no significant changes in MVPA (p = 0.66) or sedentary behavior (p = 0.77). Despite null results, this study provides an example of a culturally tailored, family-focused program implemented among Mexican-heritage families with limited PA resources and opportunities. Future PA interventions may require higher PA-focused doses over longer time periods to produce a significant change in LPA, MVPA, or sedentary time.

Low Antenatal Care Number of Consultations Is Associated with Gestational Weight Gain and Birth Weight of Offspring of Teenage Mothers: A Study Based on Colombian and Mexican Cohorts.

BACKGROUND: More than 70% of pregnant adolescents in developing countries experience inappropriate gestational weight gain (GWG). OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of the number of antenatal care visits (ANC) with GWG, birth weight, and their differences between two countries. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in two cohorts of adolescents, one from Mexico and one from Colombia. The study calculated pregestational body mass index (BMI), obtained GWG and birth weight, and collected socioeconomic characteristics. Birth weight was categorized according to gestational age. A total of 690 mother-child pairs were included, of which 42.6% were Colombian and 57.4% Mexican. RESULTS: The study found no association between socioeconomic characteristics and GWG or birth weight. Colombian adolescents were more likely to experience insufficient GWG (68%), compared with 36% of Mexican adolescents. Colombian adolescents who attended fewer than eight ANC visits were at increased risk of insufficient GWG, whereas Mexican adolescents were at increased risk of excessive GWG. Mexican adolescents who began their pregnancies overweight or obese were at increased risk of excessive GWG. Fewer than eight ANC visits were associated with small for gestational age (SGA) in the Mexican cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate numbers of ANC visits were associated with excessive and insufficient GWG, and SGA. Promoting ANC in adolescent pregnancy is essential to prevent suboptimal GWG and SGA. This study highlights the need for interventions targeting pregnant adolescents from low socioeconomic backgrounds, prioritizing early initiation of prenatal care (first trimester) and a drastic reduction in the high rates of cesarean sections in this group.

Investigating the feasibility of implementing the SafeCare parenting program in birthing centers in Haiti.

BACKGROUND: Child maltreatment is a global issue in need of intervention. This study investigated whether SafeCare, an evidence-based behavioral parenting program to prevent child neglect and physical violence, is desired and feasible to implement in Haiti birthing centers. METHODS: A total of four focus groups were conducted with 29 birthing center staff and mothers in two birthing centers in Haiti. Staff participants also completed the World Health Organization Readiness Assessment for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment written survey. RESULTS: Focus group findings suggest that SafeCare is a desired program by both caregivers attending the birth center and birth center staff. Findings also showed that the SafeCare curriculum needs cultural adaptations before delivery in Haitian birth centers. We also found that despite contextual challenges that pregnant mothers and birth center staff face in Haiti, birth centers continue to be a place for women to receive pre- and post-natal medical care and weekly education sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support that although there are contextual challenges to a SafeCare implementation in Haiti, birthing centers are ideal and feasible locations in which to deliver SafeCare. Birth center networks may be potential settings in which to disseminate and scale evidence-based programs for improved health outcomes for mothers and children.

Use and filling out of the child health booklet among beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família Program in Salvador-Bahia, Brazil: a cross-sectional study, 2023.

OBJECTIVE: To compare child health booklet (CHB) use and filling out among mothers who were or were not Bolsa Família Program (BFP) beneficiaries. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with mothers of children <6years attending health centers in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, between January-February/2023. The CHB was evaluated regarding its use (having a CHB, having it in hand, and having read it) and filling out (growth curves, development monitoring forms, and vaccination completeness). Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used. RESULTS: Of the 411 study participants, 66% were BFP beneficiaries. Significant differences were found between the groups regarding CHB use: having a CHB (p < 0.001), having it in hand (p = 0.037), and having read it (p < 0.001). Significant difference in vaccination completeness was found (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in CHB use and vaccination completeness when comparing mothers who were BFP beneficiaries and those who were not.

MAIN RESULTS: The Child Health Booklet achieved a higher proportion of use and filling out among the group of mothers benefiting from the Bolsa Família Program. Despite this, use and filling out of the booklet are still below expectations. IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: Completely filling out the Child Health Booklet must be part of the routine monitoring of the growth and development of all children, especially those benefited by the Bolsa Família Program, as they are the most vulnerable group. PERSPECTIVES: Continuing education actions and the obligation to fill out the booklet as a condition of being benefited by the Bolsa Família Program can contribute to the effective monitoring of all children.

[Importance of an educational intervention: Knowledge, attitudes and practices on breastfeeding]. / Importancia de una intervención educativa: conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre la lactancia materna.

Background: Although the benefits of breastfeeding are well known, it has been observed that some mothers abandon it, sometimes due to a lack of training in this area. It is unknown whether the level of breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and practices increase after an educational intervention. Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and breastfeeding practices of mothers of children under 1 year of age before and after an educational intervention. Material and methods: Quasi-experimental, analytical and longitudinal study. It included 216 mothers with children under 12 months of age; it excluded those with medical contraindications to breastfeeding; those that did not complete the surveys were eliminated. Sociodemographic data were collected. Medians of knowledge, attitudes and practices in breastfeeding before and after the educational intervention were compared with the Wilcoxon test. Results: High school education (54.6%), married marital status (48.7%), housewife occupation (66.2%) and worker socioeconomic level (61.6%) predominated. After the educational intervention, 213 mothers (98.6%) obtained a good level of knowledge, 216 (100%) acquired a good attitude, and 203 of them (94%) achieved good practices about breastfeeding. There were statistically significant differences between the medians of knowledge (p < 0.0001), attitudes (p < 0.0001) and practices (p = 0.014) before and after the educational intervention on breastfeeding, all of which increased their levels. Conclusions: There was a change in the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices in breastfeeding before and after the educational intervention.

Introducción: a pesar de que se conocen los beneficios de la lactancia materna, se ha observado que algunas madres la abandonan, a veces por falta de capacitación al respecto. Se desconoce si el nivel de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en lactancia materna aumentan después de una intervención educativa. Objetivo: determinar los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en lactancia materna de las madres de menores de un año antes y después de una intervención educativa. Material y métodos: estudio cuasiexperimental, analítico y longitudinal. Incluyó 216 madres con hijos menores de 12 meses de edad; se excluyeron aquellas con contraindicación médica para la lactancia; se eliminaron aquellas que no concluyeron las encuestas. Se recabaron datos sociodemográficos. Se compararon con la prueba de Wilcoxon las medianas de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en lactancia materna antes y después de la intervención educativa. Resultados: predominó la escolaridad preparatoria (54.6%), estado civil casada (48.7%), ocupación ama de casa (66.2%) y nivel socioeconómico obrero (61.6%). Después de la intervención educativa, 213 madres (98.6%) obtuvieron un nivel de conocimientos bueno, 216 (100%) adquirieron actitudes buenas y 203 (94%) consiguieron buenas prácticas en torno a la lactancia. Hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las medianas de conocimientos (p < 0.0001), actitudes (p < 0.0001) y prácticas (p = 0.014) antes y después de la intervención educativa: todas aumentaron sus niveles. Conclusiones: sí hubo un cambio en el nivel de los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en lactancia materna antes y después de la intervención educativa.

Directiva sanitaria para el cuidado integral de la salud mental de gestantes y madres de niñas y niños menores de 5 años. Documento técnico / Health directive for the comprehensive care of the mental health of pregnant women and mothers of children under 5 years of age. Technical document

La presente publicación describe las disposiciones técnicas y procedimientos para el cuidado y el autocuidado de la salud mental de gestantes y madres de niñas y niños menores de 5 años, con la finalidad de contribuir a la respuesta del sistema de salud de atención integral de la salud mental de la población, pacientes y sus familiares, así como de la población en situación de vulnerabilidad y mejora de su calidad de vida.

Maternal sensitivity and child attachment security in a low SES Peruvian sample: longitudinal relationships.

We tested the generalizability of the sensitivity-security link in a sample of 35 preschooler-mother dyads from a low socioeconomic district in Lima, Peru. We first describe maternal sensitivity and attachment security at two timepoints during early childhood. Second, we investigated the stability of attachment security and maternal sensitivity over a time span of one year. Third, we tested the association between sensitivity and security at each timepoint. Finally, we investigated whether changes in maternal sensitivity predict changes in child security. The results indicated that sensitivity and security were lower than scores reported in the literature for middle-class samples. T2 maternal sensitivity scores were significantly higher than T1 sensitivity scores, and no significant differences were found between T1 and T2 security. Sensitivity and security were associated at both timepoints, after controlling for socio-demographic variables. One-tail test indicated that changes in maternal sensitivity were associated with changes in child security.

Healthy Change Intervention: A Cluster RCT in Preschooler Mothers in Mexico and the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To assess effects of Healthy Change intervention on maternal perception of her child's body weight (MPCW), maternal feeding style, and obesogenic home environment. METHODS: A randomized control trial was conducted, consisting of two arms: the intervention group received the Healthy Change program, and the control group received the Hygiene and Accident Prevention program. A total of 356 mother-preschool child dyads participated, 182 in the intervention group and 174 in the control group, residing in Mexico and the United States. Data were collected at baseline and after the program through self-administered questionnaires completed by mothers and child anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: Although no significant between-group difference in pre- and post-intervention change of MPCW was found, sub-analyses revealed that a higher proportion of mothers in the intervention group accurately perceived their child's body weight at the study endpoint using categorical (67% vs. 57.1%, p < 0.005) and visual scales (48.9% vs. 41.8%, p < 0.015). Additionally, more mothers of overweight children in the intervention group accurately perceived their children's overweight and obese status compared to those in the control group (29.8% vs. 10.3%, X2 = 4.26, df = 1, p < 0.039). The intervention group also displayed a higher proportion of mothers with authoritative feeding style (26.4% vs. 16.5%, p < 0.036) and significantly higher family nutrition and physical activity scores (29.1 vs. 28.0, p < 0.000) at the study endpoint. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Healthy Change Intervention led to improved accuracy of MPCW, a shift toward maternal authoritative feeding styles, and positive changes in obesogenic home environments.

Dog therapy for children with zika syndrome: perceptions of mothers and professionals.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perceptions of mothers and health professionals about the dog-assisted therapy for children with congenital Zika Virus syndrome. METHOD: Qualitative, descriptive-exploratory research, with six mothers of children with congenital Zika Virus syndrome and six health professionals. Data were obtained at a Brazilian Specialized rehabilitation center in Paraíba, through semi-structured interviews, between February and October 2019. The empirical material was subjected to Inductive Thematic Analysis and interpreted using the Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Theory. RESULTS: Dog-Assisted Therapy allowed the enhancement of skills that were previously not performed by children, such as: spontaneous hand opening, head control, improved social interaction, reduction of seizure episodes and disruption of spasticity patterns. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Dog-Assisted Therapy was perceived as qualified, humanized and satisfactory support for the evolution of the neuropsychomotor development of children with congenital Zika Virus syndrome.

Plasma and breast milk adipokines in women across the first year postpartum and their association with maternal depressive symptoms and infant neurodevelopment: Protocol for the APPLE prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Adiponectin and leptin play important roles in the central nervous system. During the postpartum period, there is a need for a better understanding of the relationship between these cytokines and the neurological development of the infant, as well as their influence on preventing maternal depressive symptoms. OBJECTIVES: To assess the correlation between adiponectin and leptin in maternal plasma and breast milk and their association with: infant neurodevelopment at 6 and 12 months of age; and maternal mental health over the first year postpartum. METHODS: Prospective cohort study with four follow-up. Mothers and their newborns are recruited within the first 15 days postpartum (baseline). Follow-up visits occur at 2, 6, and 12 months postpartum. Visits include blood and breast milk collection, application of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Beck Depression Inventory to assess maternal mental health, application of the Bayley-III scale for infant developmental assessment, maternal and infant anthropometry and body composition, evaluation of reproductive history, mother-infant bonding, breastfeeding, consumption of ultra-processed foods, sleep quality, and socio-economic and demographic data. RESULTS: The research received funds in August 2022, and participant recruitment began in September 2022. The sample size will consist of 95 mother-child pairs. As of September 2023, 68 participants have been recruited. CONCLUSION: The project will provide insights into the association between adiponectin and leptin with postpartum depression and infant neurodevelopment, ultimately promoting improved care and quality of life for these groups. Additionally, it will provide data on the type of delivery, infant physical growth, maternal and infant body composition changes, sleep quality, consumption of ultra-processed foods, and maternal metabolic health, including vitamin D metabolites, oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolites, phospholipid species and triacylglycerols, which are of significant relevance to public health and, when interconnected, may yield important results and contribute to the existing literature. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Name of the registry: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBec). Registration number: RBR-9hcby8c.

Vaccination coverage survey by social stratum in children up to 24 months of age in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil, between 2021 and 2022.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze vaccination coverage according to social strata in children up to 24 months old, living in the municipality of Londrina (PR), Brazil. METHODS: This was a population-based survey conducted between 2021 and 2022, in which vaccination coverage and sociodemographic aspects of mothers and families were evaluated using Pearson's chi-square test. RESULTS: In a sample of 456 children, complete vaccination coverage varied according to social strata, being 36.0% (95%CI 26.8;57.8); in stratum A; 59.5% (95%CI 26.1;86); in stratum B; 66.2% (95%CI 51.7;78.1); in stratum C; and 70.0% (95%CI 56.1;81.0) in stratum D. CONCLUSION: The analysis of vaccination coverage indicated that social stratum A is at highest risk for vaccine-preventable diseases. MAIN RESULTS: The results of the study showed low full vaccination coverage in children up to 24 months of age in Londrina, being higher in the less financially advantaged social stratum, compared to the most advantaged. IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: The results found can support the qualification of the immunization program and enable, based on planning and ongoing health education, the definition of unique strategies to improve vaccination coverage. PERSPECTIVES: Future perspectives point to the importance of carrying out investigations into the challenges inherent to vaccination, as well as qualitative and quantitative research addressing health professionals to better understand the data.

Prevalence and associated factors of mother-reported jaundice in newborns.

OBJECTIVE: Newborns' jaundice is the result of bilirubin accumulation as fetal hemoglobin is metabolized by the immature liver. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of mother-reported newborn jaundice and associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out using data from a longitudinal study involving 914 children. The data were reviewed using Poisson regression with a robust estimator in a hierarchical model in which the sociodemographic variables constituted the first level, those related to the conditions of the pregnancy constituted the second level, and those related to the report of jaundice, the third level. Prevalence ratios and their relevant confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: The prevalence of reported jaundice in newborns was 17.9%. The variables late pregnancy, urinary infection during pregnancy, and preterm and post-term birth were independently statistically associated with a higher prevalence of newborn jaundice reports. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that mother-reported newborn jaundice was 17.9% associated with maternal and birth aspects.