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It is estimated that disruptions to life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in the number of children and young people suffering from mental health issues globally. In England one in four children experienced poor mental health in 2022. Social prescribing is gaining traction as a systems-based approach, which builds upon person-centered methods, to refer children and young people with non-clinical mental health issues to appropriate community assets. Recognition of social prescribing benefits for children's mental health is increasing, yet evidence is limited. Inconsistent terminology and variation of terms used to describe social prescribing practices across the literature hinders understanding and assessment of social prescribing's impact on children's mental health. This scoping review thus aims to systematically identify and analyse the various terms, concepts and language used to describe social prescribing with children and young people across the wider health and social care literature base. The scoping review will be undertaken using a six-stage framework which includes: identifying the research question, identifying relevant studies, study selection, charting the data, collating, summarising and reporting the results, and consultation. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, PsychInfo, Social Policy Practice, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane library and Joanna Briggs), alongside evidence from grey literature, hand search, citation tracking, and use of expert correspondence will be included in the review to ensure published and unpublished literature is captured. Data extraction will be carried out by two reviewers using a predefined form to capture study characteristics, intervention descriptions, outcomes, and key terms used to report social prescribing for children and young people. No formal quality appraisal or risk of bias evaluation will be performed, as this scoping review aims to map and describe the literature. Data will be stored and managed using the Rayaan.ai platform and a critical narrative of the common themes found will be included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to understand the potential factors influencing the accessibility of early childhood education (ECE) in Bangladesh. Utilising data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2019, this study explored the influence of individual, household, socio-economic as well as geographical variables on ECE enrollment. It employed a comprehensive approach, which involved using descriptive statistics for univariate analysis, chi-square and t-statistics for bivariate analysis, and the logit model for multivariate analysis. The findings revealed that a child's likelihood of attending an ECE program increases with their age, while those with functional difficulties and larger household sizes exhibit lower odds of attendance. Children with mothers possessing higher education levels demonstrated increased odds of ECE enrollment. Wealthy households and urban or Mymensingh division residency were associated with higher odds of ECE enrollment, while Barishal, Rajshahi, and Sylhet divisions indicated lower odds. To enhance ECE accessibility, the study recommends implementing a roadmap for ensuring universal early childcare and early education with an emphasis on socioeconomically underprivileged children, particularly in rural areas. Proposed strategies may include providing financial assistance to poor households and fostering public–private partnerships for ECE provision in remote regions like Barishal, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Sylhet divisions. Moreover, it is crucial to make parents and communities aware about the significance of ECE in order to make sure that children ages 3–5 years are involved in ECE programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diversified diet in early childhood that comprises plant and animal source foods contributes to better health outcomes throughout the life course. However, inadequate infant and young child-feeding practices are serious public health problems in Africa. Evidence on the magnitude and determinants of inadequate animal source food consumption (ASF) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is not yet well established. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the pooled magnitude and determinants of ASF consumption in SSA. A total weighted sample of 92,309 children aged 6–23 months from the Demographic and Health Survey dataset of 35 SSA countries was used for this study. A multilevel mixed-effect model was fitted. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and likelihood ratio (LR) tests were used to assess the presence of the clustering effect. The model comparison was made using deviance information criteria (DIC). A p-value of p < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. The pooled magnitude of ASF consumption among children aged 6–23 months in SSA was 23.7% (95% CI: 23.4, 23.9). Across the SSA regions, the Southern Africa region had the highest consumption of ASF (51.35%), and the lowest was from the Eastern Africa region (21.41%). Younger children aged 6–9 months (AOR = 3.39; 95% CI: 3.14, 3.65), mothers who had no formal education (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.37, 1.56), children from mothers with no media exposure (AOR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.24), children from the poorest households (AOR = 2.59; 95% CI: 2.36, 2.84), rural residence (AOR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.28), living in low-income countries (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI: 2.03, 2.90), and children from the East Africa region (AOR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.35) were among the significant predictors for not consuming ASF. In this study, ASF consumption was markedly low. Almost three-fourths of children aged 6–23 months in SSA did not consume ASF in the previous day. Age of the child, ANC visits, maternal educational status, maternal marital status, media exposure, and household wealth index were significant individual-level predictors of ASF consumption, whereas the place of residence, country's income level, and regions of SSA were found to be significant community-level predictors of ASF consumption. Thus, the study highlighted that policymakers, governments, and their partners should demonstrate rigorous efforts to improve dietary diversification with due consideration to the identified predictors of ASF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Career exploration, a critical antecedent to college students' career choices and employment, offers essential guidance for their career development. However, existing research has not explored how changes in family economic stress impact career exploration. Drawing on social cognitive career theory, this study aims to deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between family economic stress and career exploration among vocational school students. We tested our hypotheses using three-time lagged data collected from 600 vocational school students studying in mainland China. As expected, family economic stress positively predicts career exploration via love of money. Additionally, both students' effective part-time behavior and teacher support were found to positively moderate the indirect relationship between family economic stress and career exploration through love of money. We attempt to highlight the broader implications of understanding the nuanced ways in which economic background shapes career exploration. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diarrhea, defined as three or more loose stool per day, is a major cause of child mortality. Exploring its prevalence, and influencing factors is crucial for public health decision and targeted interventions. This study aimed to investigate these aspects using 2021 Madagascar demographic health survey data. Method: This study employed a cross-sectional design, analyzing data from a total of 8,740 weighted under-five children. The dependent variable was the occurrence of diarrhea, which was measured based on caregiver-reported incidents within the previous two weeks prior to the survey. To identify factors associated with diarrhea, a multilevel logistic regression model was utilized, allowing for the examination of both individual and contextual factors. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: The analysis identified several significant factors associated with diarrhea in children under five. Children aged 7–12 months had a significantly higher risk of diarrhea (OR = 2.699, 95% CI: 2.028–3.591, p < 0.001) compared to those aged 0–6 months, while those aged 13–24 months were also at increased risk (OR = 2.079, 95% CI: 1.579–2.737, p < 0.001). Children using improved water sources had a lower likelihood of diarrhea (OR = 0.742, 95% CI: 0.583–0.944, p = 0.015). Female children were less likely to experience diarrhea compared to males (OR = 0.823, 95% CI: 0.708–0.956, p = 0.011). Mothers aged 25–34 years (OR = 0.741, 95% CI: 0.626–0.878, p = 0.001) and 35–49 years (OR = 0.628, 95% CI: 0.502–0.787, p = 0.03) had lower odds of their children having diarrhea compared to younger mothers (15–24 years). Primary maternal education was associated with a lower risk of diarrhea (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.622–0.958, p = 0.019). Children from poorer (OR = 0.744, 95% CI: 0.591–0.937, p = 0.012) and middle-income households (OR = 0.732, 95% CI: 0.564–0.949, p = 0.019) had lower odds of diarrhea compared to those from the poorest households. Media exposure was significantly associated with higher odds of diarrhea (OR = 1.462, 95% CI: 1.208–1.769, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Maternal age over 25 years, child age between 7 months to 2 years, and media access are risk factors for diarrhea. In contrast, medium or low wealth levels, the mother's educational status, the child's sex, and the source of drinking water seem to be protective factors. Public health interventions should prioritize improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities, along with promoting handwashing with soap. Educational campaigns targeted towards mothers, especially those with lower education levels, can significantly improve hygiene practices, safe water handling, and early symptom recognition of diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Childhood malnutrition is a complex issue with a range of contributing factors. The consequences of malnutrition are severe, particularly for children. This study aims to identify the factors contributing to inequality gaps in childhood malnutrition. Our study provides insights into modifiable elements to inform interventions targeted at distinct contexts and populations to improve child nutrition. Methods: This study utilized data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of 27 countries. First, the risk differences (RDs) between the prevalence of childhood malnutrition among the determinant variables, household income, and maternal education categories were calculated. The Blinder‒Oaxaca decomposition was subsequently used to determine the extent to which the difference in childhood malnutrition prevalence between low-income and high-income groups and maternal education levels results from the contributory effects of the explanatory variables: child and maternal individual-level compositional factors. Results: We examined data from 138,782 children in 27 countries from 2015 to 2020. The prevalence of childhood malnutrition (10.5%) varied across countries, ranging from 6.5% in Burundi to 29.5% in Timor Leste. On average, the prevalence of childhood malnutrition was 11.0% in low-income households and 10.7% among mothers without education. Some nations had pro-low-income (i.e., malnutrition concentrated among children from poor households) or pro-no-maternal education (i.e., malnutrition concentrated among children from mothers with no formal education) inequality in childhood malnutrition, but most did not. We found a complex interplay of compositional effects, such as the child's age, maternal education, maternal health behavior, and place of residence, that influence the inequality in childhood malnutrition rates across 10 pro-low-income countries. In addition, we also found that a complex mix of compositional effects, such as the household wealth index, maternal health behavior, and maternal age, contribute to childhood malnutrition inequality between educated and uneducated mothers across the 7 pro-no maternal education countries. Conclusion: The prevalence of childhood malnutrition varies among low-income, high-income, and no maternal education-maternal education groups. This study highlights the need for a country-specific approach to addressing childhood malnutrition, with policies and interventions tailored to each country's specific context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Linear growth faltering remains a pervasive public health concern that affects many children worldwide. This study aimed to investigate possible maternal factors promoting normal linear growth among children aged 6–23 months of age from impoverished Rwandan households. Methods: We used a three-stage cluster sampling procedure. The study population consisted of children aged six to 23 months and their mothers who lived in the study districts. A structured questionnaire helped to collect data from 807 selected mother-child dyads. The primary outcome variable was height-for-age Z scores. The main predictors were maternal income-generating activity, maternal education, maternal depression, household decision making, number of ANC visits, use of family planning method, types of family planning, and mode of delivery. We used univariate analysis to establish median, frequencies, and percentages. Furthermore, we used the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman rank correlation tests for bivariate analysis. We included in the final model of robust linear regression for multivariate analysis the potential confounding variables identified as significantly associated with the outcome (child age, participation in works for both parents, good handwashing practice, owning a vegetable garden, and the total number of livestock) along with maternal factors. Results: Maternal factors that promoted normal linear growth of children were the presence of maternal income generation activity (β= 0.640 [0.0269 1.253], p value = 0.041), the participation of the mother in the decision-making process of the household (β=0.147 [0.080 0.214], p-value < 0.001), and the higher frequency of consultations with ANC (β=0.189 [0.025 0.354], p-value = 0.024). Additionally, a combination of household decision-making with the number of ANC visits predicted an increase in the linear growth of the child (β=0.032 [0.019 0.045], p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: Maternal factors such as maternal income-generating activity, maternal participation in household decision making, and increased number of ANC visits were found to promote normal child linear growth. These results contribute valuable information to the formulation of interventions and policies to improve child nutrition and growth in the community studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vitamin A (VA) cannot be made in the human body and thus foods rich in VA are the only sources of vitamin A for the body. However, ensuring availability in adequate amount of foods rich in VA remains a challenge, mainly in low-income counties including Ethiopia. In addition, children from the poorest and less educated families of same country have disproportionately limited consumptions of foods rich in VA. Therefore, the present study aimed assessing the wealth related inequality in vitamin A consumption (VAC) and decompose it to the various contributing factors. Methods: This study was conducted using the 2019 Ethiopian demographic and health survey data on a weighted sample of 1,497 children of age 6–23 months in Ethiopia. The wealth related inequality in VAC was quantified using concentration index and plotted using concentration curve. The Wagstaff decomposition analysis was performed to assess the relative contributions of each explanatory variable to the inequalities in the overall concentration index of VAC. Result: The overall Wagstaff normalized concentration index (C) analyses of the wealth-related inequality in consumption of foods rich in VA among children aged 6–23 months was [C = 0.25; 95% C: 0.15, 0.35]. Further decomposition of the C by the explanatory variables reported the following contributions; primary level of women's education (7.2%), secondary and above (17.8%), having ANC visit during pregnancy (62.1%), delivery at a health institution (26.53%), living in the metropolis (13.7%), central region (34.2%), child age 18–23 months (4.7%) contributed to the observed wealth related inequality in the consumption of foods rich in vitamin A in Ethiopia. Conclusion: We found pro-rich wealth-related inequality in VAC among children of age 6–23 months in Ethiopia. Additionally, maternal education, region, ANC visit, and place of delivery were the significant contributors of wealth-related inequality of VAC. Nutritional related interventions should prioritise children from poorer households and less educated mothers. Moreover, enhancing access to ANC and health facilities delivery services through education, advocacy, and campaign programs is highly recommended in the study setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria is a global public health problem that disproportionately affects under-five children in poor resource countries. Nigeria accounted for the highest burden of malaria in Western Africa. Thus, seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) programmes have been recommended and have been implemented across 9 states (Bauchi, Borno, FCT, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, Oyo and Sokoto) in Nigeria. The study aims to measure the adherence to referral protocol and its associated factors among community drug distributors (CDs) and caregivers during SMC implementation in nine states. Methods: The data of caregiver-child pairs that were identified with fever during the cycle one SMC implementation was extracted from the End-of-cycle (EoC) surveys carried out following cycles one SMC implementation in the study states. The surveys were completed within two weeks of the completion of SMC cycle one. Mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to explore the factors associated with adherence to referrals among caregivers-child pairs. Results: The socio-demographic characteristics of caregiver considered in the model were not found to be significantly associated with children down with fever taking to hospital for treatment, however the caregiver whose child was referred by CDs had significantly higher odds of seeking healthcare compared to those that were not referred (OR: 1.892, 95% CI 1.081–3.310, p = 0.025). There are higher odds of children seeking treatment among those that were referred by CDs. Conclusion: The study's findings shed light on the adherence to referral advice and the factors influencing caregiver behaviour during SMC implementation. Referral of sick child during SMC campaign appears to ensure health-seeking for malaria case management among caregivers-child peer in target communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racially restrictive covenants in housing deeds, commonplace in Minnesota for houses built from the 1910s to the 1950s, provided a foundation for the myriad of policies that made it difficult for people of color to obtain housing. Though covenants were ruled illegal in 1968, their legacy continues to shape neighborhoods. The Mapping Prejudice Project's efforts in Hennepin County, Minnesota, produced the first systematic documentation of racially restrictive covenants. We use this novel data set to explore the relationship between historic covenants and current health and wellbeing outcomes. Using regression analysis to control for neighborhood level covariates, we compare previously covenanted neighborhoods to neighborhoods without covenants. Today, previously covenanted neighborhoods have higher life expectancy and lower rates of obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and asthma than neighborhoods without racially restrictive covenants. Additionally, previously covenanted neighborhoods have less upward mobility for children from poorer households, and there are larger gaps in upward mobility between white and Black children. These findings contribute to a growing literature that shows racist policies, even decades after they are legally enforceable, leave an imprint on neighborhoods. Using the novel data from the Mapping Prejudice Project, we provide statistical analysis that confirms qualitative and anecdotal evidence on the role of racial covenants in shaping neighborhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the characteristics of newborns and birthing parents affected by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in Rhode Island from 2020 to 2023. NAS occurs when newborns experience withdrawal symptoms from prenatal drug exposure, primarily opioids. The study found that the incidence of NAS in Rhode Island decreased during the study period. Newborns with NAS were more likely to have low birthweight, be preterm, and require admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. The study also provides demographic information about the birthing parents of NAS cases. The findings suggest that reducing stigma, improving access to prenatal care, and expanding medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) use could improve outcomes for newborns with NAS and their parents. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Exposure to alcohol and/or other addictive drugs in pregnancy is a documented risk factor for neurological impairment. We aimed to assess neurodevelopmental outcome at two years of age in infants exposed to prenatal alcohol and/or other addictive drugs and to examine the predictive value of early motor assessment. Methods: This was a follow-up at two years of age in the prospective cohort study Children Exposed to Alcohol and/or Drugs in Intrauterine Life (CEADIL). The exposed group comprised 73 infants recruited from primary health care and included in a hospital follow-up programme at St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Norway. The control group comprised 93 healthy, unexposed infants recruited from the maternity ward at the same hospital. All children had been assessed by physiotherapists using the General Movement Assessment (GMA) at three months of age. Presence of fidgety movements, movement character and the Motor Optimality Score – Revised (MOS-R) were used. At two years of age, the children were assessed by trained examiners using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development – Third Edition (BSID-III), Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE) and the Hollingshead Two-Factor Index of Social Position (SES). Results: The cognitive, language and motor composite scores of BSID-III were considerably lower in the exposed group than in the control group. Mean differences adjusted for age and parental SES ranged from − 13.3 (95% confidence interval, CI: -18.6 to -8.0) to -17.7 (95% CI: -23.3 to -12.2). Suboptimal fidgety movements and monotonous movement character had high sensitivity (0.94 to 0.74), but low specificity (0.10 to 0.32), while sensitivity and specificity of the MOS-R was around 50 and 60%, respectively. Conclusions: Neurodevelopmental outcome at two years of age was poorer in a group of children exposed to alcohol and/or drugs in pregnancy compared with a control group of healthy, unexposed children. Sensitivity of suboptimal fidgety movements and monotonous movement character at three months of age for later neurodevelopmental outcome was high to acceptable, but the MOS-R had limited sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anaemia is a global public health problem associated with early childhood adverse effects on mental, physical, and social development. Sierra Leone had made progress in reducing the prevalence of anaemia pre-Ebola period however this was affected by the Ebola epidemic which further strained an already struggling health system. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with anaemia during post-Ebola period among children aged 6–59 months in Sierra Leone. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2019 Sierra Leone demographic and health survey (SLDHS), a nationally representative cross-sectional study. We used data collected using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling design that resulted in the random selection of a representative sample of 13,872 households. A total sample of 3,459 children aged 6–59 months were included in the study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 68.9%, that of mild anaemia was 35.8%, moderate anaemia was 30.3% and for severe anaemia was 2.8%. Children aged 6–36 months were 1.83 times more likely to have anaemia compared to those above 36 months, while boys 1.33 times more likely to be anaemic compared to girls. Children born in poor households, to mothers who had anaemia and had a history of fever had 65%, 85% and 38% increase in likelihood of childhood anaemia respectively. In addition, children living in rural areas and stunted were 1.55 and 1.38 times more likely to be anaemic respectively compared to those living in urban areas and not stunted. Children born to younger mothers (15–24 years) were 1.45 times more likely to be anaemic compared to older mother (35–49 years. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated the predominant existence of anaemia among children aged 6–59 months in Sierra Leone. Owing to the adverse effects of anaemia on the development of children in the future, there is an urgent need for effective and efficient remedial public health interventions to prevent further complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Konzo is a neglected paralytic neurological disease associated with food (cassava) poisoning that affects the world's poorest children and women of childbearing ages across regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Despite understanding the dietary factors that lead to konzo, the molecular markers and mechanisms that trigger this disease remain unknown. To identify potential protein biomarkers associated with a disease status, plasma was collected from two independent Congolese cohorts, a discovery cohort (n = 60) and validation cohort (n = 204), sampled 10 years apart and subjected to multiple high-throughput assays. We identified that Glutathione Peroxidase 3 (GPx3), a critical plasma-based antioxidant enzyme, was the sole protein examined that was both significantly and differentially abundant between affected and non-affected participants in both cohorts, with large reductions observed in those affected with konzo. Our findings raise the notion that reductions in key antioxidant mechanisms may be the biological risk factor for the development of konzo, particularly those mediated through pathways involving the glutathione peroxidase family. The search for biomarkers associated with konzo disease has been a long-standing question within the research community. Here, the authors have uncovered a potential biomarker for konzo that is associated with the ability to manage oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While socioeconomic gradients in regional health inequalities are firmly established, the synergistic interactions between socioeconomic deprivation and climate vulnerability within convenient proximity and neighbourhood locations with health disparities remain poorly explored and thus require deep understanding within a regional context. Furthermore, disregarding the importance of spatial spillover effects and nonlinear effects of covariates on childhood stunting are inevitable in dealing with an enduring issue of regional health inequalities. The present study aims to investigate the spatial inequalities in childhood stunting at the district level in Pakistan and validate the importance of spatial lag in predicting childhood stunting. Furthermore, it examines the presence of any nonlinear relationships among the selected independent features with childhood stunting. The study utilized data related to socioeconomic features from MICS 2017–2018 and climatic data from Integrated Contextual Analysis. A multi-model approach was employed to address the research questions, which included Ordinary Least Squares Regression (OLS), various Spatial Models, Machine Learning Algorithms and Explainable Artificial Intelligence methods. Firstly, OLS was used to analyse and test the linear relationships among selected variables. Secondly, Spatial Durbin Error Model (SDEM) was used to detect and capture the impact of spatial spillover on childhood stunting. Third, XGBoost and Random Forest machine learning algorithms were employed to examine and validate the importance of the spatial lag component. Finally, EXAI methods such as SHapley were utilized to identify potential nonlinear relationships. The study found a clear pattern of spatial clustering and geographical disparities in childhood stunting, with multidimensional poverty, high climate vulnerability and early marriage worsening childhood stunting. In contrast, low climate vulnerability, high exposure to mass media and high women's literacy were found to reduce childhood stunting. The use of machine learning algorithms, specifically XGBoost and Random Forest, highlighted the significant role played by the average value in the neighbourhood in predicting childhood stunting in nearby districts, confirming that the spatial spillover effect is not bounded by geographical boundaries. Furthermore, EXAI methods such as partial dependency plot reveal the existence of a nonlinear relationship between multidimensional poverty and childhood stunting. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution of childhood stunting in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of considering spatial effects in predicting childhood stunting. Individual and household-level factors such as exposure to mass media and women's literacy have shown positive implications for childhood stunting. It further provides a justification for the usage of EXAI methods to draw better insights and propose customised intervention policies accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become an emerging public health problem. The impact of multiple environmental factors on the prevalence of ASD remains unclear. This study examined the association between the prevalence of ASD and the environmental quality index (EQI), an indicator of cumulative environmental quality in five major domains, including air, water, land, built and sociodemographic variables in the United States. The results from Poisson regression models show that the prevalence of ASD has a positive association with the overall EQI with a risk ratio (RR) of 1.03 and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 1.01–1.06, indicating that children in counties with poor environmental quality might have a higher risk of ASD. Additionally, the prevalence of ASD has a positive association with the air index (RR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.06). These associations varied in different rural–urban groups and different climate regions. This study provided evidence for adverse effects of poor environmental quality, particularly air pollutants, on children's neurodevelopment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: While much attention has been given to understanding how different social groups have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, few studies have focused on working children. Therefore, more information is needed about the challenges faced by this vulnerable group. This research aimed to explore the experiences of street-working children during this global health crisis and understand how their way of life, working conditions, and social relationships might have changed. Materials and Methods: This study employed a qualitative research methodology. Data were collected through observation and semi-structured interviews with 12 street-working children in Tehran, Iran, until reaching thematic saturation. The children had all lived and worked through the COVID-19 pandemic and were selected using purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis. The reliability of the identified themes was corroborated by using the audit technique and analytical comparisons. Results: A total of 114 concepts, 16 subcategories and five main categories, including violation of home quarantine, multiple transformations, disruption of economic order, augmentation, and compounded violence experiences, emerged. On this basis, apart from the rise in the number of working children, unemployment and poverty confined these children to the streets so that they had to endure health risks, disruptions in the market, and multiple changes in their jobs, besides experiencing various forms of violence in their familial, interpersonal, and social interactions. Conclusion: Since the rise in the number of working children and the additional challenges in their living situations cannot be seen as inevitable outcomes of pandemics, state authorities at all levels and non-state players like NGOs need to ensure the necessary social, economic, and livelihood support for street-working children and other underprivileged families with children under 18 during any future pandemics or health crises. This would effectively help to avoid the social harms that come with child labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slum areas in Ethiopia have high poverty status. In addition, they possess poor water and sanitation accesses such as unsafe drinking water, a lower number of sanitation facilities and poor hygienic conditions. These scenarios are important in the occurrence of diarrhea among under five children's. However, there are many studies conducted on diarrhea among under five children in Ethiopia, unfortunately, the majority usually didn't give enough coverage for the burden of diarrhea among under five children in slum areas. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diarrhea and associated factors among under five children in slum areas of Gondar City. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in slum areas of Gondar City among under five children from March 28 to April 28, 2023. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect a sample of 836 through interview-administered methods using a structured data collection tool. The collected data was manually checked for completeness, coded, and entered into EPI Info version 7.1.5.2 software. It was then exported to Stata version 14.1 software for descriptive analysis, as well as bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses, to identify factors associated with diarrhea among under five children. The prevalence of diarrhea among under five children at 95% confidence interval was 24.64% (CI 21.71–27.56). Mothers/caretakers age < 25 years (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.16–3.06), mothers/caretakers age between 28 and 31 years (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.08–3.05), mothers/caretakers who had no formal education (AOR = 3.18, 95% CI 1.86–5.41), mothers/caretakers who had primary education (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.09–2.57), income level between 4877 and 5643 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.04–3.15), family size greater than five (AOR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.00–2.36), flies around the house (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.38–3.73), playground not clean (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI 1.62–4.50), breastfed for ≥ 1 year (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.41–0.97), mothers/caretakers who did not wash their hands before food preparation and eating (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.39–3.58), mothers/caretakers who did not wash their hands after visiting latrine (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.07–2.38) were significantly associated factors with diarrhea among under five children in slum areas of Gondar City. The study indicates that the prevalence of diarrhea was higher among under five children in slum areas of Gondar City. The Gondar City Administration Education Bureau should give great emphasis on improving mother's and caretaker's education. In addition, the Gondar City Administration Health Bureau should educate mothers and caretakers about breastfeeding, sanitation, and hygiene in the slum areas of Gondar City. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poverty-related diseases (PRD) remain amongst the leading causes of death in children under-5 years in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) based on the best available evidence are key to strengthening health systems and helping to enhance equitable health access for children under five. However, the CPG development process is complex and resource-intensive, with substantial scope for improving the process in SSA, which is the goal of the Global Evidence, Local Adaptation (GELA) project. The impact of research on PRD will be maximized through enhancing researchers and decision makers' capacity to use global research to develop locally relevant CPGs in the field of newborn and child health. The project will be implemented in three SSA countries, Malawi, South Africa and Nigeria, over a 3-year period. This research protocol is for the monitoring and evaluation work package of the project. The aim of this work package is to monitor the various GELA project activities and evaluate the influence these may have on evidence-informed decision-making and guideline adaptation capacities and processes. The specific project activities we will monitor include (1) our ongoing engagement with local stakeholders, (2) their capacity needs and development, (3) their understanding and use of evidence from reviews of qualitative research and, (4) their overall views and experiences of the project. Methods: We will use a longitudinal, mixed-methods study design, informed by an overarching project Theory of Change. A series of interconnected qualitative and quantitative data collections methods will be used, including knowledge translation tracking sheets and case studies, capacity assessment online surveys, user testing and in-depth interviews, and non-participant observations of project activities. Participants will comprise of project staff, members of the CPG panels and steering committees in Malawi, South Africa and Nigeria, as well as other local stakeholders in these three African countries. Discussion: Ongoing monitoring and evaluation will help ensure the relationship between researchers and stakeholders is supported from the project start. This can facilitate achievement of common goals and enable researchers in South Africa, Malawi and Nigeria to make adjustments to project activities to maximize stakeholder engagement and research utilization. Ethical approval has been provided by South African Medical Research Council Human Research Ethics Committee (EC015-7/2022); The College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee, Malawi (P.07/22/3687); National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria (01/01/2007). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Quality of Life (QoL) has recently become a focus of research in haemophilia, as children with haemophilia miss out on opportunities to reach their full potential during school and later in life. This leads to emotional and behavioural problems, family issues, and a decrease in Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL). There is very limited data from the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, to assess the QoL in haemophilia patients. Aim: To study the clinical profile of haemophilic children and assess their QoL. Materials and Methods: The present hospital-based crosssectional study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, from January 2019 to December 2019. A total of 49 children (Institutional incidence), aged from 4-12 years, with factor VIII/ IX deficiency who presented in the Paediatric ward of the study Institution for factor transfusion, were included in the study. The study population was divided into two groups with children aged (group ) and children aged 8-12 years (group II). A detailed clinical history was obtained from the accompanying parent/guardian, and QoL was measured using the Haemophilia QoL (Haemo-QoL) questionnaire. Scores achieved in each dimension, as well as, the total score were combined on a scale ranging from 0 to 100. High values indicate high impairment in QoL. The observations of different scales like Standardised and Transformed Scale Scores (TSS) of Haemo-QoL were analysed using the student's t-test. Results: In the present study, haemophilia A was more common than haemophilia B. All patients who attended the paediatric ward for factor transfusion were males, with a mean age of 8.37±2.56 years. It was also observed that the proportion of patients who were diagnosed early was significantly higher in the 4-7 years age group compared to the 8-12 years age group of patients (p-value <0.05). The present study revealed that the mean overall scores on the Haemo-QoL for the age groups 4-7 years and 8-12 years were 41.92±17.95 and 51.84±16.36, respectively. The highest impairment was in the physical health, school and sports, and family dimensions of QoL. Conclusion: The QoL is poor among children in both age groups. The current study also showed that as age advances, the QoL of haemophilia patients becomes poorer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a research study conducted in Khorramabad, Iran, which aimed to understand the factors influencing small-scale farmers' willingness to migrate in response to climate change. The study found that farmers with greater knowledge and resources related to adaptation were less likely to express a willingness to migrate. Factors such as education level, second job, financial support, and homeownership were associated with a higher probability of being willing to migrate. The study emphasizes the importance of improving farmers' knowledge of adaptation strategies, providing access to resources and support systems, and investing in education and financial capital to enhance their adaptive capacity and reduce their inclination to migrate. [Extracted from the article]

Individuals whose educational needs differ for various reasons can benefit from appropriate educational services through early assessment and diagnosis practices. At-risk children who fail to achieve adequate development in general education classes need more intensive education. For these individuals to benefit effectively from the education process, it is important to organize it according to their characteristics. Identifying the children in the risk group is possible through teachers' experience, observation, and assessment practices. In this context, if a class includes children who are considered to be in the risk group, the educational assessment process should be initiated. The aim of this study is to examine preschool teachers' identification of risk groups in their classes and the intervention plans they implement. Fifteen preschool teachers from the central district of Konya province of Türkiye participated in the study, which was conducted as a case study, a qualitative research method. Data were collected through interviews. The findings obtained from the data indicate that the preschool teachers participating in the study think early intervention is mostly aimed at children with special needs. However, children may be in the risk group due to familial, environmental, and individual factors, and preschool teachers mostly use observation and information obtained from the family while identifying these groups. The teachers stated that most socioeconomically disadvantaged children were present in their classrooms. The teachers stated that they do not implement a systematic planning process for the risk groups in their classes, but they make some changes in the education process according to the needs of the children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Sarah Jama" discusses the author's opposition to the expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada. The author argues that disabled individuals who are suffering due to systemic ableism and government failures would be negatively impacted by this expansion. They highlight the experiences of individuals who used MAiD as their only option due to issues such as poverty, lack of accessible housing, and poor conditions in long-term care facilities. The author criticizes elected officials for dismissing these concerns and prioritizing individual choice over the well-being of marginalized communities. They also raise concerns about advanced directives and the potential coercion of youth. The article concludes by referencing the Canadian Human Rights Commission's statement that MAiD should not be a default response to systemic failures. [Extracted from the article]

Predictive Risk Modeling (PRM) tools are widely used by governing institutions, yet research on their effects has yielded divergent findings with low external validity. This study examines how such tools influence child welfare governance, using a quasi-experimental design and data from more than one million maltreatment investigations in 121 US counties. It demonstrates that the adoption of PRM tools reduced maltreatment confirmations among Hispanic and Black children but increased such confirmations among high-risk and low-SES children. PRM tools did not reduce the likelihood of subsequent maltreatment confirmations; and effects were heterogeneous across counties. These findings demonstrate that the use of PRM tools can reduce the incidence of state interventions among historically over-represented minorities while increasing it among poor children more generally. However, they also illustrate that the impact of such tools depends on local contexts and that technological innovations do not meaningfully address chronic state interventions in family life that often characterize the lives of vulnerable children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Research shows how conditions in socio-economically disadvantaged environments can be a risk factor for children's cognitive development. Consequently, children with neurodevelopmental disorders growing up in such environments face a double challenge. This study analyzed the effect of a comprehensive cognitive stimulation program on 4 single case studies comprising children with neurodevelopmental disorders from Guatemala. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted, using a case series approach, consisting of four participants with neurodevelopmental disorders, and a neurotypical group of 126 children. Participants in the neurotypical group were randomly assigned to either a control or experimental reference group. Cognitive assessments were performed pre- and post-intervention for all participants. Children in the experimental group received a comprehensive cognitive stimulation program between assessments. Two participants with neurodevelopmental disorders also received the stimulation program while the other two children with neurodevelopmental disorders performed the same task as the control group, specifically, regular reading activities. Results: The experimental group exhibited a significant improvement in executive functions (inhibition, flexibility, and planning). The two experimental group children with neurodevelopmental disorders exhibited improved social cognition, showing a larger improvement compared to neurotypical children in their group, as well as compared to the two control children. However, although the reading program improved the language skills of the neurotypical control group, the children with neurodevelopmental disorders did not show as much improvement. Conclusion: These results suggest that specialized interventions are beneficial for children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, but importantly, may have a larger impact on children with neurodevelopmental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Public contribution in research can lead to the design and conduct of more feasible and relevant research. However, our understanding of the acceptability and feasibility of public contribution and the evidence base regarding its impact in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) is limited. Methods: In this study protocol, we describe a mixed‐method examination of public contribution activities in the GuardiansCan project. The GuardiansCan project aims to respond to Tanzanian guardians' poor adherence to children's follow‐up care after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with the help of Mobile Health technology. We aim to: (1) involve guardians of children treated for ALL as Guardians Advisory Board (GAB) members in the managing and undertaking, analysis and interpretation, and dissemination phases of the GuardiansCan project; and (2) examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of GAB members' contribution to the GuardiansCan project from the perspective of the GAB members and public contribution coordinators. We will recruit six to eight guardians of children treated for ALL to the GAB. We will hold workshops where GAB members contribute to all project phases. Using impact logs, we will record GAB workshop activities and the perceived impact of these activities. We will interview GAB members and public contribution coordinators 6 months after establishing the GAB, and at the end of each study within the project, to examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of public contribution activities. Discussion: We expect GAB contribution to increase project quality and relevance, and inform how to best embed public contribution in research in LMICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study evaluates the recent trends in ocular morbidities and vision-related practices in "out-of-school" children in urban slums of Gurugram in North India. Methods: In this observational study, a validated questionnaire was administered to 161 students from two nonformal slum schools. Sociocultural, demographic data, vision-related practices, and visual acuity with subjective refraction of the children were recorded. Results: A total of 80 boys and 81 girls (9.17 ± 2.58 years) participated in this study. About 40% of the children were from lower socioeconomic status. The visual acuity recorded for all the children, except three children, was 6/6 in both eyes. One child had a pre-phthisical eye with no light perception, following a childhood trauma, with the other eye having 6/6 vision. Two children had refractive errors (myopia and compound myopic astigmatism), with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/6. Thirteen children (8%) had Bitot's spots and 67 (35.4%) had allergic conjunctivitis. Eight (5%) children complained of dry eye- related symptoms like redness and watering of eyes, while 19 (11.8%) had diffuse headache. Average number of years spent in school for these children was less than 1.7 years (range: 1 month-6 years). Only 10.5% of the children gave the history of watching television more than 30 h/week. Significant association was found between the income of father and use of digital devices in children below 10 years (P = 0.003) and children playing outdoors (P = 0.001). There was a significant association noted for age and use of digital devices (P = 0.037). Conclusion: The prevalence of refractive errors in "out-of-school" children of urban slum was much less than the national average. Almost one in three children suffered from eye allergies, while 8% children had Bitot's spots. The data about the prevalence of ocular comorbidities in underserved areas like urban slums can be used to update and strategize eye health-care delivery models for out-of-school children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human personality represents a set of psychological traits, permanent, specifically individual, built consciously or unconsciously. The dysfunction of personality structure integrates the inability of coherent representations about the self, the difficulty of interpersonal relationship and the failure of functional adaptation in the social environment. Antisocial personality disorder (TPA) can be confirmed from the age of 15 years old, in the presence of a conduct disorder diagnosis. The discrepancies between socioeconomic levels cause young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop frustrations and engage in antisocial behaviors: aggressive, abusive and manipulative. Characteristic of the antisocial is the deficiency of development of the Superego, the hypertrophied Ego and the beliefs of omnipotence, uniqueness and superiority. High levels of dopamine and low levels of serotonin biologically underpin the psycho-behavioral manifestations of extroversion and neuroticism, respectively, with addictive tendencies and marked impulsivity. The antisocial personality caricatures the human condition in terms of self-awareness and self-knowledge, norms of common sense, interpersonal relationships, and genuine moral values, thus distancing them from genuine happiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To analyze the trends of malnutrition in children under five years of age in Mexico from 1988 to 2023 and to discuss the possible causes of the observed trends. Materials and methods. Information about nutritional status and sociodemographic variables from 5 987 children under five years of age from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys during the period 2020-2023 was analyzed and compared with the results of previous surveys. Results. The prevalence of underweight, stunting, wasting, and overweight was 3.9%, 13.9%, 1.2%, and 7.7% in 2020-2023. The highest percentages of stunting were observed in indigenous vs. non-indigenous households (27.4%) (p>0.10), with severe food insecurity vs. food security (20.7%) (p=0.079), quintiles of very low vs. high well-being conditions (20.8%), and rural vs. urban areas (16.9%) (p>0.10). Only 37.4% of households with children under five years of age are beneficiaries of one or more social programs. Conclusions. Malnutrition plateaued in 2012 and overweight has increased. The situation of poverty in households with children under five years old, the increase in the complexity of Prospera and the reduction in funding per beneficiary between 2012-2018, and since 2018 the lack of targeted programs and specific transfers to households with children under five years old, and the increase in the absence of basic health services, among others, could explain this situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many children spend a large proportion of their waking hours in early childhood education and care (ECEC). Movement and physical activity (PA) are crucial for children's development and sustainable health. The competence to manage and assess risks starts early in life and can be improved through opportunities for challenging PA. The aim of this study was to investigate ECEC educators' experiences and perceptions of injury risks in ECEC and examine their reasoning about teaching movement and PA, and experiences of any restrictions and prohibitions of movement and PA. Eighteen ECEC educators were interviewed. The qualitative content analysis revealed three themes with adherent sub-themes: Responsibility for the children (Caretaking and Empathy); Fear of being accused (Fear of being exposed and Fear of being irresponsible in the work team); Low competence in movement (Low expectations of children and Perceived poor personal movement skills). The study concluded that educators' fear of injury risks limits the children's movement and PA occasions. The educators' perceived poor personal motor skills and low fitness combined with their perceived low competence to teach movement limit the possibility for the children to develop their motor skills, which in turn might affect the children's physical literacy for sustainable health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children born into poverty face substantial disadvantages; however, family processes have been shown to be a mediating factor. Using a discontinuity in infant eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at 1,200 grams birth weight, we examine effects of SSI on parental labor supply, family processes, and child outcomes. We find that eligibility increases SSI participation and reduces maternal labor supply on the intensive margin, suggesting SSI income may crowd out parental earnings, but only in the short run. We find no effect on maternal depression or child outcomes, but SSI eligibility improves parenting behaviors, indicating SSI can operate via family processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Malnutrition is one of the most serious community health issues in developing countries. This study estimated total energy intake, Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Calcium (Ca), and Phosphate (PO4) levels among school-going children (aged 13–17 years) of the underprivileged area in Sindh, Pakistan. Methods: Children from Mithi City, District Tharparkar, were selected for this cross-sectional investigation. Students from various schools from both genders who fulfilled the selection criteria were selected. A questionnaire was filled, and five ml blood samples were taken to analyze blood parameters. Each participant's estimated nutrient intake (ENI) per day was assessed and matched to the recommended daily allowance (RDA) to determine their micro and macronutrient intake. Results: A total of 300 school-going children [150(50%) boys (mean age 15± 0.8 years) and 150(50%) girls (mean age 14±1.3years)] were included in this study. Total calories (1449±949 Kcal vs. 1245±215 Kcal; p <.001), carbohydrates (138±27 gm vs. 126 ±25 gm; p <.001) protein (47±9.1 gm vs. 44±6 gm; p <.001) was significantly higher among boys compared to girls. In contrast, calcium (1094±105 mg vs. 1144±100; 0.004), phosphate 1050±125 vs. 1148±147; p<0.001), iron (9.2±1.7 mg vs. 10±1.3 mg; p<0.001), and Zinc (7.4±1.8 mg vs. 9.9±1.7 mg; p<0.001) intake was significantly higher among girls than boys. Gender-wise comparison of serum metals in school-going children showed that serum iron was significantly lower among girls than boys (100.86±25.65 μg/dl vs. 78.48±28.66 μg/dl; p<0.001), and no difference was found in serum Zn, Se, and Ca levels. Total proteins were also significantly lower among girls than boys (6.48±1.01g/dl vs. 4.87±1.4301g/dl; p<0.001). Serum iron, Ca, and total proteins were significantly lower among girls with normal ranges compared to boys with normal ranges. Total protein was significantly lower among girls below normal ranges than boys with normal ranges (p <.001). The correlation of carbohydrates, protein, and fat with some serum biochemical parameters in school-going children showed that serum Fe was significantly linked with proteins (r = 0.255; p <.0.05). Conclusion: Our findings showed a concurrent shortage of macro and micronutrients. The current study also revealed that total energy intake was lower than the RDA and significant Fe, Zn, and Se deficiencies. The findings highlight the importance of measures aimed at improving children's nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fever and diarrhea are key causes of malnutrition, growth and development disorders, and death among children. At present, most studies on the associated factors of fever and diarrhea in children are concentrated in African and South Asian countries, but relevant research in China is very limited. This study was aimed to analyze the two-week prevalence of fever, diarrhea, and coexisting fever and diarrhea among children aged 6–23 months in rural areas of Hunan Province and to explore the associated factors. The survey data of the Nutrition Improvement Program for Children in Poor Areas (NIPCPA) from 2016 to 2023 was used here. NIPCPA is a cross-sectional survey completed annually in Hunan to collect children's nutrition and health indicators. The two-week prevalence rates of fever, diarrhea, and coexisting fever and diarrhea among children aged 6–23 months were 12.2% (2066/16,985), 9.6% (1634/16,985), and 3.2% (542/16,985), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the risks of fever, diarrhea, and coexisting fever and diarrhea were higher among younger children. The high educational level of caregivers, effective consumption of Yingyangbao (a complementary food supplement containing iron, zinc, calcium, vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B12, folic acid, and other micronutrients), and complementary feeding meeting minimum dietary diversity and meeting minimum acceptable diet were protective factors against fever in children, with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of 0.87 (95%CI: 0.78–0.98), 0.78 (0.69–0.87), 0.73 (0.65–0.82), and 0.74 (0.66–0.84), respectively. Effective consumption of Yingyangbao, and complementary feeding meeting the minimum dietary diversity and meeting minimum acceptable diet were protective factors against diarrhea in children, with aORs of 0.72 (95%CI: 0.63–0.83), 0.79 (0.70–0.91), and 0.80 (0.70–0.92), respectively. Effective consumption of Yingyangbao, and complementary feeding meeting the minimum dietary diversity and meeting minimum acceptable diet were protective factors against coexisting fever and diarrhea among children, with aORs of 0.53 (95%CI: 0.43–0.66), 0.71 (0.58–0.89), and 0.70 (0.56–0.88), respectively. Fever, diarrhea, and the coexisting fever and diarrhea affect one in eight, one in ten, and one in thirty children respectively in rural areas of Hunan. Effective interventions should be actively taken, such as improving the education level of caregivers, enhancing their scientific feeding skills for children, and promoting children's compliance with Yingyangbao consumption, to further reduce the prevalence of fever and diarrhea in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of the life and political career of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, a prominent figure in British politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Glasgow in 1836, Campbell-Bannerman started as a Member of Parliament and eventually became the leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister. He faced challenges such as the split within the Liberal Party over Irish home rule and the Second Boer War. Campbell-Bannerman's leadership and ethical standards were tested during these times, but he ultimately led the Liberal Party to a landslide victory in the 1906 general election. He supported various reforms, including education, land, and licensing, but faced opposition from the Conservative majority in the House of Lords. Campbell-Bannerman also advocated for trade unions' rights and introduced legislation to address child mistreatment and poverty. While personally supporting women's suffrage, he prioritized party unity and peaceful lobbying. His most significant achievement was the introduction of the Pensions Bill, which marked a shift towards a welfare state. Due to his declining health, Campbell-Bannerman resigned as prime minister in 1908. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, are the leading causes of visual impairment in school-aged children and can significantly impact their academic performance and quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of refractive errors among school children from economically disadvantaged areas in Northwest México, using a consistent methodology to facilitate comparison with global data. Methods: We adopted the Refractive Error Study in Children (RESC) protocol by the World Health Organization to examine the prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The study comprised a systematic sampling of children aged 6 to 18 years from diverse schools in Northwest México. Trained optometrists conducted visual acuity testing and autorefraction, while ophthalmologists performed cycloplegic refraction to ensure accuracy. Results: The study found a myopia (SE ≤−1.50 D at least one eye) prevalence of 14.55% (95% CI: 13.27–15.91), with a higher incidence in females (6.92%) compared to males (6.00%) in at least one eye. Hyperopia (SE ≥ +1.00 D at least one eye) was less common, at 3.23% (95% CI: 2.61–3.95), with a slightly higher occurrence in males in at least one eye. Astigmatism (Cylinder ≥ 0.75 D at least one eye) was present in 18.63% (95% CI: 17.21–20.12) of the students in at least one eye, with no significant difference between genders. These findings are consistent with other studies in regions such as Puerto Rico and Iran, indicating widespread refractive error issues among schoolchildren. Conclusions: The high prevalence of refractive errors, particularly myopia and astigmatism, highlights the critical need for regular vision screenings in schools and the implementation of public health interventions to provide corrective eyewear. Our study confirms the importance of utilizing standardized methodologies like the RESC protocol to compare refractive error prevalence across different geographical and socio-economic contexts, thereby informing global public health strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Qi Gong fitness in alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression among underprivileged working youth with a follow-up study. Methods: Eighty subjects were randomly assigned to normal groups (NG) and treatment groups (TG), with 40 participants in each group. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), and 24-Item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-24) were used to evaluate the effect of Qi Gong fitness on alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in underprivileged working youth. Results: There was no significant difference in demographic outcome indicators between NG and TG. The main analytic results showed significant differences (P < .05) in the intra- and inter-group comparisons of NG and TG in stress, anxiety, and depression before and after intervention. When compared with prior intervention, NG and TG after intervention showed more favorable scores in PSS, GAD-7, and HAMD-24, among which PSS (NG: 51.61 ± 4.32 vs. 29.80 ± 3.08; TG: 55.21 ± 5.41 vs. 15.85 ± 2.25; P < .01), GAD-7 (NG: 10.83 ± 2.45 vs. 9.85 ± 2.52; TG: 12.23 ± 1.90 vs. 7.84 ± 1.57; P < .01), and HAMD-24 (NG: 10.83 ± 2.45 vs. 9.85 ± 2.52; TG: 25.63 ± 3.94 vs. 11.40 ± 3.82; P < .01); These results indicate that NG and TG have significant effects on alleviating occupational stress, anxiety, and depression in young underprivileged people. Conclusion: The study indicates that Qi Gong fitness had a positive effect on reducing and alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression among young underprivileged professionals. This highlights the potential benefits of incorporating Qi Gong fitness into treatment plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban children are more likely to be vaccinated than rural children, but that advantage is not evenly distributed. Children living in poor urban areas face unique challenges, living far from health facilities and with lower-quality health services, which can impact their access to life-saving vaccines. Our goal was to compare the prevalence of zero-dose children in poor and non-poor urban and rural areas of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Zero-dose children were those who failed to receive any dose of a diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) containing vaccine. We used data from nationally representative household surveys of 97 LMICs to investigate 201,283 children aged 12–23 months. The pooled prevalence of zero-dose children was 6.5% among the urban non-poor, 12.6% for the urban poor, and 14.7% for the rural areas. There were significant differences between these areas in 43 countries. In most of these countries, the non-poor urban children were at an advantage compared to the urban poor, who were still better off or similar to rural children. Our results emphasize the inequalities between urban and rural areas, but also within urban areas, highlighting the challenges faced by poor urban and rural children. Outreach programs and community interventions that can reach poor urban and rural communities—along with strengthening of current vaccination programs and services—are important steps to reduce inequalities and ensure that no child is left unvaccinated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Mały Przegląd" against Culture of War discusses the pacifism of Janusz Korczak, a Polish-Jewish pedagogue, and his initiative to create a children's journal aimed at building a sense of dual Polish-Jewish identity. The journal, "Mały Przegląd," published between 1926 and 1939, provided a platform for young authors to express their views on social issues and promote cultural and social initiatives. Korczak's opposition to war was deeply rooted in historical, biographical, and philosophical contexts, and his work aimed to create a community of young writers and readers against the culture of violence. The article explores the cultural, social, and political origins of Korczak's pacifism and highlights the impact of war and humanitarian crises on his social philosophy. Through "Mały Przegląd," Korczak sought to educate children on mutual understanding, empathy, and the importance of building a society free from violence and conflict. [Extracted from the article]

This study addresses the research gap in heritage Hebrew in Nordic countries, focusing on the perspectives of Hebrew-speaking immigrant parents in Finland. The objective is to understand family language policies and the use of Hebrew within multilingual families, exploring factors influencing parental decisions on heritage Hebrew transmission to the children. Employing a mixed qualitative–quantitative approach and the FLP analysis method, the research explores language management and the dynamic use of Hebrew within families, examining factors that influence heritage Hebrew maintenance in Finland. A survey of 36 families revealed a shift away from Hebrew towards the majority languages in Finland, with approximately a third of the children having poor or non-existent oral Hebrew skills. Despite the emphasis on Hebrew literacy by many parents, the reported proficiency levels were low, with slightly over 10% of children demonstrating good or excellent reading and writing skills, while 43% were entirely illiterate in the language. A third of respondents cited challenges in accessing Hebrew education, attributing it as the primary reason for the children's illiteracy, as only 26.3% of children received external Hebrew teaching. While the connection between the birth order of the children and their heritage Hebrew skills presented diverse patterns, the survey revealed a notable shift towards Finnish as the primary communication language among siblings. A unique connection was found between parents' birthplace and language choices, indicating reduced Hebrew transmission among repatriated parents. These insights contribute to understanding heritage Hebrew dynamics in Finland, with potential implications for informing policies supporting language transmission in similar contexts and practical application in multilingual families worldwide. Furthermore, by analyzing the dynamics of maintaining heritage Hebrew in Finland and investigating the language policies of immigrant Israeli families in the Nordic context, this study expands the theoretical understanding and contributes to the advancement of the fields of heritage languages and family language policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing up in socio-economic disadvantage has important and long-lasting effects on children's lives. Children from disadvantaged households often fall behind in many areas of well-being and development, with effects that continue to limit their opportunities and outcomes – including their health and labour market outcomes – long after they reach adulthood. Drawing on Europe-wide survey data from 27 countries, this paper explores how childhood socio-economic disadvantage affects later adult labour market and health outcomes and evaluates the country-level GDP-equivalent cost of childhood disadvantage due to lost employment, lost earnings, and lost health, as well as the costs of lost government revenue and extra benefit spending. Results point to large costs for societies from childhood socio-economic disadvantage, totalling on average the equivalent of 3.5% of GDP annually. We also show that the labour market penalties linked to childhood disadvantage are often smaller in countries with lower absolute levels of disadvantage. While not causal evidence, these associations suggest much of the impact of childhood disadvantage in adulthood can be mitigated with the right environment and policy set up in childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most prevalent nematode infections globally is Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as pinworm. This infection is often seen among children living in poor socioeconomic conditions, in overcrowded households, and in immunocompromised patients with uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, long-term steroid therapy, and other related issues. With treatment, the cure rate is between 90 to 95%. However, reinfection is frequent, particularly in cases where contacts are not treated concurrently. Hereby, the authors present a case report of two male patients (58 and 40 year-old) with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus who presented with pinworm infections in unconventional sites. Enterobius vermicularis can manifest in uncommon locations such as the caecum, the appendix, and other visceral organs of the abdomen, including the uterine endometrium. These atypical presentations can lead to more serious complications, such as granuloma and abscess formation, which may even result in infertility. Although pinworm infection is typically considered a childhood disease, immunosuppressed adults are also susceptible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]