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Rotheram-Borus MJ, Tomlinson M, Worthman CM, Norwood P, le Roux I, O'Connor MJ. Maternal depression, alcohol use, and transient effects of perinatal paraprofessional home visiting in South Africa: Eight-year follow-up of a cluster randomized controlled trial. Soc Sci Med 2023; 324:115853. [PMID: 37001280 PMCID: PMC10121853 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND South African mothers confront synergistic challenges from depression, alcohol use, and HIV/AIDS. The importance of maternal functioning for child development motivates interventions, yet long-term outcomes seldom are tracked. Furthermore, little is known about trajectories and the role of social-cultural factors in maternal depression and alcohol use across parenthood in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS We examined maternal outcomes at 5- and 8-years' post-birth, from the Philani Intervention Program (PIP), a randomized controlled trial of a prenatally-initiated home visiting intervention lasting through 6 months' post-birth which yielded some benefits for children and mothers through 3 years. Longitudinal Bayesian mixed-effects models assessed intervention effects for maternal depression and alcohol use from pre-birth through 8 years post-birth. We plotted trajectories of depression and alcohol use and analyzed their relationship over time. RESULTS Maternal benefits appeared limited and intervention outcomes differed at 5 and 8 years. Reduced depression in PIP versus standard care (SC) mothers at 3 years disappeared by 5 and 8 years. Depression prevalence declined from 35.1% prenatally to 5.5% at 8 years, independent of intervention or alcohol use. Alcohol use in both groups rebounded from a post-birth nadir; fewer PIP than SC mothers drank alcohol and reported problematic use at 5 but not 8 years. HIV+ prevalence did not differ by condition and increased from 26% to 45% over the reported period. CONCLUSIONS Dissipation of early child benefits from home visiting by age 8 years likely reflects lack of durable change in maternal behaviors compounded by social-cultural factors and cumulative effects of community deprivation. High prenatal rates warrant screening and treatment for depression in standard antenatal care. Low-and-middle income countries may need sustained interventions, including alcohol use reduction, to capitalize on initial gains from targeted interventions and address community social-cultural factors. HIV/AIDS continues to spread in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus
- Semel Institute Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Education Building, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa.
| | - Carol M Worthman
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, 1557 Dickey Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA.
| | - Peter Norwood
- Semel Institute Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
| | - Ingrid le Roux
- Philani Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Trust, P.O. Box 40188, Elonwabeni 7791, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Mary J O'Connor
- Semel Institute Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Understanding the importance of the early-life period for adult health: a systematic review. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2023; 14:166-174. [PMID: 36345774 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174422000605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Evidence clearly indicates that the nutritional and non-nutritional environment and level of physical activity during the early-life period from preconception through infancy has a lifelong impact on the child's health. However this message must be communicated effectively to parents and other stakeholders such as grandparents, health professionals, policymakers and the wider community in order for positive change to occur. This systematic review explores how both awareness and understanding of the long-term effects of the early-life environment have been measured in various populations and whether any patterns are evident. Ten articles were retrieved via a search of Embase, Medline and Scopus databases for peer-reviewed studies designed to assess participants' knowledge of the links between early-life exposures and adult health. Eligible articles spanned a wide range of countries, population groups and research methods. Three common themes were identified using thematic analysis: 1. a tendency for researchers to conflate participant understanding of the issue (the WHY) with a knowledge of key phrases and nutrition guidelines (the WHAT); 2. bias in both researchers and participants towards short-term thinking due to difficulty conceptualising long-term risk; and 3. challenges in comprehending the complexity of the evidence resulting in oversimplification and the overemphasis of maternal factors. Taken together these findings underscore the importance of a multi-level, whole-of-society approach to communicating the evidence, with the goal of influencing policy decisions as well as building a foundation of community support for parents and prospective parents to create a healthy early-life environment for the long-term wellbeing of all.
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Eldah TT, Mary M, Selina RN, Cecilia MT. Perceptions of Caregivers Regarding Malnutrition in Children under Five in Rural Areas, South Africa. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:1784. [PMID: 36421232 PMCID: PMC9689243 DOI: 10.3390/children9111784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Children under five depend on the caregivers to provide them with nutritious food to combat malnutrition. Several studies have been conducted about malnutrition in children, yet limited attention has been paid to the caregivers. Thus, the study investigated the perceptions of caregivers with regard to non-nutritious foods in rural areas in South Africa. This study explored caregiver's perception regarding non-nutritious food in children below five. This was done in primary health care clinics of Tshilwavhusiku local areas of Makhado Municipality in Vhembe District, South Africa. A qualitative approach was adopted. Nine caregivers were sampled randomly. In-depth individual interviews were conducted, and Tesch's analytical approach was adopted to analyze the data measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study. The study revealed that caregivers were lacking knowledge regarding nutritious food to be given to their children and signs of malnutrition were also not known. It is imperative to ensure the improvement of caregivers' knowledge regarding nutritious food and children's nutritional status in order to reduce the malnutrition rate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maluleke Mary
- Department of Advanced Nursing Science, University of Venda, Private Bag X 5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
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Wilkins R, Schiffmacher S, Gatewood A, Conway L, Greiner B, Hartwell M. Asthma medications in schools: a cross-sectional analysis of the Asthma Call-back Survey 2017-2018. J Osteopath Med 2022; 122:581-586. [PMID: 35918304 DOI: 10.1515/jom-2022-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Asthma is the most common chronic disease affecting children in the United States. Goals for asthma management include symptom control, the ability to maintain a normal activity level, and minimizing adverse events. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to analyze the number of children with asthma that are permitted to carry medications at school and without an asthma action plan. METHODS In this study, we analyzed the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Asthma Call-back Survey (ACBS) to assess the prevalence of children in school allowed to carry medication and with asthma action plans. Utilizing the sampling weights provided, we estimated population prevalence by age group and urbanicity. RESULTS Results showed that, overall, 34.8% of students reported they were not allowed to carry asthma medications in school. Specifically, nearly 51% of children ages 5 to 9 and 33% of children ages 10 to 14 were reported not to be allowed to carry medications at school. Further, 58.2% of children did not have a written asthma action plan. Reported urbanicity was not significantly associated with access to medication at school (p=0.46) or having an asthma action plan (p=0.57). CONCLUSIONS In our study, more than one-third of students were not permitted to carry asthma medications and nearly three-fifths did not have a written asthma action plan. Therefore, we recommend partnerships between schools, healthcare professionals, students, and osteopathic family physicians to increase access to asthma action plans and medication in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Wilkins
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, OK, USA
| | - Sadie Schiffmacher
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, OK, USA
| | - Ashton Gatewood
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Lauren Conway
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Ben Greiner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Micah Hartwell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
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Adebiyi BO, Goldschmidt T, Benjamin F, Sonn IK, Rich E, Roman NV. Enablers and barriers to effective parenting within the first 1000 days: an exploratory study of South African parents and primary caregivers in low socio-economic communities. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:793. [PMID: 35443633 PMCID: PMC9019930 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13179-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The first 1000 days is the period between conception and a child’s second birthday. Globally, research on parenting is in an advanced stage, but parenting research focusing specifically on parenting in this developmental phase is limited in South Africa. Therefore, this study explores the enablers and barriers to effective parenting within the first 1000 days through the lens of parents and caregivers in low socio-economic communities. Methods This study was conducted in communities in South Africa considered low socio-economic communities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. An exploratory qualitative research design explored the enablers and barriers to effective parenting within the first 1000 days of life. Thirty participants were purposively selected and interviewed in this study. A semi-structured interview schedule was used for all interviews. The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Two main categories emerged (effective parenting enablers and effective parenting barriers) during the data analysis. The main enablers of effective parenting within the first 1000 days of life include a support system, healthy behaviours/environment, unemployment/job opportunities, religion, information/knowledge, and professional assistance. On the other hand, the main barriers to effective parenting were low socio-economic circumstances, environmental circumstances, lack of partner’s support, the negative impact of technology, and lack of access to services. Conclusion Enablers that need to be promoted for effective parenting range from support systems to professional assistance for parents. Also, barriers that need to be removed for effective parenting range from low socio-economic circumstances to a lack of partner’s support for parents. This is because effective parenting is vital in improving developmental outcomes for children within the first 1000 days of life. Therefore, there is a need to develop policies and interventions to promote effective parenting within the first 1000 days in the communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babatope O Adebiyi
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Tessa Goldschmidt
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Fatiema Benjamin
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Inge K Sonn
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edna Rich
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicolette V Roman
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Mokitimi S, Schneider M, de Vries PJ. A situational analysis of child and adolescent mental health services and systems in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022; 16:6. [PMID: 35078503 PMCID: PMC8787885 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00440-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even though child and adolescent mental health is a global health priority, services are very limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), and therefore need comprehensive strengthening. This requires knowledge of the hardware elements of the system (human resources, financing, medicines, technology, organisational structure, service infrastructure, and information systems). This study sought to examine these elements of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) services and systems in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. METHODS The World Health Organization Assessment Instrument of Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) version 2.2 of 2005 was adapted to identify key variables of interest in CAMH. Data were collected for the calendar year 2016 and focused on the public health sector. We outlined findings based on best available data across the six domains of the WHO-AIMS. RESULTS In domain 1, we found no provincial CAMH policy or implementation plans to support the national CAMH policy and were unable to identify a CAMH-specific budget. In domain 2, there was no dedicated provincial leadership structure for CAMH, and no dedicated or 'child- and adolescent-friendly' mental health services at primary or secondary care levels. At tertiary level, there were only three specialist CAMH teams. The majority of CAMH resources were based in the City of Cape Town, with limited resources in the rural districts. Essential medicines were available in all facilities, and the majority of children and adolescents had access to free services. In domain 3, data were limited about the extent of training offered to primary healthcare staff, and little or no psychosocial interventions were available in primary care. Domain 4 identified a small and variable CAMH workforce across all levels of care. In domain 5, few public health campaigns focused on CAMH, and little evidence of formal intersectoral collaboration on CAMH was identified. Domain 6 identified significant limitations in health information systems for CAMH, including lack of child- and adolescent-specific and disaggregated data to establish baselines for policy development, monitoring, evaluation and CAMH research. CONCLUSIONS This study identified significant structural weaknesses in CAMH and presents a clear call for action to strengthen services and systems in the province and in South Africa. it would be important to expand research also to include provider and user perspectives for service strengthening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Mokitimi
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, 46 Sawkins Road, Rondebosch, 7700 South Africa ,grid.415742.10000 0001 2296 3850Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Klipfontein Road, Rondebosch, 7700 South Africa
| | - Marguerite Schneider
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, 46 Sawkins Road, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Petrus J. de Vries
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, 46 Sawkins Road, Rondebosch, 7700 South Africa
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Nagata JM, Singh G, Sajjad OM, Ganson KT, Testa A, Jackson DB, Assari S, Murray SB, Bibbins-Domingo K, Baker FC. Social epidemiology of early adolescent problematic screen use in the United States. Pediatr Res 2022; 92:1443-1449. [PMID: 35768491 PMCID: PMC9243697 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02176-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine sociodemographic correlates of problematic screen use (social media, video games, mobile phones) among a racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse population-based sample of 10-14-year-old early adolescents. STUDY DESIGN We analyzed cross-sectional data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (Year 2, 2018-2020; N = 8753). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to estimate associations between sociodemographic factors (age, sex, race/ethnicity, primary language, household income, parental education) and adolescent-reported problematic video game (Video Game Addiction Questionnaire), social media (Social Media Addiction Questionnaire), and mobile phone use (Mobile Phone Involvement Questionnaire). RESULTS Boys reported higher problematic video game use while girls reported higher problematic social media and mobile phone use. Native American, black, and Latinx adolescents reported higher scores across all problematic screen measures compared to non-Latinx white adolescents. Having unmarried/unpartnered parents was associated with higher problematic social media use. Although higher household income was generally protective against problematic video game use, these associations were weaker for black than white adolescents (p for interaction <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Given the sociodemographic differences in problematic screen use, digital literacy education strategies can focus on at-risk populations, encourage targeted counseling by pediatricians, and adapt family media use plans for diverse backgrounds. IMPACT While sociodemographic differences in screen time are documented, we examined sociodemographic differences in problematic screen use in a large, diverse sample of early adolescents in the US. Boys reported higher problematic video game use while girls reported higher problematic social media and mobile phone use. Native American, black, and Latinx adolescents reported higher scores across all problematic screen measures compared to non-Latinx white adolescents. Although higher household income was generally protective against problematic video game use, these associations were weaker for black than white adolescents. Beyond time spent on screens, pediatricians, parents, and educators should be aware of sociodemographic differences in problematic screen use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M. Nagata
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Gurbinder Singh
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Omar M. Sajjad
- grid.254880.30000 0001 2179 2404Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | - Kyle T. Ganson
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Alexander Testa
- grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX USA
| | - Dylan B. Jackson
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Shervin Assari
- grid.254041.60000 0001 2323 2312Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.254041.60000 0001 2323 2312Department of Urban Public Health, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.254041.60000 0001 2323 2312Marginalization-related Diminished Returns (MDRs) Research Center, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Stuart B. Murray
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Fiona C. Baker
- grid.98913.3a0000 0004 0433 0314Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA USA ,grid.11951.3d0000 0004 1937 1135School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Lee ME, Ali H, Staggers KA, Harpavat M, Natarajan Y. What's in Your Drink? Poster Educates Families About Sugar Content and Fatty Liver Disease. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 53:851-857. [PMID: 34366233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2021.04.463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is a risk factor for developing childhood obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study investigated the impact of an educational poster in pediatric offices on family's knowledge of sugar content in beverages and assessed awareness of NAFLD. DESIGN Preclinic visit surveys asked patients' caregivers about the sugar content in beverages and awareness of NAFLD. Postclinic visit surveys assessed improvement in knowledge of sugar content and willingness to change dietary habits. SETTING Outpatient visits in a single center in Houston between September and November 2019. PARTICIPANTS One hundred and forty-nine caregivers were surveyed, and patients' median age was 5.5 years (range, 0-18 years) with 57% males. INTERVENTION Educational posters displayed the sugar content of common beverages in each clinic room. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes measured included pre-post clinic visit change and predictors of change in (1) knowledge of sugar content in beverages and (2) intent to change beverage consumption. Baseline awareness of NAFLD and associated predictors were also assessed. ANALYSIS Logistic regression identified factors associated with an intended change in beverage consumption, change in survey score, and NAFLD awareness. RESULTS Increased knowledge of sugar content with median scores of 25% preclinic to 50% postclinic (P < 0.001). Eighty-eight percent of caregivers were very/moderately likely to provide their children fewer sugar-sweetened beverages. Sixty percent of caregivers were aware of NAFLD, but only 32.8% were concerned. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Posters in clinics increased awareness of the sugar content in beverages, and most caregivers reported intent to decrease children's sugary beverage consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E Lee
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
| | - Hiba Ali
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Kristen A Staggers
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Maya Harpavat
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Yamini Natarajan
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX; Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program, Section of Health Services Research (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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Goldschmidt T, Petersen L, Booley S, Roman NV. Perspectives of nurturance within the parent-child relationship in resource-constrained families. Child Care Health Dev 2021; 47:494-500. [PMID: 33638196 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurturing parents raise children in an engaged, flexible, emotionally expressive and supportive manner, which is associated with positive outcomes for children. While parenting research within the South African context is increasing, there is a lack of focus on nurturance within the parent-child relationship. Thus, this study sought to explore how parents nurture their children in resource-constrained environments in South Africa. METHOD A qualitative approach with an exploratory research design was used. Participants were purposively recruited via non-governmental institutions and key informants in the communities. A sample of 77 semi-structured interviews was conducted with participants from two rural areas, Calvinia and Lamberts Bay, in South Africa. RESULTS A thematic analysis of the data revealed two themes. The first theme is nurturance approaches, which encapsulate how parents nurture their children physically and emotionally. The second theme focuses on factors contributing to nurturance within the parent-child relationship with regard to parenting practices and external factors. CONCLUSION Although parents are nurturing children physically and emotionally, parenting capacity needs to be improved in the South African context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Goldschmidt
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lisa Petersen
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shakierah Booley
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicolette V Roman
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Christie H, Hamilton-Giachritsis C, Alves-Costa F, Tomlinson M, Stewart J, Skeen S, Notholi V, Gqwaka P, Sambudla A, Halligan S. Associations between parental trauma, mental health, and parenting: A qualitative study in a high-adversity South African community. Soc Sci Med 2020; 265:113474. [PMID: 33143952 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Research suggests that parenting behaviours are negatively affected by parental trauma. However, thus far, the evidence base has provided limited insight into why this occurs. Further, the available evidence has focused largely on high income contexts (HICs), and we know much less about the experiences of parents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) who are frequently coping with multiple adversities. OBJECTIVE The current qualitative study aimed to gain a more in-depth understanding from the parent's perspective about whether and how their trauma impacted themselves and their parenting behaviours. METHOD We conducted interviews with 30 trauma-exposed, Xhosa speaking parents (28 mothers) from Khayelitsha, a township outside Cape Town in South Africa, 66% of whom reported experiencing moderate to severe posttraumatic stress symptoms. RESULTS Five key themes were identified: consequences for parents as individuals (in terms of mental and physical health); the centrality of community and cultural context to parental experiences; consequences in terms of parenting capacity; trauma related effects on the child and how these may influence parental coping; and mechanisms of coping and achieving recovery. CONCLUSION Findings highlight the difficult nature of parenting following trauma due to impacts on multiple areas of life, and suggest potential avenues for the development of parenting interventions in order to support parents and families more effectively following trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope Christie
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Filipa Alves-Costa
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom; Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queens University, Belfast, UK
| | - Jackie Stewart
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarah Skeen
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vuyolwethu Notholi
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Phumza Gqwaka
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Akhona Sambudla
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarah Halligan
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Influence of Parental Physical Activity and Screen Time on the BMI of Adult Offspring in a Saudi Population. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8020110. [PMID: 32344646 PMCID: PMC7348799 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8020110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Saudi Arabia is witnessing a drastic rise in adult obesity. Geographic limitations hamper somatic activities to counter this rise. Parental physical inactivity in the region has never been addressed. This study’s purpose is to determine the differences between parent and adult child (the subjects here) levels of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) between normal weight and obese adults in the Saudi Arabian population. Two hundred and forty adult subjects (18 to 35 years) were screened for their body mass index (BMI) values (18.5 ≤ 25 as normal and 25 ≤ 30) or above as overweight/obese), followed by their congregation into normal weight (N) (n = 150) and overweight/obese (Ov/Ob) (n = 90) groups. A self-reported questionnaire assessed parenting practices, while a physical activity record diary calculated existing levels of PA and ST. Statistical significance was determined by a chi-squared test (p < 0.01) and BMI correlation was found by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Maternal age (87.8% ≤ 20 years in the Ov/Ob group (Gp) and consanguineous marriage (88.9% in the Ov/Ob Gp) showed significant differences. A high prevalence of inactivity was observed among families (father 53.3%, mother 53.3%, subject 80.0%) in the Ov/Ob Gp. Higher amounts of ST (76.7% ≥ 9 h/day) were found in the Ov/Ob Gp, which significantly differed. Differences in the parent and child levels of PA and ST exist between normal weight and obese Saudi Arabian adults. Physically active parents having adult children inspire them to develop healthy physical behaviors which counter the development of obesity. Consanguineous marriage and early maternal age may be associated with progressive adult obesity.
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Worthman CM, Dockray S, Marceau K. Puberty and the Evolution of Developmental Science. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2019; 29:9-31. [PMID: 30869841 PMCID: PMC6961839 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, theoretical and methodological advances have operated synergistically to advance understanding of puberty and prompt increasingly comprehensive models that engage with the temporal, psychosocial, and biological dimensions of this maturational milepost. This integrative overview discusses these theoretical and methodological advances and their implications for research and intervention to promote human development in the context of changing maturational schedules and massive ongoing social transformations.
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Panter-Brick C, Eggerman M. The field of medical anthropology in Social Science & Medicine. Soc Sci Med 2018; 196:233-239. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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