1
|
Kasai A, Shikano A, Tanaka R, Yoshinaga M, Noi S. School-aged children's movement behaviours and subjective health complaints in Japan: a cross-sectional study during COVID-19 pandemic-related school closures and after school reopenings. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1204. [PMID: 38689272 PMCID: PMC11061910 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18712-6] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have altered children's movement behaviours and impacted their mental health. However, the influence of social restrictions on subjective health complaints remains inadequately understood. This study compared adherence to 24-hour movement behaviour guidelines and the prevalence of subjective health complaints during school closure and one year after reopening. We also examined how combinations of adherence to movement behaviour recommendations relate to subjective health complaints. METHODS A repeated cross-sectional survey was conducted at two points. The first survey in May 2020 included 1535 (766 boys and 769 girls) participants during school closures, while the second survey from May to July 2021 involved 1125 (583 boys and 542 girls) participants one year after school reopening. The questionnaire covered socio-demographics, physical activity, screen time, sleep, and subjective health complaints. Differences between periods were analysed using chi-square tests. Logistic regression models assessed the association between adherence to guidelines and subjective health complaints. RESULTS During school closure, children were more likely to meet 'only sleep' recommendations and have irritability and lethargy symptoms. Irrespective of sex, those adhering to two or all three recommendations (excluding physical activity and screen time) had a lower risk of symptoms related to physical and mental pain, fatigue, irritability, and lethargy as compared to those who met none of the recommendations. CONCLUSIONS Children should meet at least one physical activity or screen time recommendation in addition to sleep recommendations for subjective health. Strategies considering the priority of each movement behaviour are crucial, even during abnormal situations, such as pandemic-related social restrictions. This study offers insightful findings concerning children's mental health issues during unprecedented and massive disasters or crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akane Kasai
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Shikano
- Research Institute for Children's Physical Health, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Tanaka
- School of Sport Sciences, Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mari Yoshinaga
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shingo Noi
- Research Institute for Children's Physical Health, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Astudillo Y, Kibrom S, Pereira T, Solomon S, Krishnan S, Samsonov D. Association between anxiety and elevated blood pressure in adolescent patients: a single-center cross-sectional study. J Hypertens 2024; 42:644-649. [PMID: 38230613 PMCID: PMC10906197 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although anxiety is known to be associated with elevated blood pressure and hypertension in adults, this has not been studied in children. The aim of this study was to determine the association between anxiety and elevated blood pressures in adolescents. METHODS Adolescents, aged 12-18 years old, referred to the nephrology clinic were eligible to participate. Elevated blood pressure was defined as either SBP or DBP measurement above the 95th percentile for age, height, and sex. Participants were evaluated for anxiety using the validated Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders questionnaire filled independently by the child (SCARED-C) and parent (SCARED-P) evaluating the child. RESULTS Two hundred adolescents participated in this study. Thirty-one (53%) of SCARED-P-positive participants were found to have elevated blood pressure compared with 27 (19%) of SCARED-P negative, P 0.03. Twenty-five (43%) of SCARED-P positive had elevated DBP compared with 31 (28%) of SCARED-P negative ( P 0.003). In SCARED-P positive, mean DBP (78.4 ± 9.9) was higher compared with SCARED-P negative (74.9 ± 9.2) ( P 0.03). In a subgroup of adolescents (№ 130) not treated with blood pressure medications mean DBP was higher in both SCARED-P (79.0 ± 10.1) and SCARED-C (77.1 ± 10.4) positive groups compared with SCARED-P (73.6 ± 9.3) and SCARED-C (73 ± 8.9) negative, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates an association between anxiety and elevated DBP in adolescent children. Screening adolescents for anxiety should be a part of the routine evaluation of adolescent children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaritzy Astudillo
- Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Sara Kibrom
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford Children's Health, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Tanya Pereira
- Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Sonia Solomon
- Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Sankaran Krishnan
- Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Dmitry Samsonov
- Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Talja T, Rantanen A, Koivisto AM, Helenius J, Joronen K. Associations Between Children's Depressive Symptoms, Life Events, and Family Factors Among School-Aged Children. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2023; 93:279-288. [PMID: 36411393 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13271] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 20-30% of children worldwide report depressive symptoms. This study examined associations between children's depressive symptoms, life events, and family factors. METHODS Nationally representative data (n = 95,725) were drawn from the 2017 School Health Promotion Study in Finland. The respondents were 4th and 5th grade pupils (aged 10-12) in primary schools and their parents/guardians (n = 33,726). Data were analyzed for child-parent dyads (n = 32,181). Associations were studied using cross tabulation and logistic regression models. RESULTS Children's reports of poor self-rated health, problems with family interactions, and the accumulation of life events were statistically significantly associated with depressive symptoms, also when controlling for sociodemographic factors. Financial situation and parent's depressed mood, both reported by parents, were associated with children's depressive symptoms when both were included in the regression model. However, this association disappeared when other predictors were added to the model. CONCLUSION The results make apparent the complex associations between children's depressive symptoms and family factors. Further research is needed on the discrepancies between parent and child experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Talja
- Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Nursing Science, 33014 Tampere University, Finland
| | - Anja Rantanen
- Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Nursing Science, 33014 Tampere University, Finland
| | - Anna-Maija Koivisto
- Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, 33014 Tampere University, Finland
| | - Jenni Helenius
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Public Health and Welfare, Knowledge Management and Co-Creation, PL 30, 00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katja Joronen
- University of Turku, Department of Nursing Science, FI-20014 University of Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Deng J, Zhou F, Hou W, Heybati K, Lohit S, Abbas U, Silver Z, Wong CY, Chang O, Huang E, Zuo QK, Moskalyk M, Ramaraju HB, Heybati S. Prevalence of mental health symptoms in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A meta-analysis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1520:53-73. [PMID: 36537131 PMCID: PMC9880764 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying infection control measures introduced sudden and significant disruptions to the lives of children and adolescents around the world. Given the potential for negative impacts on the mental health of youths as a result of these changes, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and sleep disturbances in children and adolescents during the pandemic. We searched major literature databases for relevant cross-sectional or longitudinal studies that included primary and secondary school students or children and adolescents ≤18 years of age. Prevalence values were extracted, logit-transformed, and pooled. Based on 191 included studies with 1,389,447 children and adolescents, we found the pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and sleep disturbances to be 31%, 31%, and 42%, respectively. Age, grade levels, education levels, gender, geographical regions, and electronics use were correlated with the prevalence of mental health symptoms. The prevalence of mental health symptoms also increased with time, although signs of recovery and stabilization were also observed. Overall, the results from this review demonstrate the need for increased mental health research, monitoring, and intervention for children and adolescents during the current and future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Deng
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fangwen Zhou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wenteng Hou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kiyan Heybati
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic (Rochester), Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Simran Lohit
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Umaima Abbas
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry (Windsor Campus), University of Western Ontario, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zachary Silver
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chi Yi Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine (Waterloo Regional Campus), McMaster University, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
| | - Oswin Chang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Physician Assistant Education Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma Huang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qi Kang Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Faculty of Science, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Myron Moskalyk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harikrishnaa Ba Ramaraju
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Shayan Heybati
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Naeem N, Zanca RM, Weinstein S, Urquieta A, Sosa A, Yu B, Sullivan RM. The Neurobiology of Infant Attachment-Trauma and Disruption of Parent-Infant Interactions. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:882464. [PMID: 35935109 PMCID: PMC9352889 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.882464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Current clinical literature and supporting animal literature have shown that repeated and profound early-life adversity, especially when experienced within the caregiver-infant dyad, disrupts the trajectory of brain development to induce later-life expression of maladaptive behavior and pathology. What is less well understood is the immediate impact of repeated adversity during early life with the caregiver, especially since attachment to the caregiver occurs regardless of the quality of care the infant received including experiences of trauma. The focus of the present manuscript is to review the current literature on infant trauma within attachment, with an emphasis on animal research to define mechanisms and translate developmental child research. Across species, the effects of repeated trauma with the attachment figure, are subtle in early life, but the presence of acute stress can uncover some pathology, as was highlighted by Bowlby and Ainsworth in the 1950s. Through rodent neurobehavioral literature we discuss the important role of repeated elevations in stress hormone corticosterone (CORT) in infancy, especially if paired with the mother (not when pups are alone) as targeting the amygdala and causal in infant pathology. We also show that following induced alterations, at baseline infants appear stable, although acute stress hormone elevation uncovers pathology in brain circuits important in emotion, social behavior, and fear. We suggest that a comprehensive understanding of the role of stress hormones during infant typical development and elevated CORT disruption of this typical development will provide insight into age-specific identification of trauma effects, as well as a better understanding of early markers of later-life pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nimra Naeem
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, New York University, New York, NY, United States,Emotional Brain Institute, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Nimra Naeem,
| | - Roseanna M. Zanca
- Emotional Brain Institute, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sylvie Weinstein
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, New York University, New York, NY, United States,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alejandra Urquieta
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, New York University, New York, NY, United States,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anna Sosa
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, New York University, New York, NY, United States,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Boyi Yu
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, New York University, New York, NY, United States,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Regina M. Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, New York University, New York, NY, United States,Emotional Brain Institute, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States,Regina M. Sullivan,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wenter A, Schickl M, Sevecke K, Juen B, Exenberger S. Children's Mental Health During the First Two Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Burden, Risk Factors and Posttraumatic Growth - A Mixed-Methods Parents' Perspective. Front Psychol 2022; 13:901205. [PMID: 35719524 PMCID: PMC9201953 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.901205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying containment measures such as physical distancing and school closures led to major changes in children's everyday lives. By means of a mixed-methods study, the "Tyrolean COVID-19 Children's Study" investigated the effects of the pandemic and factors influencing mental health and health-related quality of life of North Tyrolean (Austria) and South Tyrolean (Italy) children aged 3-13 years. Parents filled out N = 2,691 online questionnaires (951 preschool children: 3-6 years; 1,740 schoolchildren: 7-13 years) at four measurement time points (March 2020, December 2020, June 2021, December 2021). For both age groups, children's mental health outcomes (internalising problems, posttraumatic stress symptoms) were worse in December 2021 (t4) than children's mental health outcomes in March 2020 (t1). With regard to aggressive behaviour, this difference was only found among schoolchildren. Thematic analysis of an open ended, written question revealed the following positive changes in children during the Corona crisis: (1) the importance of intra- and extra-familial relationships, (2) new competences and experiences, (3) values and virtues, (4) use of time, and (5) family strength. Using multilevel modelling, threat experience, economic disruption, and perceived posttraumatic growth were shown to be the strongest predictors of all outcomes. Additionally, male gender was shown to be a predictor of aggressive behaviour. In terms of age, schoolchildren showed more internalising problems, aggressive behaviour, and threat experience than preschool children. With regard to time, parents in December 2021 reported more threat experience in older children and less perceived posttraumatic growth in both older and younger children, than parents at the beginning of the pandemic. Targeted support for vulnerable children may prevent longer-term development of psychopathologies and contribute to society's psychosocial resilience in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, sustainable promotion of children's posttraumatic growth can also contribute to children's mental health and could even offer a chance to turn the crisis into an opportunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wenter
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maximilian Schickl
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kathrin Sevecke
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Tirol Kliniken, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Barbara Juen
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Silvia Exenberger
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Tirol Kliniken, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Talja T, Rantanen A, Koivisto AM, Fröjd S, Ikonen R, Joronen K. Early identification of depressive symptoms in school-aged children: Psychometric properties and validation of a new short version of Short Mood & Feelings Questionnaire. Scand J Caring Sci 2021; 36:393-403. [PMID: 34739150 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressive mood is a common problem among children in Western countries. Professionals in school and other health services have an important role in identifying children at increased risk for depression. The Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) is a widely used screening tool, but its 13 items still make it quite time-consuming to complete. There is an urgent need for a quick and easy-to-complete self-report depressive mood scale for use in school health examinations. AIM This paper aims to describe and validate a revised version of SMFQ: FsMFQ-6 is intended as a short screening tool for the early identification of depressive symptoms in children. METHODS Nationally representative data (n = 95,725) were drawn from the 2017 School Health Promotion Study. The respondents were fourth- and fifth-grade pupils (aged 10-12) in Finnish primary schools. The data were analysed separately by gender. The construct validity of the scale was studied by principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity by both receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Reliability was tested by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. RESULTS Principal component analysis yielded a one-component model: the Finnish Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire 6 (FsMFQ-6). CFA confirmed the validity of FsMFQ-6. Compared with mood at home (AUC = 0.80) and mood at school (AUC = 0.85), overall sensitivity and specificity were optimal at cut-off point 0. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.73, indicating good internal consistency. The results for girls and boys were almost identical. CONCLUSION The results confirmed the validity and reliability of FsMFQ-6. FsMFQ-6 recognises depressive mood in children and is suitable for screening depressive symptoms in fourth- and fifth-grade pupils in Finland. However, it is important to pay close attention to children who choose the 'Sometimes' response option more than once, for that can be a sign of depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Talja
- Health Sciences, Nursing Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anja Rantanen
- Health Sciences, Nursing Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anna-Maija Koivisto
- Health Sciences, Biostatistics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sari Fröjd
- Health Sciences, Social Psychiatry, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Riikka Ikonen
- Health Sciences, Nursing Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Government services, Competence cluster for violence prevention work, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katja Joronen
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|