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Massaroni V, Delle Donne V, Marra C, Arcangeli V, Chieffo DPR. The Relationship between Language and Technology: How Screen Time Affects Language Development in Early Life-A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2023; 14:27. [PMID: 38248242 PMCID: PMC10813394 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010027] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Screen time refers to the amount of time a child is exposed to a screen, that is, television, computer, smartphone, or any other digital medium. Prolonged screen time in the first years of life may affect a child's cognitive abilities, especially language acquisition. A systematic review was conducted, following the PRISMA-P guidelines, with the aim to explore the available literature relating to the impact of screen time on children's language development. This review identified 18 articles. The articles reviewed showed that prolonged screen time and exposure to screens in the first 2 years of life can negatively affect language development and communication skills, in terms of comprehension and vocabulary range. In addition, overexposure to screens in the early years can affect overall cognitive development, especially attention to environmental stimuli, social experiences, problem solving, and communication with others, e.g., the alternance of rhythms and roles in a conversation. In conclusion, our systematic review supports the idea that preschool screen time has negative effects on children's cognitive and language development. Television seems to be the medium most detrimental to children's skills, as it is used in a passive manner and is often characterised by language and content that do not suit the child's processing mode. Future studies should increasingly focus on the digital media that children possess at an early age, such as mobile phones and tablets, and on how children relate to the online world, such as social networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Massaroni
- Department of Safety and Bioethics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (V.D.D.)
| | - Valentina Delle Donne
- Department of Safety and Bioethics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (V.D.D.)
| | - Camillo Marra
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Valentina Arcangeli
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Woman, Children and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
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He J, Fu Y, Cui S, Barnhart WR, Zhang X, Han J, Wang Y, Ganson KT, Nagata JM. Screen use while eating is associated with lower intuitive eating and higher disordered eating in Chinese adult men and women. Int J Eat Disord 2023; 56:1961-1972. [PMID: 37489116 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the potential associations between screen use while eating and intuitive eating and disordered (thinness-oriented and muscularity-oriented) eating behaviors. METHODS Analyses included 600 Chinese adults (50% women; Mage = 30.67, SD = 8.08) recruited online. The use of four major screen devices was captured, including cell phones, tablets, computers, and TVs. Three types of eating behaviors were examined, namely intuitive eating, thinness-oriented disordered eating, and muscularity-oriented disordered eating. Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted separately for men and women to examine the sex-specific associations between screen use while eating and intuitive eating, thinness-oriented disordered eating, and muscularity-oriented disordered eating. RESULTS In both men and women, more screen use while eating was significantly associated with lower intuitive eating, higher thinness-oriented disordered eating, and higher muscularity-oriented disordered eating, above and beyond total screen time and social media use. DISCUSSION We found preliminary evidence for the significant links between screen use while eating and intuitive eating and disordered eating. Given the global increases in screen use, continued research is warranted to further explore the role of screen use while eating in the development and maintenance of intuitive eating and disordered eating. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Much remains unknown regarding screen use while eating and eating behaviors. We found that in both Chinese men and women, more screen use while eating was significantly and uniquely associated with lower intuitive eating, higher thinness-oriented disordered eating, and higher muscularity-oriented disordered eating. Findings highlight the importance of incorporating screen use while eating in future research on intuitive eating and disordered eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo He
- Division of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuru Fu
- Division of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuqi Cui
- Division of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wesley R Barnhart
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- Division of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jiayi Han
- Division of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yitong Wang
- School of Economics and Management, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kyle T Ganson
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason M Nagata
- Division of Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Aranas K, Leighton JP. Dimensions of physical activity as related to child attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and impairment. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 27:953-966. [PMID: 34875896 PMCID: PMC9574890 DOI: 10.1177/13591045211058338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In efforts to explore adjunct/alternative treatments for ADHD, this study investigated the associations between dimensions of physical activity (PA) and children's ADHD symptoms and impairment. Current evidence-based treatments include medication and behaviour management, but there is widespread consensus that more treatment options are desirable. Although there is increasing support for PA as an adjunct/alternative to existing treatment for ADHD, the interplay of specific dimensions of PA has not been studied. Fifty-one parents of children aged 6-12 years with ADHD filled out questionnaires. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that only some dimensions of PA explained a statistically significant portion of the variance in ADHD symptoms, beyond that explained by typical demographic variables. PA dimensions did not account for a statistically significant portion of ADHD impairment. Refining the measurement of how long children have engaged in PA is a key step in generating evidence for PA as an adjunct or alternate treatment for ADHD, and developing guidelines to manage parental expectations for this treatment in the benefit of their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Aranas
- Educational Psychology, 3158University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Vohr BR, McGowan EC, Bann C, Das A, Higgins R, Hintz S. Association of High Screen-Time Use With School-age Cognitive, Executive Function, and Behavior Outcomes in Extremely Preterm Children. JAMA Pediatr 2021; 175:1025-1034. [PMID: 34251406 PMCID: PMC8276120 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.2041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Both preterm birth and increased screen time are known to be associated with an increase in risk of developmental and behavioral sequelae. The association between high screen time or a television or computer in the bedroom in early school age and adverse cognitive, executive function, language, and behavior outcomes of extremely preterm children (EPT) is not well understood. Objective To assess the association of high screen time with cognition, language, executive function, and behavior of EPT children aged 6 to 7 years; a second objective was to examine the association between high screen time and rates of structured physical activity and weight. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was a secondary analysis from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Surfactant Positive Airway Pressure and Pulse Oximetry Randomized Trial Neuroimaging and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes school-aged cohort and includes 414 EPT children born between February 1, 2005, and February 28, 2009, and evaluated in between 2012 and 2016 at ages 6 years 4 months to 7 years 2 months. The study was conducted from July 7, 2012, and August 15, 2016, and data were analyzed between December 10, 2018, and April 1, 2021. Exposures Cohorts included children exposed to low (≤2 hours per day) vs high (>2 hours per day) amounts of screen time and by the presence (no vs yes) of a television/computer in the bedroom. Main Outcomes and Measures In addition to growth parameters, assessments included the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, the Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment, the Conners 3rd Edition-Parent Short-Form, and the Social Communication Questionnaire. Results Of the 414 children included in the analysis, 227 (55%) were boys; mean (SD) birth weight was 870.6 (191) g. A total of 238 children (57%) had high screen time and 266 (64%) had a television/computer in their bedroom. In multivariable linear regressions adjusted for center, male sex, gestational age, and social determinants of health, high screen time was independently associated with the following mean (SE) test score changes: lower full-scale IQ (-3.92 [1.64]; P = .02); an increase in association with deficits in executive functions, including metacognition (8.18 [3.01]; P = .007), global executive function (7.49 [2.99]; P = .01), inhibition (-0.79 [0.38]; P = .03), and Conners 3rd Edition-Parent Short-Form inattention (3.32 [1.67]; P = .047). A television/computer in the bedroom was associated with an increase in inhibition (-0.80 [0.39]; P = .04) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (3.50 [1.75]; P = .046) problems. Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this study suggest that high screen time contributes to adverse cognitive, executive function, and behavior outcomes at ages 6 to 7 years in children born at less than 28 weeks. These findings support the need for clinicians to have heightened awareness of the risks for EPT children and discuss both the benefits and risks of screen time with families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty R Vohr
- Division of Neonatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence
| | - Elisabeth C McGowan
- Division of Neonatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence
| | - Carla Bann
- Division of Statistical and Data Sciences, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Abhik Das
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Division, RTI International, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Rosemary Higgins
- National Institutes of Health and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network, Bethesda, Maryland.,George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Susan Hintz
- Division of Perinatal Neonatal Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
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Abstract
Background: Children with ADHD should engage in physical activity, given its known role as a treatment adjunct. Objective: The main objective of this study is to assess the relationship between ADHD diagnosis and physical activity among children in the United States. Methods: This retrospective population-based cross-sectional study used data from the 2016 caregiver reported, National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). Results: In the adjusted binary model, children with an ADHD diagnosis had 21% lower odds of engaging in daily physical activity than their nondiagnosed counterparts. In the adjusted multinomial model, children with ADHD were increasingly unlikely to report additional days of physical activity as compared to those without a diagnosis. Conclusion: Given the known benefits of physical activity for those with ADHD, this study underscores the need for enhanced access to an important treatment adjunct for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Annie Gjelsvik
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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Turan S, Tunctürk M, Çıray RO, Halaç E, Ermiş Ç. ADHD and Risk of Childhood Adiposity: a Review of Recent Research. Curr Nutr Rep 2021; 10:30-46. [PMID: 33400254 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-020-00346-w] [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] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered as a risk factor for childhood adiposity and obesity. Studies on ADHD have provided limited data concerning the connections between eating habits, body mass index, and obesity. The purpose of this review was to examine the current literature regarding recent cohort and cross-sectional studies to determine the links between ADHD and childhood adiposity. RECENT FINDINGS Studies in this review were classified into dietary features, nutritional status, neuroimaging findings, genetic overlapping, behavioral, cognitive, and neurocognitive aspects that play a role in mediating and moderating the relationship between ADHD and obesity. While ADHD, childhood adiposity, and overweight/obesity co-occur in children and adolescents, this relationship is largely explained by a variety of multidirectional factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkan Turan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Tekirdağ State Hospital, Tekirdağ, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Tunctürk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bakirkoy Mazhar Osman Psychiatric Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Remzi Oğulcan Çıray
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylül University Medical Faculty, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Eren Halaç
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylül University Medical Faculty, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Çağatay Ermiş
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylül University Medical Faculty, Izmir, Turkey
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Wang Z, Jansen EC, Miller AL, Peterson KE, Téllez-Rojo MM, Watkins D, Schnaas L, Chavez MDCH, Cantoral A. Childhood emotional and behavioral characteristics are associated with soda intake: A prospective study in Mexico City. Pediatr Obes 2020; 15:e12682. [PMID: 32558284 PMCID: PMC8570088 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether childhood emotional and behavioral characteristics are associated with soda intake. METHODS The study population included 391 Mexico City adolescents enrolled in a birth cohort study. When children were between 6 and 12 years of age, the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC)-2 was administered. Nondiet soda intake was measured concurrently and again when participants were of peripubertal ages via food frequency questionnaire. Linear regression models were run with soda mL/day (cross-sectional and change in soda over time) as the outcome and BASC composite scores as predictors (in separate models), adjusting for confounders. RESULTS At baseline, children were 8.3 (SD 1.3) years (49% males). Three scales out of 18 examined had statistically significant associations. Parent-reported adaptive skills were inversely associated with concurrent soda intake (β = -2.29 with 95% CI -4.27 to -0.31). Parent-reported internalizing problems (higher = more problems) were related to higher change in soda intake from childhood to adolescence (β = 5.83 with 95% CI 0.98-10.68; N = 191). Self-reported school problems were associated with a higher change in soda intake over time (β = 9.46 with 95% CI 2.10-16.82; N = 122). CONCLUSIONS Parent- and self-reported emotional and behavioral difficulties in childhood were associated with soda consumption and changes in soda consumption over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyuan Wang
- Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Contributed equally to this work
| | - Erica C. Jansen
- Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Contributed equally to this work
| | - Alison L. Miller
- Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karen E. Peterson
- Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Deborah Watkins
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lourdes Schnaas
- Institute of Perinatology, ABC Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico
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El Archi S, Cortese S, Ballon N, Réveillère C, De Luca A, Barrault S, Brunault P. Negative Affectivity and Emotion Dysregulation as Mediators between ADHD and Disordered Eating: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113292. [PMID: 33121125 PMCID: PMC7693832 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with disordered eating, especially addictive-like eating behavior (i.e., binge eating, food addiction, loss of control overeating). The exact mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. ADHD and addictive-like eating behavior are both associated with negative affectivity and emotion dysregulation, which we hypothesized are mediators of this relationship. The purpose of this systematic review was to review the evidence related to this hypothesis from studies assessing the relationship between childhood or adulthood ADHD symptomatology, negative affectivity, emotion dysregulation and addictive-like eating behavior. The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. The literature search was conducted in PubMed and PsycINFO (publication date: January 2015 to August 2020; date of search: 2 September 2020). Out of 403 potentially relevant articles, 41 were retained; 38 publications reported that ADHD and disordered eating or addictive-like eating behavior were significantly associated, including 8 articles that suggested a mediator role of negative affectivity or emotion dysregulation. Sixteen publications reported that the association between ADHD symptomatology and disordered eating or addictive-like eating behavior differed according to gender, eating behavior and ADHD symptoms (hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention). We discuss the practical implications of these findings and directions future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah El Archi
- Qualipsy, EE 1901, Université de Tours, 37041 Tours, France; (S.E.A.); (C.R.); (S.B.)
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Center for Innovation in Mental Health, Academic Unit of Psychology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK;
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton SO19 8BR, UK
- New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG72UH, UK
| | - Nicolas Ballon
- CHRU de Tours, Service d’Addictologie Universitaire, Équipe de Liaison et de Soins en Addictologie, 37044 Tours, France;
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Christian Réveillère
- Qualipsy, EE 1901, Université de Tours, 37041 Tours, France; (S.E.A.); (C.R.); (S.B.)
| | - Arnaud De Luca
- CHRU de Tours, Centre Spécialisé de l’Obésité, 37044 Tours, France;
- UMR 1069, Nutrition, Croissance et Cancer, Université de Tours, INSERM, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Servane Barrault
- Qualipsy, EE 1901, Université de Tours, 37041 Tours, France; (S.E.A.); (C.R.); (S.B.)
- CHRU de Tours, Service d’Addictologie Universitaire, Centre de Soins d’Accompagnement et de Prévention en Addictologie d’Indre-et-Loire (CSAPA-37), 37000 Tours, France
| | - Paul Brunault
- Qualipsy, EE 1901, Université de Tours, 37041 Tours, France; (S.E.A.); (C.R.); (S.B.)
- CHRU de Tours, Service d’Addictologie Universitaire, Équipe de Liaison et de Soins en Addictologie, 37044 Tours, France;
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, 37032 Tours, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-2-18-37-05-81
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Goldstein BI, Korczak DJ. Links Between Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Risk. Can J Cardiol 2020; 36:1394-1405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2020.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Bishop SA, Okagbue HI, Odukoya JA. Statistical analysis of childhood and early adolescent externalizing behaviors in a middle low income country. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03377. [PMID: 32072060 PMCID: PMC7013197 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The article show the pattern of externalizing behavior across age, gender, school type, and school level, with reference to aggression, delinquency, and hyperactivity. The study samples were primary school pupils and secondary school students from three selected Local Government Areas (LGA) in Ogun State, Nigeria [Ado-Odo/Ota, Ifo, and Yewa South]. Their ages ranged from 10 to 20 years. The student/pupil sample was 1770 in all. The instrument used was an adapted version of Achenbach's child behavior checklist and youth self-report. Basic descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, as well as non-parametric statistics like Phi-coefficient, Chi-square, Goodman and Kruskal's gamma, Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis H test were utilized. Inferential parametric statistics like Pearson r, analysis of variance and simple regression were also utilized. Four major findings were reported. Firstly, the private schools irrespective of age, gender and level, scored higher than the public school in aggression, delinquency, and hyperactivity. Secondly, aggression is higher in secondary schools, while delinquency and hyperactivity are more prevalent in primary schools. Thirdly, school level and school type are the strongest predictors of externalizing behavior. Lastly, correspondence analysis showed a similar behavioral pattern for the three behaviors and three distinct behavioral patterns. i). Respondents aged 10 and below and those in primary schools (ii). Male, public and between 16 and 20. iii). Private, secondary, female and between 11 and 15. Implications of the study are discussed.
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The Association between ADHD and Obesity: Intriguing, Progressively More Investigated, but Still Puzzling. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9100256. [PMID: 31569608 PMCID: PMC6826981 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9100256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This narrative review is aimed at presenting the most recent evidence on the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity. The review is informed by previous relevant systematic reviews and a search in Pubmed and PsycINFO up to 1 August 2019. Although the association between ADHD and obesity would seem, at first, paradoxical, in the past two decades there has been an increasing number of studies on this topic. The present review shows that there is meta-analytic evidence supporting a significant association between these two conditions, at least in adults. Growing evidence is also being published on the genetic and environmental factors underlying the association. However, the cause–effects paths, as well as the exact mechanisms explaining the association, remain unclear. Additionally, empirical evidence guiding the management/treatment of patients with the two conditions is still limited. Therefore, after almost 20 years from the first report of a link between ADHD and obesity, this association continues to be puzzling.
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