Potential for misclassification of micronutrient status in children participating in a Head Start program

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate relations among measures of iron and zinc status, C-reactive protein (CRP), and leukocytes in low-income children participating in the Head Start program. DESIGN: Cross-sectional correlational study with samples collected at Head Start centers in May 2003. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Forty-seven children (aged 3 to 5 years) attending Head Start centers in three rural communities. MEASURES: Zinc, ferritin, CRP, and complete blood count were analyzed in nonfasting blood samples. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Correlations were computed among leukocyte levels, CRP levels, and measures of micronutrient status. Children having two abnormal measures (ie, leukocytes and CRP) were compared by univariate analysis of variance with children having zero or one abnormal measure. RESULTS: Most (72%) of the children had elevated CRP levels. Four percent were anemic (hemoglobin<11.0 g/dL [<110 g/L]); 11% had low iron stores (serum ferritin相似文献   

Head Start,Nutrition, and Problems of Poverty in Childhood

Background: Fractionation of a ginseng source to produce differences in the ginsenoside profile might influence its effect on postprandial glycemia. To explore this possibility and identify an efficacious ginseng for a longterm study, we conducted a preparation-finding study of different Korean red ginseng (KRG) root fractions followed by a dose-finding study of the most efficacious fraction.

Methods: A double-blind, randomized, within-subject design was used in both studies. In the preparation-finding study, 7 healthy subjects (sex: 3m:4f, age: 32 ± 4 y, BMI: 24 ± 2 kg/m²) received 6 g placebo and KRG-rootlets, -body, and -H₂O extract 40 min before a 50 g-OGTT with finger-prick blood samples at ?40-, 0-, 15-, 30-, 45-, 60-, 90-, 120-min. In the dose-finding study, 12 healthy subjects (sex: 9M,3F, age: 29 ± 3 y, BMI: 22.5 ± 1 kg/m²) received 0 g (placebo), 2 g, 4 g, and 6 g of the most efficacious root fraction following the same protocol. Ginsenosides were analyzed using HPLC-UV.

Results: In the preparation-finding study, a wide variation in the ginsenoside profiles was achieved across the 3 KRG fractions. This variation coincided with differential effects. The main effects of KRG-rootlets (p = 0.050) and time (p < 0.001) and their interaction (p < 0.1) were significant. This was reflected in a 29% reduction in area under the curve (AUC) by KRG-rootlets compared with placebo (p = 0.052). Conversely, neither KRG-H₂O extract nor KRG-body affected glycemia. Stepwise-multiple regression models identified Rg1 as the sole predictor of mean- and AUC postprandial blood glucose. In the dose-finding study, KRG-rootlets were tested as the most efficacious fraction. A significant effect of KRG-rootlets treatment (mean of 3 doses) but not dose was found. The mean of 3 doses decreased AUC by 17% compared with placebo (p = 0.057).

Conclusions: Together the studies indicate 2 g KRG-rootlets is sufficient to achieve reproducible reductions in postprandial glycemia. But the longterm sustainability of KRG selected using this approach remains to be tested.     

Dietary intake in Head Start vs non-Head Start preschool-aged children: results from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objective

To determine whether dietary intakes of children enrolled in Head Start programs differ from those of children not attending preschool or children in non–Head Start programs.

Design

Using data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, low-income, 3- to 5-year-old children were categorized into one of four preschool groups: Head Start (n=184), non–Head Start (n=189), past preschool (n=193), and no preschool (n=384). Total nutrient intakes were calculated using 24-hour parental recalls.

Statistical analyses performed

Mean macronutrient and micronutrient intakes were compared across groups and the percentage of children not meeting Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between preschool group and likelihood of not meeting dietary guidelines.

Results

Many children did not meet the RDA for folate (20.5%), vitamin A (39.7%), vitamin E (79.7%), calcium (40.2%), iron (28.8%), and potassium (90.8%). Compared with the other preschool groups, Head Start children had lower mean protein, saturated fat, riboflavin, calcium, and phosphorous intakes. The greatest differences in intake were observed between Head Start participants and no-preschool children. Multivariate analyses demonstrated an association between Head Start and inadequate intake of protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, and selenium.

Conclusions

Compared with other low-income children, those in Head Start programs appear to be at greater risk for not meeting the RDA for several key vitamins and minerals. These differences in diet quality may present an opportunity for Head Start programs to enhance nutrition in this student population.     

The Head Start dental component: evaluation of an urban program

To evaluate the dental portion of a Head Start Program, the investigators determined the degree of compliance in providing children aged 3-5 years with annual examinations, topical fluoride, followup care, and a dental curriculum for their classroom. The study included an audit of the children's health records, a clinical assessment of care needs, oral cleanliness, and restoration quality, and an evaluation in the last month of the school year. The evaluation procedures were standardized, and dual examiners were used for all assessments. Differences of opinion between examiners were settled immediately, and the consensus was noted in the evaluation record for the study. A review was conducted of the health records for the 564 children enrolled in eight Head Start centers in Dallas, TX. According to those records, 74 percent of the children had been examined. Nearly 24 percent had required dental care because of caries--the range among centers was 11 to 43 percent. Of the group requiring care, 85 percent had received all the care needed. With the use of World Health Organization criteria, a mean score of 2.47 for oral cleanliness was determined for a random sample of 178 children. This sample also exhibited 1.45 decayed and 1.18 filled deciduous teeth per child. Restoration quality was rated; 94 percent were judged to be acceptable by Ryge's criteria. At all the centers, the dental health curriculum met the program standards set for Head Start by the Public Health Service, Region VI.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Physical education for Head Start children: A field-based study

Although Head Start Programs provide preschool children with essential academic readiness skills and experiences, a critical missing link in the curriculum is motor skill instruction. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a motor development program taught by physical education majors on Head Start children's gross motor development. Participants were 53 preschool children #op2 classes from each of 2 centers#cp who were enrolled in Head Start programs and 28 physical education majors who were enrolled in two separate motor development classes. The Test of Gross Motor Development #opUlrich, 1985#cp was used for assessment and instruction. Prior to teaching the children, the university students received approximately 12 hours of practical training in motor skill analysis and assessment through laboratory experiences and videotapes. The two Head Start centers #opgroups A and B#cp were pretested in October prior to the start of the instructional program. Group A received the instructional program during the next 10 weeks and then both groups were retested. During the following 10 weeks. Group B received the same instructional program and then both groups were again tested. A 2 #opGender#cp x 2 #opGroup#cp x 3 #opTest#cp repeated measures design produced a significant Group x Test effect. Gender differences were not significant. Post-hoc analysis revealed significant differences between tests 1 and 2 for group A and between tests 2 and 3 for group B. Results suggest that a competency-based motor development program taught by physical education students can provide valuable benefits for both Head Start programs and undergraduate teacher preparation programs.     

Baby bottle tooth decay in Native American children in Head Start centers

Baby bottle tooth decay is a unique pattern of dental caries (tooth decay) affecting the dentition of young children. It is associated with the practice of putting the child to sleep with a nursing bottle filled with liquid that contains sugar. Practitioners who treat Native American children have noted that this population suffers from a high prevalence of the condition. In order to establish specific program priorities and treatment needs for this segment of the Native American population, additional information is required on both prevalence and severity of baby bottle tooth decay. In this survey, an overall prevalence of 70 percent was observed when Navajo and Cherokee Head Start students ages 4-5 years were examined. Of the children affected by baby bottle tooth decay, 87 percent displayed the most severe manifestation of the disease. The prevalence of this disease in these Native American children appears to be substantially higher than in other populations. Further study is needed to identify the factors contributing to this difference in prevalence and to identify effective measures for reducing the occurrence of baby bottle tooth decay among Native Americans.     

Nutrient intake of Head Start children: home vs. school

OBJECTIVE: To determine mean intake of energy and protein, total fat, saturated fat, percent energy from total and saturated fat, cholesterol, carbohydrate, calcium, iron, zinc, folate, vitamins A, C, E, B-6 and B-12, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, magnesium, sodium and fiber of preschool Head Start children at school and away from school. DESIGN: Twenty-four-hour food intakes for 358 Head Start children were obtained by observing food intake at school and acquiring intake recalls from parents or guardians specifying food their children consumed for the balance of the day. After determining group estimates of energy and nutrient intake, mean intake was compared to standard nutrient recommendations for the entire 24-hour day, i.e., for the time the children were in school and for the remaining hours away from school ("home" intake). SUBJECTS: The 358 Head Start children attended school either half-day (2- to 3-hour AM and PM sessions) or all-day (5 to 6 hours). STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Differences in nutrient intake among class times were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test. Differences with a p-value <0.05 (two-tailed) were considered to be statistically significant. Total energy, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins A, C, E, B6, and B12, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin as well as folate and magnesium were compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowances for the 4- to 6-year-old age group. Other standards that were used for comparisons included the National Cholesterol Education Program (fat, saturated fat and cholesterol), the 1989 National Research Council's Diet and Health Report (carbohydrate and sodium) and the recommendation for fiber proposed by the American Health Foundation. RESULTS: At school, half-day children consumed up to 25% of the daily recommendation for energy and nutrients, while all-day children achieved at least a third of the recommended intakes. When intakes at home and school were combined, all three groups of children (AM, PM and all-day) exceeded dietary recommendations for protein, vitamins and minerals. Energy intake remained below 100% of the recommendation, while intake of total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol exceeded recommendations. APPLICATION: Further research is required to explore energy needs and determine nutritional status and nutrient needs of minority and low-income preschool children. Strategies are required to increase nutrient density, but not fat density, of meals and snacks served to children who attend day care for part of the day. Finally, school meals and nutrition education programs such as Team Nutrition should broaden their base to include healthful eating habits for all school children, including the very youngest children in preschool programs.     

学龄前儿童睡眠障碍在儿童行为情绪问题与父母教养方式间中介效应

  目的  了解安徽省池州市学龄前儿童睡眠质量不良情况及其影响因素,为改善儿童睡眠健康提供参考依据。  方法  于2020年6 — 7月采用分层抽样方法在安徽省池州市幼儿园抽取1815名3～6岁儿童家长就学龄前儿童的睡眠质量情况进行了问卷调查。  结果  安徽省池州市最终纳入1758名学龄前儿童的睡眠质量不良检出率为76.3 %,其中就寝习惯不良、入睡潜伏期延长、睡眠持续时间不规律、睡眠焦虑、夜醒、异态睡眠、睡眠呼吸障碍和白天嗜睡的检出率分别为85.6 %、46.6 %、46.6 %、84.7 %、19.4 %、45.1 %、11.0 %和71.0 %;多因素非条件logistic回归分析结果显示,与亲人同床睡、与亲人同房分床睡、主要代养人就寝时间在22点及以后和主要代养人睡前使用电子产品是池州市学龄前儿童睡眠质量不良的危险因素,有安静睡眠环境和午睡习惯是池州市学龄前儿童睡眠质量不良的保护因素;每次使用电子产品时间 ≥ 30 min、与亲人同床睡和与亲人同房分床睡是池州市学龄前儿童就寝习惯不良的危险因素,有安静睡眠环境是池州市学龄前儿童就寝习惯不良的保护因素;主要代养人就寝时间在22点及以后是池州市学龄前儿童入睡潜伏期延长的危险因素,有安静睡眠环境是池州市学龄前儿童入睡潜伏期延长的保护因素;有安静睡眠环境和午睡习惯是池州市学龄前儿童睡眠持续时间不规律的保护因素;与亲人同床睡和与亲人同房分床睡是池州市学龄前儿童睡眠焦虑的危险因素,年龄5和6岁是池州市学龄前儿童睡眠焦虑的保护因素;有安静睡眠环境是池州市学龄前儿童夜醒的保护因素;男童和主要代养人睡前使用电子产品是池州市学龄前儿童异态睡眠的危险因素,有安静睡眠环境是池州市学龄前儿童异态睡眠的保护因素;主要代养人就寝时间在22点及以后是池州市学龄前儿童白天嗜睡的危险因素,有安静睡眠环境是池州市学龄前儿童白天嗜睡的保护因素。  结论  安徽省池州市学龄前儿童睡眠质量不良检出率较高,其中就寝习惯不良是最主要的睡眠问题;睡床方式、有无安静睡眠环境、有无午睡习惯、主要代养人就寝时间和主要代养人睡前是否使用电子产品是该地区学龄前儿童睡眠质量不良的主要影响因素。     

Food security status of households in Appalachian Ohio with children in Head Start

This study measured food security and hunger of households involved in Head Start in a rural Appalachian county and assessed factors that could affect food security and hunger. A convenience sample of households with children enrolled in the Head Start program in Athens County, Ohio, were sampled (n=710), with adults from 297 (42%) households responding. The survey instrument included the 18-question US Household Food Security Survey Module for measuring hunger and food insecurity. Of those responding, 152 households (51.2%) were food secure and 145 (48.8%) were food insecure. Ninety (30.3%) had experienced hunger in the previous 12 months, and 41 (13.8%) households were classified as food insecure with childhood hunger. Hunger was related to a variety of household characteristics and associated with several factors, including participation in food banks, dependence on family members and friends outside of the household for food, lacking reliable transportation, and not having a garden.     

Integrated STEM curriculum: improving educational outcomes for Head Start children

In this study, the researchers aimed to design, plan and implement a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) model to support Pre-K children’s skills and knowledge in STEM as well as to improve Pre-K teachers’ attitudes and professional skills to plan and integrate STEM concepts in their daily classroom activities. Four classrooms from a Head Start programme in an Eastern North Carolina County participated in the study. A quasi-experimental, pre–post-intervention design was adopted to implement the steps of the project. Data were collected through multiple, convergent methods in which the research team utilized both quantitative and qualitative measures to document the participants’ progress and gains. The research outcomes proved that children attending preschool can attain higher levels of understanding in STEM when they are specifically supported through well-planned, stimulating and developmentally appropriate activities.     

High prevalence of overweight and short stature among Head Start children in Massachusetts.

The Head Start Program measures children''s heights and weights to screen for growth problems such as obesity, wasting, and short stature. At present, little public health use is made of these data. In this paper, the authors present serial cross-sectional nutrition surveillance data from Massachusetts Head Start Programs. Nonrandom samples of local Head Start Programs provided annual screening data from 1988 to 1991 on an average of 2,664 children per year. Height and weight measurements were compared with National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference populations. On average, 87 percent of the children were 36 to 59 months of age and 51 percent were white. From 7.3 to 8.8 percent of children were below the 5th percentile of height for age each year, and from 1.2 to 3.3 percent were underweight, with weight below the 5th percentile for height (P < 0.05 compared with NCHS population). In each year overweight (weight for height above the 95th percentile) was most prevalent, ranging from 9.6 percent to 13.3 percent (P < 0.05 compared with NCHS) and demonstrating a statistically significant upward trend over the 4 years of study (chi-square = 9.21, P < 0.01). The prevalence of overweight and short stature varied by race and ethnicity. A statistically significant upward trend in overweight was seen among Hispanic children (chi-square = 5.99, P < 0.05). Also, children who were 48 months of age or older were more likely than younger children to be overweight (P < 0.05). The prevalence of short stature did not vary significantly by year, sex, or age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)