HIV-negative children’s experiences and opinions towards parental HIV disclosure: a qualitative study in China

In HIV/AIDS research, few studies to date have evaluated ways to improve parental HIV disclosure practices using feedback from HIV-negative children who have recently experienced this event. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 children (aged 6–15) who were partially to fully aware of their parents’ HIV status in rural Guangxi, China. Of the 20 children, eight children who were of older age (11.38 years in average) endorsed parental HIV disclosure, five discouraged it and seven expressed uncertainty. Children’s different experiences and attitudes towards disclosure were seen to be associated with their family dynamics (especially the parent–child relationship), social support and care, experiences of stigma and discrimination, psychosocial suffering, comprehension of the disease and the children’s age. Our study contributes to building a child-centered comprehensive understanding for Chinese parental HIV disclosure. It is imperative that counselors and community advocates assess and help parents achieve optimal readiness preceding disclosure of their illness to their HIV-negative children.     

Arab American parents’ perceptions of their children’s experience in the USA: a qualitative study

The purpose of this study was to examine Arab American parents’ perceptions of difficulties their children experience in the USA. Both Arab American children born outside the USA who later moved to the country and children born in the USA to Arab parents were examined. Fifty Arab American families were interviewed in two areas in the State of Michigan. Data were translated from Arabic to English, and then analysed according to specific themes. Results revealed that the most common difficulties are language acquisition and emotional and social adjustments. The least frequent problem is using technology. Additionally, results showed that children who live in concentrated populations of Arab immigrants have fewer problems than those who live in less concentrated areas. The implications of results for educators, school psychologists and new Arab immigrants are presented.     

Do parental neighbourhood perceptions contribute to child behaviour problems? A study of disadvantaged children

Abstract

Over the past decade disadvantaged communities are increasingly the target for intervention, with the introduction of a number of Area Based Initiatives (ABIs) designed to reduce the effects of poverty on children. However, an exclusive focus on the neighbourhood can overlook interactions between individuals' characteristics and their surroundings. Neighbourhood deprivation, parental mental health, parental personality, family stress and harsh discipline were included in a study of predictions of children's behaviour problems in a sample of 463 children aged 5 years and 12 years living in three disadvantaged neighbourhoods in England. Children's primary caregivers (primarily mothers) were given a structured questionnaire administered in the home as a face-to-face interview about the neighbourhood, the family, parenting, parental personality, parental mental current health and child behaviour. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that child factors (younger age group) and gender (male), neighbourhood factors (attachment and non-family networks), parental personality (agreeableness) and parent–child interactions (harsh discipline and family stress) accounted for 37% of the total variance in child behaviour problems. Interactions between parental mental health, parental personality, parenting and children's well-being need to be considered when introducing interventions related to neighbourhood deprivation and local disorder; these factors may inhibit some vulnerable families from the benefits of interventions.     

Do grandparents influence parents’ decision to vaccinate their children? A systematic review

The global reduction in childhood infectious diseases since the 1960s is primarily due to the success of extensive worldwide immunisation campaigns. However, the universal vaccination coverage program appears to have lost momentum in the wake of negative, unfounded claims about the safety of vaccines. While parents of the 21st century have little first-hand knowledge of devastating childhood diseases, grandparents are more likely to remember family and community members who were afflicted. In the current age of vaccine hesitancy and science scepticism, where research-informed arguments are not always persuasive, grandparents, through their experience of the diseases, may positively influence paediatric vaccine uptake. This paper reviews the literature investigating potential direct or indirect influences of grandparents on parents’ decisions to vaccinate their children. A database search using the keywords immunisation, vaccination, children and grandparents resulted in 1988 articles. Titles were screened for relevance and seventy-seven results were retained. After the abstracts were read, only five articles that either explored paediatric vaccines, factors promoting and/or inhibiting paediatric vaccine use and decision-making strategies were reviewed. One paper located through Google Scholar, which failed to show up on database searches, was also retained for a total of six papers. While none of the six papers set out to explore the impact of grandparents on vaccine uptake, they found that grandparents were involved to varying degrees in paediatric vaccine uptake within young families. The research clearly showing that grandparents, and older people more generally, promote vaccination uptake is not currently available. The dearth of literature shows the need for research exploring the perceived and real influences of grandparents on childhood vaccination. This will establish whether grandparents’ memory and knowledge of preventable childhood infectious diseases could be harnessed as a public health measure to counteract the current, ill-informed, negative attention on paediatric vaccines.     

Evaluation of the quality of life of children with celiac disease and their parents: a case–control study

Purpose  

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of children with CD and of their parents and to compare it with that of children without CD and of their parents.     

Is parental coping associated with the level of function in children with physical disabilities?1

Objectives The objectives of this study are: (1) to describe parental coping in a cohort of children with physical disabilities (PDs); (2) to determine whether the child's level of function is associated with parental coping; and (3) to explore whether socio‐demographic factors such as child's age, maternal education and family structure are associated with parental coping. Methods Parents of 150 children with PDs were interviewed after being referred to community rehabilitation services. They answered the following: the Coping Health Inventory for Parents, the Functional Independence Measure for children (WeeFIM) and a study questionnaire that addressed socio‐demographic characteristics. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the association between level of function and other factors and parental coping. Results Mean (SD) age of the children was 40.9 (15.2) months and 64.7% were male. Parental coping scores, measured by the Coping Health Inventory for Parents, indicated that the parents in our study found seeking out social support from community resources useful. Parents of children with moderate to severe dysfunction in mobility (WeeFIM) found coping behaviours related to communicating with the healthcare professionals regarding their child's condition useful (β coefficient, 2.07; 95% CI, 0.37, 3.78). Greater perceived usefulness of maintaining social support through community resources was associated with lower maternal education, working parents and two‐parent families. Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of helping parents of children with PDs maintain social support. It is important to help parents understand their child's medical situation, especially those whose children have more severe mobility dysfunction.     

A two-year prospective study of the health-related quality of life of children with chronic illness – the parents’ perspective

The aim of this study was to assess prospectively changes in the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of children and adolescents with diabetes, asthma or cystic fibrosis (CF). One hundred and twenty-two parents of children aged 10–16 years with asthma, diabetes, or CF were recruited from specialist paediatric clinics. Parents described their childrens HRQL using the Child Health Questionnaire (PF98) at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-baseline. They reported that the general health of children with CF was significantly worse than that of children with asthma and diabetes at baseline. In other domains there were few differences between the HRQL of children in the three groups. In several domains, the HRQL of children with asthma or diabetes improved over the 2years of the study. This improvement was less evident for children with CF.     

Do attachment patterns of parents with a mental illness have an impact upon how they view the quality of life of their children?

This study examines the relationship between the attachment patterns of 61 parents with a mental illness and their perception of their children's health-related (QoL). Parental attachment patterns were assessed using the Bielefeld Partnership Expectations Questionnaire (BFPE); health-related QoL of children was measured with the parent version of KINDL-R. Compared to the general population, parents showed different attachment patterns and rated their children's QoL significantly lower overall as well as in the dimensions “emotional well-being”, “friends” and “family”. QoL ratings were associated with specific parental attachment styles. Parents with secure patterns also differed from those with other patterns in their ratings of their children's QoL. These results suggest a role of parental attachment for the perception of child well‐being and functioning. They also underline the need for more research into the association between parent attachment and child well-being in families with mental health problems.     

Factors associated with parental acceptance of seasonal influenza vaccination for their children – A telephone survey in the adult population in Germany

IntroductionInfluenza vaccination of children with underlying chronic diseases is currently recommended in Germany, but targeting all children constitutes an alternative approach to control seasonal influenza. To inform the modelling of vaccination impact and possible communication activities, we aimed to assess among parents the acceptance of universal childhood vaccination against seasonal influenza and possible modifiers.MethodsWe conducted a telephone survey in households in Germany using random digit dialing. We interviewed parents with children aged <18 years by constructing three hypothetical scenarios in subsequent order: (1) hearing about the influenza vaccination recommendation through the media, (2) the vaccine being recommended by a physician, and (3) being informed about the availability of the vaccine as a nasal spray. We calculated the proportion of parents who would immunize their child and used univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with influenza vaccination intention.ResultsResponse was between 22 and 46%. Of 518 participants, 74% were female, mean age was 41.3 years. Participants had on average 1.6 children with a mean age of 8.9 years. In scenario 1, 52% of parents would immunize their child, compared to 64% in scenario 2 (p < 0.01) and to 45% in scenario 3 (p = 0.20). Factors independently associated with vaccination acceptance in scenario 1 were previous influenza vaccination of the child or parent (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.5 and 8.6, respectively), perceived severity of influenza (aOR = 5.1) and living in eastern Germany (aOR = 2.4).ConclusionIf seasonal influenza vaccination was recommended for all children, more than half of the parents would potentially agree to immunize their child. Involving physicians in future information campaigns is essential to achieve high uptake. As intranasal vaccine administration is non-invasive and easily done, it remains unclear why scenario 3 was associated with low acceptance among parents, and the underlying reasons should be further explored.     

Determinants of inadequate parental sun protection behaviour in their children – Results of a cross-sectional study in Germany

ObjectiveUnprotected sun exposure especially during childhood is a risk factor for skin cancer. A combined use of sun protection measures is recommended to protect children. However, the prevalence and determinants for combined use have been scarcely studied in children. The objective of this study was to identify determinants of parental sun protection behaviour.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was performed in five regions in Bavaria (Germany) during school entrance health examination (2010/2011). Parents of 4579 children (47% female, aged 5–6 years) completed a self-administered questionnaire (response 61%).ResultsMost children were regularly protected with single measures (shade (69%), clothes (80%), hat (83%), sunscreen (89%), sunglasses (20%)). However, regarding regular and combined use, >50% of children were inadequately protected. Larger family size, lower household equivalent income, darker skin and sunburn history were associated with inadequate use of different sun protection measures. The less frequent use of one sun protection measure was associated with less frequent use of the others. Child's sex, migration background, parental education and sun exposure showed inconsistent results regarding the different sun protection outcomes.ConclusionBased on our results a regular, combined and correct use of multiple sun protection for children should be promoted independent of sociodemographic characteristics. Priority of shade, clothes and hat before sunscreen should be clarified.     

Are children rational decision makers when they are asked to value their own health? A contingent valuation study conducted with children and their parents

Despite the importance of including children's preferences in the valuation of their own health benefits, no study has investigated the ability of children to understand willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) questions. Using a contingent valuation method, we elicit children's and parents' WTP to reduce children's risk of an asthma attack. Our results suggest that children are able to understand and value their own health risk reductions, and their ability to do so improves with age. Child age was found to be inversely related to parents' and children's WTP. The results also suggest that non‐paternalistic altruism is predictive of children's WTP. For parents, care for their own health was found to be inversely related with their WTP for children's risk reductions. Comparison of parents' and children's WTP suggests that parents are willing to sacrifice for their child's health risk reduction an amount that is approximately twice that of their children. The analysis of matched pairs of parents and children suggest that there are within‐household similarities as the child's WTP is positively related to parents' WTP.     

Are secondhand smoke-related diseases of children associated with parental smoking cessation? Determinants of parental smoking cessation in a population-based cohort study

ObjectiveLittle is known about whether secondhand smoke (SHS)-related diseases of young children, such as asthma, induce parental smoking cessation during the early child-rearing period. Our objective was therefore to show the association in addition to other potential determinants of parental cessation.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Longitudinal Survey of Newborns in the 21st Century in Japan, from 0.5 years (N = 47,015) to 4.5 years (N = 39,817), having selected participants whose parents smoked at baseline (maternal smoking N = 8,037; paternal smoking N = 28,486). Multivariable log-binomial regression models were used to calculate the prevalence ratios for parental smoking cessation according to the onset of SHS-related diseases of their children, using inverse probability weight to account for non-response at follow-up.ResultsA total of 16.7% of smoking mothers and 14.5% of smoking fathers had stopped smoking at follow-up. The onset of SHS-related children's diseases was not statistically significantly associated with either maternal or paternal smoking cessation after multivariable adjustments. Strong determinants were, for example, number of cigarettes smoked per day and partner's smoking status during follow-up.ConclusionSHS-related children's diseases were not associated with parental smoking cessation. It may therefore be necessary to provide additional support for parental smoking cessation within their child's medical care setting.     

Empowered parents: the role of self-efficacy in parental mediation of children’s smartphone use in the United States

This study examines how different types of self-efficacy – media competency, perceived parenting abilities, and perceived control over parental mediation practices – influence the extent to which parents mediate their children’s use of smartphones. A survey conducted with parents of young smartphone users aged 10–17 in the United States (N = 304) reveals that parents who feel confident about their own smartphone skills view themselves as good parents and believe that they have control over their parental mediation practices and are more likely to engage in parental mediation of children’s smartphone use. The findings also indicate that when parents are less confident about their smartphone skills, those with higher parenting competencies are more likely to engage in discussion-based active mediation than those with lower parenting competencies.     

Does birth weight predict childhood diet in the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Low birth weight predicts cardiovascular disease in adulthood, and one possible explanation is that children with lower birth weight consume more fat than those born heavier. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate associations between birth weight and childhood diet, and in particular, to test the hypothesis that birth weight is inversely related to total and saturated fat intake. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: South west England. PARTICIPANTS: A subgroup of children enrolled in the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children, with data on birth weight and also diet at ages 8, 18, 43 months, and 7 years (1152, 998, 848, and 771 children respectively). MAIN RESULTS: Associations between birth weight and diet increased in strength from age 8 to 43 months, but had diminished by age 7 years. Fat, saturated fat, and protein intakes were inversely, and carbohydrate intake was positively associated with birth weight at 43 months of age, after adjusting for age, sex, and energy intake. After adjustment for other confounders, all associations were weakened, although there was still a suggestion of a relation with saturated fat (-0.48 (95% CI -0.97, 0.02) g/day per 500 g increase in birth weight. Similar patterns were seen in boys and girls separately, and when the sample was restricted to those with complete data at all ages. CONCLUSIONS: A small inverse association was found between birth weight and saturated fat intake in children at 43 months of age but this was not present at 7 years of age. This study therefore provides little evidence that birth weight modifies subsequent childhood diet.     

Do parental feeding practices moderate the relationships between impulsivity and eating in children?

This study examines the relationships between children's impulsivity, their eating behaviours, and their perceptions of their parent's feeding practices. 153 10-13 year old children completed questionnaires assessing their eating behaviours, their impulsiveness and their perception of their parent's feeding practices. Children's reports of dysfunctional eating behaviours were significantly correlated with their perceptions of their parents feeding practices and with their levels of impulsivity. Children's reports of parental monitoring of their food intake significantly moderated the influence of child impulsiveness upon emotional eating. Children's perceptions of parental monitoring of their food intake may potentially have a protective effect at preventing more impulsive children from eating in response to emotional feelings.     

A qualitative study of the experience of parents attending a psychoanalytically informed parent–toddler group

The paper presents the findings of a qualitative study into the experience of seven parents attending a psychoanalytically informed parent–toddler group. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with each parent, and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Analysis of the interviews led us to three ‘superordinate themes’, each of which captures a certain aspect of the parents' experiences of attending the toddler groups. These themes were: the setting of the toddler groups; what it was like as a parent coming to these groups; and how parents felt their toddlers experienced coming. Within each theme there were a number of subordinate themes that captured particular aspects of the overall experience, and these are presented in narrative form, with extracts from the interview data to help illustrate the themes. It is argued that service users' views are an important part of evaluation, and that there may be certain features of a psychoanalytically informed parent–toddler group that are distinctive.