Why Do Parents with Toddlers Store Poisonous Products Safely?

Unintentional poisoning is a major cause of nonfatal injuries in children aged 0–24 months. Associations between self-reported habits on the child safe storage of medication and cleaning products and family, and psychosocial factors were assessed, using a model based on the Protection Motivation Theory. By identifying correlates of safety behavior in this manner, more insight in factors which influence this behavior is obtained. Health promotion activities in order to promote safety behavior should address these factors in order to increase the effectiveness of the health message. Data were gathered from a cross-sectional survey using self-administered questionnaires, mailed to a population sample of 2470 parents with toddlers. The results indicate that the promotion of safe storage of medication and cleaning products should address the family situation, personal cognitive factors as well as social factors. Interventions should particularly focus on parents' self-efficacy of storing poisonous products in a child safe manner and on the vulnerability of their child in their home concerning an unintentional poisoning incident

Health-related quality of life of infants from ethnic minority groups: the Generation R Study

PURPOSE: To assess whether the health-related quality of life of infants from ethnic minority groups differs from the health-related quality of life of native Dutch infants and to evaluate whether infant health and family characteristics explain the potential differences. METHODS: We included 4,506 infants participating in the Generation R Study, a longitudinal birth cohort. When the child was 12 months, parents completed the Infant Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire (ITQOL); ITQOL scale scores in each ethnic subgroup were compared with scores in the Dutch reference population. Influence of infant health and family characteristics on ITQOL scale scores were evaluated using multivariate regression models. RESULTS: Infants from ethnic minority groups presented significantly lower ITQOL scale scores compared to the Dutch subgroup (e.g., Temperament and Moods scale: median score of Turkish subgroup, 70.8 (IQR, 15.3); median score of Dutch subgroup, 80.6 (IQR, 13.9; P < 0.001)). Infant health and family characteristics mediated an important part of the association between the ethnic minority status and infant health-related quality of life. However, these factors could not fully explain all the differences in the ITQOL scale scores. CONCLUSIONS: Parent-reported health-related quality of life is lower in infants from ethnic minority groups compared to native Dutch infants, which could partly be explained by infant health and by family characteristics

First-time parents are not well enough prepared for the safety of their infant.

BACKGROUND: Unintentional falls and poisonings are major causes of death and disability among infants. Although guidelines are available to prevent these injuries, safety behaviours are not performed by parents, causing unnecessary risks. Little is known about safety behaviours of first-time parents and whether they behave according to these guidelines. AIMS/OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare safety behaviours of first-time parents with those of non-first-time parents and to determine correlates of unsafe behaviour of parents of infants. We used self-report questionnaires to assess safety behaviours in a cross-sectional study sample. METHODS: A total of 1439 parents visiting a preventive youth healthcare centre in the Netherlands were invited to complete a questionnaire with regard to the prevention of falls and poisonings. Parents were categorized into first-time parents and non-first-time parents. Correlates of parents' child safety behaviours were determined using multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS/OUTCOME: Most respondents were mothers (93.2%); 48.2% of families were first-time parents. The mean age of the infants was 7.2 months (SD 1.1; range 4-12), 51.8% were boys, and 34.5% of infants could crawl. First-time parents were more likely not to have a stair gate installed (OR 16.46; 95% CI 12.36-21.93); were more likely to store cleaning products unsafely (OR 4.55; 95% CI 3.59-5.76); and were more likely to store medicines unsafely (OR 2.90; 95% CI 2.31-3.63) than non-first-time parents. First-time parents were more likely to not have a window guard installed (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.08-2.15) (all P<0.05). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: First-time parents are not well prepared for the safety of their infant, causing unnecessary risks. The various parents' safety behaviours were influenced by different variables, for example, age of the infant, crawling of the infant, mother's educational level, mother's ethnicity, self-efficacy, vulnerability, severity

Mental health of internally displaced preschool children: a cross-sectional study conducted in Bogotá, Colombia

A causa de los conflictos armados, como el de Colombia, se han desplazado por la fuerza a millones de personas, entre ellas una importante parte de la población infantil. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la salud mental de los niños desplazados internos en edad preescolar en Bogotá Colombia, e identificar los determinantes de la salud mental en estos niños. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado entre 279 niños que asisten a cuatro jardines infantiles en un barrio marginal de Bogotá. La salud mental infantil se evaluó con el instrumento validado de Comportamiento Infantil (CBCL) 1,5-5 años, aplicados a padres y cuidadores. Se realizo un análisis univariado y multivariado de regresión logística para evaluar la asociación entre el desplazamiento y la salud mental de los niños y para identificar las relaciones con la salud mental en los niños desplazados. Resultados: los Niños desplazados (n = 90) se identificaron con más frecuencia sobre los puntos de corte límite para las escalas CBCL que los no desplazados (n = 189) (por ejemplo, problemas totales 46,7 vs 22,8%;p \ 0,001). La asociación entre el desplazamiento y la presencia de problemas CBCL totales se mantuvo después del ajuste por factores socio-demográficos (OR Ajustado 3.3 del 95%: 1,5; 6,9). Donde la salud mental del cuidador explica en parte la asociación. En los niños desplazados, la salud mental del cuidador (p \ 0,01) y el funcionamiento familiar (p \ 0,01) se asociaron independientemente con la salud mental de los niños. La exposición a eventos traumáticos y el apoyo social también se asociaron con la salud mental del niño, sin embargo, las asociaciones no fueron independientes. Conclusión: En este barrio marginal de Bogotá, los niños en edad preescolar registrados como desplazados internos presentan peor salud mental que los no desplazados. El funcionamiento familiar y la salud mental del cuidador fueron fuerte e independientemente asociados con la salud mental de los niños y niñas desplazados.Purpose Ongoing armed conflicts, like the one inColombia, have forcibly displaced millions of peopleincluding many young children. This study aimed to assessthe mental health of internally displaced preschoolers inBogota´ Colombia and to identify correlates of mentalhealth in these children. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted among 279children attending four kindergartens in a deprived neighbourhoodin Bogota´. Child mental health was assessed withthe Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) 1. 5–5 years, aparent-report. Univariate analyses and multivariate logisticregressions were performed to assess the associationbetween displacement and child mental health and toidentify correlates of mental health in displaced children. Results Displaced children (n = 90) more often met borderlinecut-off scores for the CBCL scales than non-displacedchildren (n = 189) (e. g. total problems 46. 7 vs. 22. 8 %; p\0. 001). The association between displacement andpresence of CBCL total problems remained after adjustmentfor socio-demographic factors (AdjustedOR3. 3, 95 %CI 1. 5; 6. 9). Caretaker’s mental health partly explained the association. In displaced children, caretaker’s mental health(p\0. 01) and family functioning (p\0. 01) were independentlyassociated with child mental health. Exposure to traumaticevents and social support was also associated with childmental health; however, associations were not independent. Conclusion In this deprived neighbourhood in Bogota´, preschool children registered as internally displaced presentedworse mental health than non-displaced peers. Familyfunctioning and caretaker’s mental health were strongly andindependently associated with displaced children’s mentalhealth.Erasmus University Medical CentreUniversidad del Rosari

Mental health of internally displaced preschool children: a cross-sectional study conducted in Bogotá, Colombia

A causa de los conflictos armados, como el de Colombia, se han desplazado por la fuerza a millones de personas, entre ellas una importante parte de la población infantil. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la salud mental de los niños desplazados internos en edad preescolar en Bogotá Colombia, e identificar los determinantes de la salud mental en estos niños. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado entre 279 niños que asisten a cuatro jardines infantiles en un barrio marginal de Bogotá. La salud mental infantil se evaluó con el instrumento validado de Comportamiento Infantil (CBCL) 1,5-5 años, aplicados a padres y cuidadores. Se realizo un análisis univariado y multivariado de regresión logística para evaluar la asociación entre el desplazamiento y la salud mental de los niños y para identificar las relaciones con la salud mental en los niños desplazados. Resultados: los Niños desplazados (n = 90) se identificaron con más frecuencia sobre los puntos de corte límite para las escalas CBCL que los no desplazados (n = 189) (por ejemplo, problemas totales 46,7 vs 22,8%;p \ 0,001). La asociación entre el desplazamiento y la presencia de problemas CBCL totales se mantuvo después del ajuste por factores socio-demográficos (OR Ajustado 3.3 del 95%: 1,5; 6,9). Donde la salud mental del cuidador explica en parte la asociación. En los niños desplazados, la salud mental del cuidador (p \ 0,01) y el funcionamiento familiar (p \ 0,01) se asociaron independientemente con la salud mental de los niños. La exposición a eventos traumáticos y el apoyo social también se asociaron con la salud mental del niño, sin embargo, las asociaciones no fueron independientes. Conclusión: En este barrio marginal de Bogotá, los niños en edad preescolar registrados como desplazados internos presentan peor salud mental que los no desplazados. El funcionamiento familiar y la salud mental del cuidador fueron fuerte e independientemente asociados con la salud mental de los niños y niñas desplazados.Purpose Ongoing armed conflicts, like the one inColombia, have forcibly displaced millions of peopleincluding many young children. This study aimed to assessthe mental health of internally displaced preschoolers inBogota´ Colombia and to identify correlates of mentalhealth in these children. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted among 279children attending four kindergartens in a deprived neighbourhoodin Bogota´. Child mental health was assessed withthe Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) 1. 5–5 years, aparent-report. Univariate analyses and multivariate logisticregressions were performed to assess the associationbetween displacement and child mental health and toidentify correlates of mental health in displaced children. Results Displaced children (n = 90) more often met borderlinecut-off scores for the CBCL scales than non-displacedchildren (n = 189) (e. g. total problems 46. 7 vs. 22. 8 %; p\0. 001). The association between displacement andpresence of CBCL total problems remained after adjustmentfor socio-demographic factors (AdjustedOR3. 3, 95 %CI 1. 5; 6. 9). Caretaker’s mental health partly explained the association. In displaced children, caretaker’s mental health(p\0. 01) and family functioning (p\0. 01) were independentlyassociated with child mental health. Exposure to traumaticevents and social support was also associated with childmental health; however, associations were not independent. Conclusion In this deprived neighbourhood in Bogota´, preschool children registered as internally displaced presentedworse mental health than non-displaced peers. Familyfunctioning and caretaker’s mental health were strongly andindependently associated with displaced children’s mentalhealth.Erasmus University Medical CentreUniversidad del Rosari

Mental health of internally displaced preschool children: A cross-sectional study conducted in Bogotá, Colombia

Purpose: Ongoing armed conflicts, like the one in Colombia, have forcibly displaced millions of people including many young children. This study aimed to assess the mental health of internally displaced preschoolers in Bogotá Colombia and to identify correlates of mental health in these children. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted among 279 children attending four kindergartens in a deprived neighbourhood in Bogotá. Child mental health was assessed with the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) 1.5-5 years, a parent-report. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess the association between displacement and child mental health and to identify correlates of mental health in displaced children. Results: Displaced children (n = 90) more often met borderline cut-off scores for the CBCL scales than non-displaced children (n = 189) (e.g. total problems 46.7 vs. 22.8 %; p less than 0.001). The association between displacement and presence of CBCL total problems remained after adjustment for socio-demographic factors (Adjusted OR 3.3, 95 % CI 1.5; 6.9). Caretaker's mental health partly explained the association. In displaced children, caretaker's mental health (p less than 0.01) and family functioning (p less than 0.01) were independently associated with child mental health. Exposure to traumatic events and social support was also associated with child mental health; however, associations were not independent. Conclusion: In this deprived neighbourhood in Bogotá, preschool children registered as internally displaced presented worse mental health than non-displaced peers. Family functioning and caretaker's mental health were strongly and independently associated with displaced children's mental health. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Family, infant and housing characteristics, divided by number of children (n = 1439).

1<p>High educational level: at least higher professional education.</p>2<p>Intermediate educational level: senior secondary vocational education, senior general secondary education and university preparatory education.</p>3<p>Low educational level: preparatory secondary vocational education or less.</p>4<p>Differences in characteristics of first-time parents and non-first-time parents evaluated by chi-square test or Mann-Whitney U-test:</p>*<p>Significant at the 0.05 level,</p><p>** significant at the 0.01 level,</p>***<p>significant at the 0.001 level.</p

Odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals and explained variance (Nagelkerke R²) from multiple logistic regression analyses with reported unsafe storage of cleaning products as dependent variable and number of children (Model 1), other demographic variables (Model 2) and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) variables (Model 3) as independent factors (n = 1439).

*<p>Significant at the 0.05 level,</p>**<p>significant at the 0.01 level,</p>***<p>significant at the 0.001 level.</p><p>Note: Bold numbers indicate significant <i>P</i>-values.</p

Mental health of internally displaced preschool children: A cross-sectional study conducted in Bogotá, Colombia

Purpose: Ongoing armed conflicts, like the one in Colombia, have forcibly displaced millions of people including many young children. This study aimed to assess the mental health of internally displaced preschoolers in Bogotá Colombia and to identify correlates of mental health in these children. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted among 279 children attending four kindergartens in a deprived neighbourhood in Bogotá. Child mental health was assessed with the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) 1.5-5 years, a parent-report. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess the association between displacement and child mental health and to identify correlates of mental health in displaced children. Results: Displaced children (n = 90) more often met borderline cut-off scores for the CBCL scales than non-displaced children (n = 189) (e.g. total problems 46.7 vs. 22.8 %; p less than 0.001). The association between displacement and presence of CBCL total problems remained after adjustment for socio-demographic factors (Adjusted OR 3.3, 95 % CI 1.5; 6.9). Caretaker's mental health partly explained the association. In displaced children, caretaker's mental health (p less than 0.01) and family functioning (p less than 0.01) were independently associated with child mental health. Exposure to traumatic events and social support was also associated with child mental health; however, associations were not independent. Conclusion: In this deprived neighbourhood in Bogotá, preschool children registered as internally displaced presented worse mental health than non-displaced peers. Family functioning and caretaker's mental health were strongly and independently associated with displaced children's mental health. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg