Prenatal predictors of objectively measured appetite regulation in low‐income toddlers and preschool‐age children

Intestinal parasitic infections can significantly contribute to the burden of disease, may cause nutritional and energetic stress, and negatively impact the quality of life in low income countries of the world. This cross-sectional study done in Mwea irrigation scheme, in Kirinyaga, central Kenya, assessed the public health significance of soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), schistosomiasis, and other intestinal parasitic infections, among 361 preschool age children (PSAC) through fecal examination, by measuring anthropometric indices, and through their parents/guardians, by obtaining sociodemographic information. Both intestinal helminth and protozoan infections were detected, and, among the soil-transmitted helminth parasites, there were Ascaris lumbricoides (prevalence, 3%), Ancylostoma duodenale (<1%), and Trichuris trichiura (<1%). Other intestinal helminths were Hymenolepis nana (prevalence, 3.6%) and Enterobius vermicularis (<1%). Schistosoma mansoni occurred at a prevalence of 5.5%. Interestingly, the protozoan, Giardia lamblia (prevalence, 14.7%), was the most common among the PSAC. Other protozoans were Entamoeba coli (3.9%) and Entamoeba histolytica (<1). Anthropometric indices showed evidence of malnutrition. Intestinal parasites were associated with hand washing behavior, family size, water purification, and home location. These findings suggest that G. lamblia infection and malnutrition may be significant causes of ill health among the PSAC in Mwea, and, therefore, an intervention plan is needed.

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Exploring the Use of a Multiple-Gating Screening Process to Identify Preschool-Age Children for Multitiered Instructional Support

Topics in Early Childhood Special Education ◽

10.1177/0271121418823993 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 39 (4) ◽

pp. 238-249

Author(s):

Adrienne Stuckey ◽

Kizzy Albritton

Keyword(s):

Early Literacy ◽

Low Income ◽

Oral Language ◽

Instructional Support ◽

Preschool Age ◽

Future Research ◽

Language And Literacy ◽

Early Language ◽

Screening Process ◽

Preschool Age Children

Many recent studies about preschool early language and literacy skills utilize multiple assessments to identify young children who require additional multitiered instructional support. Although the use of a single screening instrument may be efficient but overidentify children in need of intervention, the universal administration of multiple diagnostic assessments can allow for greater precision but strain available local resources. This study explored the use of a multiple-gating screening procedure to identify preschool-age children from low-income backgrounds who exhibit early literacy and language weaknesses and may be in need of additional instructional support. A brief early language and literacy screening measure was administered to all children followed by an oral language diagnostic measure administered to a subset of children based on predetermined criteria. Findings suggest that the multiple-gating procedure decreased the rate of false positives and may be an effective screening approach for early childhood settings. Implications for future research are discussed.

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A Digital Program Informs Low-Income Caregivers of Preschool-age Children about Family Meals

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior ◽

10.1016/j.jneb.2011.09.003 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 44 (3) ◽

pp. 256-261 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Barbara Lohse ◽

Robin Rifkin ◽

Kristen Arnold ◽

Christine Least

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Preschool Age ◽

Family Meals ◽

Preschool Age Children

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Parenting among Low‐Income, African American Single Mothers with Preschool‐Age Children: Patterns, Predictors, and Developmental Correlates

Child Development ◽

10.1111/1467-8624.00183 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 71 (3) ◽

pp. 752-771 ◽

Cited By ~ 105

Author(s):

Sharon M. McGroder

Keyword(s):

African American ◽

Single Mothers ◽

Low Income ◽

Preschool Age ◽

Preschool Age Children

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Southside Simple Suppers Scale-Up (S4): A Hybrid Type Two Effectiveness-Implementation Trial Evaluating a Childhood Obesity Prevention Family Meals Program

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa043_089 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 238-238

Author(s):

Leah May ◽

Amy Sharn ◽

Miranda Westrick ◽

Ashley Walther ◽

Carolyn Gunther

Keyword(s):

Data Collection ◽

Head Start ◽

Low Income ◽

Scale Up ◽

Preschool Age ◽

Food Preparation ◽

Implementation Outcomes ◽

Preschool Age Children ◽

Fiscal Efficiency ◽

Implementation Trial

Abstract Objectives Simple Suppers is a 10-week evidence-based intervention (EBI) designed to improve family mealtime routines and child weight status among racially diverse elementary-age children from low-income households. Results from a previous trial demonstrated effectiveness, thereby warranting a scale-out study to reach other child populations (i.e., preschool-age children). In the current study, Southside Simple Suppers Scale-Up (S4), we propose a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation trial, which has a dual focus on effectiveness and implementation outcomes. This type of trial will allow facilitation of the research translation process to develop effective solutions to promote the health of preschool-age children. Methods S4 is occurring during the 2019–20 school year (fall, winter, spring) at 3 Head Start sites (school readiness program for low-income children). Effectiveness outcomes (child food preparation skills, family meal routines) are collected at pre- and post-programming via direct measure and survey. Child food preparation skills are rated on 4-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree). Family mealtime routines (i.e., eating meals together, TV on while eating) are reported by number of days per week. Implementation outcomes (adoption, fidelity, fiscal efficiency) are collected throughout programming. Adoption is assessed by weekly attendance. Fidelity is assessed with a program-specific checklist and videotaping. Fiscal efficiency is evaluated by assessing cost of programming per family. Results Nineteen caregivers completed data collection for the fall session. 55.6% families were low-income. Mean(SD) caregiver age was 37.6(12.1) yr, 94.7% were female, 84.2% were Black, and mean(SD) BMI was 35.3(11.2) kg/m2. Mean(SD) child age was 3.4(0.5) yr, 47.6% were female, and mean (SD) BMI z-score was 1.16(1.38). Child food preparation skills significantly increased from pre- to post-test (P < 0.05); there were no significant changes in family mealtime routines. Programming was delivered as intended 78% of the time and mean cost of weekly programming was $8.63 per family. Programming and data collection will be complete in spring 2020. Conclusions Results from this novel hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial will inform the future scale-up of the EBI Simple Suppers program in Head Start. Funding Sources USDA NIFA.

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INVESTING IN PRESCHOOL AGE CHILDREN – A CASE STUDY OF VIDZEME REGION (LATVIA)

SOCIETY INTEGRATION EDUCATION Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference ◽

10.17770/sie2017vol4.2247 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. 353

Author(s):

Feliciana Rajevska ◽

Katrine Reima

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

Early Childhood Education ◽

Support System ◽

Low Income ◽

Work And Family ◽

Preschool Age ◽

Social Investment ◽

Childhood Education ◽

Preschool Age Children

Social investments are important for a child’s development and future success. Parental leaves and Early Childhood Education and Care services (ECEC) are among main forms of social investment, contributing to child poverty reduction and increasing equality, as well as underpinning the potential for skilled workers in the future. The aim of the paper is to analyse availability of the main forms of social investment in preschool age children - early childhood education services and parental leaves, in Vidzeme region (Latvia) for a case study. An analysis of policy documents, parents’ surveys at pre-school institutions, interviews with education institution representatives and local authorities regarding education and social matters were conducted in the research. The support system for parents is still dominated by the “passive” form of support system. However, social investment policies are becoming increasingly more important. This is achieved by supporting parents' access to social investment services and by increasing the amount of parental leave benefits. In 2013-2015 funding for child-care and family policy has increased. Expenditure growth was mostly affected by an increase in the allowance for childcare and the minimum parental allowance. The availability of ECEC is moderate, but since 2009 private institutions and since 2013 babysitting services have been co-funded at the national level till May 31, 2016 to improve it. Since September 2015 a 3-year innovative project “Vouchers for the provision of child minder services to workers with nonstandard work schedules” has been introduced too, to promote parental employment and work and family balance. In Vidzeme region, for example, service availability is additionally stimulated by free transport services, ECEC fee discounts for poor, low-income and large families, etc. Results show that the availability of ECEC has been improved and there has been signs of positive changes in children’s development. Nevertheless, the availability of ECEC is moderate, and in some poorer municipalities in Latvia Matthew effects can be spotted – the middle and highest strata of society use services to a higher extend then the low-income society.

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