scholarly journals A longitudinal study investigating change in BMI z-score in primary school-aged children and the association of child BMI z-score with parent BMI

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Mears ◽  
R. Salway ◽  
D. Sharp ◽  
J. P. H. Shield ◽  
R. Jago

Abstract Background This paper aims to explore change in BMI z-score through childhood and the association between parent BMI and child BMI z-score. This is important to understand for the development of effective obesity interventions. Methods Data from the longitudinal B-ProAct1v study (1837 participants) were analysed. A paired sample t-test examined changes in child BMI z-score between Year 1 and 4. Multivariable linear regression models examined the cross-sectional associations between child BMI z-score and parent BMI in Year 1 and 4. The influence of change in parental BMI between Year 1 and Year 4 on child BMI z-score in Year 4 was explored through regression analyses, adjusted for baseline BMI z-score. Results There was a strong association between child BMI z-score at Year 1 and 4. Child mean BMI z-score score increased from 0.198 to 0.330 (p = < 0.005) between these timepoints. For every unit increase in parent BMI, there was an increase in child BMI z-score of 0.047 in Year 1 (p = < 0.005) and of 0.059 in Year 4 (p = < 0.005). Parental BMI change was not significantly associated with Year 4 child BMI z-score. Conclusion The key indicator of higher child BMI at Year 4 is high BMI at Year 1. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of parental weight change on child BMI z-score and whether interventions targeted at overweight or obese parents, can improve their child’s BMI z-score.

Author(s):  
Cristina Alvarez-Peregrina ◽  
Clara Martinez-Perez ◽  
Cesar Villa-Collar ◽  
Cristina Andreu-Vázquez ◽  
Alicia Ruiz-Pomeda ◽  
...  

Background: Myopia is a public health problem, with estimations that 50% of the world population will be myopic by 2050. Some environmental factors, such as time spent outdoors, doing near work, and using digital devices, influence the development of myopia in children. Home confinement in Spain has increased these risk factors, so this study aims to investigate the impact of home confinement during the COVID-19 outbreak in the vision of school-aged children; Methods: A cross-sectional study in children between 5 and 7 years old that completed a visual screening and a questionnaire about their lifestyles at opticians in Spain in September and October of 2019 and 2020. Statistical analysis to compare lifestyles pre and post confinement, and vision in 2020 versus a similar cohort examined at the same opticians in 2019, was conducted; Results: Spanish children spent less time outdoors and more time doing near work in 2020 than in 2019 (p ≤ 0.001). There was a significant decrease of the spherical equivalent (mean ± standard deviation; 0.66 ± 2.03 D in 2019 vs. 0.48 ± 1.81 D in 2020; p ≤ 0.001); Conclusions: Lifestyles of Spanish children changed during the home confinement at the beginning of 2020. Together with changes in their lifestyles, spherical equivalents have decreased, which implies higher figures of myopia for children aged between 5 and 7.


Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 460
Author(s):  
Chih-Yu Hsu ◽  
Liang-Sien Chen ◽  
I-Jen Chang ◽  
Wei-Ching Fang ◽  
Sun-Weng Huang ◽  
...  

Physical fitness (PF) is closely related to various health outcomes and quality of life among children. However, the associations between anthropometry, body composition (BC), and PF are not fully elucidated. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the associations between demographic metrics (age, sex), anthropometric measures (body mass index z-score (BMI z-score) waist/height ratio (WHtR)), BC parameters (body-fat percentage (BF%), muscle weight), and PF levels (800-m run, sit-and-reach, 1-min sit-ups, standing long jump) in school-aged children. Continuous variables were dichotomized by median splits. The results of 180 girls and 180 boys (mean age: 10.0 ± 0.7 years; mean BMI z-score: 0.366 ± 1.216) were analyzed. Multivariable linear regressions revealed that BF% (regression coefficient (B) = 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.5–4.3) was independently correlated with the 800-m run. Sex (B = 4.6, 95% CI = 3.0–6.3), age (B = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.9–4.3), and BMI z-score (B = −0.7, 95% CI = −1.4–−0.1) were independently related to sit-and-reach. Age (B = 3.3, 95% CI = 2.0–4.7), BF% (B = −0.3, 95% CI = −0.4–−0.2), and muscle weight (B = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.2–1.2) were independently associated with 1-min sit-ups. In addition to demography, anthropometry and BC provided additional information concerning some PF levels in school-aged children. Weight management and PF promotion should be addressed simultaneously in terms of preventive medicine and health promotion for children.


Author(s):  
Matthew J. Leach ◽  
Sue Nichols ◽  
Sven Trenholm ◽  
Martin Jones

Background Supporting a child’s healthy development is determined, in part, by a parent’s ability to seek, access, interpret and effectively utilize health information. This aspect of parenting draws on a set of skills referred to as health literacy. Objective To assess the level of health literacy among parents/carers in a regional South Australian community. Methods Parents/carers of primary school-aged children, residing in Whyalla, South Australia, were invited to complete the 13-item All Aspects of Health Literacy Survey. Results 155 parents/carers completed the survey (79% mothers). Most participants were English-speaking (97%), employed (62%) and had 2–3 children (62%), with 52% completing tertiary education. Median total health literacy scores were mostly in the moderate-high range (median 27, IQR 26,27), as were critical health literacy scores (median 7, IQR 6,8). Higher scores were reported for functional health literacy (median 8, IQR 7,9), communicative health literacy (median 9, IQR 8,9) and empowerment health literacy (median 4, IQR 3,5). Conclusions Our findings reveal modest levels of health literacy among a sample of parents/carers of primary school-aged children in a regional South Australian community. Further work is needed to understand the differential effect of parental health literacy on child health outcomes, and the types of strategies that may mitigate the impact of these barriers on a child’s healthy development.


2018 ◽  
Vol 103 (9) ◽  
pp. 1314-1319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva K Fenwick ◽  
Ryan E K Man ◽  
Alfred Tau Liang Gan ◽  
Neelam Kumari ◽  
Charlene Wong ◽  
...  

Background/aimsTo assess the independent impact of diabetic retinopathy (DR) on three domains of vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in a Chinese Singapore population.MethodsThe Singapore Chinese Eye Study (n=3353; 2009–2011) was a population-based, prospective, cross-sectional study conducted at the Singapore Eye Research Institute. The study population included 292 adults with diabetes, with and without DR. DR (better eye) was categorised as presence and absence of any DR; severity of DR (no vision-threatening DR (VTDR); severe non-proliferative DR (NPDR); PDR and/or clinically significant macular oedema and VTDR). Our main outcome was VRQoL which was measured using Rasch-calibrated scores from the ‘Reading’, ‘Mobility’ and ‘Emotional’ domains of the Impact of Vision Impairment questionnaire. The relationship between DR and VRQoL was assessed using multiple linear regression models.ResultsOf the 292 individuals (mean age 61.35 ± 9.66 years; 55.8% male), 201 (68.8%), 49 (16.8%), 20 (6.8%), 22 (7.5%) and 27 (9.2%) had no DR, minimal-mild NPDR, moderate-severe NPDR, PDR and VTDR, respectively. Any DR and VTDR were independently associated with 6% and 12% worse Reading scores and 7% and 18% poorer Emotional well-being, respectively, compared with those without DR. These associations persisted after separate adjustment for visual impairment and presenting visual acuity. No significant difference was found in the Mobility domain between persons with and without DR.ConclusionsWe documented that DR, particularly VTDR, was independently associated with restrictions in Reading and Emotional well-being. Understanding factors underlying the detrimental DR-VRQoL relationship may optimise rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with DR.


2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 1322-1332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel de Macedo Bosco ◽  
Elisa Priscila Souza Assis ◽  
Renata Rosseti Pinheiro ◽  
Luiza Cristina Viana de Queiroz ◽  
Leani S. M. Pereira ◽  
...  

This study evaluated the association between anemia and physical functional capacity in a cross-sectional population-based sample of 709 hospitalized elderly patients aged 60 years and over admitted to the Madre Teresa Hospital, Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Mann-Whitney or "t" test, and chi-square or Fisher exact test were used for quantitative and categorical variables, respectively, and hierarchical binary logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors. The presence of anemia was found in 30% of participants and was significantly associated with decreased functionality according to the two measures which were used - ADL (activities of daily living) and IADL (instrumental activities of daily living). Anemia was also independently associated with older age. The results of this study demonstrate a strong association between the presence of anemia and lower levels of functional capacity. Further investigations are needed to assess the impact of anemia treatment on the functionality and independence of older people.


Author(s):  
Sanah Ladhani ◽  
Grishma Hirode ◽  
Ashwani K Singal ◽  
Robert J Wong

Abstract Aims Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) and alcoholic cirrhosis disproportionately affect ethnic minority and safety-net populations. We evaluate the impact of a hospital’s safety net burden (SNB) on in-hospital mortality and costs among patients with AH and alcoholic cirrhosis. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 2012–2016 National Inpatient Sample. SNB was calculated as percentage of hospitalizations with Medicaid or uninsured payer status. Associations between hospital SNB and in-hospital mortality and costs were evaluated with adjusted multivariable logistic regression and linear regression models. Results Among 21,898 AH-related hospitalizations, compared to low SNB hospitals (LBH), patients hospitalized in high SNB hospitals (HBH) were younger (44.4 y vs. 47.4 y, P &lt; 0.001) and more likely to be African American (11.3% vs. 7.7%, P &lt; 0.001) or Hispanic (15.4% vs. 8.4%, P &lt; 0.001). AH-related hospitalizations in HBH had a non-significant trend towards higher odds of mortality (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.98–1.65, P = 0.07) and higher mean hospitalizations costs. Among 108,669 alcoholic cirrhosis-related hospitalizations, patients in HBH were younger (53.3 y vs. 55.8 y, P &lt; 0.001) and more likely to be African American (8.2% vs. 7.3%, P &lt; 0.001) or Hispanic (24.4% vs. 12.0%, P &lt; 0.001) compared to LBH. Compared to alcoholic cirrhosis-related hospitalizations in LBH, mortality was higher among medium SNB (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03–1.17, P = 0.007) and HBH (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00–1.15, P = 0.05). Mean hospitalization costs were not different by SNB status. Conclusions HBH hospitals predominantly serve ethnic minorities and underinsured/uninsured populations. The higher in-hospital mortality associated HBH particularly for alcoholic cirrhosis patients is alarming given its increasing burden in the USA.


2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (e7) ◽  
pp. A3.2-A3
Author(s):  
Jeremy M Welton ◽  
Christine Walker ◽  
Kate Riney ◽  
Alvin Ng ◽  
Lisa M Todd ◽  
...  

IntroductionThis study explored the impact of specific types of comorbidities and adverse events (AEs) from antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on quality of life (QoL) among adult patients with epilepsy (PwE) in Australia.MethodsCross-sectional surveys were completed by PwE, or caregiver proxies, recruited via the online pharmacy application MedAdvisor and Australian PwE Facebook groups from May–August 2018 Data were collected on demographics, epilepsy severity and management, AEs, comorbidities, and QoL (using QOLIE-10-P total score).1 Multiple linear regression models were constructed to explore associations between AEs or comorbidities and QOLIE-10-P, with possible confounders determined using stepwise selection.Results978 responses were included (mean age 44.5 years, 64% female, 52% employed). 97% reported recent AED use, 47% on AED monotherapy, 35% exposed to ≤2 lifetime AEDs, and 55% seizure-free for >1 year. After stepwise selection, control variables included in both models were: time since diagnosis, employment status, seizure frequency, number of currently prescribed AEDs, and number of general practitioner visits per year. In the model for comorbidities, ‘psychiatric disorders’ was associated with the largest QOLIE-10-P decrease (-23.30, p<0.001). In the model for AEs, which additionally controlled for depression and anxiety disorder, ‘memory problems’ was associated with the largest decrease in QOLIE-10-P (-14.27, p<0.001).ConclusionsIn this survey of Australian PwE, of which many had relatively well-controlled epilepsy, psychiatric and memory problems were common and associated with the greatest detrimental impact on QoL. Further research is needed to understand causality, relationships between possibly interrelated or overlapping symptoms, and management strategies. UCB Pharma-sponsored.ReferenceCramer JA, Perrine K, Devinsky O, Meador K. A brief questionnaire to screen for quality of life in epilepsy: The QOLIE-10. Epilepsia 1996;37:577–582.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherman Bigornia ◽  
Tammy Scott ◽  
Brian Barth ◽  
Jose M Ordovas ◽  
Katherine Tucker

Abstract Objectives Building evidence suggests that greater adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet (MD) may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. However, our understanding of the biological mechanisms explaining these associations is limited. Altered sphingolipid metabolism (e.g., increased ceramides, glycosyl- and lactosyl-ceramides, sphingoid bases, and sphingomyelin (SM)) has been implicated in the development of chronic health conditions. We aimed to quantify the impact of MD adherence on circulating patterns of sphingolipid metabolites. Methods Cross-sectional analyses were conducted in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study among those with available data (n = 540, 56 y, 74% women). Diet was obtained with a semi-quantitative FFQ. The MD score (MDS) includes 7 beneficial (e.g., fish, monounsaturated/saturated fat ratio (MUFA/SFA)) and 2 moderation components (e.g., meat and dairy) (range 0–9). Metabolomic analysis was conducted on plasma samples using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Twenty-six sphingolipids were retained for analyses. Principal components analysis was used to derive 5 sphingolipid patterns. Statistical analyses included multiple linear regression and ANCOVA. Results Circulating sphingolipid patterns were characterized by dihydro-SMs and SM species with very-long chain fatty acid groups (Factor 1); glycosyl- and lactosyl-ceramides (Factor 2); ceramides (Factor 3); sphingoid bases, sphinganine-1-phosphate and sphingosine-1-phosphate (Factor 4); and SM species with a sphingadienine group (Factor 5). Each 1-point increase in the MDS was associated with lower Factor 3 z-score (β = −0.07 ± 0.03, P = 0.01), as well as with lower Factor 5 z-score (−0.08 ± 0.02, P = 0.001). We observed that individual MDS components including whole grains, fish, and the MUFA/SFA ratio were associated with the sphingolipid patterns (Table 1). Conclusions Our results suggest that a Mediterranean-style diet and components of the diet may reduce circulating concentrations of ceramides and certain sphingomyelin species. This may in part explain the protective benefits of this dietary pattern. Longitudinal analyses are needed to clarify the long-term impact of this dietary pattern on sphingolipid metabolism. Funding Sources NIH grants P01-AG023394 P50-HL105185 and R01-AG027087. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 2120
Author(s):  
Sally Campbell ◽  
John J. Chen ◽  
Carol J. Boushey ◽  
Heather Eicher-Miller ◽  
Fengqing Zhu ◽  
...  

Food insecurity and other nutritional risks in infancy pose a lifelong risk to wellbeing; however, their effect on diet quality in Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Filipino (NHPIF) infants in Hawai‘i is unknown. In this cross-sectional analysis, the association between various indicators of food security and NHPIF infant diet quality were investigated in 70 NHPIF infants aged 3–12 months residing on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. The dietary assessments of the infants were collected using a mobile food recordTM. Foods consumed across four days were categorized into seven food groups. Indicators for food security were examined through an adapted infant food security index and other indicators. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, independent sample t-tests, multinomial logistic regression, and linear regression models. In models adjusting for age and sex, infants defined as food insecure by the adapted index were found to consume foods from more food groups and consume flesh foods on a greater proportion of days. Of the indicators examined, the adapted index was shown to be the best indicator for food group consumption. Further work is needed on a more representative sample of NHPIF infants to determine the impact that food security has on nutritional status and other indicators of health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 2072
Author(s):  
Daniela Weber ◽  
Bastian Kochlik ◽  
Wolfgang Stuetz ◽  
Martijn E. T. Dollé ◽  
Eugène H. J. M. Jansen ◽  
...  

The regular use of medication may interfere with micronutrient metabolism on several levels, such as absorption, turnover rate, and tissue distribution, and this might be amplified during aging. This study evaluates the impact of self-reported medication intake on plasma micronutrients in the MARK-AGE Project, a cross-sectional observational study in 2217 subjects (age- and sex-stratified) aged 35–75 years from six European countries that were grouped according to age. Polypharmacy as possible determinant of micronutrient concentrations was assessed using multiple linear regression models adjusted for age-group, dietary fruit, vegetables, and juice intake, and other confounders. Younger participants reported taking fewer drugs than older participants. Inverse associations between medication intake and lutein (−3.31% difference per increase in medication group), β-carotene (−11.44%), α-carotene (−8.50%) and positive associations with retinol (+2.26%), α-tocopherol/cholesterol (+2.89%) and γ-tocopherol/cholesterol (+1.36%) occurred in multiple adjusted regression models. Combined usage of a higher number of medical drugs was associated with poorer status of carotenoids on the one hand and higher plasma concentrations of retinol, α- and γ-tocopherol on the other hand. Our results raise concerns regarding the safety of drug combinations via the significant and surprisingly multifaceted disturbance of the concentrations of relevant micronutrients.


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