scholarly journals Prevalence of Child’s Behavioural Feeding Problems, Body Mass Index and Mental Health Issues Among Parents and Children with Autism in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (S1) ◽  
pp. 39-46
Author(s):  
Nor Haslinda Abdul Halim ◽  
Nur Aina Farizah Azman ◽  
Nur Natasya Balqis Binti Mohammed Sabri ◽  
Aryati Ahmad ◽  
Sakinah Harith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Eating Behavior ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Feeding Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Parents And Children

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a group of pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders that include significantly impaired functioning in terms of cognitive skills and socialization, verbal and receptive communication, and repetitive behaviors.  Several problems arise when handling children with ASD which of them is related to eating behavior. The challenges in daily life that need to be faced by parents of ASD children during mealtime are increased food selectivity, food refusal, and problematic mealtime behaviors. A cross-sectional study was carried out to identify prevalence of child’s behavioural feeding problems, body mass index and mental health issue experience by both parents and children with ASD in Malaysia. A total of 213 parents participated in this study. Data on sociodemographic, eating behavior were collected using a questionnaire. Respondents completed the self-reported Sociodemographic form, anthropometry form and Behavioral Paediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) questionnaire, Strength and Difficulty questionnaire and answer 10-item perceived stress scale to evaluate the intended measures. The prevalence abnormal of eating behavior is higher among the participants was 80.8% (n=172). For BMI, 49.8% (n=106) of the respondents reported the highest prevalence of overweight. Peer and pro-social problems were the most frequently reported mental health issues among ASD children, but emotional, behaviour, and hyperactivity issues were reported less frequently. The majority of parents surveyed in this study assessed themselves to be under considerable stress (93.4 percent). In conclusion, this cross-sectional study demonstrated a high frequency of behavioural feeding difficulties, mental health concerns, and obesity among children with autism spectrum disorders in Malaysia. The findings from this study will contribute to the body of information regarding the nutritional health of children with autism spectrum disorders. The increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in children with ASD is one of the indicators that this study should investigate additional factors that may influence children's weight status.

scholarly journals Vitamin a deficiency and sleep disturbances related to autism symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Wen ◽  
Ting Yang ◽  
Jiang Zhu ◽  
Min Guo ◽  
Xi Lai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Autism Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children With Asd

Abstract Background Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and sleep disturbances have been reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The influence of vitamin A (VA) levels on sleep regulation and sleep disturbances in ASD has garnered concern. The present study aimed to characterize the association of VA levels with sleep disturbances in children with ASD. Methods This cross-sectional study compared children with ASD (n = 856) to typically developing children (TDC; n = 316). We used the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire to assess sleep disturbances, Childhood Autism Rating Scale to evaluate the severity of autism symptoms, and Autism Behavior Checklist and Social Responsiveness Scale to assess autism behaviors. Serum VA levels were estimated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Multivariable linear regression and two-way analysis of variance were performed to investigate if VAD was related to sleep disturbances in children with ASD. Results Children with ASD had lower serum VA levels and a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances than TDC did. The incidence of VAD in ASD children with sleep disturbances was higher, and the symptoms more severe than those without sleep disturbances and TDC. Interestingly, the interaction between VAD and sleep disturbances was associated with the severity of autism symptoms. Conclusion VAD and sleep disturbances are associated with the core symptoms of ASD in children. Regular monitoring of sleep and VA levels may be beneficial for children with ASD. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration number: ChiCTR-ROC-14005442, registration date: December 9th 2014.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study on nutritional status and dietary patterns of children with autism

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-410
Author(s):  
Md. Nazrul Islam ◽  
◽  
Farzana Sultana Bari ◽  
Sampad Malakar Chayon ◽  
Farhana Yesmin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Feeding Problems ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Introduction: Literature revealed that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) experience significantly more feeding problems and obesity compared to their peers. This study was designed to investigate the nutritional status and dietary patterns of children with autism in different age groups in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 193 individuals with ASD. A questionnaire was used as a tool to collect information from the mother of the respondents and anthropometric assessments were conducted by measuring height and weight. The dietary patterns of the respondents were taken using a food frequency questionnaire. Results: The age range of the participants were between 3-18 years. It was found that 11.9%, 19.7% and 23.3% of the participants were underweight, overweight and obese, respectively according to Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-age. About 70% of the respondents had medium Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS). In addition, the association between IDDS and obesity was significantly correlated (p=0.00). Individuals with ASD exhibited similar food preferences across most age groups with little changes. Conclusion: Our study figured out that the prevalence of overweight increased in accordance with age among children with ASD. They have a tendency to prefer likeness and routine in their diet, which expands the tendency to have an imbalanced diet. A dietary guideline including seven food groups should be followed to improve their nutritional status and dietary practices.

scholarly journals A Comparative Study of Corneal Topography in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vision ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Maha A. ALGarzaie ◽  
Ali M. Alsaqr
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Corneal Topography ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Corneal Asphericity

Purpose: To investigate the corneal characteristics in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and age-matched typical development (TD) participants. Methods: This cross-sectional, clinically based study compared children with ASD to age-matched TD participants. Corneal topography was measured with a portable EyeSys Vista system. The distance visual acuity (VA) and the contrast sensitivity (CS) were determined. The refractive error (RE) was assessed using a 2WIN autorefractometer. Results: A total of 31 children with ASD (mean age: 12.78 ± 4.49 years), and 60 participants with TD (mean age: 13.65 ± 3.56 years) were recruited. The two groups were similar in age (t = −2.084, p = 0.075) and VA (t = −0.35, p = 0.32). Most of the children with ASD had a significant amount of refractive errors (REs; range: +5.25 to −5.50 DS), and astigmatism was dominant (range: −0.25 to −4.50 DC). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups in terms of average corneal power (t = 1.12, p = 0.39). The children with ASD and participants with TD also did not differ significantly in terms of corneal shape descriptors (p > 0.05), such as corneal asphericity, inferior superior index, opposite sector index, and differential sector index. The spherical equivalent did not differ significantly between the ASD participants and participants with TD (t = 1.15, p = 0.15). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the astigmatism component between the ASD participants and the participants with TD.

scholarly journals Knowledge of Special Nutrition for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Parents and Special Educators in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (01) ◽  
pp. 127-135
Author(s):  
DURRATUL AIN SHOHAIMI ◽  
SITI FARWIZAH IZZATI SAHIDAN ◽  
MUHAMAD AFIQ ZULKIFLY ◽  
NABILAH TAGOR HASIBUAN ◽  
NOOR AKMAL SHAREELA ISMAIL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Special Educators ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Background: Sufficient intake of macronutrients and micronutrients are essential for child growth. Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) however are reported to be picky eaters which may lead to malnourishment. As diet and behaviour are importantly interconnected, this study aims to determine the level of knowledge on nutrition among parents and special educators of children with ASD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a National Autism Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from May to August 2018. A 37-item questionnaire was self-administered to the respondents who attended a series of training of trainers’ sessions. The data was collected and analysed descriptively. A total of 209 respondents participated with 153 parents and 56 special educators of children with ASD. Results: Only 37.9% of the parents agreed that their children’s diet contains balanced nutrition. Majority of the parents and special educators had the perception that sugar, junk food and gluten are bad for the children, but they were still given due to the accessibility and convenience. Conclusion: The low level of knowledge among parents and special educators about the nutrition of children with ASD indicates that a measure should be taken to increase awareness and to overcome the malnutrition among ASD children.

scholarly journals Vitamin A Deficiency and Sleep Disturbances Related to Autism Symptoms in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Wen ◽  
Ting Yang ◽  
Jiang Zhu ◽  
Min Guo ◽  
Xi Lai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Autism Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children With Asd

Abstract Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and sleep disturbances have been reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The influence of vitamin A (VA) on sleep regulation and sleep disturbances in ASD has garnered increased attention. This study aims to characterize the effect of VA levels and sleep disturbances on children with ASD.Methods: This cross-sectional study compared children with ASD (n=856) to typically developing children (TDC; n=316). The Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire assessed sleep disturbances, Childhood Autism Rating Scale evaluated the severity of autism symptoms, and Autism Behavior Checklist and Social Responsiveness Scale assessed autism behaviors. VA levels in blood samples were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Multivariable linear regression and two-way ANOVAs were performed to investigate the effect of VAD and sleep disturbances in children with ASD.Results: Children with ASD had lower serum VA levels and a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances than TDC. VAD and sleep disturbances in children with ASD corresponded to the severity of autism symptoms. Importantly, VA levels were negatively correlated with sleep disturbances among children with ASD, and the interaction of VAD and sleep disturbances were related to the severity of autism symptoms.Conclusion: VAD and sleep disturbances exacerbated autism symptoms in children with ASD, providing a novel target for treatment.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration number: ChiCTR-ROC-14005442

scholarly journals Implication of the Sensory Environment in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspectives from School

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7670
Author(s):  
Ana Gentil-Gutiérrez ◽  
José Luis Cuesta-Gómez ◽  
Paula Rodríguez-Fernández ◽  
Jerónimo Javier González-Bernal
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sensory Profile ◽  
School Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sensory Stimuli ◽  
Children With Asd

(1) Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently have difficulties in processing sensory information, which is a limitation when participating in different contexts, such as school. The objective of the present study was to compare the sensory processing characteristics of children with ASD in the natural context of school through the perception of professionals in the field of education, in comparison with neurodevelopmental children (2) Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study as conducted with study population consisting of children between three and ten years old, 36 of whom were diagnosed with ASD and attended the Autismo Burgos association; the remaining 24 had neurotypical development. The degree of response of the children to sensory stimuli at school was evaluated using the Sensory Profile-2 (SP-2) questionnaire in its school version, answered by the teachers. (3) Results: Statistically significant differences were found in sensory processing patterns (p = 0.001), in sensory systems (p = 0.001) and in school factors (p = 0.001). Children with ASD who obtained worse results. (4) Conclusions: Children with ASD are prone to present sensory alterations in different contexts, giving nonadapted behavioral and learning responses.

scholarly journals Attitude toward Aging Mediates the Relationship between Personality and Mental Health in Older Adults

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 594
Author(s):  
Teshome Sirak Bedaso ◽  
Buxin Han
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Potential Mediator ◽  
The Relationship

This study aimed to examine attitude toward aging as a potential mediator of the relationship between personality factors and mental health in terms of depression and life satisfaction among older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 438 Ethiopian elderly individuals aged 60 to 69. The results of the regression-based path analysis showed that after adjusting for demographic data, the relationship between agreeableness and depression in older adults was partially mediated by attitude toward aging. Likewise, attitude toward physical change due to aging and psychological growth subscales jointly mediated the correlation between neuroticism and depression. However, a significant direct path between neuroticism and depression persisted. On the contrary, openness had no significant direct association with depression apart from an indirect through psychosocial loss. The link between life satisfaction and agreeableness as well as openness to experience were partially mediated by psychosocial loss. Therefore, a person’s attitude toward aging and personality characteristics should be taken into consideration while designing interventions for managing mental health issues among older adults.

scholarly journals The Influence of Technology on Mental Well-Being of STEM Teachers at University Level: COVID-19 as a Stressor

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9605
Author(s):  
Johanna Andrea Navarro-Espinosa ◽  
Manuel Vaquero-Abellán ◽  
Alberto-Jesús Perea-Moreno ◽  
Gerardo Pedrós-Pérez ◽  
Pilar Aparicio-Martínez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Mental Well Being

Stress can result in psychopathologies, such as anxiety or depression, when this risk factor continues in time. One major stressor was the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered considerable emotional distress and mental health issues among different workers, including teachers, with another stressor: technology and online education. A mixed-method approach is presented in this research, combining a cross-sectional study of university teachers from Ecuador and Spain with a medium of twenty years of working experience (N = 55) and a bibliometric analysis carried out in three databases (161 documents). The levels of anxiety and depression, and therefore the risk of developing them as mental disorders, were high. The lack of training (p < 0.01), time (p < 0.05), or research regarding the use of technology in education (p < 0.01) and stress caused by COVID-19 (p < 0.001) were linked to frequency. The most relevant observational study obtained through the bibliometric analysis (138 citations and over 65% of methodological quality) indicated that previous training and behavioral factors are key in the stress related to technology. The combination of the results indicated that mental health in STEM teachers at university is related to diverse factors, from training to the family and working balance.

scholarly journals Mental Health Issues in Japanese Workers

AAOHN Journal ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 49 (11) ◽  
pp. 519-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuko Nishisaka ◽  
Takesumi Yoshimura
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Condition ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Japanese Workers ◽  
Part Time

In this cross sectional study conducted in one city in Japan, psychiatrists were asked to answer self administered questionnaires related to their patients' vital status, constituent family members, employment status, financial support from family, emotional support from family, present state of mental condition, and steps used to help them return to society. The focus of the study was to identify and understand the needs of Japanese workers with mental health problems, and to relate the findings to implications for the workplace. Of the 1,283 male patients reported on in the survey, the greatest proportion (45.1%) suffered from schizophrenia, with the prevalence of this serious illness decreasing with age. One half of the total group worked full or part time, with highest rates of employment among those in their 40s and 50s. The most common jobs were simple physical work or assembly. Workers older than 40 years also were more likely to be responsible for financial support of their families. It is suggested that the occupational health nurse has an important role in providing interventions to help these workers remain productive in the workplace, and thus in society.

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