Journal of Child Health Care current issue

What pain assessment guidelines tell us and what they may miss

Carter, B. — 2008-08-04

The stress-reducing effects of art in pediatric health care: art preferences of healthy children and hospitalized children

Eisen, S. L., Ulrich, R. S., Shepley, M. M., Varni, J. W., Sherman, S. — 2008-08-04

Art is assumed to possess therapeutic benefits of healing for children, as part of patient-focused design in health care. Since the psychological and physiological well-being of children in health care settings is extremely important in contributing to the healing process, it is vitally important to identify what type of art supports stress reduction. Based on adult studies, nature art was anticipated to be the most preferred and to have stress-reducing effects on pediatric patients. Nature art refers to art images dominated by natural vegetation, flowers or water. The objective of this study was to investigate what type of art image children prefer, and what type of art image has potentially stress-reducing effects on children in hospitals. This study used a three-phase, multi-method approach with children aged 5—17 years: a focus group study (129 participants), a randomized study (48 participants), and a quasi-experimental study design (48 participants). Findings were evaluated from three phases.

Fear in children with cancer: observations at an outpatient visit

Anderzen Carlsson, A., Sorlie, V., Gustafsson, K., Olsson, M., Kihlgren, M. — 2008-08-04

The aim of the study was to describe interactions within the family and between them and professionals on a routine visit at a paediatric oncology outpatient clinic where the visiting child was likely to be fearful. Observations were performed. Data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. The behaviours most frequently observed as expressing fear were being quiet, withdrawn or providing detailed descriptions of experiences. Within the theme `Recognition of the fear', an attentive attitude to the fear was traced; fear was confirmed and cooperation was seen. Although many efforts were made to meet the fear, this was not always successful. Within the theme `Lack of attention to the fear', the fear was not in focus due to parental worries and concerns about the child's health, and organizational disturbances. The results can serve as a basis for collegial reflections of how to handle fear in children with cancer.

Victimization of youth with type-1 diabetes by teachers: relations with adherence and metabolic control

2008-08-04

This study examined rates of teacher victimization and relationships between teacher victimization, adherence and metabolic control in 167 young people with type-1 diabetes. Questions that assessed diabetes-related victimization from teachers were administered to young people with type-1 diabetes. Metabolic control was measured with HbA1c values and diabetes self-management was assessed using the parent version of the Diabetes Self-Management Profile (DSMP). The results indicated that teacher victimization was associated significantly and negatively with the DSMP Diet Subscale (p = .03), DSMP Insulin Adherence Subscale (p = .00) and overall adherence (p = .01) for younger children (aged 8—11 years), but not for older youth (12—17 years). The implications and recommendations for practitioners are discussed.

Cardiovascular disease risk in adolescent smokers: evidence of a `smoker lifestyle'

Flouris, A. D., Faught, B. E., Klentrou, P. — 2008-08-04

This study assessed the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors in 119 adolescent smokers, compared to an age-matched sample of non-smokers. Participants were assessed for body mass index (BMI), relative body fat, systolic/diastolic/mean arterial blood pressure, total serum cholesterol, aerobic fitness, family (parents or siblings) smoking habits and history of cardiovascular disease. The results showed that BMI and relative body fat were significantly increased, while aerobic fitness was significantly decreased in smokers. Male smokers further demonstrated increased diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure. Smokers also showed increased prevalence for family smoking habits and cardiovascular disease history. Prevalence rates for all other cardiovascular disease risk factors were increased in smokers, but the differences between groups did not reach statistical significance. It is concluded that the studied adolescent smokers demonstrated a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life, compared to their non-smoking counterparts.

Physical activity levels, exercise attitudes, self-perceptions and BMI type of 11 to 12-year-old children

Kamtsios, S., Digelidis, N. — 2008-08-04

This study examined elementary school pupils with different body mass index (BMI) as to attitudes towards exercise, self-perception, lesson satisfaction in physical education and participation in physical activity. Seven hundred and seventy-five pupils participated in this study, aged 11—12 years. The study was conducted through questionnaires. Students were divided according to their BMI: normal, overweight and obese. Two-way analysis of variance was used, with gender and BMI type as independent variables. The results revealed that when compared to students with a normal BMI, the obese and overweight students had lower scores in lesson satisfaction, negative views of their body and reduced levels of physical activity. Also, the results showed that the obese and overweight students adopted more sedentary daily habits, such as many hours of TV watching and PC usage. The results of this study imply the need for necessary school interventions in order to encourage healthier behaviours and habits.

Non-puerperal induced lactation: an infant feeding option in paediatric HIV/AIDS in tropical Africa

Ogunlesi, T. A., Adekanmbi, F. A., Fetuga, B. M., Ogundeyi, M. M. — 2008-08-04

A major problem in the management of infants exposed to HIV is the issue of feeding, which stems from the need to avoid transmission of the virus via breast milk. Other important issues in the nutrition of infants exposed to the virus include severe maternal illness, which makes suckling extremely difficult, and feeding orphans. Wet nursing is one of the recommended steps in addressing the feeding problems of such infants but for reasons of sociocultural disapproval, it appears not to be popular in traditional African settings. Non-puerperal induced lactation or re-lactation of a close relation, usually a grandmother, which hitherto has been used to rehabilitate severely malnourished motherless infants, may be equally useful. The procedure of re-lactation and the limitations of the method are highlighted. Also, the need to employ information, education and communication in improving the sociocultural acceptability of this veritable infant feeding method in tropical Africa is discussed.