| 1. Title: Mainstreaming early and exclusive breastfeeding for improving child survival. Author: Dadhich JP; Agarwal RK Source: Indian Pediatrics. 2009 Jan;46(1):11-7. Abstract: India is home to maximum number of under-five deaths and underweight children in the world. In 2006, for the first time, the number of children in the world dying before their fifth birthday fell below 10 million, to 9.7 million annually. South Asia's contribution to this figure was 3.1 million out of which 2.1 million deaths occurred in India i.e., 21 percent of the global burden of under five deaths. Most of these deaths occur during the neonatal period. A reduction in the number of deaths among the under-five children reflects the country's progress on the fourth Millennium Development Goal (MDG 4). About 55 million, or one-third of the world's underweight children under the age of five years, live in India. Malnutrition has been estimated to be an underlying cause of up to 50-60 percent of under five deaths. The number of young underweight children reflects the country's progress on the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG 1), which deals with eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. In India, the average annual rate of decline in malnutrition has been around 0.9% since 1990. Considerably accelerated progress is needed for India to meet its MDG target of halving the percentage of underweight children by 2015. Despite breastfeeding's numerous recognized advantages, early and exclusive breastfeeding rates in most states of the India are low. There are many gaps in policy and programs related to infant and young child feeding in India. The big challenge is how to mainstream IYCF counseling and support interventions to help women to succeed both in early and exclusive breastfeeding. The rationale for supporting a major program to protect, promote and support breastfeeding action, backed by a budgetary support, is compelling for our country. Child health and development policies should urgently address this major concern. Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RECOMMENDATIONS | HEALTH SURVEYS | MOTHERS | INFANT | BREASTFEEDING, EXCLUSIVE | CHILD SURVIVAL | MALNUTRITION | BODY WEIGHT | TIME FACTORS | POSTPARTUM PROGRAMS | LONGTERM EFFECTS | INTELLIGENCE | HIV PREVENTION | PREVENTION OF MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Health | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Breastfeeding | Infant Nutrition | Nutrition | Survivorship | Length of Life | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Physiology | Biology | Family Planning Programs | Family Planning | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Disease Transmission Control | Prevention and Control Document Number: 331250 |
2.  Peer Reviewed Title: Effects of maternal multimicronutrient supplementation on the mental development of infants in rural western China: follow-up evaluation of a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Author: Li Q; Yan H; Zeng L; Cheng Y; Liang W; Dang S; Wang Q; Tsuji I Source: Pediatrics. 2009 Apr;123(4):e685-92. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We investigated the benefits of maternal multimicronutrient supplementation during gestation on the mental and psychomotor development of infants. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, pregnant women (N = 5828) in 2 rural counties in western China were assigned randomly to receive multimicronutrient (5 minerals and 10 vitamins at levels approximating the recommended daily allowance), folic acid plus iron, or folic acid supplementation daily from approximately 14 weeks of gestation until delivery. We assessed a subset of the newborns (N = 1305) from the 3 supplementation groups by measuring their mental and psychomotor development with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. Multilevel analyses were used to compare the mental development and psychomotor development raw scores at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Multimicronutrient supplementation was associated with mean increases in mental development raw scores for infants at 1 year of age of 1.00 and 1.22 points, compared with folic acid only and folic acid plus iron supplementation, respectively. However, supplementation did not increase significantly the psychomotor development raw scores up to 1 year of age. CONCLUSION: Compared with iron and folic acid supplementation, the administration of multimicronutrients to pregnant women improved the mental development of their children at 1 year of age. Language: English Keywords: CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL TRIALS | FOLLOW-UP STUDIES | DOUBLE-BLIND STUDIES | MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS | RURAL POPULATION | INFANT | PREGNANT WOMEN | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | VITAMINS AND MINERALS | FOOD SUPPLEMENTATION | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | INTELLIGENCE | ANTENATAL CARE | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Clinical Research | Research Methodology | Studies | Data Analysis | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Physiology | Biology | Nutrition Programs | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Maternal Health Services | Maternal-Child Health Services Document Number: 331245 |
| 3. Peer Reviewed Title: WEALTH, INTELLIGENCE, POLITICS AND GLOBAL FERTILITY DIFFERENTIALS. Author: Meisenberg G Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2009 Mar 27;41:519-535. Abstract: SummaryDemographic trends in today's world are dominated by large fertility differentials between nations, with 'less developed' nations having higher fertility than the more advanced nations. The present study investigates whether these fertility differences are related primarily to indicators of economic development, the intellectual level of the population, or political modernity in the form of liberal democracy. Results obtained with multiple regression, path models and latent variable models are compared. Both log-transformed GDP and measures of intelligence independently reduce fertility across all methods, whereas the effects of liberal democracy are weak and inconsistent. At present rates of fertility and mortality and in the absence of changes within countries, the average IQ of the young world population would decline by 1.34 points per decade and the average per capita income would decline by 0.79% per year. Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | RESEARCH REPORT | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | STATISTICAL REGRESSION | POPULATION | FERTILITY RATE | DIFFERENTIAL FERTILITY | POLITICAL FACTORS | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | DEMOCRACY | GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT | FERTILITY DETERMINANTS | DEATH RATE | INTELLIGENCE | Theoretical Models | Research Methodology | Data Analysis | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Economic Factors | Political Systems | Production | Macroeconomic Factors | Mortality | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior Document Number: 341480 |
| 4. Peer Reviewed Title: How young is "too young"? Comparative perspectives on adolescent sexual, marital, and reproductive transitions. Author: Dixon-Mueller R Source: Studies in Family Planning. 2008 Dec;39(4):247-262. Abstract: This study puts forth three criteria for assessing the extent to which the timing of sexual, marital, and reproductive transitions among male and female adolescents could be considered "too young": (1) the physiological maturation of the body; (2) the cognitive capacity for making safe, informed, and voluntary decisions; and (3) institutionalized concepts of "old enough" for consent to sexual intercourse and marriage as reflected in legal frameworks and international standards. Expansion of the age grouping of adolescence is proposed, from the customary 15-19 into three age categories-early adolescence (ages 10-14, or 10-11 and 12-14), middle adolescence (15-17), and late adolescence (18-19)-to better capture the age-specific variations in the trajectories of male and female sexual, marital, and reproductive events. An application of the three adolescent development criteria to the timing of transitions observed in Demographic and Health Surveys in 64 developing countries leads to the conclusion that boys and girls aged 14 and younger are universally "too young" to make safe and consensual transitions; that 15-17-year-olds may or may not be too young, depending on their circumstances; and that 18-year-olds are generally "old enough." Policies and programs should focus on capacity building and the creation of an enabling environment for making safe and voluntary transitions among all age groups, but particularly among 10-14-year-olds, whose sexual and reproductive health and rights are so clearly at stake. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | ADOLESCENTS | MINORS | PHYSIOLOGY | ADOLESCENT HEALTH | INTELLIGENCE | DECISION MAKING | AGE FACTORS | SEXUAL INTERCOURSE | PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT | MARRIAGE AGE | CHILD MARRIAGE | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Population Characteristics | Biology | Health | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Reproduction | Marriage Patterns | Marriage | Nuptiality Document Number: 328189 |
| 5. Title: Low birth weight, prematurity, and paternal social status: impact on the basic competence test in Taiwanese adolescents. Author: Wang WL; Sung YT; Sung FC; Lu TH; Kuo SC; Li CY Source: Journal of Pediatrics. 2008 Sep;153(3):333-8. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether birth weight and paternal education may have independent and interactive effects on the learning achievement of adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: We linked birth weights, gestational ages (term or preterm) and paternal education of a 4-year birth cohort to the Basic Competence Test (BCT) scores in Mandarin, mathematics and science for junior high school students age 15 to 16 years. The study groups comprised infants with term low birth weight (TLBW; n = 33 507), preterm normal birth weight (PNBW; n =19 905), and preterm low birth weight (PLBW; n = 25 840), as well as randomly selected term infants with normal birth weight (TNBW; n = 83 756). Paternal education levels were categorized. RESULTS: Compared with the TNBW adolescents, the TLBW adolescents consistently showed larger deficits in mean scores for Mandarin (beta = -2.36), mathematics (beta = -2.89), and science (beta = -2.11). The corresponding significant deficit scores for the PLBW adolescents were -1.93, -2.80, and -1.92. The deficit scores were very small for the PNBW adolescents. Paternal education was inversely associated with scores of all 3 groups. Lower paternal education level tended to worsen the negative impact of low birth weight on BCT scores. CONCLUSIONS: Both lower birth weight and lower paternal education exert an independent and interactive effect on adolescent learning achievement. Language: English Keywords: TAIWAN | RESEARCH REPORT | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | FOLLOW-UP STUDIES | INFANT, PREMATURE | SOCIAL PROBLEMS | PREGNANCY | LOW BIRTH WEIGHT | PREMATURE BIRTH | GESTATIONAL AGE | PARENTS | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | ADOLESCENTS | INTELLIGENCE | BEHAVIOR | EMOTIONS | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developed Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Infant | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Sociocultural Factors | Reproduction | Birth Weight | Body Weight | Physiology | Biology | Pregnancy Outcomes | Fetus | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Personality | Psychological Factors Document Number: 328361 |
6.  Title: Family size, birth order, and child IQ. Author: Black SE; Devereux PJ; Salvanes KG Source: [Unpublished] 2007. Presented at the Population Association of America 2007 Annual Meeting, New York, New York, March 29-31, 2007. [5] p. Abstract: It is clear that birth order affects children's outcomes along a number of dimensions, including education and earnings, although recent evidence from the psychology literature provides mixed evidence of the effects of birth order on IQ. The evidence on the effect of family size in the economics literature is even more mixed, with inconclusive results on all outcomes. This paper uses a large dataset on the population of Norway and focuses on the effect of birth order and family size on IQ, an outcome not previously available in datasets of this magnitude. Because of the endogeneity of family size, we instrument for family size using twin births. Importantly, we find a strong and significant effect of both birth order and family size on IQ. Our results suggest that earlier born children have higher IQs, and this effect becomes slightly larger when controls for birth characteristics are included, suggesting that it is unlikely that biological explanations for birth order effects play much role. In addition, we find that family size has a negative effect on IQ, suggesting that random shocks to family size have a negative effect on existing children. (author's) Language: English Keywords: NORWAY | RESEARCH REPORT | SUMMARY REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEYS | CHILDREN | BIRTH ORDER | INTELLIGENCE | FAMILY SIZE | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | INCOME | MULTIPLE BIRTH | Europe, Northern | Europe | Developed Countries | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Biology | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Reproduction Document Number: 317833 |
| 7. Title: Family size, children's cognitive test scores and familial interaction: US, 1997-2002. Author: Sandberg J; Rafail P Source: [Unpublished] 2007. Presented at the Population Association of America 2007 Annual Meeting, New York, New York, March 29-31, 2007. 4 p. Abstract: One of the most robust findings related to the influence of family structure on children's academic success in the status attainment literature is that children from larger families do less well than children from smaller families. The reason why has been the subject of intense debate for a long time. On prominent hypothesis, labeled the 'confluence model' is that the presence of younger siblings in household reduces the age-appropriate intellectual stimulation a child is exposed to. Another, competing hypothesis, labeled 'resource dilution', is that parental resources available to any particular child are diluted when additional children are in the family. What the empirical debate has for the most part previously not addressed adequately is that a critical element to both hypotheses forwarded above is the amount of time children spend in activities others. Both the confluence and resource dilution hypotheses are in large part at their core, interactional. The first suggests that children will do less well to the degree that they interact with younger siblings in activities that are age appropriate to those younger children, but less developmentally appropriate for themselves. The second implies that with more children in the household, parents have less of all resources - but, for intellectual development most importantly less time and attention - to allocate to any particular child. A unique element of this research is the precise measurement of parental resources and family context through children's time use in interaction with parents and siblings. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | HEALTH SURVEYS | CHILDREN | FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD | FAMILY SIZE | FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | AGE FACTORS | INTELLIGENCE | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Health | Youth | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Sociocultural Factors | Family Characteristics | Biology | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior Document Number: 317831 |
| 8. Title: Iodine deficiency in school going children of Pondicherry. Author: Sarkar S; Mohanty B; Basu S Source: Indian Journal of Pediatrics. 2007 Aug;74(8):731-734. Abstract: The objective was to assess the status of iodine deficiency in Pondicherry by finding out the urinary excretion of iodine and the prevalence of goiter among school children. 315 children between the age group of 9 - 13 yr from 30 schools in Pondicherry were examined for the presence of goiter and their urine samples were subjected to biochemical analysis to find out the urinary iodine levels (UIE). The percentage of children who had inadequate iodine intake and showed urinary iodine level of less than 100 mcg/ L was 44.4%. Amongst them, 14.3% had a greater degree of iodine deficiency with less than 50 mcg/L of iodine in urine. The prevalence of goiter was 15.24%. The prevalence of goiter is high. The iodine intake is quite low as exhibited by the UIE levels of < 100mcg/L in the children in Pondicherry, which might have had an unseen impact on the intelligence and school performance of these children. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CHILDREN | EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | VITAMINS AND MINERALS | DEFICIENCY DISEASES | GOITER | PREVALENCE | SCHOOLS | IMPACT | INTELLIGENCE | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Physiology | Biology | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Thyroid Effects | Endocrine Effects | Endocrine System | Measurement | Research Methodology | Education | Communication | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior Document Number: 320131 |
| 9. Title: Advances in our understanding of the biology of human milk and its effects on the offspring. Author: Schack-Nielsen L; Michaelsen KF Source: Journal of Nutrition. 2007 Feb;137(2):503S-510S. Abstract: There is an intense interest in the effects of breast-feeding on the offspring and in understanding the mechanisms behind these effects. More than 50 papers are published monthly on topics such as the influence of breast-feeding on aspects of growth, immune-related effects, mental development, and noncommunicable diseases. Most breast-feeding data are observational; confounding can be difficult to rule out because some maternal factors are associated with both breastfeeding and infant outcomes (e.g., obesity and mental development). The most important short-term immunological benefit of breast-feeding is the protection against infectious diseases. There is also some evidence of lower prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases, childhood cancers, and type I diabetes in breast-fed infants, suggesting that breast-feeding influences the development of the infant's own immune system. One of the most consistent findings of breast-feeding is a positive effect on later intelligence tests with a few test points advantage for breast-fed infants. In the last few years, several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have examined the effect of breast-feeding on noncommunicable diseases. There seems to be a small protective effect against later overweight and obesity. Blood pressure and blood cholesterol seem to be slightly lower in breast-fed infants; however, the few studies examining breast-feeding and the risk of coronary heart disease in later life did not find an association. Recent data have suggested that breast-feeding can program the insulin-like growth factor-I axis, as 3 studies found that breast-fed infants are taller as adults. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | LITERATURE REVIEW | CLINICAL RESEARCH | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | INFANT | HUMAN MILK | INFANT NUTRITION | BREASTFEEDING | IMMUNOLOGICAL EFFECTS | PREVALENCE | INTELLIGENCE | DISEASE PREVENTION | OBESITY | HEART DISEASES | BODY HEIGHT | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Lactation | Maternal Physiology | Physiology | Biology | Nutrition | Health | Immunity | Immune System | Measurement | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Prevention and Control | Diseases | Body Weight Document Number: 312506 |
| 10. Title: The effect of birth order on early educational attainment. Author: Gerner J; Lillard DR Source: [Unpublished] 2006. Presented at the Population Association of America, 2006 Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, California, March 30 - April 1, 2006. 73 p. Abstract: We explore whether and how educational performance varies with birth order. Starting from the simple associations between birth order and educational performance, we show that these differences persist when one controls for family size and other demographic characteristics and that the birth order differences persist over time. We then argue that birth order matters for other important decisions parents make that are important inputs into the educational production process. In particular we argue that birth order affects a mother's decision to participate in the labor force, the decision about whether to enroll her child in pre-kindergarten, and the decision about the age she decides to enter her child in formal schooling. To account for the role these decisions play on how birth order affects ultimate educational performance, we use cross-state and temporal variation in compulsory schooling laws and state labor market conditions. Because our data, the Children of the NLSY79, cover a long time period (1986 through 2002) we observe a large number of children within families who were allowed to enter school at different ages. These differences in the age of first permitted entry mean that parents face greater incentives to enter a youngest child into school at an earlier age than they did an older sibling. We estimate a model of six simultaneous equations to account for the way in which birth order affects each. The results suggest that, even controlling for the association between birth order and other behaviors that influence educational attainment, birth order effects persist in statistically and economically meaningful ways. Children of higher order birth do less well in on achievement tests. We also estimate value-added models of gains in achievement. We find that birth order penalties disappear in mathematics but persist in tests of reading and picture-vocabulary association. The results suggest what commonsense tells us - that actors in the educational production process likely reallocate resources in favor of children who are underperforming in school. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | KAP SURVEYS | CHILDREN | MOTHERS | BIRTH ORDER | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | SCHOOL ENROLLMENT | PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT | DECISION MAKING | AGE FACTORS | INTELLIGENCE | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Theoretical Models | Research Methodology | Studies | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Youth | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Child Rearing | Behavior | Personality | Psychological Factors Document Number: 317408 |
| 11. Title: Adolescent psychosocial growth and development. Author: Hornberger LL Source: Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 2006 Jun;19(3):243-246. Abstract: Adolescence is a relatively brief life period during which tremendous psychosocial change occurs Individuals must successfully make this transition from childhood to become content and productive adults Effective health care providers understand the process of adolescence and work with adolescents and their parents within its framework II. Goals of Adolescence: Achievement of autonomy and independence: 1. Separation from family; 2. Development of vocational skills; 3. Become financially self-sufficient. B. Establishment of self-identity: 1. Acceptance of body; 2. Formation of values and morals; 3. Acceptance of sexual identity. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RECOMMENDATIONS | EVALUATION | ADOLESCENTS | PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | AGE FACTORS | ADOLESCENT HEALTH | PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS | INTELLIGENCE | VALUE ORIENTATION | SEXUALITY | PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT | North America | Americas | Developed Countries | Youth | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Behavior | Biology | Health | Personality Document Number: 302504 |
| 12. Title: High IQ adolescents under stress: do they perform poor in academics. Author: Malik PR; Balda S Source: Anthropologist. 2006;8(2):61-62. Abstract: The study was aimed at finding if any relationship exists between psychological stress and academic achievement of high IQ adolescents. Subjects were high IQ adolescents having IQ 110 and above. Bisht Battery of Stress Scales was used to assess the amount of stress on these adolescents. Academic achievement was assessed on the basis of average of marks obtained in last three examinations. Correlation coefficients between stress scores and academic scores were computed. Academic achievement was found to be negatively and significantly correlated with all types of stress except existential stress. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | STUDENTS | INTELLIGENCE | STRESS | ACHIEVEMENT | PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Education | Personality | Behavior Document Number: 305729 |
| 13. Title: Duration of breast feeding and cognitive function: population based cohort study. Author: Silva AA; Mehta Z; O'Callaghan FJ Source: European Journal of Epidemiology. 2006;21(6):435-441. Abstract: Some evidence suggests that breast feeding is weakly but positively associated with cognitive function. This association has been robust to adjustment for various confounders. The aim of this paper is to determine if duration of breast feeding is associated with cognitive function in late childhood. Data was abstracted from the 1970 British Cohort Study. 11004 liveborn white singletons born during 5--11 April 1970 in the United Kingdom were followed from birth to 10 years. Cognitive function at 10 years is the dependent variable, a latent construct composed of one ability test and three performance measures. Estimates derived from multiple linear regression and structural equation modeling were compared. Effect sizes were estimated using standardized coefficients (SC). Differences in cognitive function according to breast feeding duration were estimated to be small by multiple linear regression (SC = 0.07) and much smaller and non-significant as estimated by structural equation modeling (SC = 0.02) after adjusting for parental socioeconomic status (SES), birth weight, parity, gestational age, maternal age and maternal smoking. Differences in cognitive function according to duration of breast feeding appear to be small and of little clinical importance as estimated by structural equation modeling. (author's) Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | WOMEN | INFANT | BREASTFEEDING | BIRTH WEIGHT | PARITY | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | GROWTH | INFANT HEALTH | INTELLIGENCE | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Infant Nutrition | Nutrition | Health | Body Weight | Physiology | Biology | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Child Health | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior Document Number: 306531 |
| 14. Title: Providing developmentally competent care for adolescents during labor and birth. Author: Tillett J Source: Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing. 2006 Apr-Jun;20(2):118-119. Abstract: In 2002, there were nearly half a million births in the United States to adolescent girls 19 or younger. Although nurses strive diligently to provide culturally competent care to women of differing ethnic backgrounds, sometimes nurses can forget that developmentally competent care is also essential for providing optimal care to adolescents. A review of the literature found few studies documenting adolescent responses to labor and birth. Thurman and Hulsey documented adolescents' preferences for and use of labor pain management and found that significantly less primiparous adolescents choose regional anesthesia compared to older primiparous women, but the researchers could not explain why. Low et al contrasted adolescents' experiences of childbirth with the experiences reported by adults. They found that adolescents put limited time into planning for their birth, have a greater focus on planning for the baby, and use the media as a significant source of information. Work has been done on providing social support to teens during pregnancy, but little research has been published on providing support to adolescents during labor and birth. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RECOMMENDATIONS | EVALUATION | ADOLESCENTS, FEMALE | PREGNANT WOMEN | NURSE-MIDWIVES | PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT | INTELLIGENCE | CHILDBIRTH | PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | AGE FACTORS | North America | Americas | Developed Countries | Adolescents | Youth | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Health Personnel | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Pregnancy Outcomes | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Biology Document Number: 302512 |
| 15. Title: Effect of micronutrient supplement on health and nutritional status of schoolchildren: mental function. Author: Vazir S; Nagalla B; Thangiah V; Kamasamudram V; Bhattiprolu S Source: Nutrition. 2006 Jan;22 Suppl 1:S26-S32. Abstract: We evaluated the effect of a micronutrient-fortified beverage on mental function in schoolchildren. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, matched-pair, cluster, randomized feeding trial assessed baseline before supplementation and after 14 mo in a cohort of 608 children aged 6 to 15 y who received a micronutrient-fortified beverage or placebo. Children in two classes (clusters) in each of nine grades were assessed for intelligence, attention and concentration, memory, and school achievement. Mean intelligence quotient scores of the micronutrient-fortified beverage group and the placebo group at baseline and final follow-up were not significantly different. Mean verbal and performance scores and increments were also not different. After supplementation, attention-concentration increment scores of the micronutrient group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the placebo group. Mean and incremental scores of the supplemented group on the memory scale were not significantly different from those of the placebo group. Supplementation with a beverage fortified with a range of micronutrients significantly improved attention-concentration over 14 mo, but not intelligence quotient, memory, or school achievement among middle-income schoolchildren. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | DOUBLE-BLIND STUDIES | CHILD | PRIMARY SCHOOLS | FOOD AND BEVERAGE | CALORIC INTAKE | VITAMINS AND MINERALS | INTELLIGENCE | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Schools | Education | Nutrition | Health | Physiology | Biology | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior Document Number: 296844 |
| 16. Title: Development of a novel nutrition screening tool for use in elderly South Africans. Author: Charlton KE; Kolbe-Alexander TL; Nel JH Source: Public Health Nutrition. 2005 Aug;8(5):468-479. Abstract: The objective was to develop a nutrition screening tool for use in older South Africans. Design: A cross-sectional validation study in 283 free-living and institutionalised black South Africans (60+ years). Methods: Trained fieldworkers administered a 24-hour recall and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) screening tool, and performed anthropometric measurements and physical function tests. Cognitive function was assessed using a validated version of the Six-Item Cognitive Impairment Test. Biochemical indicators assessed included serum albumin, haemoglobin, ferritin, vitamin B/12, red-blood-cell folate, cholesterol and vitamin C. The MNA was used as the gold standard against which a novel screening tool was developed using a six-step systematic approach, namely: correspondence analysis; identification of key questions; determination of internal consistency; correlational analyses with objective measures; determination of reference cut-off values for categories of nutritional risk; and determination of sensitivity and specificity. The new screening tool includes nine separate concepts, comprising a total of 14 questions, as well as measurement of mid-upper arm circumference. The new tool score was positively associated with level of independence in either basic activities of daily living (r = 0.472) or the more complex instrumental activities of daily living (r = 0.233). A three-category scoring system of nutritional risk was developed and shown to significantly characterise subjects according to physical function tests, level of independence and cognitive function. The new tool has good sensitivity (87.5%) and specificity (95.0%) compared with the MNA scoring system. It has a very high negative predictive value (99.5%), which means that the tool is unlikely to falsely classify subjects as well nourished/at risk when they are in fact malnourished. A novel screening tool has been shown to have content-, construct- and criterion-related validity, and the individual items have been shown to have good internal consistency. Further validation of the tool in a new population of elderly Africans is warranted. (author's) Language: English Keywords: SOUTH AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | KAP SURVEYS | EVALUATION INDEXES | OLDER ADULTS | SCREENING | NUTRITION PROGRAMS | ANTHROPOMETRY | INTELLIGENCE | HEMATOLOGIC TESTS | HEALTH STATUS INDEXES | PROGRAM EVALUATION | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Adults | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Examinations and Diagnoses | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Measurement | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Laboratory Procedures | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 291334 |
| 17. Title: Sexual experiences of adolescents with low cognitive abilities in the U.S. Author: Cheng MM; Udry JR Source: Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. 2005 Jun;17(2):155-172. Abstract: This study explores differences in sexual behaviors between adolescents with low and with average cognitive abilities in the U.S. Using data from Wave 1 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), we identified 422 respondents who had low cognitive abilities. Logistic and multinomial logistic regression methods were used to compare their experiences of romantic attraction, coital sex, contraceptive use, STDs, and pregnancy with those of respondents who were mentally average. Results show that adolescents with low cognitive abilities had fewer experiences of romantic attraction and coital sex. Given romantic-attraction experience, these boys had higher odds for same-sex (vs. opposite-sex) attraction compared with average boys. Among non-virgins, mentally disadvantaged adolescents were less likely to use contraceptives and had higher risks of STDs and pregnancy. More attention is needed to guide and protect them in their sexual understanding and development. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | STATISTICAL REGRESSION | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | ADOLESCENTS | INTELLIGENCE | MENTAL RETARDATION | SEX BEHAVIOR | SEXUAL INTERCOURSE | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES | ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY | HOMOSEXUALS | North America | Americas | Developed Countries | Data Analysis | Research Methodology | Studies | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Reproduction | Contraception | Family Planning | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Diseases | Reproductive Behavior | Fertility | Population Dynamics Document Number: 291682 |
| 18. Title: Breast-feeding influences cognitive development in Filipino children. Author: Daniels MC; Adair LS Source: Journal of Nutrition. 2005;135:2589-2595. Abstract: The importance of breast-feeding (BF) for cognitive development has been researched widely over the past several decades. Although scholars agree that children who breast-feed are generally more intelligent, it is uncertain whether this advantage is due to BF effects or to other accompanying healthy characteristics of women who breast-feed. This is a problem in nearly every study, and even in studies controlling for known confounding variables, residual confounding remains a concern. This study tried a new approach, evaluating the relation between BF and cognitive development or ability in a population in which BF was inversely correlated with socioeconomic advantages and other healthy maternal behaviors. Normal birthweight (NBW, n = 1790) and low birthweight (LBW, n = 189) (< 2500 g) infants born in 1983–84 in Metropolitan Cebu, Philippines were followed from birth through middle childhood. Cognitive ability was assessed at ages 8.5 and 11.5 y with the Philippines Nonverbal Intelligence Test. Multivariable linear regressions were created to estimate crude and adjusted relations of various BF measures and later cognitive ability. After controlling for confounding variables, scores at 8.5 y were higher for infants breast-fed longer (1.6 points and 9.8 points higher among NBW and LBW infants, respectively, breast-fed for 12 to _18 mo vs. _6 mo). BF coefficients in both NBW and LBW 11.5-y models were attenuated but remained positive. This analysis highlights the importance of long-term BF after initial introduction of complementary foods, particularly in LBW infants born close to term. (author's) Language: English Keywords: PHILIPPINES | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | MOTHERS | INFANT | BIRTH WEIGHT | BREASTFEEDING | TIME FACTORS | NUTRITION | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | GROWTH | INTELLIGENCE | Developing Countries | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Body Weight | Physiology | Biology | Infant Nutrition | Health | Population Dynamics | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior Document Number: 292390 |
| 19. Title: Can the provision of breakfast benefit school performance? Author: Grantham-McGregor S Source: Food and Nutrition Bulletin. 2005;26(2 Suppl 2):S144-S158. Abstract: Studies of an association between school performance (enrollment, attendance, achievement, classroom behavior, and school drop-out) and nutritional status are discussed and the evidence of an effect of school meals evaluated. Many studies have shown associations between hunger, poor dietary intakes, stunting, underweight, and poor school performance after controlling for socioeconomic conditions. However, it remains possible that unmeasured socioeconomic variables could explain the relationship. Rigorous short-term studies of missing breakfast have generally found detrimental effects on children's cognition whereas studies of providing breakfast have shown benefits particularly in malnourished children. Classroom conditions may modify the effects of breakfast on behavior. There are extremely few longer term studies of the effects of giving school meals. Nearly all involved breakfast and very few had randomized controlled designs. Studies comparing participants with non-participants or comparing matched schools have found benefits (but bias due to self-selection) of receiving breakfast; inadequate matching of schools also remains possible. One longer term randomized controlled trial found benefits associated with attendance and arithmetic performance. In conclusion, most studies of giving breakfast have found benefits to school performance but many had serious design problems, were short-term, and were not conducted in the poorest countries. In order to advise policy makers correctly, there is an urgent need to run long-term randomized controlled trials of giving school meals in poor countries and to determine the effects of age and nutrition status of the children, the quality of the school, and the timing of the meal. The special needs of orphans should also be considered. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | LITERATURE REVIEW | RESEARCH PROPOSAL | CASE CONTROL STUDIES | CLINICAL TRIALS | SCHOOL AGE POPULATION | POLICYMAKERS | CHILD NUTRITION | NUTRITION PROGRAMS | SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES | INTELLIGENCE | SCHOOL ENROLLMENT | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | AGE FACTORS | TIME FACTORS | Studies | Research Methodology | Clinical Research | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Administrative Personnel | Organization and Administration | Nutrition | Health | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Programs | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Population Dynamics Document Number: 311884 |
| 20. Title: The long-term impact of preschool health and nutrition on education. Author: Jukes M Source: Food and Nutrition Bulletin. 2005;26(2 Suppl 2):S193-S201. Abstract: Malnutrition and infectious diseases in infancy and early childhood have an impact on the cognitive development of children in developing countries. The long-term effects of these diseases are less well understood. A number of studies relate early malnutrition, iron deficiency, and malaria infection to poor cognitive abilities in the school-age years. The long-term effect of randomized interventions in early childhood has been evaluated for nutrition supplementation and psychosocial stimulation of malnourished children and for malaria prevention in a community cohort. The evidence suggests that improving the health and nutrition of young children can improve their subsequent chances of attending school, the gender equity of education access, and performance of children once at school. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | CHILDREN | CHILD NUTRITION | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | INTELLIGENCE | MALNUTRITION | DEFICIENCY DISEASES | FOOD SUPPLEMENTATION | MALARIA PREVENTION | INFECTION TRANSMISSION | ANEMIA | BREASTFEEDING | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Nutrition | Health | Biology | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Nutrition Programs | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Malaria | Parasitic Diseases | Infections | Infant Nutrition Document Number: 311890 |
| 21. Title: Gender differences in emotional intelligence among adolescents of Chandigarh. Author: Katyal S; Awasthi E Source: Journal of Human Ecology. 2005;17(2):153-155. Abstract: 150 students of Xth class from different Government Schools in Chandigarh were selected randomly for assessment of gender differences in emotional intelligence. The data was collected through standardized "Emotional Intelligence Test". The findings revealed that majority of boys, girls and the total sample had good followed by low emotional intelligence. Girls were found to have higher emotional intelligence than that of boys. However the difference touched only 0.10 level, hence findings are just suggestive of the trend. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | INDIGENOUS POPULATION | ADOLESCENTS | SEX FACTORS | INTELLIGENCE | EMOTIONS | SELF-PERCEPTION | KNOWLEDGE | MOTIVATION | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Perception | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 304649 |
| 22. Title: Relationship between strategic emotional intelligence and family climate of Punjabi adolescents. Author: Kaur R; Jaswal S Source: Anthropologist. 2005;7(4):293-298. Abstract: The study was conducted on 200 female adolescents (17--18 years), studying in schools affiliated to CBSE of Ludhiana city, Punjab. The socio-economic-status (SES) of the respondents was assessed by administering a standardized socio-economic-scale -- urban by Shrivastava (1991) and MSCEIT (Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, 2000) was used to assess strategic emotional intelligence. Family climate of respondents was assessed by using family climate scale by Shah (1990). Significant and positive relationship was found between high performers for strategic emotional intelligence and family climate. Negative correlation was observed for six dimensions of family climate among competent level of strategic emotional intelligence whereas eight dimensions of family climate were found to be negatively correlated with consider developing level of strategic emotional intelligence. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | FAMILY RESEARCH | ADOLESCENTS, FEMALE | FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | FAMILY LIFE | EMOTIONS | INTELLIGENCE | FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS | PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Sociocultural Factors | Adolescents | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Factors | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Personality | Family Characteristics Document Number: 305722 |
| 23. Peer Reviewed Title: Neurodevelopmental and cognitive assessment of 6-year-old children born growth restricted. Author: Many A; Fattal-Valevski A; Leitner Y Source: International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2005 Apr;89(1):55-56. Abstract: This prospective study assesses whether hypertensive disorder during pregnancy had any effect on long-term neurodevelopmental and intellectual outcome of 6-year-old children, born with severe growth restriction (FGR). Infants born with a birth weight <5th percentile were included. Infants with congenital malformations or in utero infection were excluded. Each infant had a neonatal neurological examination and at 6 years. Each neurological parameter was given an optimal or a suboptimal score. The final score was expressed as percent of optimal items out of total number of items in the questionnaire. At age of 6, they underwent the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) (IQ test). Neonatal complications were determined by neonatal risk questionnaire which was performed at discharge. This questionnaire included 13 neonatal risk parameters. More than three suboptimal items were defined as having neonatal complications. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: ISRAEL | RESEARCH REPORT | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | PREGNANT WOMEN | CHILD | HYPERTENSION | INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | INTELLIGENCE | NEUROLOGIC EFFECTS | SENSORY EFFECTS | Middle East | Developed Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Vascular Diseases | Diseases | Congenital Abnormalities | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Biology | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Physiology Document Number: 282808 |
| 24. Title: Promoting social competence for development of rural girl child. Author: Punia D; Balda S; Punia S Source: Journal of Human Ecology. 2005;18(3):173-176. Abstract: The present study was conducted in rural Hisar. Social competence of rural preschool girls was assessed. Intervention programme was provided to these girls for a period of two months to promote their social competence. Results indicated that after exposure to intervention programme, there was significant improvement in social competence of preschool aged rural girls. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | INTERVENTIONS | RURAL POPULATION | CHILD, FEMALE | PROMOTION | INTELLIGENCE | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Programs | Organization and Administration | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Child | Youth | Age Factors | Marketing | Economic Factors | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior Document Number: 304681 |
| 25. Title: Schooling, educational achievement, and cognitive functioning among young Guatemalan adults. Author: Stein AD; Behrman JR; DiGirolamo A; Grajeda R; Martorell R Source: Food and Nutrition Bulletin. 2005;26(2 Suppl 1):S46-S54. Abstract: Quantity and quality of schooling obtained and the resulting skills and knowledge acquired are important components of human capital. We describe the distribution of selected measures of schooling, educational achievement, and cognitive functioning among individuals who participated as children in a nutrition supplementation trial in Guatemala and were followed up in 2002-04. Among 1,469 respondents (response rate 80%), who were 26-41 years of age in 2003, more than 90% of men and women had attended at least some school; more than half of men and more than one-third of women had completed sixth grade. Schooling attainment of both men and women has increased across birth cohorts but the schooling gap between men and women has increased. Parental socioeconomic status, as measured in 1975, is a strong predictor of schooling attainment. Basic literacy is high among those studied, with more than 80% able to read simple sentences. The gap in educational achievement favoring men narrowed across birth cohorts due to increases among younger women. The greater performance among men on the Raven's Progressive Matrices test persisted despite increased scores in the younger birth cohorts for both men and women. Migrants to Guatemala City have completed more years of school and scored higher on the tests of educational achievement and cognitive functioning than have cohort members who have remained in the study villages. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GUATEMALA | RESEARCH REPORT | FOLLOW-UP STUDIES | COHORT ANALYSIS | ADULTS | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | INTELLIGENCE | HUMAN CAPITAL | MIGRATION | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | FOOD SUPPLEMENTATION | SEX FACTORS | CHILD NUTRITION | NUTRITION PROGRAMS | Central America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Human Resources | Population Dynamics | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Nutrition Document Number: 311879 |
| 26. Peer Reviewed Title: National intelligence, suicide rate in the elderly, and a threshold intelligence for suicidality: an ecological study of 48 Eurasian countires. Author: Voracek M Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2005;37:721-740. Abstract: Across 85 countries around the world, Voracek (2004) found a significant positive relation between estimated national intelligence (IQ) and national male and female suicide rate. The relation was not attenuated when countries’ per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and type of national IQ estimation were statistically controlled. Independently, investigating the total national suicide rate only, Lester (2003) arrived at the same conclusion. These two findings are consistent with a corollary of de Catanzaro’s (1981) evolutionary theory of human suicide, namely that a threshold intelligence is necessary for suicidality and that intelligence and suicide mortality should thus be positively related. Here, further evidence for this hypothesis is bolstered by focusing on suicide rates of the elderly. Across 48 Eurasian countries, estimated national IQ was significantly positively related to national suicide rates of people aged 65 years and over. This new ecologicallevel finding survived statistical controlling for a set of seven variables (type of national IQ estimation, national GDP, stableness and recency measures for suicide rates, and rates of adult literacy, urbanization and Roman Catholics), which thus are not confounding factors for the relation of intelligence and suicide mortality. Based on ecological data, the threshold IQ for suicidality is predicted to be 70 or slightly over, an estimate that is consistent with various suicidological observations. (author's) Language: English Keywords: EUROPE | ASIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | OLDER ADULTS | SUICIDE | INTELLIGENCE | POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS | SEX FACTORS | Developed Countries | Developing Countries | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Adults | Age Factors | Demographic Factors | Population | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior Document Number: 291159 |
| 27. Title: Linking nutrition and education: A cross-generation model. Author: Wachs TD Source: Food and Nutrition Bulletin. 2005;26(2 Suppl 2):S159-S167. Abstract: Psychosocial influences, such as the family or the school, and biologic influences, such as nutrition or the presence of environmental toxins, can be viewed as elements of a child's overall environment. Family and school influences define dimensions of the child's psychosocial environment whereas nutrition and exposure to toxins define dimensions of the child's bioecologic environment. This paper presents a cross-generation model specifying both the nature and consequences of linkages between the psychosocial and bioecologic environments, with specific reference to schooling, nutrition, and development. Data from two studies done in Egypt and Peru are used to illustrate this model, showing how duration of breastfeeding and quality of the young child's diet are positively associated with higher levels of maternal education and intelligence. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | THEORETICAL STUDIES | RESEARCH REPORT | THEORETICAL MODELS | SCHOOL AGE POPULATION | MOTHERS | INTEGRATED PROGRAMS | PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS | ENVIRONMENT | CHILD NUTRITION | BREASTFEEDING | TIME FACTORS | DIET | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | INTELLIGENCE | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Programs | Organization and Administration | Behavior | Nutrition | Health | Infant Nutrition | Population Dynamics | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Personality | Psychological Factors Document Number: 311885 |
| 28. Title: Maternal education and intelligence predict offspring diet and nutritional status. [La educación materna y la inteligencia predicen la dieta y el estado nutricional de los hijos] Author: Wachs TD; Creed-Kanashiro H; Cueto S; Jacoby E Source: Journal of Nutrition. 2005;135:2179-2186. Abstract: The traditional assumption that children’s nutritional deficiencies are essentially due either to overall food scarcity or to a lack of family resources to purchase available food has been increasingly questioned. Parental characteristics represent 1 type of noneconomic factor that may be related to variability in children’s diets and nutritional status. We report evidence on the relation of 2 parental characteristics, maternal education level and maternal intelligence, to infant and toddler diet and nutritional status. Our sample consisted of 241 low-income Peruvian mothers and their infants assessed from 3 to 12 mo, with a further follow-up of 104 of these infants at 18 mo of age. Using a nonexperimental design, we related measures of level of maternal education, maternal intelligence, and family socioeconomic status to infant anthropometry, duration of exclusive breast-feeding, adequacy of dietary intake, and iron status. Results indicated unique positive relations between maternal education level and the extent of exclusive breast-feeding. Significant relations between maternal education and offspring length were partially mediated by maternal height. There also were unique positive relations between maternal intelligence and quality of offspring diet and hemoglobin level. All findings remained significant even after controlling for family socioeconomic characteristics. This pattern of results illustrates the importance of parental characteristics in structuring the adequacy of offspring diet. Maternal education and intelligence appear to have unique influences upon different aspects of the diet and nutritional status of offspring. (author's) Spanish Abstract: Cada vez más se pone en duda la suposición tradicional de que las deficiencias nutricionales de los niños se deben esencialmente a la escasez general de alimentos o a la falta de recursos de la familia para comprar alimentos disponibles. Las características de los padres representan un tipo de factor no económico que se puede relacionar con la variabilidad en las dietas de los niños y su estado nutricional. Se presentan pruebas de la relación de dos características de los padres: nivel de instrucción formal de la madre e inteligencia materna con respecto a la dieta de lactantes y niños pequeños y su estado nutricional. Nuestra muestra consistió de 241 madres peruanas de bajos ingresos y sus bebés evaluados desde los 3 a los 12 meses, con un seguimiento posterior de 104 de estos bebés hasta los 18 meses de edad. Se relacionaron las medidas de instrucción formal materna, la inteligencia materna y el estado socioeconómico de la familia con la antropometría del bebé, la duración de la lactancia materna exclusiva, la suficiencia y calidad de la ingesta y nivel de hierro. Los resultados indicaron relaciones únicas positivas entre el nivel de instrucción formal de la madre y la duración de la lactancia materna exclusiva. Se observó que las relaciones significativas entre la instrucción formal de la madre y la talla del bebé estaban parcialmente mediadas por la altura de la madre. Además se registraron relaciones positivas exclusivas entre la inteligencia materna y la calidad de la dieta de los hijos y la concentración de hemoglobina. Todos los resultados permanecieron significativos incluso después de controlar las características socioeconómicas de la familia. Este patrón de resultados ilustra la importancia de las características de los padres en la estructuración de la cantidad y calidad de la dieta de los hijos. La instrucción formal de la madre y su inteligencia parecen ejercer una influencia única en los diferentes aspectos de la dieta y el estado nutricional de los hijos. (del autor) Language: English Keywords: PERU | RESEARCH REPORT | MEASUREMENT | PREGNANT WOMEN | INFANT | EDUCATION | INTELLIGENCE | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | DIET | NUTRITION | ANTHROPOMETRY | GROWTH | Developing Countries | South America, Western | South America | Latin America | Americas | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Health | Child Development | Biology Document Number: 292383 |
| 29. Title: Scholastic achievement: a multivariate analysis of nutritional, intellectual, socioeconomic, sociocultural, familial, and demographic variables in Chilean school-age children. [Logros académicos: análisis multivariado de variables nutricionales, intelectuales, socioeconómicas, socioculturales, familiares y demográficas en escolares chilenos] Author: Ivanovic DM; Pérez HT; Olivares MG; Díaz NS; Leyton BD Source: Nutrition. 2004;80:878-889. Abstract: We determined relative effects of nutritional status, intellectual ability, exposure to mass media, and socioeconomic, sociocultural, familial, demographic, and educational variables on scholastic achievement (SA). This was a cross-sectional study. Exposure to mass media and nutritional, intellectual, socioeconomic, sociocultural, familial, demographic, and educational factors, including approximately 2000 variables, were measured in a representative and proportional sample of 4509 school-age children from elementary and high schools in Chile’s Metropolitan Region. The field study was carried out between 1986 and 1987, and data processing, which lasted 15 y, was completed in 2002. Within the total sample, intellectual ability, level of maternal schooling, head circumference for- age Z score, book reading, in-door plumbing, level of paternal schooling, type of school, quality of housing, height-for-age Z score, and calcium intake were the independent variables with the greatest explanatory power in SA variance (r² = 0.508). In most grades, IA was the independent variable with the greatest explanatory power in SA variance. In adolescents in their fourth year of high school and whose physical growth and intellectual development processes are consolidated, intellectual ability, age, head circumference-for-age Z score, book reading, type of school, and level of paternal schooling were the independent variables with the greatest explanatory power in SA variance (r² = 0.60). These findings show that SA is conditioned by multiple factors depending on the characteristics of school-age children, their families, and the educational system. Nutritional indicators of past nutrition are significantly associated with SA, especially head circumference-for-age Z score. This information may be useful for health and educational planning. (author's) Spanish Abstract: Se determinaron los efectos relativos del nivel nutricional, la capacidad intelectual, la exposición a los medios masivos de comunicación y las variables socioeconómicas, socioculturales, familiares, demográficas y educativas sobre los logros académicos (SA, scholastic achievement) mediante un estudio transversal. En una muestra representativa y proporcional de 4509 alumnos de escuelas primarias y secundarias de la región metropolitana de Chile se midieron la exposición a los medios de difusión y los factores nutricionales, intelectuales, socioeconómicos, socioculturales, familiares, demográficos y educativos (incluyendo unas 2000 variables). El estudio de campo se desarrolló entre 1986 y 1987 y el procesamiento de datos, que se extendió durante 15 años, finalizó en 2002. Dentro de la muestra, las variables independientes con mayor poder explicativo de la variancia SA (r² = 0,508) fueron la capacidad intelectual, el nivel de educación formal materna, el puntaje Z de perímetro cefálico para la edad, la lectura, la instalación de agua de la vivienda, el nivel de educación formal paterna, el tipo de escuela, la calidad de la vivienda, el puntaje Z de talla para la edad y la ingesta de calcio. En la mayoría de los grados, la variable independiente con mayor poder explicativo de la variancia SA fue la capacidad intelectual (IA, intellectual ability). En los adolescentes de cuarto año de la escuela secundaria con procesos de desarrollo físico e intelectual consolidados, las variables independientes con mayor poder explicativo de la variancia SA (r² = 0,60) fueron la capacidad intelectual, la edad, el puntaje Z de perímetro cefálico para la edad, la lectura, el tipo de escuela y el nivel de educación formal paterna. Estos resultados demuestran que los logros académicos están condicionados por múltiples factores vinculados a características de los escolares, sus familias y el sistema educativo. Los indicadores nutricionales pasados mostraron una asociación significativa con estos logros, especialmente el puntaje Z de perímetro cefálico para la edad. Esta información puede ser de utilidad para la planificación sanitaria y educativa. (del autor) Language: English Keywords: CHILE | RESEARCH REPORT | MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS | CHILD | INTELLIGENCE | EXPOSURE | MASS MEDIA | HEALTH STATUS INDEXES | NUTRITION INDEXES | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | ACHIEVEMENT | IMPACT | South America, Southern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Data Analysis | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Risk Factors | Biology | Communication | Health | Nutrition | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors Document Number: 276455 |
| 30. Title: Study of interrelationship between home environment, social intelligence and socio-economic status among males and females. Author: Kaur H; Kalaramna A Source: Journal of Human Ecology. 2004;16(2):137-140. Abstract: The present study was undertaken to assess the existing levels of inter-relationship between home environment, social intelligence and socio-economic status across various age levels and two sexes. The data was collected from randomly selected four high schools in the villages of Ludhiana -- I block of Ludhiana district. Home environment was assessed by using Mishra's Home Inventory, Social Intelligence was assessed by using Chadha and Genesan's (1986) Social Intelligence Scale and to know the socio-economic status, Kulshreshta's Socio-Economic Status Scale (1981) was used. Results revealed that socioeconomic status has got effect on social intelligence. Home environment also showed positive impact on social intelligence. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | ADOLESCENTS | HOUSEHOLDS | INTELLIGENCE | INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | LIVING ARRANGEMENTS | PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | |