Association of preschool children behavior and emotional problems with the parenting behavior of both parents

BACKGROUND Parental behaviors are key in shaping children’s psychological and behavioral development,crucial for early identification and prevention of mental health issues,reducing psychological trauma in childhood.AIM To investigate the relationship between parenting behaviors and behavioral and emotional issues in preschool children.METHODS From October 2017 to May 2018,7 kindergartens in Ma’anshan City were selected to conduct a parent self-filled questionnaire-Health Development Survey of Preschool Children.Children’s Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire(Parent Version)was applied to measures the children’s behavioral and emotional performance.Parenting behavior was evaluated using the Parental Behavior Inventory.Binomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between the detection rate of preschool children’s behavior and emotional problems and their parenting behaviors.RESULTS High level of parental support/participation was negatively correlated with conduct problems,abnormal hyperactivity,abnormal total difficulty scores and abnormal prosocial behavior problems.High level of maternal support/participation was negatively correlated with abnormal emotional symptoms and abnormal peer interaction in children.High level of parental hostility/coercion was positively correlated with abnormal emotional symptoms,abnormal conduct problems,abnormal hyperactivity,abnormal peer interaction,and abnormal total difficulty scores in children(all P<0.05).Moreover,paternal parenting behaviors had similarly effects on behavior and emotional problems of preschool children compared with maternal parenting behaviors(all P>0.05),after calculating ratio of odds ratio values.CONCLUSION Our study found that parenting behaviors are associated with behavioral and emotional issues in preschool children.Overall,the more supportive or involved the parents are,the fewer behavioral and emotional problems the children experience;conversely,the more hostile or controlling the parents are,the more behavioral and emotional problems the children face.Moreover,the impact of fathers’parenting behaviors on preschool children’s behavior and emotions is no less significant than that of mothers’parenting behaviors.

Prevalence and risk factors of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases among preschool aged children (1-5 years) in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a cross-sectional study

Background:Despite efforts to control neglected tropical diseases(NTDs),schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases remain widely prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.Recent data suggest that these infections are prevalent among preschool aged children(PSAC)in poor communities.Evidence of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths(STH)infection patterns and prevalence among PSAC is essential for effective treatment and control programmes.The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence,intensity and risk factors of schistosomiasis and STH infection among PSAC in the Ingwavuma area of uMkhanyakude District,South Africa.Methods:A cross-seaional study was conducted among 1143 PSAC aged 1-5 years in 34 preschools and early childhood development(ECD)centres.Data on risk factors was collected using a semi-struaured questionnaire.A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the differences in infection intensity with age.Pearson Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were performed to assess the association between PSAC infection status,sociodemographic,household,water and sanitation variables and hygiene practices of PSAC and their caregivers.Results:We observed a low prevalence o f Schistosom a haem atobium(1.0%)and 5.m ansoni(0.9%).The prevalence of Ascaris lum bricoides(18.3%)was high compared to Trichuris trichiuro(1.2%),hookworms(1.6%)and Taenio(6.4%).The odds of schistosome infection were lowest among PSAC under younger(15-24 years)caregivers(0.1,95%CI:0.02-0.54)and those who used tap water(0.3,95%Cl:0.09-0.78)for domestic purposes.Schistosome infection was however higher among PSAC who bathed in river water(17.4,95%CI:5.96-51.04).STH infection on the other hand was lowest among PSAC who did not play in soil(0.1,95%CI:0.51-0.28),were from households that used tap water for domestic purposes(0.5,95%CI:0.27-0.80)and PSAC under the care of younger(25-35 years)caregivers(0.3,95%Cl:0.10-0.75).The risk of STH infeaion was highest among PSAC who did not wash their hands with soap(3.5,95%CI:1.04-11.67)and PSAC whose nails were not trimmed(3.6,95%CI:1.75-7.26).Conclusions:The findings show low prevalence and infection intensity of schistosomiasis and STH infection except A lum bricoides among PSAC.Factors predicting schistosomiasis and STH infection among PSAC were related to caregivers'age,educational status,water and hygiene practices.STH infection was exclusively associated with PSAC playing and handwashing habits.These findings highlight the need to include PSAC caregivers in schistosomiasis and STH prevention and control programmes.