Children’s active outdoor play (AOP) is an unstructured physical activity that takes place outdoors during a child’s free time. Despite its association with health and well-being benefits (e.g. increases levels of physical activity, improves psychosocial skills), growing evidence suggests that children are playing less outdoors in comparison to previous generations (Clements, 2004; Witten et al., 2013). This trend is generating a number of studies aiming to examine its decline. Parents, especially mothers, are identified as significant actors in increasing children’s opportunities for AOP in order to prevent adverse health and developmental outcomes. Although parents have an important role in socializing children to leading healthy lifestyles, few studies have documented their difficulties in providing children with opportunities for AOP. Drawing on a Foucauldian approach, this qualitative study focuses on the social, cultural, and structural factors that shape children’s opportunities for AOP within the family context and examines the salient factors of contemporary motherhood that impact children’s AOP. Twenty-one mothers from the Ottawa-Gatineau region took part in an in-depth semistructured interview. The analysis shows that many aspects of contemporary mothering and the multiple roles occupied by mothers make it difficult to provide opportunities for AOP. A key finding is that mothers struggle to prioritize children’s AOP due to discursive conflicts that stem from their roles as risk managers, time managers, and screen time managers. Results provide crucial data for future initiatives aimed at increasing children’s levels of physical activity within a family setting. By focusing on the lived experiences of mothers, this study provides recommendations to promote AOP despite the challenges of contemporary family life.

<p>Background: Childrens health, particularly in the early years, forms the basis of future health and development and plays a significant role in predicting individual life and opportunities. Thus, studies which enhance the understanding of the determinants of childrens health status are needed. Previous research on childrens health had focused on the familys and infants characteristics and ignored the potential impact of macro-level influences. The objectives of this thesis were (i) to examine the independent effects of neighbourhood factors on childhood health outcomes, (ii) to explore neighbourhood moderating effects on the associations between some individual risk factors and childhood health outcomes, and (iii) to quantify the contribution of neighbourhood factors to childhood health outcomes.</p><p>Method: The study population included 9,888 children born to women residing in Saskatoon during three years, 1992-1994. The data used in this study were extracted from three sources. The information related to birth outcomes and the mothers characteristics was extracted from the birth registration files maintained by Saskatchewans Vital Statistics Branch. The health services utilization information was generated from Saskatchewan Healths computerized administrative databases. The information related to the neighbourhood characteristics was obtained from Statistics Canadas 1991 Census, from local sources such as the Planning Department of the City, and two specialized neighbourhood surveys. Six domains of neighbourhood were examined in this study: socio-economic disadvantage, social interaction, physical condition, population density, local programs and services, and unhealthy lifestyle norm. This study was divided into two focused topics corresponding to two childrens health outcomes: low birth weight (LBW) and childrens hospitalizations (both incidence and length of stay). Multilevel modelling was employed to examine the independent/moderating impacts of neighbourhood characteristics on these childrens health outcomes. GIS mapping was used to visualize the associations between neighbourhood characteristics and childrens health outcomes.</p><p>Findings of focused topic 1: There was a significant variation across Saskatoon neighbourhoods in the distribution of LBW rate. This significant variation was attributed to both the characteristics of individuals living within the neighbourhoods as well as the characteristics of the neighbourhood of residence. Neighbourhood variables were both independent risk factors for LBW and moderators for the association between maternal characteristics and LBW. Specifically, a greater level of socio-economic disadvantage, a lower level of program availability and accessibility within the neighbourhoods were associated with a higher risk of LBW. A significant interaction between neighbourhood social interaction and single parent status was found. The risk of single parent status on LBW was mitigated by a greater level of social interaction within neighbourhoods. With individual level variables held constant, three neighbourhood variables predicted LBW, together contributing to a change in LBW rate of 7.0%.</p><p>Findings of focused topic 2: This focused topic employed a longitudinal/multilevel design to examine the effects of socio-economic status at multiple levels on childrens hospitalization. The key findings of this focused topic are the following: (i) There was a gradient association between the number of adverse birth outcomes and childhood hospitalization; (ii) There was a significant interaction between family income and adverse birth outcomes (i.e., the effect of adverse birth outcomes on childhood hospitalization was heightened among those children living in low income families); (iii) Neighbourhood characteristics, specifically neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage, neighbourhood physical condition, and neighbourhood population density had independent effects on childhood hospitalization over and above the effect of family income; (iv) With individual level variables held constant, three neighbourhood variables (i.e., neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage, physical condition and population density) together accounted for a variation of 40% in the incidence rate of hospitalization, and two neighbourhood variables (i.e., neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage and physical condition) together accounted for a change in the length of stay per hospitalization from 2.88 days to 5.18 days across neighbourhoods.</p><p>Conclusion: Both individual and neighbourhood characteristics determined childhood health outcomes examined. Neighbourhood factors acted as independent risk factors as well as moderators on the association between individual risk factors and health outcomes. The contribution of neighbourhood factors to childrens health outcomes was quite substantial. The findings suggest that future interventions aimed at improving childrens health status in Saskatoon may be enhanced by targeting both high risk individuals and high risk neighbourhoods. The geographical variations in childrens health outcomes reported in this study are modifiable; they can be altered through public policy and urban planning, and through the efforts of families and children.

<p>Background: Childrens health, particularly in the early years, forms the basis of future health and development and plays a significant role in predicting individual life and opportunities. Thus, studies which enhance the understanding of the determinants of childrens health status are needed. Previous research on childrens health had focused on the familys and infants characteristics and ignored the potential impact of macro-level influences. The objectives of this thesis were (i) to examine the independent effects of neighbourhood factors on childhood health outcomes, (ii) to explore neighbourhood moderating effects on the associations between some individual risk factors and childhood health outcomes, and (iii) to quantify the contribution of neighbourhood factors to childhood health outcomes.</p><p>Method: The study population included 9,888 children born to women residing in Saskatoon during three years, 1992-1994. The data used in this study were extracted from three sources. The information related to birth outcomes and the mothers characteristics was extracted from the birth registration files maintained by Saskatchewans Vital Statistics Branch. The health services utilization information was generated from Saskatchewan Healths computerized administrative databases. The information related to the neighbourhood characteristics was obtained from Statistics Canadas 1991 Census, from local sources such as the Planning Department of the City, and two specialized neighbourhood surveys. Six domains of neighbourhood were examined in this study: socio-economic disadvantage, social interaction, physical condition, population density, local programs and services, and unhealthy lifestyle norm. This study was divided into two focused topics corresponding to two childrens health outcomes: low birth weight (LBW) and childrens hospitalizations (both incidence and length of stay). Multilevel modelling was employed to examine the independent/moderating impacts of neighbourhood characteristics on these childrens health outcomes. GIS mapping was used to visualize the associations between neighbourhood characteristics and childrens health outcomes.</p><p>Findings of focused topic 1: There was a significant variation across Saskatoon neighbourhoods in the distribution of LBW rate. This significant variation was attributed to both the characteristics of individuals living within the neighbourhoods as well as the characteristics of the neighbourhood of residence. Neighbourhood variables were both independent risk factors for LBW and moderators for the association between maternal characteristics and LBW. Specifically, a greater level of socio-economic disadvantage, a lower level of program availability and accessibility within the neighbourhoods were associated with a higher risk of LBW. A significant interaction between neighbourhood social interaction and single parent status was found. The risk of single parent status on LBW was mitigated by a greater level of social interaction within neighbourhoods. With individual level variables held constant, three neighbourhood variables predicted LBW, together contributing to a change in LBW rate of 7.0%.</p><p>Findings of focused topic 2: This focused topic employed a longitudinal/multilevel design to examine the effects of socio-economic status at multiple levels on childrens hospitalization. The key findings of this focused topic are the following: (i) There was a gradient association between the number of adverse birth outcomes and childhood hospitalization; (ii) There was a significant interaction between family income and adverse birth outcomes (i.e., the effect of adverse birth outcomes on childhood hospitalization was heightened among those children living in low income families); (iii) Neighbourhood characteristics, specifically neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage, neighbourhood physical condition, and neighbourhood population density had independent effects on childhood hospitalization over and above the effect of family income; (iv) With individual level variables held constant, three neighbourhood variables (i.e., neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage, physical condition and population density) together accounted for a variation of 40% in the incidence rate of hospitalization, and two neighbourhood variables (i.e., neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage and physical condition) together accounted for a change in the length of stay per hospitalization from 2.88 days to 5.18 days across neighbourhoods.</p><p>Conclusion: Both individual and neighbourhood characteristics determined childhood health outcomes examined. Neighbourhood factors acted as independent risk factors as well as moderators on the association between individual risk factors and health outcomes. The contribution of neighbourhood factors to childrens health outcomes was quite substantial. The findings suggest that future interventions aimed at improving childrens health status in Saskatoon may be enhanced by targeting both high risk individuals and high risk neighbourhoods. The geographical variations in childrens health outcomes reported in this study are modifiable; they can be altered through public policy and urban planning, and through the efforts of families and children.

M.Comm. / There is a serious need for children to be informed about the negative influence of unhealthy living. Children need to be made aware ofhealthy eating habits, health risks andthebenefits ofexerciseto improvetheirhealth. The impact ofbadeating habits and little exercise needs to be emphasized in order for learners to see the importance of healthy living. The aim of this study is to identify relevant aspects from the related literature and practise, to establish emperically the health-related knowledge and behaviour of senior primary phase school children in the Honeydew area and to offer recommendations for health education for primary school children. This study is explorative ofnature. A academic research was done on the related literature on health and physical health education. Qualitative Data has been collected from three schools in the Honeydew area by means of a self-constructed questionnaire. These schools were selected due to the fact that the researcher teaches at one of the schools, and the other schools were easily accessible to the researcher. Several pilot studies were done to test the validity of the questionnaires. In order for the questionnaire to have been statistically reliable, 102 questionnaires were completed by learners from all three schools. From the data gathered the researcher came to the conclusion that learners in the Honeydew area have a reasonable general knowledge of health and they have a relatively healthy lifestyle. There are however reasons for concern in some areas and these need to be adressed. The high consumption ofeggs, salt, snacks and soft drinks may have a negative effect on the learners' health. The emotional well being of the child may have an influence on the child's eating habits. When children get depressed or bored, they eat simply because they do not have anything else to do and then they often eat chocolates or snacks like crisps. Every school has a tuck shop and even if a parent provided a nutritional lunch box for the child, the child may still buy chocolates and crisps at the tuck shop. Some parents give the learners money to buy lunch and then they buy sweets, instead. The use of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs is definitely bad for the leamer's health. Some learners were involved in unprotected sex, this is matter of serious concern. AIDS is a terrible disease that is increasing drastically daily. It is very important that learners need to be informed about health hazards to ensure a healthy lifestyle for all. Learners need to be informed about drug abuse, alcohol abuse, physical abuse and healthy eating habits to ensure that they can become healthy, contributary and responsible citizens in the future. There is a definite need for a health education programme in schools to ensure that the learners stay healthy and lead healthy lives in the future.

Introduction: Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States (U.S.). Annually, approximately 7% of adults and 3% of children were diagnosed with depression. The rates of depression are generally high among adults, however since past decade the depression among adolescents has been increasing progressively. According to the National Comorbidity Survey, about 11 % of adolescents annually reported to have a depressive disorder by age 18 years. Several studies have been conducted to understand depression in middle-aged and older-adults, while limited studies on adolescents. 2015 Appalachian Student Research Forum Page 65 The study aimed to estimate prevalence of depression among adolescents in the U.S. and identify key factors associated with it. Methods: Data (n=44,879) was obtained from the 2012 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). In the data Depression is defined as a mental disorder, marked by loss of interest or pleasure, sadness, feeling of low self-worth along with disturbed sleep or appetite. Based on existing literature, several selected adolescent characteristics and disease outcomes were included as potential risk factors of depression including age, gender, race, asthma, diabetes, learning disability and exposure to adverse family experiences. Descriptive statistics were reported using frequencies and proportions along with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Multiple logistic regression model was performed to assess relationship of risk factors with depression in adolescents adjusting for other confounders. Results: Overall 6.4% of adolescents aged 10-17 years reported either prior symptom or current diagnosis of depression. Depression rates were 6.5% and 6.3% among male and female adolescents, 9.6%, 11.8% and 68.8% among non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites, respectively. For every one year increase in age, the relative odds of depression increased by 19% (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.17-1.21). Adolescents who reported physician diagnosis of asthma and diabetes were more likely to have depression (asthma - OR 2.22, 95%CI 2.05-2.42, diabetes- OR 3.23, 95%CI 2.45-4.25) than those who were not. In addition, those with learning disability were more likely to have depression (OR 5.56 95%CI 5.13 6.02) than those who were not. For increase in one adverse family experience, the risk of depression increased by 158.7% (OR 2.59 95% CI 2.46 2.72). Gender and race were not found to be not significantly associated with depression. Conclusion: The study illustrates that depression in adolescents is interplay between demographic characteristics, disease outcomes and personal/family experiences. Study findings help identify important etiological factors that must be considered during treatment and prognosis of depression among adolescents in the U.S.

Thesis (M.A.)--West Virginia University, 2004. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 135 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

Objective: Assess the effectiveness of an ecological approach to promote healthy food choices in early childhood education through an educational workshop series. Design: Utilizing play-based learning, the workshops emphasized an ecological approach to health and food choice by letting children explore and experience healthy foods through various play-based and experiential activities. Data were collected and analyzed using grounded theory of semi-structured interviews with children, parents, and early childhood educators (ECEs), thematic analysis of children’s drawings, and quantitative food preference and food categorization surveys conducted with the children. Setting: The work was undertaken in three YMCA child care centres located in the Greater Toronto Area: Newcastle, Unionville, and inner-city Toronto. Participants: Participants comprised of 19 children, 5 parents, and 9 ECEs. Conclusions: The ecological approach to the promotion of healthy food choices in early childhood education was demonstrated to be an effective health promotion strategy for children aged 3 to 5.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Georgia State University, 2007. / Title from file title page. Mary Beth Walker, committee chair; Paul G. Farnham, Erdal Tekin, Patricia G. Ketsche, committee members. Electronic text (140 p. : ill. (some col.)) : digital, PDF file. Description based on contents viewed Dec. 31, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (p. 136-139).

Orientador: Gimol Benzaquen Perosa / Banca: Vera Lúcia Pamplona Tonete / Banca: Ione Morita / Banca: Maria Aparecida Crepaldi / Banca: Rosana de Fátima Possobon / Resumo: Com a implantação da Estratégia de Saúde da Família em âmbito nacional, várias ações foram propostas oficialmente, visando a promoção e atenção global à saúde da criança. Apesar de resultados ainda controversos, registrou-se um decréscimo no quadro geral da mortalidade infantil e resultados positivos de outros indicadores de saúde: aumento do aleitamento materno exclusivo e da cobertura vacinal, declínio das taxas de desnutrição infantil em menores de 2 anos, além do aumento da cobertura de consultas de pré-natal. Considerando que a organização das ações de saúde também deve contemplar a perspectiva do usuário, o presente trabalho pretendeu apreender as percepções das mães de crianças menores de cinco anos, usuárias de unidades de saúde da família de Botucatu-SP sobre a atenção à saúde infantil, contemplando aspectos organizacionais, profissionais e relacionais. Para tanto, foram selecionadas duas unidades de saúde da família, com diferentes tempos de implantação. Os dados foram coletados a partir de quatro grupos focais, abordando os temas acima referidos. Em cada uma das unidades foram compostos 2 grupos: um com mães de crianças de até 1 ano de idade e o outro por mães de crianças de 1 ano até 5 anos de idade. O tratamento dos dados, de natureza qualitativa, foi feito por meio de Análise de Conteúdo Temático. A partir da análise dos dados obtidos nos quatro grupos focais percebeu-se que o ideário do modelo tradicional, focado no atendimento às queixas dos usuários e em oferta de ações curativas, tendo o médico e suas especialidades como figura central do atendimento, ainda é muito prevalente para as mães. Desta forma, a maioria das demandas como dificuldade de conseguir consultas eventuais, grande espaçamento das consultas de rotina para crianças menores de 1 ano e longo tempo de espera foram relacionadas a ausência de ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Since the Family Health Strategy was implemented nationwide, several actions have been officially proposed in order to promote global healthcare for children. Although results remain surrounded by controversy, a decrease in overall child mortality and positive results regarding other health indicators such as increase in the rates of exclusive breastfeeding and vaccine coverage, decrease in malnutrition among children under two years, and increase in coverage of prenatal care have been reported. Considering that the organization of health actions should also take into account the user's viewpoint, this study aimed at assessing the organizational, professional and relational aspects of child healthcare according to the perceptions of mothers of under-five children attending the family health units located in Botucatu-SP. Thus, two family healthcare units implemented at different times were selected. Study data were collected from four focal groups - two groups from each unit, one consisting of mothers of children at 0-1-years, and the other including mothers of children aged 1-5 years. Qualitative data were evaluated by theme-based content analysis. Analysis of the data obtained from all four focal groups revealed that the traditional model in which physicians in their specialties play the central role focusing on dealing with patients' complaints and offering curative actions still prevails among the participating mothers. Therefore, most demands, such as difficulty in scheduling appointments, long intervals between routine visits for children under one year, and long waiting time, were related to absence of pediatricians in family health units, revealing poor acceptance of the nursing staff and limited understanding of the role of the health community agent. The referral/counter-referral system and medication supply were negatively rated, whereas the location of the units, ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

abstract: The objective of this dissertation is to investigate the association of mother's autonomy and male labor migration with child's health and education, taking into account possible differences by child's gender. The dissertation uses data from a household longitudinal survey conducted in rural southern Mozambique in 2006, 2009 and 2011 to address three main questions: 1) Is decision-making autonomy associated with child's schooling and child mortality? 2) Is father's labor migration associated with children's health outcomes? 3) If so, do these relationships change by gender of the child? The dissertation makes three main contributions to the literature. First, it finds a significant effect of mother's decision-making autonomy on child's outcomes, independent of other characteristics related to women's status. Second, it illustrates the cumulative nature of the effect of father's labor migration on the health of children left behind. And finally, the dissertation shows that women's decision-making autonomy and male migration affect children's outcomes differently depending on the gender of the child and on the outcome being analyzed. The dissertation is structured in five chapters. The first chapter gives an introductory overview of women's autonomy and male migration as determinants of children's outcomes, and presents the setting. The second chapter examines the relationship between mother's decision-making autonomy and enrollment for primary school-age children. Results show a positive association of women's decision-making autonomy with the probability of being enrolled for daughters, but not for sons. The effect of women's decision-making autonomy is net of other characteristics associated with autonomy. The third chapter analyzes the association of mother's decision-making autonomy and under-five child mortality. Results show a positive effect women's decision-making autonomy for sons' survival chances. The fourth chapter examines the effect of father's labor migration on health of children left behind. Results indicate that a proportion of child's life spent away by the father has a negative effect on the child's chances of being stunted but that it also decreases the likelihood of the child receiving age-adequate immunization. These results are gendered as the effect of father's migration on both outcomes is significant only for daughters. Chapter five presents the concluding remarks. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Sociology 2014