Predicting maltreatment of children of teenage mothers

Article Abstract:

Teenage mothers who live apart from other adult relatives may be more likely to abuse their children. Motherhood during adolescence is considered particularly stressful, therefore increasing the risk of maltreatment and child abuse. Researchers developed a model of linking risk factors in teenage mothers to the probability of eventual child abuse or neglect. Forty-five teenaged mothers between the ages of 15 and 19 years old were observed for two years after the birth of their infants. Four detailed questionnaires measured the maternal level of depression, potential for child abuse, available family support, and demographic aspects. Fifteen mothers maltreated their children, including instances of abandonment, severe physical discipline, and general neglect. Living apart from family and relatives was the strongest predictor of child abuse. Furthermore, five out of six mothers living in shelters or group homes were abusive. The abusive mothers were probably living in sheltered residences because they were victims of child abuse themselves.

Social aspects, Models, Behavior, Child abuse, Teenage mothers, Abusive parents

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A 'barrier-free' health care system does not ensure adequate vaccination of 2-year-old children

Article Abstract:

Adequate coverage levels for immunizations may not be achieved even when there are no financial or practical obstacles. Researchers reviewed 549 records of children between one- and two-years-old who had a parent on active duty for at least the previous six months at an army base. Immunizations were obtainable for free on a walk-in basis at the base. Overall, 83% of children had the full complement of diptheria-pertussis-tetanus, polio, and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations. By age two, only 76% had all vaccinations and 83% had received the MMR. Children who were not up to date were more likely to have begun their immunizations after three months of age and to have moved during the first year. Seventy-two percent of undervaccinated children had at least one doctor visit where they could have been vaccinated but were not. If they had been, vaccination levels of 93% by age 2 could have been achieved.

Management, Children, Vaccination of children, Vaccination, Child health services

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The accuracy of a lead questionnaire in predicting elevated pediatric blood lead levels

Article Abstract:

A questionnaire to ascertain risk of lead exposure may not identify children at risk accurately enough to replace routine screening. Denver researchers analyzed blood lead levels in 2,978 mostly low-income young children and evaluated their risk based on parental response to a survey designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three percent of the children had elevated blood levels of lead. The survey correctly identified only 60% of those children, thus doing little better than chance.

Measurement, Lead poisoning, Lead in the body

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