International Journal of Child Health and Nutrition

The Effects of a Breastfeeding Support Program for Couples Based on Self-Determination Theory on Breastfeeding Outcomes

Serpil Gürol — 2026-04-10

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a Breastfeeding Support Program for Couples Based on Self-Determination Theory on Breastfeeding Outcomes.

Method: The study was carried out between 01.12.2021 and 15.03.2023 with a randomized controlled educational intervention design, where couples who presented to İzmir Torbalı Family Health Center (FHC) No 1 were included in a Breastfeeding Support Program for Couples in the intervention group and Standard Breastfeeding Education in the control group by a midwife by the 32nd week of pregnancy.

Results: Significant positive relationships were identified between the Breastfeeding Support Scale for Couples scores of the mothers and those of the fathers at the 15th day, 2nd month, 4th month, and 6th month in the postpartum period (p<0.01). At 6 months, among couples who participated in the Breastfeeding Support Program for Couples (intervention group), as Breastfeeding Support Scale scores increased, mothers' Breastfeeding Motivation Scale scores increased. It was determined that the breastfeeding efficacy levels of the mothers in the intervention and control groups started to increase after the 7th day in the postpartum period, and their mean Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale scores were high. The mothers who participated in the Breastfeeding Support Program for Couples had a lower rate of experiencing Nipple Pain and Trauma and a higher rate of feeding their babies exclusively with breastmilk in the first six months of the postpartum period.

Conclusion: In conclusion, fathers who participated in the Breastfeeding Support Program for Couples improved the breastfeeding outcomes of their partners, the program was effective in reducing nipple problems, and mothers who participated in the program had a higher rate of feeding their babies exclusively with breastmilk in the first six months of the postpartum period.

The Efficacy of Natural Mineral Water “Kara-Shoro” in Caries Prevention in Children

Abdyrakman Eshiev — 2026-04-10

Background: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent oral health issues among children and adults. This study investigates the efficacy of “Kara-Shoro” mineral water as a natural source of fluoride for caries prevention in children aged 7-15. The mineral water used in the study contains 7.83 mg/L of fluoride, along with high concentrations of bicarbonates (1,680 mg/L) and chlorides (4,541 mg/L), classifying it as a bicarbonate-chloride type mineral water.

Methods: The research was conducted over three years in two villages of the Kyrgyz Republic and included educational, therapeutic, and preventive phases. In the test group, a regimen of regular “Kara-Shoro" mineral water use was implemented, both for topical application (oral rinsing) and systemic consumption. The control group followed standard caries-prevention methods, including toothbrushing without using this mineral water.

Findings: Children consuming “Kara-Shoro” mineral water exhibited a significant reduction in caries intensity, as measured by the DMFT+dmft index (number of decayed, missing, and filled permanent and deciduous teeth) and the DMFT index (same metric, limited to permanent teeth), compared to the control group. By the end of the study, three years after the initiation of preventive measures, the DMFT index was 0.52±0.18 in the test group and 3.44±0.68 in the control group. The mean caries increment in the test group was 0.46 cavities, representing 16.91% of the increment observed in the control group, which reached 2.72 (p<0.001). The final reduction in caries prevalence in the test group compared to the control was 83.09%. No signs of fluorosis were observed in either group.

Conclusion: As a result, the use of “Kara-Shoro" mineral water may be a promising approach to caries prevention in children, particularly in regions with low fluoride levels in drinking water. Further research is required to determine the optimal application regimen and assess long-term effects.

Children’s Cognitive Development and Breastfeeding: Synthesis and Review of Literature

Owoade Philip Adeleke — 2026-04-10

This literature review synthesizes empirical evidence from 10 studies published between 2016 and 2025 to examine the relationship between breastfeeding and cognitive development in early childhood. The review aims to elucidate the extent to which breastfeeding influences cognitive outcomes while accounting for moderating factors such as socioeconomic status, maternal education, and genetic predispositions. Utilizing a systematic methodology, the review analyzes study designs, sample characteristics, measurement tools, and key findings. Results indicate a consistent positive association between breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance, particularly in language and executive functions, although this association is moderated by environmental and familial factors. Limitations include potential confounding variables, reliance on self-reported data, and variability in assessment methods. The review concludes that breastfeeding may be a significant contributor to early cognitive development, warranting policies that promote breastfeeding. Future research should focus on longitudinal designs and causal mechanisms to better understand this relationship.

The Impact of Early Diagnosis and Therapy on the Development of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Adisa Teliti — 2026-04-10

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), are increasingly diagnosed in children, but low awareness, delays in diagnosis, and poor service coordination complicate therapy and negatively affect family quality of life.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the importance of early detection of ASD and the role of therapeutic interventions in improving child development and family well-being.

Methods: Using a qualitative approach, the study involved interviews with 20 pairs of parents of children with ASD and thematic analysis, considering gender, age, and behavioral characteristics, supplemented by the Parental Stress Scale.

Results: Early diagnosis (before age 3, 60%) was associated with faster progress compared to late diagnosis. In the early diagnosis group, behavioral therapy, sensory integration, and speech therapy led to improvements in non-verbal communication, reduced sensory hypersensitivity, and decreased aggression. In the late-diagnosis group, with greater use of behavioral therapy and individual education plans, progress was slower, with improvements in speech, reduced aggression, and less social isolation. Parents reported reduced anxiety and improved family relationships, especially in early-diagnosis cases. Barriers included delays in diagnosis (18-24 months), stigma, and inadequate infrastructure.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the effectiveness of early intervention and the need for standardized diagnostic procedures, parent education programs, professional training, and improved infrastructure to support families raising children with ASD. These results can guide intersectoral cooperation, policy development, and support strategies for families.

Beyond Beliefs: Integrating Cultural Practices, Family Dynamics, and Ecological Vulnerabilities in Explaining Childhood Malnutrition in Indonesia

Elly Dwi Masita — 2026-04-10

Childhood malnutrition remains a major public health issue in Indonesia, with prevalence in some communities reaching 68.2%, far above the national average. Despite multiple government programmes, progress has been limited. Previous studies have primarily examined biomedical or socioeconomic factors, while less attention has been given to how cultural beliefs, ecological vulnerabilities, and familial decision-making interact to shape nutritional outcomes. This gap constrains the design of effective interventions. A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in rural East Java among 179 caregivers of children aged 1-5 years. Nutritional status was assessed using weight-for-age (<90% of the WHO median defined as malnutrition). Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and logistic regression with diagnostic checks. Qualitative interviews explored beliefs about feeding, food taboos, ecological barriers, and household decision-making. Findings were integrated using triangulation. Malnutrition prevalence was 68.2%. Independent t-tests revealed significant differences in Health Belief Model (HBM), cultural integration, and ecological scores between malnourished and adequately nourished children (p<0.05). Logistic regression, however, did not retain any variable as an independent predictor (Hosmer-Lemeshow p=0.411, Nagelkerke R²=0.115, AUC=0.669). Qualitative data explained these contradictions, highlighting systemic poverty, food scarcity, weak health service outreach, and intergenerational authority as key barriers despite caregiver knowledge. Malnutrition in Indonesia is shaped by the convergence of cultural, ecological, and familial determinants rather than single risk factors. Effective responses must integrate culturally sensitive behaviour change with structural support, address ecological vulnerabilities, and engage family decision-making. Mixed-methods approaches are essential to capture the complexity of these interactions.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Thinness among School-Aged Children in Public and Private Primary Schools in Kandahar City: A Comparative Study

Zarghoon Tareen — 2026-04-10

Background: Thinness, which is a marker of acute undernutrition, is a major public health problem among school-aged children in developing countries. For Afghanistan, little information exists on the prevalence and factors associated with thinness among school-aged children in public and private schools.

Objective: To find out the prevalence of thinness and its associated factors among school-aged children in public and private primary schools of Kandahar City, Afghanistan.

Methods: The analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in schools from May to December 2025 among 885 children aged 6-12 years. The participants were selected by multistage random sampling from 10 public and 10 private schools. Data was collected by pre-testing a questionnaire and standardized anthropometric techniques. Thinness was measured by the WHO Anthro Plus software. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with thinness, with significance at p < 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of thinness was 8.1% in general. The prevalence of thinness was higher in public than in private schools (11.1% vs. 5.2%) and higher among girls than among boys (10.2% vs. 6.1%). Using multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with thinness were low household income (AOR: 2.75), low dietary diversity (AOR: 4.24), diarrheal illness in the past two weeks (AOR: 3.92), and polygamy (AOR: 3.10).

Conclusion: Thinness is currently a significant issue among school-aged children in the city of Kandahar. There is a need for interprofessional interventions across nutrition, health, and social protection to address children's nutritional problems.