World journal of clinical pediatrics最新文献

{"title":"Severe malaria-bacterial sepsis co-infection among critically ill children admitted to pediatric emergency departments in Kinshasa.","authors":"Mamy-Gloire Monkoti Manzi, Celestin Nsibu, Joseph Bodi, Philippe Jouvet","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.119162","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.119162","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Severe malaria remains a major cause of pediatric critical illness and early mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. In pediatric emergency settings, concomitant bacterial sepsis is often under-recognized because of overlapping clinical manifestations, which may delay appropriate antimicrobial therapy and worsen outcomes. Data on severe malaria-bacterial sepsis co-infection among critically ill children in Kinshasa remain limited.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To determine the frequency of severe malaria-bacterial sepsis co-infection and identify the associated clinical and biological factors among critically ill children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective multicenter observational study was conducted from September 2014 to September 2015 in four pediatric emergency departments in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Children aged 6 months to 15 years admitted with life-threatening conditions and confirmed severe malaria were included. Bacterial sepsis was defined by a positive blood culture for a pathogenic organism. Clinical and laboratory variables were compared using Fisher's exact test and the Mann-Whitney <i>U</i> test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with co-infection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 138 children admitted with life-threatening conditions, 96 (69.6%) had confirmed severe malaria. Severe malaria-bacterial sepsis co-infection was identified in 11 children, representing 11.5% of severe malaria cases. In univariate analysis, respiratory distress, splenomegaly, and hypoglycemia were more frequent among co-infected children. In multivariable analysis, respiratory distress remained independently associated with bacterial co-infection. Early mortality in the emergency department was higher among co-infected children than among those without co-infection. Gram-negative bacteria, predominantly <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i>, accounted for most bloodstream isolates.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Severe malaria-bacterial sepsis co-infection is relatively frequent among critically ill children in Kinshasa and is associated with poorer early outcomes. Early and systematic assessment for sepsis at admission may help improve the initial management of children in pediatric emergency settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 3","pages":"119162"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13491101/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From genes to environment: A life-course approach to prevent pediatric autoimmune diseases.","authors":"Mohammed Al-Beltagi, Nermin K Saeed, Adel S Bediwy, Eman A Bediwy, Reem Elbeltagi","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.117421","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.117421","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autoimmune diseases in children, including type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, and juvenile arthritis, represent a growing global health challenge. This surge, too rapid to be explained by genetic shifts alone, highlights the critical role of environmental factors and underscores the urgent need for proactive prevention. This review presents an integrated, evidence-based framework for preventing pediatric autoimmune diseases across the care spectrum, from primordial to tertiary prevention. We define high-risk pediatric populations using a multidimensional approach that integrates family history, genetic data (<i>e.g.</i>, polygenic risk scores), and preclinical biomarkers. The review details a multi-tiered prevention strategy: Primordial prevention focuses on optimizing maternal and early-life health to establish immune tolerance in the first 1000 days; primary prevention targets at-risk children with personalized nutritional and lifestyle interventions; secondary prevention uses early screening and surveillance to identify preclinical autoimmunity, allowing for targeted immunomodulatory therapies that can delay or prevent disease onset; and tertiary prevention employs early aggressive therapy to limit long-term complications in children with established disease. By synthesizing epidemiological data, mechanistic understanding, and a comprehensive prevention framework, this article aims to inform clinical practice, guide research priorities, and support public health policies to combat the increasing incidence of pediatric autoimmunity.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 3","pages":"117421"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13491055/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical and environmental risk factors for childhood developmental disabilities: A narrative review (1990-2025).","authors":"Víctor Hugo Estupiñán-Pérez, Ángela María Jiménez-Urrego, Alejandro Botero Carvajal","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.119109","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.119109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Developmental disabilities (DD) affect millions of children worldwide and disproportionately burden low- and middle-income countries. Modifiable risks include early-life clinical procedures and environmental/psychosocial exposures, but syntheses spanning 1990-2025, including the coronavirus disease 2019, remain limited. To narratively review evidence on clinical and environmental risk factors for DD in children < 18 years. PubMed (1990-2025) was searched using SPIDER. Clinical trials, cohorts, and population-based studies were thematically synthesized across clinical procedural and environmental/psychosocial domains. Thirty-two studies were included (19 clinical/procedural; 13 environmental/psychosocial/early intervention), enrolling > 100000 participants; registry studies added > 1.8 million. Cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease was associated with below-average cognitive and motor scores, driven mainly by perioperative complexity, low birth weight, and prolonged intensive care rather than surgical technique. Maternal mental illness was linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes (adjusted odds ratio: Approximately 3-4). Multidomain, family-centered interventions - including telehealth - improved developmental outcomes and reduced delay. Several cohorts reported increased developmental concerns during and after coronavirus disease 2019, particularly in communication and social-emotional domains. Clinical and environmental/psychosocial factors are major, potentially modifiable determinants of DD; priorities include strengthened developmental surveillance, caregiver mental health assessment, and equitable access to early intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 3","pages":"119109"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13491093/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phenomenology in pediatric nursing: Lessons from studies of mothers caring for children with chronic illnesses.","authors":"Khulood K Shattnawi","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.119267","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.119267","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Phenomenology offers a powerful methodological lens through which pediatric nursing researchers can explore the emotional, cultural, and relational dimensions of caring for children with chronic illnesses. Drawing on a series of qualitative studies conducted with Jordanian mothers of children living with conditions such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, end-stage renal failure, and glycogen storage disease, this article reflects on the practical and philosophical applications of phenomenological inquiry in pediatric contexts. The insights presented highlight how lived experiences reveal layers of meaning often overlooked within biomedical models of care, including spiritual interpretation, cultural expectations, stigma, maternal resilience, and the evolving identity of caregiving mothers. Ultimately, the article illustrates how phenomenological principles, particularly bracketing, reflexivity, and sustained engagement during interviews, support the development of nuanced, context-sensitive understandings that can inform pediatric nursing practice. By integrating lessons across multiple studies, this Field of Vision article demonstrates how phenomenology enriches pediatric nursing research and contributes to more holistic, empathetic, and culturally grounded approaches to clinical care.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 3","pages":"119267"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13491100/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial intelligence-based neonatal heart rate monitoring technologies: Systematic review.","authors":"Pankaj Soni, Mukesh Kumar Yadav, Shailendra Kumar, Bal Krishan Bansal","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.119386","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.119386","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Neonatal heart rate (HR) is an important parameter in the evaluation of newborn health and viability in the immediate postnatal period.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the accuracy, reliability, and clinical applicability of emerging non-contact and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted HR monitoring technologies in neonates compared to conventional electrocardiography (ECG)-based systems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases from January 2013 through June 2025 following PRISMA guidelines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis revealed a progressive shift from contact-based ECG and pulse oximetry to camera-based photoplethysmography, thermal imaging, and AI-enhanced multimodal systems. These newer methods demonstrated a strong correlation with ECG readings, rapid signal acquisition, and improved robustness against motion and lighting variability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Emerging non-contact, AI-assisted HR monitoring technologies offer accurate, safe, and efficient alternatives for neonatal care, supporting faster clinical decisions and improved outcomes. Future multicenter studies are required to validate accuracy and confirm clinical utility before routine clinical implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 3","pages":"119386"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13491045/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Systemic outcomes of anesthesia method in anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for retinopathy of prematurity: General <i>vs</i> topical.","authors":"Asaad A Al Habsi, Hilal K Al Mandhari, Anuradha S Ganesh, Sana S Al Zuhaibi, Nasra S Al Habsi, Nouf H Al-Farsi","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.118321","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.118321","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The type of anesthesia needed while performing an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection in preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity is not well standardized. In Oman, general anesthesia (GA) remained the first choice by ophthalmologists treating retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) infants at the time of starting the study. Short-term systemic outcome in GA <i>vs</i> topical anesthesia (TA) is the primary outcome of this study.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To analyze the short-term systemic outcomes of GA in infants undergoing anti-VEGF injections <i>vs</i> bedside injections under TA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is an observational study with historical comparison. Estimated sample size is 36 (18 in each group), based on the anticipated rate of difference in the outcome between the two cohorts of 50%, type I error (α) probability of 5%, power of 80%, and the allocation ratio of 1:1. The statistical test considered was Fisher's exact test. The calculation was done using the G*Power version 3.1.9.2. Infants were from two main tertiary hospitals in Oman.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 36 infants with retinopathy of prematurity were enrolled in the study: 18 in the retrospective (GA) cohort and 18 in the prospective (TA) cohort. The Primary outcome-the need for oxygen and/or respiratory support during the 48 hours post-procedure-occurred in 27.8% of the GA cohort, as compared to none of TA cohort (<i>P</i> value = 0.045). Cost and duration of the procedure, including anesthesia, were noted to be higher in the GA group. Surgeons' preference revealed that 70% prefer topical <i>vs</i> 30% general in terms of safety, 75% topical <i>vs</i> 25% general in terms of logistics, and 100% prefer topical in terms of cost and staff efforts.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>TA is associated with a reduced need for oxygen and/or respiratory support within 48 hours post-procedure, and better performance in duration, cost, and surgeon preference compared to GA.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 3","pages":"118321"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13491099/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Lactobacillus</i> supplementation for <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> eradication in children: A language-inclusive systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy and safety.","authors":"Vanessa Nadia Dargenio, Sara Ricciardi, Martina Begucci, Giovanni La Grasta, Nadia Maggi, Costantino Dargenio, Stefania Paola Castellaneta, Fernanda Cristofori, Ruggiero Francavilla","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.118791","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.118791","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Increasing antibiotic resistance has reduced the effectiveness of standard <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> (<i>H</i>. <i>pylori</i>) eradication therapies in children. Probiotics, particularly <i>Lactobacillus</i> species, have been proposed as adjuvants to improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of <i>Lactobacillus spp.</i> alongside standard eradication therapy in pediatric populations, emphasizing globally representative evidence through inclusion of non-English studies, especially from high-prevalence regions such as China.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and four Chinese databases. Primary outcome was eradication rate; secondary outcomes included overall and specific adverse events (AEs). Subgroup analyses evaluated probiotic dosage, supplementation duration, and eradication regimen.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirteen RCTs involving 1428 children were included; eight were conducted in China. <i>Lactobacillus spp.</i> significantly improved eradication rates [89.7% <i>vs</i> 72.3%; relative risk (RR) = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-1.34, <i>I</i> ² = 45%]. The effect was most pronounced in triple therapy (RR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.17-1.40) and with higher probiotic doses (≥ 5 × 10⁹ colony-forming units/day; RR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.15-1.60). <i>Lactobacillus spp.</i> also significantly reduced overall AEs (RR = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.30-0.84), particularly diarrhea (RR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.27-0.92), nausea/vomiting (RR = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.45-0.95), and taste disturbances (RR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.23-0.76).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Adjunctive <i>Lactobacillus</i> therapy significantly enhances <i>H. pylori</i> eradication rates and reduces treatment-related adverse effects in children. Its benefits are dose-dependent and most evident in triple therapy regimens. Inclusion of Chinese and other non-English studies provides the most geographically comprehensive evidence to date, supporting the use of <i>Lactobacillus</i> probiotics as a complementary strategy to optimize <i>H. pylori</i> management in pediatric patients across diverse global settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 3","pages":"118791"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13491085/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Empowering early breastfeeding: Determinants of timely initiation among the infants in a rural Indian medical centre.","authors":"Dipika M Mashalkar, Mahesh N Sonar, Dattatray V Kulkarni, Vidyadevi D Kendre, Basawraj S Warad, Basavraj S Nagoba","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.118218","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.118218","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth is a proven intervention for improving newborn survival and long-term health outcomes. Despite its recognized advantages, early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) remains limited in India, and data from rural Maharashtra are scarce.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To determine the prevalence of EIBF and explore maternal and delivery-related factors influencing its practice among late preterm and term infants in a rural tertiary care hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This observational study was conducted over a period of 18 months, from May 2022 to October 2023 and included 380 neonates born at ≥ 34 weeks of gestation. Information on maternal sociodemographic profile, delivery characteristics, antenatal counselling, breastfeeding practices, and early maternal or neonatal health concerns was collected through a structured interview of the mothers and the accompanying attendants and hospital records at birth and within 6 hours of birth. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Appropriate association tests were applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>EIBF was reported in 50.8% of newborns, higher than the National Family Health Survey-5 national estimate of 41.8%, but still below the desired levels. Mothers who received antenatal maternal counselling [<i>P</i> < 0.05, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.5], had prior breastfeeding experience (<i>P</i> < 0.05, aOR = 2.4), and had vaginal deliveries (<i>P</i> < 0.05, aOR = 2.4) were more likely to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour. Caesarean births (<i>P</i> < 0.05, aOR = 0.4), maternal illness (<i>P</i> < 0.05, aOR = 0.3), and lactation problems (<i>P</i> < 0.05, aOR = 0.2) were associated with delays. No significant relationships were observed between maternal age, residence, education, occupation, religion, parity, or birth spacing and the practice of giving prelacteal feeds. Among the modifiable influences, antenatal advice emerged as the strongest predictor of success.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Interventions focusing on antenatal counselling during pregnancy and providing enhanced lactation support for surgical deliveries, and addressing the lactational problems by appointing a dedicated nurse, may substantially improve EIBF. Strengthening these measures can improve neonatal outcomes and align with national and global child health targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 3","pages":"118218"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13491068/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between consanguinity and neurological and developmental disorders in pediatric patients: A retrospective cohort study in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Abdullah H Alhamoud, Nora E Granana, Mohammed F Bajahzer, Ali M Muthaffar, Mazin A Sabi, Asmaa A Aboelsoud, Reem H Harbi, Maram H Harbi, Abdu M Hawas","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.118721","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.118721","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Consanguineous marriage is common in Saudi Arabia and is associated with an increased risk of inherited disorders. However, its relationship with specific neurological and developmental outcomes in children remains incompletely characterized.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To examine the association between parental consanguinity and neurological and developmental disorders among pediatric patients in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study reviewed the medical records of children younger than 14 years who were diagnosed with non-acquired neurological or developmental disorders at King Fahad Central Hospital between January 2022 and December 2023. Patients were categorized according to parental consanguinity status (second cousins or closer <i>vs</i> non-consanguineous). Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared using <i>χ</i> ² or Fisher's exact tests, with a significance threshold of <i>P</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 105 children were included (mean age 6.26 ± 3.96 years; 63.8% male), of whom 59% had consanguineous parents. Epilepsy was the most prevalent diagnosis (76%), and developmental disorders were present in 69.5% of the children. Focal epilepsy was the most common epilepsy subtype, while global developmental delay/intellectual disability were the most frequent developmental disorders. Although minor differences were observed in the distribution of epilepsy types and developmental disorders between the consanguineous and non-consanguineous groups, these differences were not statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>No clear association was identified between parental consanguinity and the distribution of epilepsy types or developmental disorders in this cohort. Although minor variations were observed between groups, they did not demonstrate statistically significant trends related to parental relatedness, likely reflecting individual variability and the limited sample size. Larger studies across broader populations are needed to further clarify potential associations.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 3","pages":"118721"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13491046/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors influencing child vaccine communication practices in Gondar town.","authors":"Amlakie Nigussie Assefa, Jemal Mohammed Haile, Amanuel Gebru Woldearegay","doi":"10.5409/wjcp.117704","DOIUrl":"10.5409/wjcp.117704","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Communication is a critical tool for promoting child immunization by enhancing vaccine acceptance and uptake. However, its effectiveness in enhancing child immunization coverage is often hampered by multiple factors. The town of Gondar has been suffering from a conflict/civil war and has low child immunization coverage. Hence, exploring the diverse barriers that negatively influence communication practices in Gondar town is important.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To explore the barriers to child vaccine communication aimed at promoting child immunization in Gondar town.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative descriptive design was employed from May 2024 to June 2024. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with ten purposively selected health professionals providing routine vaccination services, as well as 18 mothers or caregivers of children participated in three FGDs. The data were thematically analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There are multiple interconnected factors hindering child vaccine communication in the study area. Health system-related barriers included shortages of communication materials, insufficient immunization-communication training for health professionals, and limited staffing, which, together with heavy workloads, constrained providers' ability to engage effectively with caregivers. Individual, interpersonal and community-related factors also played a significant role; limited time availability among mothers, language-related challenges and low community involvement reduced opportunities for effective vaccine communication. Additionally, policy and structural challenges, such as child birth registration-related tasks, inadequate transportation, insecurity, and interruptions caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, impeded the delivery and uptake of vaccination messages. Jointly, these findings highlight that barriers to effective child vaccine communication are multifaceted.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Child vaccine communication faces barriers across multiple levels. Integrated strategies, training, communication materials, health-system support, caregiver engagement, and policy coordination are essential for consistent communication and improved vaccination uptake in Gondar.</p>","PeriodicalId":75338,"journal":{"name":"World journal of clinical pediatrics","volume":"15 3","pages":"117704"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13491042/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}