Children Archives

01.29.2024 Two line graph depicting the associations of weekly air pollution exposure with gestational age. Top graph shows nitrogen dioxide exposure and the bottom graph shows particulate matter exposure.

Two line graph depicting the associations of weekly air pollution exposure with gestational age. Top graph shows nitrogen dioxide exposure and the bottom graph shows particulate matter exposure.

Smoggy Beginnings

Exposure to air pollution, such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter (PM2.5), during critical times in pregnancy can lower birth weight by 1.4 ounces and 0.33 ounces, respectively.

Fellow Caroline Dignard

01.16.2024 Group of young children walking into school

Putting the PECEs Together: Helping More Children Get Ready for School

Children in households with greater positive experiences were more often prepared for school success than those with less positivity, even when considering their past experiences with adversity.

Guest Authors Marvin So, Krista P. Woodward

12.12.2023 line graph depicting increasing diagnoses of anxiety, depression, and behavioral concerns among children, from 2016-2020

Childhood in Crisis: Children's Health Disparities and Caregiver Strain

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, children have seen an uptick in anxiety, depression, and behavioral concerns.

Fellow Kara Schmidt

12.07.2023 Kadijah Booth Watkins headshot

Khadijah Booth Watkins

Khadijah Booth Watkins, associate director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Residency Training Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and associate director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, discusses some of the greatest threats to adolescent mental health and how we can build resilience among this population.

Fellow Sean Hagan

11.29.2023 childhood cancer patient laying on bed with IV

Health Insurance Is Critical in Reducing Disparities in Childhood Cancer Survival

Black children and adolescents experience inferior childhood cancer survival compared to White children, with those on private insurance experiencing greater risk of death than those enrolled in Medicaid.

Guest Authors Kim Johnson, Xiaoyan Wang

10.04.2023 image of dimly lit school hallway

Disparities in Mental Health Services in Schools

The availability of school-based mental health services varies geographically, with rural and suburban areas being less likely to offer diagnostic assessments and treatment services than urban areas.

Guest Author Janessa Graves

08.22.2023 young girl sitting in chair, speaking with the dentist about her teeth

Dentists in Schools: Filling Needs, Sealing Deals

One in five children go without dental treatment due to high treatment costs and limited access to care. In-school dental programs may be a promising solution to reducing these barriers.

Fellow Sean Hagan

06.28.2023 Children’s Food Consumption by Condition (i.e., regular or longer meal duration) and Food or Beverage Category (i.e., fruits and vegetables; bread, cold cuts, and dessert; and water and sugar-sweetened beverages)

Children’s Food Consumption by Condition (i.e., regular or longer meal duration) and Food or Beverage Category (i.e., fruits and vegetables; bread, cold cuts, and dessert; and water and sugar-sweetened beverages)

The Power of Family Dinners

Bite-sized portions and just 10 more minutes at the dinner table with family can improve some kids’ diets and eating habits.

Fellow Caroline Dignard

05.01.2023 graph depicting increasing rates of congenital syphilis among US children, from 2011-2021

Ancient but Not Obsolete

Syphilis rates have steadily risen since 2001, particularly among reproductive-age women. This has resulted in increasing rates of congenital syphilis, a condition where a fetus contracts the syphilis infection from the mother during pregnancy.

Fellow Kara Schmidt

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