Showing papers by "Israel Ministry of Health published in 2023"
TL;DR: In this paper , a study population consisted of all children and adolescents, with laboratory-confirmed SARS-Co-V-2 infection, hospitalised from February 2020 through February 2022, among residents of the Tel Aviv (TA) District, Israel.
Abstract: Our study population consisted of all children and adolescents, with laboratory-confirmed SARS-Co-V-2 infection, hospitalised from February 2020 through February 2022, among residents of the Tel Aviv (TA) District, Israel. There were 491 children and adolescents hospitalised with Sars-CoV-2 infection. Among them, 281 (57%) admitted with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as the primary cause of admission (rate of 39 per 100 000). Among all children and adolescents in the TA District, the highest hospitalisation rates were observed among infants and children below the age of 4 years (rate of 311 per 100 000 population). Severe disease was observed mostly among children with multiple underlying medical conditions. Admission rates were also elevated among residents of the ultra-orthodox community (rate ratio (RR) compared to the rest of the district; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.38-3.82). Admission rates with COVID-19 as primary cause of admission were higher during Omicron compared to Delta predominance period (RR 1.7; 95% CI 1.22-2.32). Targeted social and public health policies should be put in place when rates of disease start to increase, such as encouraging vaccine uptake for eligible children and social distancing when necessary, taking into account already existing social and learning gaps, in order to reduce the burden of disease.
TL;DR: The use of medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) differs globally. as discussed by the authors conducted a qualitative study to identify mothers and teachers' attitudes regarding ADHD and what affects mothers' decisions on whether to medicate their child diagnosed with ADHD.
Abstract: The use of medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) differs globally. Stimulant prescriptions for ADHD among Israeli Jewish children are four times higher than among Arab children. This qualitative study aimed to identify mothers and teachers’ attitudes regarding ADHD and what affects mothers’ decisions on whether to medicate their child diagnosed with ADHD. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 Arab and Jewish mothers of children diagnosed with ADHD and 12 elementary school teachers. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes were revealed, describing different perceptions of ADHD in the two ethnic groups: (1) medicalization of ADHD; (2) between guilt and sympathy: Mothers’ feelings toward ADHD; (3) social pressure and social norms; (4) stigmatization: Jewish mothers and teachers tended to perceive ADHD as a medical problem, whereas Arab mothers and teachers perceived it more as a childhood social behavior. Arab mothers reported guilt feelings relating to ADHD, whereas Jewish mothers felt sympathy toward their child. The social environment influenced Arab mothers more than Jewish mothers. Stigmatization was reported only by Arab mothers. Ethnic differences in ADHD perception may explain the differences in diagnosis and treatment. Educators and school psychologists should consider cultural factors when advising parents and planning educational programs for children with ADHD.