Below are releases on studies appearing in the December issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

For Release: Monday, December 7, 2009 12:01 am (ET)

THE ‘SEX TALK’ OFTEN COMES TOO LATE

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents educate their children about sexuality beginning early in life. According to the study, “Timing of Parent and Child Communication About Sexuality Relative to Children’s Sexual Behaviors,” published in the January issue of Pediatrics (appearing online December 7), many of these discussions are occurring after adolescents have already passed key sexual milestones. In a series of surveys with 141 parents and their teen-aged children, researchers found more than 40 percent of children had sexual intercourse before any discussion with their parents about sexually transmitted disease symptoms, condom use, choosing birth control, or what to do if a partner refuses a condom. Researchers suggest pediatricians encourage parents to have more timely communication with their children about important sex-related topics. Suggestions for specific topics that should be covered and advice on how to discuss them would help guide parents who don’t know what to say. Pediatricians also can address these issues in one-on-one conversations with adolescents in their office.

INTRODUCTION OF SOLID FOODS AND ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Late introduction of solid foods may increase the risk of allergic sensitization to food and inhalant allergens. In the study, “Age at the Introduction of Solid Foods During the First Year and Allergic Sensitization at Age 5 Years,” published in the January issue of Pediatrics (appearing online December 7), researchers examined the diets and allergic sensitivities of 994 children with susceptibility to type 1 diabetes. Results indicate that late introduction of solid foods was associated with increased allergic sensitization to food and inhalant allergens. Eggs, wheat and oats were most commonly related to food sensitization, while potatoes and fish were strongly associated with inhalant sensitization. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the introduction of solid foods between the ages of 4 and 6 months. Study authors conclude that neither extended, exclusive breastfeeding, nor delaying the introduction of solid foods, may prevent allergic diseases in children.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: MILITARY DEPLOYMENT EFFECTS ON CHILDREN

Children from military families may experience higher levels of stress and more emotional difficulties than the general population, according to the largest study to examine the health and well-being of children from the perspective of children and non-deployed parents. The study, “Children on the Homefront: the Experience of Children From Military Families,” published in the January issue of Pediatrics (appearing online December 7), interviewed 1,500 children, ages 11 to 17 years, and non-deployed parents/caregivers to examine how children from military families manage social, academic and behavioral challenges. Older children reported significantly more family, school and peer-related difficulties during parental deployment and girls of all ages experienced more challenges when the deployed parent returned home. Caregivers reported that the longer a parent was deployed in the last three years, the greater the emotional difficulties children experienced when the deployed parent returned home. In addition, parents/caregivers with poorer mental health reported having more difficulties with children both during and after deployment, suggesting that military families can benefit from seeking support to deal with stressors that may emerge over time.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.