Associations of Hand-Foot-Mouth disease incidence among children of different age groups in kindergartens

Abstract

Objective To explore the associations of Hand-Foot-Mouth disease (HFM) among children of different age groups in kindergartens, and to provide scientific evidence for HFM prevention and control.

Methods Cluster sampling was used to select 9 912 children from 40 kindergartens. The major caregivers of children were invited to participate into the study and fulfill a self-administered questionnaire that consisted of general background, hand washing and the history of HFM among children in the recent 1 year. Chi-square and binary logistic regression were applied, to analyze the influencing factors of HFM among children of different age groups.

Results In the 2 year-old-group, children who were male ( OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.24-2.50), had the major caregiver with high school educational background or below ( OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.06-2.24), had family income more than 100 000 yuan or more per year ( OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.01-2.20), children whose major caregiver seldom wash hands immediately after coming home ( OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.05-4.19), and 3-5 times per week ( OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.26-3.41) were more likely to have HFM. In the 3 year-old-group, the more time children spent in the outdoors, the less likely they got HFM (3-5 times per week: OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.43-0.81; ≥6 times per week: OR = 0.45, 95% CI =0.29-0.70). Children whose major caregiver did not use soap were more likely to have HFM ( OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.11-2.49). In the 4 year-old-group, children who occasionally took toys when going out were less likely to get HFM (vs always, OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.38-0.88). No significant factors were found in the 5 year-old-group.

Conclusion The behaviors and activities of major caregivers and children could influence the HFM inci- dence.To prevent HFM, it was advised that the major caregivers should wash hands immediately after coming home, and develop the habit of using soap for handwashing together with children at the earlier age, and encourage children to take more outside-door activities according to the age characteristics. Attention should be paid to avoid contaminating takeout snacks, and to clean the takeout toys timely.

Abstract

【摘要】 目的 探讨不同年龄组的幼托儿童手足口病影响因素, 为手足口病针对性防控提供科学依据。 方法 整群 抽取成都市 40 所幼儿园 9 912 名儿童, 调查对象为儿童看护人。采用自拟托幼机构儿童健康相关行为调查问卷, 调查幼 儿及所在家庭的一般情况、洗手、儿童活动以及近 1 年手足口病发病情况。采用; χ ² 检验比较各组差异, 采用二分类Logktk 回归分析不同年龄组的儿童手足口病影响因素。 结果 2 岁组中, 男童 ( OR =1.76, 95% CI =1.24〜2.50)、看护人学历在高 中及以下 ( OR =1.54, 95% CI =1.06〜2.24)、家庭年收人 ≥10 万 ( OR = 2.07, 95% CI =1.26〜3.41)、看护人回家后基本不会立 刻洗手 ( OR = 2.10, 95% CI =1.05〜4.19)以及小区玩耍 3〜5 次/周 ( OR =1.49, 95% CI = 1.01〜2.20)的儿童更容易患手足口 病。3 岁组中, 小区内玩耍时间越多, 手足口发病可能性更小 (3〜5 次/周： OR=0.58, 95% CI =0.43〜0.81; ≥6 次/周： OR= 0.45, 95% CI = 0.29〜0.70); 看护人没有用肥皂或洗手液习惯的儿童更容易患手足口病 ( OR =1.67, 95% CI =1.11〜2.49)。4 岁组中, 相较于外出基本会携带玩具, 偶尔携带者发病可能性更低 ( OR = 0.57, 95% CI =0.38〜0.88)。5 〜7 岁组中未发现手 足口病发病影响因素。 结论 看护人和儿童的行为与活动会影响手足口病发病情况。建议看护人回家后立刻洗手, 从儿 童低年龄起, 与儿童共同养成使用肥皂或洗手液的习惯, 并根据年龄特点适当增加儿童户外活动时间, 外出时注意避免污 染食物, 并及时清洁玩具。