International Journal of Neonatal Care and Pediatric Nursing

Impact of Digital Parenting on Emotional and Behavioral Health of Children

Subrahmanya Nayak — 2026-06-17

Digital technology has become an integral part of children’s daily life because of the increasing use of smartphones, tablets, social media, online gaming, and virtual learning platforms. The growing dependence on digital devices has raised major concerns regarding the emotional and behavioral health of children. Digital parenting refers to parental supervision, monitoring, guidance, and regulation of children’s online activities and screen exposure to ensure healthy digital behavior and online safety. Appropriate digital parenting practices can positively influence children’s emotional stability, educational development, communication skills, and social interactions. However, inadequate parental supervision and excessive screen exposure may contribute to anxiety, depression, irritability, aggression, sleep disturbances, behavioural problems, poor academic performance, internet addiction, and social isolation among children. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated digital dependency because of online education and reduced outdoor activities. Parenting style, family communication, socioeconomic status, and parental digital literacy strongly influence children’s technology use and psychological well-being. Digital parenting has therefore emerged as an important public health and nursing concern. The present review article focuses on the concept of digital parenting, patterns of digital media exposure among children, emotional and behavioral consequences of excessive screen use, parenting strategies, and the role of nursing professionals in promoting healthy digital lifestyles among children and adolescents.

A Comparative Assessment of Knowledge Regarding Oral Rehydration Solution Preparation in Treatment of Diarrhoea Among Mothers of Under-Five-Year-Old Children in Urban and Rural Areas of Parli V. Dist.-Beed

Ram Holambe — 2026-07-10

Background: Diarrheal disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age worldwide, despite being preventable and treatable. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a simple, effective, and lifesaving intervention for managing diarrhea. Mothers play a crucial role in the timely preparation and administration of ORS at home, making their knowledge essential for improving child health outcomes.

Aim: To compare the knowledge regarding ORS preparation for the treatment of diarrhea among mothers of under-five children residing in selected urban and rural areas.

Methods: A non-experimental descriptive comparative research design was adopted. Sixty mothers of under-five children (30 urban and 30 rural) were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, content-validated questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the independent t-test.

Results: Urban mothers demonstrated significantly higher knowledge regarding ORS preparation than rural mothers. The mean knowledge score was 12.9 among urban mothers compared with 6.3 among rural mothers. The difference was statistically significant (t = 8.5, df = 58, p < 0.05). Maternal knowledge was also significantly associated with selected demographic variables, indicating that factors such as education and socioeconomic characteristics may influence ORS preparation practices.

Conclusion: The findings indicate a substantial gap in knowledge of ORS preparation among rural mothers compared with urban mothers. Strengthening community-based health education and nursing-led awareness programs can improve maternal knowledge and promote appropriate home management of childhood diarrhea, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes among under-five children.

Exploring Mothers’ Knowledge, Utilization, and Satisfaction with Postnatal Care Services at Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

Eluwa Chidinma Grace — 2026-07-23

Postnatal care (PNC) helps in decreasing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Uptake and satisfaction, however, continue to be low in the facilities in many Nigerians. This study examines the utilization, knowledge, and satisfaction among women for PNC at Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, with an aim towards determining motivating factors and improving the service. A mixed-method design was used. Quantitative data were gathered from 248 postpartum mothers using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with the ten purposively sampled mothers and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis process. Interpretations were triangulated. Most of the women (62.9%) lacked sufficient knowledge about PNC, specifically in the areas of maternal danger signs and mental health. Utilization was moderate (median 3.0/4), with satisfaction rates equally moderate. Both the utilization and satisfaction were strongly associated (χ² = 11.36, p = 0.010). Qualitative findings indicated emotional neglect, waits, and lack of person-centered communication, with high trust in care for the infant and in caregivers' competence. The research identifies how systemic service constraints and knowledge gaps compromise the best postnatal care. Respectful communication, emotional support, and formal health education were themes that emerged throughout satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Cultural tensions and provider-client interactions strongly influenced mothers' perceptions, emphasizing the need for person-centered, culturally responsive models for delivering services. PNC quality in FMC Umuahia was technically sound but lacking in emotional, educational, and systemic responsiveness. Interventions that specifically aim for better postnatal outcomes include provider education in patient-centered care, formal counseling, reduced waiting times, and culturally responsive educational materials. Engaging family support systems and electronic follow-up tools can increase participation and satisfaction. All these interventions are necessary for the development of better maternal health outcomes and attainment of sustainable development goals in Nigeria and worldwide.

Parenting in the Digital Era: Managing Screen Time and Healthy Development

R. Devendran — 2026-07-30

Children today are growing up in an increasingly digital environment, where screen use has become a regular part of daily life. While digital devices can support learning and communication, excessive or poorly managed screen exposure may negatively affect children’s academic performance, sleep, emotional well-being, and social development. This article examines the importance of parenting in the digital era, with particular attention to screen-time management and healthy child development. It highlights that screen use should not be measured only by the amount of time spent on devices, but also by the type of content, the child’s age, and the level of parental mediation. The discussion draws on recent international and Sri Lankan evidence to show that children’s screen habits are strongly influenced by home rules, supervision, co-viewing, and parental modelling. The article also emphasizes that many parents recognize the risks of screen overuse but do not always apply consistent strategies to manage it. In the Sri Lankan context, where children increasingly rely on smartphones and other digital devices, the article argues for stronger parental guidance, school awareness, and community support to promote healthier digital habits. Overall, the article concludes that effective screen-time management requires a balanced approach that supports the benefits of digital learning while minimizing the risks of overuse.

Menstrual Hygiene Among School-Going Adolescent Girls in Bangladesh

Jinnat Haq Nipo — 2026-08-03

Background: Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon unique to females and is a healthy, natural process associated with reproductive maturation in adolescent girls. Menstrual hygiene is therefore an essential part of basic hygienic practices. Poor hygiene practices may affect their health. Menstrual hygiene is an issue that needs to be addressed at all levels.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in Bangladesh.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for data collection.

Results: The mean age of the adolescent girls was 14.27±0.860. The study found significant differences in knowledge levels across religious groups (p < 0.001), with Buddhists demonstrating low levels of knowledge, Christians demonstrating high levels, and Muslims and Hindus showing mixed results. However, no significant impact on knowledge levels was observed based on age, household income, educational levels of parents, occupation, house type, or family structure. Additionally, fathers’ occupation (p=0.001) and house type (p=0.055) notably influenced menstrual practice, while other factors like age, income, parental education, and family type showed no significant impact on practice levels.

Conclusion: The study underscores the significance of socio-demographic factors in shaping menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls, advocating for tailored interventions based on religion, father’s occupation, and house type. It emphasizes the need for holistic approaches to improve overall awareness and practices regarding menstrual hygiene.