Prevalence of elevated blood lead levels in migrant children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Kim BONELLO
Elevated Blood Lead Levels (EBLL) is defined by a blood lead level above 5µg/dL, even though some consequences may appear below this threshold. EBLL is responsible for significant complications, especially for children. The prevalence of EBLL in children is less than 1% in most high-income countries. Some migrant children are more exposed, due to cumulative risk factors.The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of EBLL in migrant children in high-income countries.A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of sciences and CINAHL databases. Studies published since 2012 (new blood lead threshold), conducted in an OECD country and with prevalence of EBLL in children from a low- or middle-income country as their primary outcome were included. An independent double reading of titles abstracts then full texts was performed, with third-party advice in case of disagreement. A meta-analysis of prevalence rates was carried out.Of 288 studies screened, 12 were included. The meta-analysis showed a 24% [CI95 18-30%] prevalence of EBLL among migrant children. Age subgroup analysis showed a 29% [CI95 22-36%] prevalence of EBLL among children aged six or under. Young age and Asian countries of origin were factors associated with EBLL in this population.The study was conducted using rigorous methodology (PROSPERO registration, diverse databases, validation of the search equation by a methodologist) and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Heterogeneity between articles can limit the interpretation of pooled prevalences. This bias was limited by using random-effect models.The prevalence of EBLL in migrant children is much higher than in non-migrant children born in OECD countries. Considering the health consequences, it seems paramount to propose a systematic blood lead level measurement in this population and provide appropriate support.
Approach to adolescents exposed to social media: a qualitative study among general practitioners
Marie GANDON
The rise of social media (SM) affects adolescents from an early age, with 82% of 7–17-year-olds registered on at least one platform in 2024. Its impact on mental and physical health can vary depending on the type of use and the vulnerability of each adolescent.The aim of this study was to explore how general practitioners (GPs) perceive, address, and integrate the risks associated with adolescents’ exposure to social media into their clinical practice.A qualitative study was conducted using grounded theory. Nine individual semi-structured interviews were carried out with general practitioners in XXX from March 2024 to January 2025.A total of nine interviews were conducted, each lasting an average of 50 minutes. General practitioners perceived social media exposure as a potential risk to adolescents’ mental health, with the main concern being the development of addiction. Their knowledge was primarily empirical, based on personal experience. They chose to engage in targeted screening of misuse but encountered difficulties communicating with adolescents. They considered prevention the responsibility of parents and schools and delegated management to mental health specialists. Issues related to societal modernization and the boundary between education and healthcare raised questions about their own legitimacy. The lack of scientific evidence and the low frequency of encountering such cases in practice led them to question the relevance of the issue. They expressed willingness to be more involved if all necessary stakeholders were engaged in appropriate care.GPs associated the risks of social media use in adolescents with a potential new behavioral addiction. This hypothesis is supported by many researchers, who compare it to video game addiction, recently recognized as a disorder. Faced with the lack of formal guidelines on the topic, GPs responded to this emerging issue using what Gabbay and Le May describe as “mindlines.” Our findings were compared with adolescents’ perspectives on the issue to provide guidance for GPs.GPs provide an instinctive and cautious response in their practice to what they perceive as a risk to adolescents’ mental health. Their engagement appears to be evolving, dependent on the active involvement of other stakeholders and the provision of training.
Feelings and attitudes of childcare assistants towards “picky eaters”: insights for general practitioners
Marianne CASTELNAU
Around 25% to 50% of young children are considered “picky eaters”, showing selective food intake or limited appetite. Anxious parents often turn to their general practitioner (GP) for guidance, yet GPs frequently feel uncertain about how to manage these consultations. Childcare assistants have daily experience of feeding children and may provide valuable insights for primary care practice.To explore the feelings, attitudes, and strategies of childcare assistants when caring for “picky eaters”, and to identify lessons that could support GPs facing similar situations.A qualitative study was conducted among childcare assistants working in municipal nurseries in XXXX, combining two complementary methods. First, a word association method, widely used in sociology and psychology, collected spontaneous words in response to the inductor “picky eaters”. Second, in-depth, comprehensive interviews focused on real-life situations and were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Homogeneous purposive sampling was used. Data triangulation was applied to strengthen consistency and depth of interpretation.32 childcare assistants participated in the study: 30 completed the word association method and 16 took part in the interviews. Participants reported a wide range of emotions, from anxiety and helplessness to joy and professional satisfaction when progress was observed. Their approach combines two key dimensions: understanding and resolving. Understanding relies on close observation of the child during meals and open dialogue with parents to identify physical, emotional, or environmental causes. Resolution involves creating a safe and trusting environment, showing patience, and respecting the child’s pace without forcing food. Shared meals promote imitation and enjoyment. Collaboration with parents and the multidisciplinary nursery team is central to their approach.This study’s strengths lie in the originality of its topic and the complementarity of its two qualitative methods. Combining our findings with the literature, we developed a guidebook to support GPs, bringing together clinical considerations, classification, practical advice for parents, and reliable additional resources.Feeding difficulties in young children are complex and require a bio-psycho-social approach. Empathy, flexibility, and trust-building are essential in supporting children and parents. Strengthening dialogue between early childhood professionals and GPs could enhance confidence, knowledge, and quality of care in consultations about feeding difficulties.
Impact of the French National Health Authority’s Guideline on Appropriate Proton Pump Inhibitor Prescriptions in Infants with Gastroesophageal Reflux
Moussa LAANANI
Despite the lack of marketing authorization, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently prescribed for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants under one year of age. In March 2024, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) issued a guideline on care appropriateness emphasizing that PPIs should be reserved for confirmed pathological GER.The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the HAS’s guideline publication on PPI prescriptions for infants under one year of age in France.The study used data from the French National Health Data System (SNDS). All children who received at least one dispensing of a PPI before 12 months of age were included. Characteristics of children, prescribers, and dispensings were described from 2022 to 2024. Segmented linear regression models with autocorrelated errors were applied to assess the impact of the publication on monthly volumes of PPI dispensings, expressed per 1,000 live births, from January 2015 to April 2025.Between 2022 and 2024, 188,052 infants were exposed to PPIs. The median age at treatment initiation was 2 completed months (interquartile range [2–4]). Treatment initiations were most commonly prescribed by private paediatricians (36.6%), followed by private general practitioners (32.4%), and hospital-based prescribers (24.9%). Publication of the guideline was not associated with statistically significant changes in PPI dispensing volumes across all prescribers. However, among general practitioners, publication of the guideline was linked to a significant decrease in dispensing volume (change in level: -0.36; 95% confidence interval [-0.64; -0.08], p=0.01) when compared with the pre-intervention period.Although no statistically significant changes in overall PPI dispensing were observed, the study highlighted a favourable impact of the guideline on PPI prescribing practices among general practitioners.These findings underscore the importance of assessing guideline uptake by healthcare professionals and tailor dissemination strategies to enhance implementation effectiveness.
Exploring the experience of Adapted Physical Activity in adolescents with Eating Disorders: a qualitative study
Romain VERDEAU
Anorexia nervosa (AN) in adolescents is a complex disorder involving psychological, physical, and social dimensions. Physical activity holds an ambivalent role, oscillating between compulsive behavior and therapeutic potential. This study focuses on Adapted Physical Activity (APA) as a therapeutic tool for adolescents. Adapted Physical Activity (APA) may serve as a valuable therapeutic tool for adolescents.This study aims to explore adolescent’s representations and perceived effects of APA on body image, eating behaviors, and social relationships.This is a qualitative study conducted through semi-structured interviews with ten adolescents aged 14 to 17 years, receiving treatment for AN at the University Hospital of XXX. Interviews were recorded, fully transcribed, and analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) method. The main themes included illness history, sporting activities, perceptions of APA, and its potential effects.Adolescents described APA as a safe and structured environment conducive to positive bodily reappropriation. Reported benefits included improved self-image, a reduction in pathological eating behaviors, and a restored connection between physical activity and nutrition. Beyond these effects, participants highlighted a renewed sense of vitality, greater emotional regulation, and enhanced self-confidence through gradual and supervised movement. APA was perceived as a vehicle for resocialization and therapeutic alliance, fostering trust with both healthcare providers and parents. These benefits appeared highly dependent on the timing of introduction, the proposed framework, and the quality of supervision, underlining the need for careful integration into treatment pathways.The study confirms the therapeutic benefits of APA, according to current literature. It emphasizes the importance of an individualized approach focused on listening to the patient’s needs and rhythm. Adolescents reported enhanced vitality, emotional regulation, and renewed self-confidence, which together contribute to a more sustainable recovery process. APA appears not only as a physical rehabilitation tool but also as a psychosocial mediator, reinforcing therapeutic alliance and family trust.When introduced at the right time, APA supports both physical and social recovery of adolescents with AN. Its integration into multidisciplinary care pathways may enhance outcomes and should be further explored in clinical practice.
Raising Awareness among Health Professionals about Early Shared Reading: A Lever for Child Health Prevention
Clémence DAVAL
Shared reading of picture books is a well-established early interaction supporting language, cognitive and socio-emotional development. Despite strong evidence and public health recommendations during the first 1000 days in XXX, many parents remain unaware of this practice, and primary care providers receive no formal training on early shared reading.To assess whether a brief sensitization initiative led by a speech and language therapist could improve primary care professionals’ knowledge and practices regarding early shared reading.This mixed-methods prospective study was conducted with multidisciplinary primary care teams practicing coordinated care. Seven group interventions were delivered during staff meetings. The initial session included an illustrated oral presentation, a live read-aloud and a brief literature overview. In several sites, shared-reading sessions in waiting rooms were also facilitated. Knowledge and professional practices were assessed through pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. Descriptive analyses were performed, and qualitative notes from clinical observations enriched interpretation.Eighty-five percent of respondents reported no previous training on early shared reading. Following the intervention, participants showed increased theoretical knowledge and a stronger intention to integrate shared reading into child follow-up. Professionals who also observed waiting-room reading sessions demonstrated greater improvement: they reported better understanding of developmental mechanisms involved, increased confidence in recommending books to families, and enhanced perception of their preventive role. They also more often reported reorganizing or enriching their environment to make books accessible.A short, low-cost intervention improved awareness and preventive motivation among primary care professionals. Direct exposure to shared-reading practice appeared particularly impactful, suggesting experiential learning fosters adoption. These findings support involving speech and language therapists in interprofessional prevention actions addressing early language and literacy. The small, convenience sample and absence of control group limit generalizability. Self-reported measures may overestimate behavioural change, and follow-up was short, preventing assessment of sustained practice changes or family outcomes.Brief sensitization sessions led by speech and language therapists can strengthen primary care professionals’ engagement in promoting early shared reading, contributing to prevention in the first 1000 days and helping reduce socio-developmental inequalities.
