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Children
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The Latest Challenges and Explorations in Pediatric Nursing
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The Latest Challenges and Explorations in Pediatric Nursing

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Nursing".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2025) | Viewed by 8358

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Silvia Rossi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genova, Via Gerolamo Gaslini, 516147 Genoa, Italy
Interests: nursing care; safety and quality of care; the experiences and education of nursing students; "care left undone" and transcultural relationships

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce an upcoming Special Issue titled "The Latest Challenges and Explorations in Pediatric Nursing". This issue aims to illuminate the emerging challenges pediatric nursing professionals face in a rapidly evolving global context. We welcome all types of papers that address this topic, with particular focus on papers that reflect the integration of new technologies and artificial intelligence in nursing care, the impact of climate change on child health, and studies about under-researched populations, such as children with rare diseases or complex medical conditions.

Additionally, we invite contributions that address the impact of recent humanitarian crises on pediatric nursing care and highlight how nurses adapt to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of children in vulnerable situations.

We encourage submissions of research articles, reviews, or case studies that examine evidence-based practice, ethical considerations, policy implications, and strategies for advancing pediatric nursing care.

As a result, this Special Issue will explore the diverse and complex landscape of pediatric nursing today.

Dr. Silvia Rossi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nursing care in pediatrics
  • emerging challenges
  • healthcare technologies
  • climate change impact
  • humanitarian crises in pediatric care
  • under-researched pediatric populations

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 441 KB  
Article
Development and Psychometric Validation of an App-Integrated Questionnaire to Assess Healthy Habits in Children (Ages 8–11): Implications for Pediatric Nursing Practice
by María Ángeles Merino-Godoy, Carmen Yot-Domínguez, Jesús Conde-Jiménez and Emília-Isabel Martins Teixeira-da-Costa
Children 2026, 13(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13010008 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 612
Abstract
Introduction: Promoting healthy habits in childhood is fundamental for fostering long-term well-being. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate an app-integrated instrument to assess knowledge, habits, and attitudes related to health in children aged 8–11, within the context of the MHealth intervention [...] Read more.
Introduction: Promoting healthy habits in childhood is fundamental for fostering long-term well-being. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate an app-integrated instrument to assess knowledge, habits, and attitudes related to health in children aged 8–11, within the context of the MHealth intervention Healthy Jeart. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used. An initial item pool underwent expert content validation before being administered to a sample of 623 children from primary education centers in Andalusia, Spain. Construct validity was examined through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results: The analyses supported a coherent four-factor structure comprising 21 items: (1) Use of technologies, (2) diet and growth, (3) psychological well-being, and (4) physical activity and well-being. The instrument demonstrated satisfactory model fit and internal consistency, providing a multidimensional assessment of children’s health-related behaviors. The sample was recruited from primary schools in Andalusia (Spain), which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions and cultural contexts. Conclusions: The validated instrument offers a reliable and efficient means of evaluating healthy habits in children aged 8–11, particularly when embedded within digital interventions such as Healthy Jeart. It represents a valuable tool for educators and pediatric nursing professionals working in school settings, enabling early identification of gaps in health literacy and supporting targeted interventions that promote holistic child well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Latest Challenges and Explorations in Pediatric Nursing)
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13 pages, 252 KB  
Article
Validation and Administration of the Spanish Questionnaire ‘Humanisation of Pediatric Care in Pain Management with a Non-Pharmacological Approach (HUPEDCARE-Q)’
by Inmaculada García-Valdivieso, Jorge Sánchez-Infante, Miriam Hermida-Mota, Sonsoles Hernández-Iglesias, Pablo Pando Cerra and Sagrario Gómez-Cantarino
Children 2025, 12(8), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12081036 - 7 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1336
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The pain associated with invasive procedures is one of the most common experiences in the pediatric population. Its management remains insufficient due to gaps in healthcare training and knowledge. The aim of this study was to analyze the attitudes, beliefs, care [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The pain associated with invasive procedures is one of the most common experiences in the pediatric population. Its management remains insufficient due to gaps in healthcare training and knowledge. The aim of this study was to analyze the attitudes, beliefs, care practices, and training of healthcare professionals in relation to pediatric pain, through the development and application of the questionnaire ‘Humanisation of Pediatric Care in Pain Management with a Non-Pharmacological Approach (HUPEDCARE-Q)’. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study with a quantitative approach was conducted to validate a questionnaire. The process was carried out in three phases: (1) design and initial development of the instrument; (2) evaluation of content validity through expert judgment, using the Content Validity Coefficient (CVC); (3) administration of the questionnaire to a large sample of healthcare professionals to assess its internal consistency and psychometric structure. Results: The evaluation involved five experts, and the items were assessed using the Content Validity Coefficient (CVC), with the overall CVC of the questionnaire exceeding 0.80. The average item scores given by the experts ranged from 0.88 to 0.95, indicating a high level of agreement in their evaluations. The results showed statistically significant positive correlations among most items (p < 0.001), indicating adequate internal consistency. Conclusions: The content validation and pilot study confirmed the theoretical relevance and appropriateness of the HUPEDCARE-Q questionnaire items in the Spanish context. The results support its usefulness as a valid and reliable tool to identify attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and training needs in the humanized management of pediatric pain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Latest Challenges and Explorations in Pediatric Nursing)
12 pages, 315 KB  
Article
Not a Quiet Place: Understanding Noise Level in a Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Its Relation with Newborn’s Vital Parameters, a Pilot Feasibility Study
by Silvia Rossi, Alessia Salvatore, Giulia Ottonello, Ilaria Artuso, Roberta Da Rin Della Mora, Simona Serveli and Silvia Scelsi
Children 2025, 12(6), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12060757 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 5115
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Adaptation to extrauterine life is challenging for preterm newborns. Environmental stimuli, such as noise, can lead to adverse health outcomes, causing instability of vital parameters and impairment of neurodevelopment. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a maximum environmental noise level of 45 [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Adaptation to extrauterine life is challenging for preterm newborns. Environmental stimuli, such as noise, can lead to adverse health outcomes, causing instability of vital parameters and impairment of neurodevelopment. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a maximum environmental noise level of 45 decibels (dB) or less in the NICU. The study’s primary aim was to describe environmental noise in a neonatal intensive care unit and to analyze potential associations between noise and vital parameters of preterm newborns, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation levels. Methods: A pilot observational feasibility study was conducted in a level III NICU. Sound levels and vital parameters were recorded over four hours for each preterm newborn. Confounding variables were controlled. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kendall’s τ-b, and logistic regression analysis. Ethical approval and parental consent were obtained. Results: The average environmental noise level was consistently above 45 dB. Six patients were enrolled, and 22 recordings (ranging in length from 1 to 4 h) were performed. Data adjusted for confounding variables show a statistically significant Kendall’s correlation between heart rate and decibels (τ-b = 0.89, p = 0.003, n = 520), suggesting a monotonous crescent tendency between these two variables, although the relationship is not strong. The logistic regression model indicates that the odds ratio (OR) for decibels related to tachycardia is 1.066, meaning that for each 1 dB increase, the probability of tachycardia rises by 6.6% (p < 0.001). Conversely, the OR for respiratory rate is 0.959, suggesting that for each unit increase in respiratory rate, the probability of tachycardia decreases by approximately 4.1% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study reveals that the mean environmental noise level in the NICU consistently exceeds the recommended safety level. Decibels are one of the significant variables contributing to the likelihood of tachycardia, and an increase in decibels has a significant effect on this, but it is not the only one. Further analysis of a larger sample is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Latest Challenges and Explorations in Pediatric Nursing)
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Review

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25 pages, 677 KB  
Review
Transitioning Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Italy: A Scoping Review
by Valentina Vanzi, Ilaria Campagna, Fabiola Spina, Adele Passaro, Federica Cancani, Annalisa Deodati, Orsola Gawronski, Emanuela Tiozzo and Immacolata Dall’Oglio
Children 2026, 13(2), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13020248 - 10 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 379
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Worldwide, Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in youth represents a growing public health concern, and Italy is among the countries with the highest incidence in the pediatric population. The transition from pediatric to adult care is a vulnerable period associated with increased [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Worldwide, Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in youth represents a growing public health concern, and Italy is among the countries with the highest incidence in the pediatric population. The transition from pediatric to adult care is a vulnerable period associated with increased risks of acute complications and long-term morbidity. This scoping review aimed to map the available Italian evidence on healthcare transition in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with T1DM, addressing five key areas: characteristics of the transition process and involved populations, emotional and psychological experiences, the role of technology, existing transitional care models and related outcomes, and assessment criteria and tools for transition readiness. Methods: This review followed the JBI methodology and included studies focused on Italian AYAs (aged 10–24 years) with T1DM. Study selection was documented using the PRISMA flow chart. Results: Twenty studies were included. The evidence revealed a heterogeneous and inconsistently implemented transition landscape. Several structured transition projects were identified, differing in multidisciplinary team composition, organization, and outcome evaluation. Emotional distress, fear of separation from pediatric providers, and variable satisfaction with transition experiences were commonly reported. Adoption of technologies increased over time and was associated with improved clinical outcomes, although overall uptake remained suboptimal. Importantly, no Italian-validated tools for assessing transition readiness were identified. Conclusions: Transitional care for Italian AYAs with T1DM is increasingly recognized but remains insufficiently standardized and evaluated. Future research should prioritize multicenter studies, stratified analyses, and the development of culturally validated readiness assessment tools to support effective and individualized transitions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Latest Challenges and Explorations in Pediatric Nursing)
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