Preventive care services and health behaviors in children with fragile X syndrome.

The sample came from 25 specialty clinics, so families who attend these clinics may be more involved and have more resources than families who do not. All participants in the analytic sample had health insurance, so the results may not reflect children living in lower income or lower education households. 117 participants were excluded because key data were missing or invalid; they differed from the analytic sample in household income, health insurance, autism spectrum disorder, and hypersensitivity, although outcome variables did not differ significantly. Preventive care measures were parent reported and not validated, and the questionnaire did not define which immunizations were required for full immunization. Dental care was counted if a visit occurred within the past year, not every six months, and the reason for the visit was not recorded. Physical activity was measured as at least 20 minutes on five to seven days, which is a proxy and not directly matched to national guidelines. The study used baseline cross-sectional data, so it cannot show why groups differed or whether any intervention would improve care. The authors did not adjust for the number of statistical tests, so some associations could occur by chance.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The article is indexed as having research support from the U.S. government, Public Health Service.

Do not conclude that preventive care is adequate for all children with fragile X syndrome because the rates were similar to or higher than other groups. Only 24.4% met the physical activity measure and 55.4% had recent flu vaccination, and the sample was clinic based, insured, and more affluent than the general population.