Dietary behaviours, obesity and dental caries in Australian preschool children

Abstract

Obesity and dental caries are two important public health problems affecting Australian children, and these have a strong correlation with diet and socio-economic status (SES). Research has found that dietary behaviours in infancy and early childhood play a vital role in children’s health and well-being. However, evidence on the prospective association between dietary behaviours in early years of life and obesity and dental caries is limited. The work of this thesis has examined the complementary feeding and dietary trajectories for core and discretionary foods by following a cohort of Australian preschool children for the first three years of their life, and how the resulting dietary trajectories impact overweight or obesity and dental caries outcomes at 3-4 years of age. The conclusions presented highlight the need, within Australia at least, for a range of strategies to limit the early introduction of discretionary foods in infants, encourage consumption of essential core foods, limit the frequent consumption of discretionary foods, address socio-economic determinants for poor dietary practices and the two specified health conditions, and strengthen community access to better physical activity spaces, fluoridated water mains, and oral health services. Findings of this thesis show that parents are introducing discretionary foods to their infants very early thereby not complying with current infant feeding recommendations. Furthermore, the core foods intake declines with advancing age of children whereas discretionary foods intake progressively increases after being introduced. This thesis investigations strengthen the existing evidence base that complementary feeding and dietary behaviours are influenced by social determinants. This thesis provides an interpretation of findings (Chapter 5), reflecting the common risk factor (i.e., low socio-economic status) for obesity and ECC that were identified by critical analysis of the existing literature (Chapter 2). Public health actions and re-orientation of existing health care system are needed to reduce or at least stop the growing burden of chronic diseases in Australia and worldwide. The study implications describe a range of opportunities for parents, policy makers and future research, within the nutrition, weight management, dental and wider health sector.

Date of Award	2021
Original language	English
Supervisor	Amit Arora (Supervisor)