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Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases

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A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2017) | Viewed by 106401

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Clare Collins

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Guest Editor

1. School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
2. Food and Nutrition Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
Interests: nutrition; dietary assessment; e&mHealth; precision and personalised nutrition; systematic review
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Tracy Burrows

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Guest Editor

School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
Interests: dietary assessment; biomarkers; obesity; addictive eating
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Tracie Miller

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Guest Editor

Department of Pediatrics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1580 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33101, USA
Interests: pediatric HIV; cardiometabolic disease; obesity; inflammatory bowel disease; exercise rehabilitation

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Nutrition is the leading contributor to the burden of disease worldwide. Nutrition and lifestyle factors are important determinants of health risk in children and adolescents and dietary intake is an extremely important modifiable factor in the management of a range of paediatric conditions, including diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases and inherited metabolic conditions. Recently development in the dietary management of pediatric diseases are of particular interest.

In terms of prevention, we are interested in how we can foster the adoption of optimal dietary patterns within families and what type of supports are required to achieve sustained improvements in nutrition. Evaluations of the impact of dietary interventions to improve child and adolescent health are needed. This will inform evidence-based dietary recommendations for the prevention and treatment of chronic conditions in young people and guide clinicians, public health researchers and policy makers in their implementation.

The focus of this special issue is on how nutrition affects health outcomes in children in terms of both prevention and treatment of chronic disease and details related to the dietary management of specific diseases. Increasing our knowledge in this area will assist in developing evidence-based nutrition guidelines for the prevention and management of chronic conditions in children and adolescents.

This issue will include original research and reviews on the relationship between dietary intake and health outcomes in children. This can include epidemiological studies of the association between dietary patterns and child health, effectiveness of primary and secondary prevention programs and intervention studies, and studies examining factors associated with optimizing adherence to dietary advice across a range of age and population settings.

Prof. Dr. Clare Collins
Dr. Tracy L. Burrows
Guest Editors

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

nutrition
dietary interventions
dietary patterns
diet quality
chronic disease
prevention
treatment
diabetes
gastroenterology
primary prevention
secondary prevention

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

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192 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Probiotics as Dietary Supplements for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children: A Role Beyond Infection

by Sherif T. S. Hassan and Miroslava Šudomová

Children 2016, 3(4), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/children3040027 - 10 Nov 2016

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4750

Abstract

For decades, treatment of infectious diseases has been a strong focus of interest, for both researchers and healthcare providers. Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been reported to be associated with several diseases, such as ulcer disease, gastric adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Infection with H. pylori is generally acquired during childhood and can persist indefinitely, if not treated systematically. Unfortunately, although several strategies have shown high efficacy results, treatment of the H. pylori infection fails in about 25%–30% of infected children. One main reason for this is due to the extensive use of antibiotics, which has created antibiotic resistance, associated with other adverse effects as well. Therefore, it is crucial to find alternative strategies to combat this resistance, and increase treatment efficacy results. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that are orally administrated, have been found to be a useful regimen in the treatment of the H. pylori infection in children. Their use as a dietary supplement alone, or in combination with antibiotics, resulted in reduced side effects and higher efficacy rates of the H. pylori infection in children. Some probiotics can be considered an adjunctive treatment, especially when eradication of the H. pylori infection fails during initial treatment, and to help reduce adverse effects. However, the evidence of the beneficial role of probiotics is limited due to the small number of clinical trials that have been conducted and heterogeneity across studies in strains and dosage. Additionally, no investigations have been carried out in asymptomatic children. Therefore, large well-conducted studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics as an adjuvant therapy of the H. pylori infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

Research

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11 pages, 614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Implementation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

by Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh and Azza Abul-Fadl

Children 2018, 5(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5030041 - 11 Mar 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6015

Abstract

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global program for promoting support and protection for breastfeeding. However, its impact on malnutrition, especially in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) that are facing the turmoil of conflict and emergencies, deserves further investigation. Having said that, this paper aims to discuss the status and challenges to BFHI implementation in the EMR countries. Data on BFHI implementation, breastfeeding practices, and nutritional status were collected from countries through structured questionnaires, personal interviews, and databases. The 22 countries of the EMR were categorized as follows: 8 countries in advanced nutrition transition stage (group I), 5 countries in early nutrition transition stage (group II), 4 countries with significant undernutrition (group III), and 5 countries in complex emergency (group IV). The challenges to BFHI implementation were discussed in relation to malnutrition. BFHI was not implemented in 22.7% of EMR countries. Designated Baby-Friendly hospitals totaled 829 (group I: 78.4%, group II: 9.05%; group III: 7.36%; group: IV5.19%). Countries with advanced nutrition transition had the highest implementation of BFHI but the lowest breastfeeding continuity rates. On the other hand, poor nutritional status and emergency states were linked with low BFHI implementation and low exclusive breastfeeding rates but high continuity rates. Early initiation and longer duration of breastfeeding correlated negatively with overweight and obesity (p < 0.001). In countries with emergency states, breastfeeding continues to be the main source of nourishment. However, suboptimal breastfeeding practices prevail because of poor BFHI implementation which consequently leads to malnutrition. Political willpower and community-based initiatives are needed to promote breastfeeding and strengthen BFHI in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

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11 pages, 1543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Theatre Production for School Nutrition Promotion Program

by Robert Bush, Sandra Capra, Selina Box, David McCallum, Stephanie Khalil and Remo Ostini

Children 2018, 5(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5030035 - 02 Mar 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5625

Abstract

In the context of stubbornly high childhood obesity rates, health promotion activities in schools provide a potential avenue to improve children’s nutritional behaviours. Theatre production has a rich history as a health behaviour promotion strategy but lacks sound, outcome-based evaluation. This study evaluated the effect of an integrated, two-part, place-based theatre performance program with 212 students in five schools in a regional urban and semi-rural area. The program included a theatre performance and a healthy eating competition. A brief survey assessed student healthy eating knowledge and attitudes at three time points. Nutrition behaviour was measured by scoring the contents of children’s lunch boxes before, during and up to six weeks after the intervention. Statistical analysis tested change over time on five variables (Knowledge, Attitude, Sometimes foods, Everyday foods, Overall lunch box score). Results showed that both components of the integrated program improved nutrition knowledge and that the theatre performance improved children’s healthy eating attitudes. All three lunch box scores peaked after the integrated program and remained significantly higher than baseline at 4–6 weeks follow-up. Interaction effects were identified for school catchment area on four of the five dependent variables. Evaluation of this integrated theatre production program indicates the potential benefit of taking a “super-setting” approach. It demonstrates an effect from students taking home information they had learned and incorporating it into lunch box preparation. It also showed consistent effects for school geographical catchment. This study suggests that, with careful, theory-based design, theatre productions in schools can improve student nutritional activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

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458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Text Messaging Based Obesity Prevention Program for Parents of Pre-Adolescent African American Girls

by Chishinga Callender and Deborah Thompson

Children 2017, 4(12), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/children4120105 - 04 Dec 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5036

Abstract

African American girls are at a greater risk of obesity than their nonminority peers. Parents have the primary control over the home environment and play an important role in the child obesity prevention. Obesity prevention programs to help parents develop an obesity-preventive home environment are needed. The purpose of this study was to collect formative research from parents of 8–10-year old African American girls about perceptions, expectations, and content for a text messaging based program. Mothers (n = 30) participated in surveys and interviews to inform message development and content. A professional expert panel (n = 10) reviewed draft text messages via a survey. All the mothers reported owning a cellphone with an unlimited texting plan, and they used their cellphones for texting (90.0%) and accessing the Internet (100.0%). The majority were interested in receiving text messages about healthy eating and physical activity (86.7%). Interviews confirmed survey findings. One hundred and seven text messages promoting an obesity-preventive home environment were developed. The expert panel and parents reported positive reactions to draft text messages. This research provides evidence that mobile health (mHealth) interventions appeal to parents of African American girls and they have ready access to the technology with which to support this approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

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591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Discretionary Foods and Drinks to Australian Children’s Intake of Energy, Saturated Fat, Added Sugars and Salt

by Brittany J. Johnson, Lucinda K. Bell, Dorota Zarnowiecki, Anna M. Rangan and Rebecca K. Golley

Children 2017, 4(12), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/children4120104 - 01 Dec 2017

Cited by 68 | Viewed by 13735

Abstract

Interventions are required to reduce children’s consumption of discretionary foods and drinks. To intervene we need to identify appropriate discretionary choice targets. This study aimed to determine the main discretionary choice contributors to energy and key nutrient intakes in children aged 2–18 years. Secondary analyses were performed with population weighted, single 24 h dietary recall data from the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Cakes, muffins, and slices; sweet biscuits; potato crisps and similar snacks; and, processed meats and sugar-sweetened drinks were relatively commonly consumed and were within the top three to five contributors to per capita energy, saturated fat, sodium, and/or added sugars. Per consumer intake identified cereal-based takeaway foods; cakes, muffins and slices; meat pies and other savoury pastries; and, processed meats as top contributors to energy, saturated fat, and sodium across most age groups. Subgroups of sugar-sweetened drinks and cakes, muffins and slices were consistently key contributors to added sugars intake. This study identified optimal targets for interventions to reduce discretionary choices intake, likely to have the biggest impact on moderating energy intake while also reducing intakes of saturated fat, sodium and/or added sugars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

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218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Need for Early Referral: Characteristics of Children and Adolescents Who Are Overweight and Obese Attending a Multidisciplinary Weight Management Service

by Jacqueline L. Walker, Rebecca Malley, Robyn Littlewood and Sandra Capra

Children 2017, 4(11), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/children4110093 - 31 Oct 2017

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5032

Abstract

There is a need to examine the issue of childhood obesity from a systems perspective. This study aimed to describe the baseline characteristics of children attending pediatric multidisciplinary weight management services and understand how this information will inform future service delivery. A total of 51 children and adolescents who were overweight and obese (27 male) and aged between two and 16 years participated. Body size measures such as body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage were collected. Participants and their parents/guardians also completed questionnaires on dietary intake, behaviors and habits, physical activity and health-related quality of life. A total of 72% of participants were classified as morbidly obese. Adolescents had significantly lower scores for overall diet, physical activity and particular health-related quality of life scores. No significant correlations were found between BMI z-scores and diet, physical activity and health-related quality of life. In adolescents, correlations were detected between dietary scores and health-related quality of life. Results confirm the need to critically examine the current context to adapt and tailor interventions to individual circumstances, and when combined with focused referral, triaging and screening processes, should assist in delivering the right care at the right time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vitamin D Deficiency: A Potential Modifiable Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease in Children with Severe Obesity

by Anoop Mohamed Iqbal, Amanda R. Dahl, Aida Lteif and Seema Kumar

Children 2017, 4(9), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/children4090080 - 28 Aug 2017

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6491

Abstract

Severe obesity is associated with abnormal lipids and increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Obesity is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency. We examined relationship between 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and lipids in children with severe obesity. Medical records of 376 children were reviewed. Linear regression models and logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between 25(OH)D and lipids after adjustment for age, gender, season of blood draw, body mass index (BMI) z-score, and BMI % of 95th percentile. Two-hundred sixty-three out of 376 children (70%) had 25(OH)D concentrations < 30 ng/mL. Concentrations of 25(OH)D were positively correlated with those of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (r² = 0.08, r = 0.22, β = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.05–0.27, p = 0.004). HDL-C was lower in children with 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL (n = 263) compared to those with 25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/mL (n = 113) (41.3 ± 10.2 vs. 46.4 ± 12 mg/dL, p < 0.0001). Children with 25(OH)D concentrations < 30 ng/mL had greater adjusted odds of low HDL-C (<40 mg/dL) compared with those with 25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/mL (47.9% vs. 29.2%, OR 2.15 (1.33–3.51), p = 0.0019). Total cholesterol and non-HDL-C were not correlated with 25(OH)D concentrations. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in children with severe obesity. Prospective clinical trials are warranted to determine if vitamin D supplementation can improve HDL-C and potentially decrease risk for cardiovascular disease in children with obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

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470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lifestyle Risk Factors for Weight Gain in Children with and without Asthma

by Megan E. Jensen, Peter G. Gibson, Clare E. Collins, Jodi M. Hilton and Lisa G. Wood

Children 2017, 4(3), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/children4030015 - 25 Feb 2017

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5499

Abstract

A higher proportion of children with asthma are overweight and obese compared to children without asthma; however, it is unknown whether asthmatic children are at increased risk of weight gain due to modifiable lifestyle factors. Thus, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare weight-gain risk factors (sleep, appetite, diet, activity) in an opportunistic sample of children with and without asthma. Non-obese children with (n = 17; age 10.7 (2.4) years) and without asthma (n = 17; age 10.8 (2.3) years), referred for overnight polysomnography, underwent measurement of lung function, plasma appetite hormones, dietary intake and food cravings, activity, and daytime sleepiness. Sleep latency (56.6 (25.5) vs. 40.9 (16.9) min, p = 0.042) and plasma triglycerides (1.0 (0.8, 1.2) vs. 0.7 (0.7, 0.8) mmol/L, p = 0.013) were significantly greater in asthmatic versus non-asthmatic children. No group difference was observed in appetite hormones, dietary intake, or activity levels (p > 0.05). Sleep duration paralleled overall diet quality (r = 0.36, p = 0.04), whilst daytime sleepiness paralleled plasma lipids (r = 0.61, p =0.001) and sedentary time (r = 0.39, p = 0.02). Disturbances in sleep quality and plasma triglycerides were evident in non-obese asthmatic children referred for polysomnography, versus non-asthmatic children. Observed associations between diet quality, sedentary behavior, and metabolic and sleep-related outcomes warrant further investigation, particularly the long-term health implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

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238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Body Weight Status and Dietary Intakes of Urban Malay Primary School Children: Evidence from the Family Diet Study

by Wai Yew Yang, Tracy Burrows, Lesley MacDonald-Wicks, Lauren T. Williams, Clare E. Collins, Winnie Siew Swee Chee and Kim Colyvas

Children 2017, 4(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/children4010005 - 20 Jan 2017

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6999

Abstract

Malaysia is experiencing a rise in the prevalence of childhood obesity. Evidence for the relationship between dietary intake and body weight among Malaysian children is limited, with the impact of energy intake misreporting rarely being considered. This paper describes the dietary intakes of urban Malay children in comparison to national recommendations and by weight status. This cross-sectional Family Diet Study (n = 236) was conducted in five national primary schools in Malaysia (August 2013–October 2014). Data on socio-demographics, anthropometrics, 24-h dietary recalls, and food habits were collected from Malay families, consisting of a child aged 8 to 12 years and their main caregiver(s). Multivariable analyses were used to assess dietary intake-body weight relationships. The plausibility of energy intake was determined using the Black and Cole method. Approximately three in 10 Malay children were found to be overweight or obese. The majority reported dietary intakes less than national recommendations. Children with obesity had the lowest energy intakes relative to body weight (kcal/kg) compared to children in other weight categories (F = 36.21, p < 0.001). A positive moderate correlation between energy intake and weight status was identified (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) after excluding energy intake mis-reporters (n = 95), highlighting the need for the validation of dietary assessment in obesity-related dietary research in Malaysia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Child Feeding and Parenting Style Outcomes and Composite Score Measurement in the ‘Feeding Healthy Food to Kids Randomised Controlled Trial’

by Kerith Duncanson, Tracy L. Burrows and Clare E. Collins

Children 2016, 3(4), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/children3040028 - 10 Nov 2016

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5330

Abstract

Child feeding practices and parenting style each have an impact on child dietary intake, but it is unclear whether they influence each other or are amenable to change. The aims of this study were to measure child feeding and parenting styles in the Feeding Healthy Food to Kids (FHFK) Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) and test a composite child feeding score and a composite parenting style score. Child feeding and parenting style data from 146 parent-child dyads (76 boys, aged 2.0–5.9 years) in the FHFK study were collected over a 12-month intervention. Parenting style was measured using parenting questions from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) was used to measure child feeding practices. Data for both measures were collected at baseline, 3 and 12 months and then modelled to develop a composite child feeding score and a parenting score. Multivariate mixed effects linear regression was used to measure associations between variables over time. All child feeding domains from the CFQ were consistent between baseline and 12 months (p < 0.001), except for monitoring (0.12, p = 0.44). All parenting style domain scores were consistent over 12 months (p < 0.001), except for overprotection (0.22, p = 0.16). A significant correlation (r = 0.42, p < 0.0001) existed between child feeding score and parenting style score within the FHFK RCT. In conclusion, composite scores have potential applications in the analysis of relationships between child feeding and dietary or anthropometric data in intervention studies aimed at improving child feeding or parenting style. These applications have the potential to make a substantial contribution to the understanding of child feeding practices and parenting style, in relation to each other and to dietary intake and health outcomes amongst pre-school aged children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

Review

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15 pages, 815 KiB

Open AccessReview

Child Malnutrition in Pakistan: Evidence from Literature

by Muhammad Asim and Yasir Nawaz

Children 2018, 5(5), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5050060 - 04 May 2018

Cited by 68 | Viewed by 17588

Abstract

Pakistan has one of the highest prevalences of child malnutrition as compared to other developing countries. This narrative review was accomplished to examine the published empirical literature on children’s nutritional status in Pakistan. The objectives of this review were to know about the methodological approaches used in previous studies, to assess the overall situation of childhood malnutrition, and to identify the areas that have not yet been studied. This study was carried out to collect and synthesize the relevant data from previously published papers through different scholarly database search engines. The most relevant and current published papers between 2000–2016 were included in this study. The research papers that contain the data related to child malnutrition in Pakistan were assessed. A total of 28 articles was reviewed and almost similar methodologies were used in all of them. Most of the researchers conducted the cross sectional quantitative and descriptive studies, through structured interviews for identifying the causes of child malnutrition. Only one study used the mix method technique for acquiring data from the respondents. For the assessment of malnutrition among children, out of 28 papers, 20 used the World Health Organization (WHO) weight for age, age for height, and height for weight Z-score method. Early marriages, large family size, high fertility rates with a lack of birth spacing, low income, the lack of breast feeding, and exclusive breastfeeding were found to be the themes that repeatedly emerged in the reviewed literature. There is a dire need of qualitative and mixed method researches to understand and have an insight into the underlying factors of child malnutrition in Pakistan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

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232 KiB

Open AccessReview

Practicalities and Research Considerations for Conducting Childhood Obesity Prevention Interventions with Families

by Philip J. Morgan, Rachel A. Jones, Clare E. Collins, Kylie D. Hesketh, Myles D. Young, Tracy L. Burrows, Anthea M. Magarey, Helen L. Brown, Trina Hinkley, Rebecca A. Perry, Leah Brennan, Alison C. Spence and Karen J. Campbell

Children 2016, 3(4), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/children3040024 - 08 Nov 2016

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7110

Abstract

Internationally, childhood obesity is a major public health concern. Given the established difficulties in treating obesity, designing and evaluating effective obesity prevention interventions are research priorities. As parents play a crucial role in establishing positive health behaviours in children, they are a key target for child obesity prevention programs. However, recruiting and engaging parents in such interventions can be a considerable challenge for researchers and practitioners. Members of the ‘Parenting, Child Behaviour and Well-being’ stream of the Australasian Child and Adolescent Obesity Research Network (ACAORN) have considerable and varied expertise in conducting such interventions and can provide insights into addressing these challenges. This paper aims to highlight considerations regarding the design, implementation, and evaluation of obesity prevention interventions with families and provide practical insights and recommendations for researchers and practitioners conducting family-based research in this area. Case studies of three family-based interventions conducted by ACAORN members are highlighted to provide examples and contextualise the recommendations proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

Other

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12 pages, 214 KiB

Open AccessDiscussion

Current Government Actions and Potential Policy Options for Reducing Obesity in Queensland Schools

by Naser A. Alsharairi

Children 2018, 5(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/children5020018 - 29 Jan 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 9116

Abstract

School nutrition policies provide promising avenues towards the improvement of children’s eating habits and the prevention of obesity. Childhood obesity rates and related chronic diseases are increasing in Queensland, in part as a result of unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. There is a very high investment by the Queensland government in maintaining healthy weight and promoting nutrition and physical activity among schoolchildren through delivering a range of initiatives across the state. However, there is a lack of evidence concerning the effectiveness of nutrition/physical education and parental involvement programs addressing obesity delivered in Queensland schools. This paper can be used to guide government and policy-makers regarding the most effective policy options that will promote healthy eating and physical activity among Queensland schoolchildren. The aim of this paper is to: (i) summarize current evidence on Queensland government responses to obesity; and (ii) discuss potential policy options that could support healthy eating and regular physical activity, and examine the evidence base for each option and suggest new areas for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

643 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Parent, partner, co-parent or partnership? The need for clarity as family systems thinking takes hold in the quest to motivate behavioural change

by Chris May, Li Kheng Chai and Tracy Burrows

Children 2017, 4(4), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/children4040029 - 21 Apr 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6757

Abstract

Research is increasingly pointing to the importance of extending the focus of childhood obesity intervention to include fathers, fathering figures, and other members of a child’s primary parenting network. Advances in communication technology are now making it possible to achieve this aim, within current resources, using modalities such text messaging, web-based resources and apps that extend intervention to parents not in attendance at face to face interactions. However, published research is often unclear as to which parent/s they targeted or engaged with, whether interventions planned to influence behaviours and capabilities across family systems, and how this can be achieved. As childhood obesity research employing information technology to engage with family systems takes hold it is becoming important for researchers clearly describe who they engage with, what they hope to achieve with them, and the pathways of influence that they aim to activate. This paper integrates extant knowledge on family systems thinking, parenting efficacy, co-parenting, and family intervention with the way parents are represented and reported in childhood obesity research. The paper concludes with recommendations on terminology that can be used to describe parents and parenting figures in future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Chronic Diseases)

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