Splash!: a prospective birth cohort study of the impact of environmental, social and family-level influences on child oral health and obesity related risk factors and outcomes

Abstract

BackgroundDental caries (decay) is the most prevalent disease of childhood. It is often left untreated and can impact negatively on general health, and physical, developmental, social and learning outcomes. Similar to other health issues, the greatest burden of dental caries is seen in those of low socio-economic position. In addition, a number of diet-related risk factors for dental caries are shared risk factors for the development of childhood obesity. These include high and frequent consumption of refined carbohydrates (predominately sugars), and soft drinks and other sweetened beverages, and low intake of (fluoridated) water. The prevalence of childhood obesity is also at a concerning level in most countries and there is an opportunity to determine interventions for addressing both of these largely preventable conditions through sustainable and equitable solutions. This study aims to prospectively examine the impact of drink choices on child obesity risk and oral health status.Methods/DesignThis is a two-stage study using a mixed methods research approach. The first stage involves qualitative interviews of a sub-sample of recruited parents to develop an understanding of the processes involved in drink choice, and inform the development of the Discrete Choice Experiment analysis and the measurement instruments to be used in the second stage. The second stage involves the establishment of a prospective birth cohort of 500 children from disadvantaged communities in rural and regional Victoria, Australia (with and without water fluoridation). This longitudinal design allows measurement of changes in the child's diet over time, exposure to fluoride sources including water, dental caries progression, and the risk of childhood obesity.DiscussionThis research will provide a unique contribution to integrated health, education and social policy and program directions, by providing clearer policy relevant evidence on strategies to counter social and environmental factors which predispose infants and children to poor health, wellbeing and social outcomes; and evidence-based strategies to promote health and prevent disease through the adoption of healthier lifestyles and diet. Further, given the absence of evidence on the processes and effectiveness of contemporary policy implementation, such as community water fluoridation in rural and regional communities it's approach and findings will be extremely informative.

Choosing foods for infants: a qualitative study of the factors that influence mothers

“…As previously described these characteristics were selected as analytically important and have been shown to play an important role in infant and family health and diet (de Silva‐Sanigorski et al . ; Smithers et al . ).…”

“…The aim and methods of Splash! have previously been described and reported (de Silva-Sanigorski et al 2011).…”

“…Consequently a sub-sample of 32 mothers were interviewed from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds (mothers' education, income), family sizes (number of children) and (to address a separate study question) the type of water (tank, bottle, tap) usually consumed. As previously described these characteristics were selected as analytically important and have been shown to play an important role in infant and family health and diet (de Silva-Sanigorski et al 2011;Smithers et al 2011). Eligibility for inclusion required that children taking part in the study were aged around 6 months or older at time of interview.…”

Effect of Simvastatin on induced apical periodontitis in rats: a tomographic and biochemical analysis

“…Recent epidemiological data have indicated a weak relationship between obesity and dentistry 21 , but the plausibility of this hypothesis needs further evidence to clarify this issue 22,23 . Notably, individuals who regularly permanently use simvastatin have shown a significant decrease in blood cholesterol levels and a consequent reduction of inflammation in the body and medical complications associated with obesity.…”

An exploration of the views of Australian mothers on promoting child oral health

“…main study sample (n = 458) to provide participants from a range of demographic variables, including socioeconomic status (education, income), family size (number of children in the family), and source of water consumed (tank, tap, bottled). These characteristics were chosen as they are analytically important and have been shown to play an important role in individual and family oral health . Sampling continued until there was an adequate range of these demographic variables amongst participants to address the research question and develop a sound understanding of the phenomena under investigation .…”