Determinants of the health and development of Australian children

Determinants of health Family is the most important influence on health and wellbeing for children. Remember there are 5 determinants of health - Biological: Genetics - Behavioural: Maternal behaviours - Physical environment: Fluoride water - Social environment (family): Family SES - Social environment (community): Media

We are focusing on only one per determinant! Come up with a rhyme or a play on words to remember the determinants and the example. Eg Silly Scott Pesters Big Barry.

Impact of biological determinants Genetics is often the primary determinant of health. Remember that you inherit traits and predisposition from your parents via DNA. Examples: Inherited characteristics: Body type, potential height, basal metabolic rate. Sex: male or female. Why is this important to your health?

Genetic disorders: Inherited such as haemophilia, cystic fibrosis. Or chromosomal disorders eg Down syndrome. This is not passed on by the parents but caused due to incorrect cell division. Timing of development: Controls all development in childhood including the eruption of the first tooth, growth spurts and the onset of puberty.

Questions Justify why genetics play an important role in a child’s health and development. If your family history included breast cancer, how will this impact on your children?

Behavioural determinants Eating habits Food provides the nutrients children need for energy, growth and development. Greatly depends on the choices made by parents. An inadequate intake of fruits and veg has been identified as a risk factor for a range of conditions, including stroke, some cancers and coronary heart disease.

It’s important that habits are formed early so foundations are there for later in life. In 2004 26% of 12-14yr olds meet the requirements for fruit and 28% for veg. Summarise the nutrients on page 254 into your books. Complete activity 9.1, Q’s 1-3

Maternal behaviours prior to and during pregnancy While the baby is developing inside the mother, anything she consumes can cross the placenta and enter the baby. There are 4 key things we are going to focus on today.

Diet Folate is important for a mother to consume because it protects against neural tube defects, such as spina bifida during foetal development. It is now fortified into a number of food products such as bread and cereal. Women should aim to consum 400 micrograms per day and increase to 600 micrograms once she is pregnant.

It’s important that calcium is taken at the recommended intake of 1000mg per day. Calcium is important for the formation of hard tissue in the foetus but also to maintain bone strength in the mother. Foods to not eat when pregnant: -Soft cheeses, soft serve ice cream - cold meats, raw sea food and pre packaged salads. These foods can cause listeria, which can cross the placenta and result in a miscarriage, still birth or premature death. Listeria is

Tobacco smoking while pregnant Tobacco smoking reduces the blood supply and blood flow to the foetus, the nicotine increases the heart rate, and reduces the movements that it is practising to assist it to breathe after birth. Babies are more likely to be of a low birth weight which increases their chance of poor health. It is believed to increase the risk of SIDS and may impact on the child’s physical or intellectual development. The mother is at a higher risk of having a miscarriage.

Alcohol consumption No alcohol is recommended during the pregnancy. It crosses the placenta and can be detrimental to the foetus. Binge drinking in particular is the most dangerous. Especially in the first trimester. Why do you think this is?

Alcohol consumption- What can it do? Can lead to low birth weight. Can damage the CNS, causing mental retardation, growth deficiencies and facial abnormalities depending the amount of time and alcohol the foetus is exposed to. It also increases the risk of premature birth, miscarriage and still birth.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Drug use Caffeine: 3 serves is thought to have little impact on the foetus, but heavy intake of caffeine reduces blood flow to the placenta, if absorbed with nicotine it is worse. Can lead to low birth weight and complications during pregnancy.

Illicit drug use Cannabis has a similar effect to tobacco. Herion can be passed onto the foetus via the placenta. The baby can experience withdrawal symptoms which increase the risk of miscarriage, early labour or still birth. The use of shared syringes increases the risk of the foetus developing a blood borne virus, eg HIV or Hep C.

Impact of the Physical Environment Fluoridation of the water Australians have had access to fluoride in water for the past 50 years. Due to the increase in bottled water consumption, children are getting less fluoride. It is considered a safe way to protect from teeth decay.

Impact of the Physical Environment There is between 0.6-1.1 parts per million of fluoride in water. 70% of Australians have access to fluoride-water. What are the benefits of consuming fluoride water? (hint find it on page 264-65). Complete activity 9.4

Social Environment (family) Family Socioeconomic Status Is measured by taking into account the education attainment, employment status, occupation and income. Has 4 factors: Parental education Parental employment status Occupation Parental income

1. Parental education In 2006 51% of the population aged between 15-64 years old had a post school qualification. Higher levels of education are related to higher income and better employment prospects. How will this affect health of children?

2. Parental employment status Unemployment reduces the opportunity for an individual to purchase health related goods and services. As a result, unemployed people have a higher mortality rates, more illness and greater incidences of disability. Compared to employed families, tend to report poorer physical and mental health and lower life satisfaction. There also tends to be a higher rates of conflict, family breakdown and child abuse in families where neither parent is employed.

3. Occupation In 2007, 41% were professionals, 34% white collar and 25% blue collar. Generally people in blue collar jobs are exposed to a greater range of physical hazardous. They may also experience poor social and mental health due to lack of control they have in their job.

4. Parental income Children how live in low income families are at greater risk of poor health and educational outcomes. Can also affect access to nutritious food, medical services, appropriate housing and a safe environment. All of these factors are likely to have an adverse effect on the health of children in these families.

Social Environment (Community) Access to school Education is important for the overall wellbeing of young people and a key determinant of health and development. It provides an opportunity for social interaction and feelings of connectedness and belonging. What age is it compulsory to attend school till in Victoria? When can you start?

Social Environment (community) Sending a child to school before they are ready can have a negative impact on their development. During the early years of schooling there is an emphasis on the development of literacy and numeracy as well as creativity, social and moral education. In the later years of primary school basic skills are built upon. Development is also optimised through play and activities outside class time and through extra curricula activities such as camps and sporting events. School helps to empower children and provide them with the information and skills to be ready for adulthood.