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Prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and developmental conditions in 5014 Australian adolescents, and their correlations with diet, other lifestyle behaviours and mental health

2025-06-26T07:44:19Z

Title: Prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and developmental conditions in 5014 Australian adolescents, and their correlations with diet, other lifestyle behaviours and mental health Authors: Osman, Bridie; Sunderland, Matthew; Devine, Emma K.; Thornton, Louise; Jack, Felice; Teesson, Maree Abstract: Abstract Objective: Amongst Australian youth, there is currently a lack of understanding of the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and developmental conditions and links with modifiable lifestyle behaviours, mental health and other socio-demographics. This paper aims to address this gap. Methods: Australian adolescents (N = 5014, Mage=14.7, SD=0.80) completed a self-report survey assessing noncommunicable diseases/ developmental conditions, sex, socio-economic status (SES), lifestyle behaviours and mental health. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to estimate the associations between these variables. The moderating effects of sex and SES were investigated by including interaction terms in each regression model. Results: 45.6% adolescents reported ≥1 noncommunicable disease/developmental condition. Being female, consuming more sugarsweetened beverages, ultra-processed foods, or alcohol, participating in more screen time, having depression, anxiety or psychological distress were each associated with higher rates of having at least one disease/condition (p<0.01). Sex and SES significantly moderated the associations between some lifestyle behaviours and eight diseases/conditions were examined. Conclusion: Australian adolescents experience considerable rates of noncommunicable diseases and developmental conditions, highlighting the significance of this public health issue. Implications for public health: Links with lifestyle behaviours and mental health highlight their potential importance in public health to assist with prevention and treatment of these common and emerging noncommunicable diseases and developmental conditions in adolescents. Key words: disease, developmental, adolescent, diet, lifestyle behaviors, mental health

Public support for unhealthy food marketing policies in Australia: A cross-sectional analysis of the International Food Policy Study 2022

2025-06-26T07:40:51Z

Title: Public support for unhealthy food marketing policies in Australia: A cross-sectional analysis of the International Food Policy Study 2022 Authors: Gomez-Donoso, Clara; Kelly, Bridget; Martino, Florentine; Cameron, Adrian J.; Paula C. Richter, Ana; Sacks, Gary Abstract: Abstract Objective: This study aimed to explore public opinion towards food marketing policies. Methods: In 2022, a cross-sectional online survey was completed by 3,923 adults in Australia, including 1,152 caregivers of children aged <18 years. Concern about children’s exposure to unhealthy food marketing was assessed among caregivers. Public support for seven policy options to restrict unhealthy food marketing in different media and settings (broadcast, online, outdoors, packaging and retail) was quantified. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to examine sociodemographic differences. Results: Most caregivers (85%) reported some degree of concern about their child’s exposure to unhealthy food marketing. Among all respondents, there was a high level of support or neutrality (>70%) for all policies aimed at restricting unhealthy food marketing. Respondents who were female, older, highly educated, who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, perceived their monthly income as adequate or had at least one child living in the household reported higher support/neutrality towards several of the assessed policies. Conclusions: Most Australian adults were supportive or neutral towards policies restricting unhealthy food marketing. The level of support varied depending on the policy’s target group and its setting. Implications for Public Health: Implementing unhealthy food marketing policies in Australia would most likely have broad public support and minimal opposition. Key words: policy, food marketing, public support, caregivers

Preventive health risks in pregnancy: Cross-sectional prevalence survey in three regions of New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania

2025-06-26T07:37:56Z

Title: Preventive health risks in pregnancy: Cross-sectional prevalence survey in three regions of New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania Authors: Doherty, Emma; Dilworth, Sophie; Wiggers, John; Wolfenden, Luke; Wilson, Angie; Leane, Cathy Abstract: Abstract Objective: To examine the proportion of pregnant people meeting preventive health guideline recommendations in three regions of New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys of pregnant people attending public maternity services were conducted between November 2021 and April 2022. Participants were asked about their preventive health risks during pregnancy, including tobacco smoking, e-cigarette use, alcohol consumption, gestational weight gain, dietary intake and physical activity. Results: In total, 1064 surveys were completed. Smoking during pregnancy was reported by 10.5% of participants in New South Wales, 7.8% in South Australia and 18.0% in Tasmania. Most participants (95.2%-96.1%) reported that they did not currently consume alcohol. In each region, the majority of participants were currently gaining gestational weight outside recommended ranges (65.0%-70.2%) and not meeting minimum recommendations regarding intake of core food groups (except for fruit) and physical activity (65.2%-75.6%). Conclusions: This study demonstrates a need for greater access to evidence-based interventions to support people reduce their preventive health risks in pregnancy and in turn achieve positive outcomes for themselves and their babies. Implications for Public Health: The findings can inform region-based needs and prioritisation of support for addressing preventive health risks in pregnancy. Key words: pregnancy, smoking, alcohol, weight, prevalence

Bottle feeding to sleep beyond 12 months is associated with higher risk of tooth decay and overweight in Australian children: Findings from the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids cohort study

2025-06-26T07:35:01Z

Title: Bottle feeding to sleep beyond 12 months is associated with higher risk of tooth decay and overweight in Australian children: Findings from the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids cohort study Authors: Cheng, Heilok; John, James; Scott, Jane; Denney-Wilson, Elizabeth; Do, Loc; Bhole, Sameer Abstract: Abstract Objective: Bottle feeding to sleep may increase early childhood caries (ECC) and overweight risk through sugar exposure and overfeeding. This study examined the association between feeding to sleep at 24 and 36 months on both ECC and overweight at 3-4 years. Methods: Participants were children in the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids longitudinal birth cohort. Exposure was bottle feeding to sleep at 24 and 36 months. Outcomes were ECC (prevalence; number of caries-affected tooth surfaces, dmfs) and overweight at 3-4 years. Results: 718 and 729 children had dental examinations and anthropometric measurements, respectively. 30.3% and 21.7% of children were bottle-fed to sleep at 24 and 36 months, respectively. Feeding to sleep at 24 months was associated with higher odds of overweight (OR 1.90, 95%CI 1.06-3.38) and moderately associated with higher caries (dmfs 1.48, 95%CI 1.00-2.20). Feeding to sleep at 36 months was associated with higher caries (dmfs 1.88, 95%CI 1.22-2.91). Conclusions: Feeding to sleep was associated with higher odds of overweight and higher numbers of caries-affected tooth surfaces. Communicating appropriate sleep, settling and bottle cessation methods throughout early childhood may prevent ECC and overweight. Implications for Public Health: Early interventions addressing bottle feeding could reduce the dual burden of ECC and obesity. Key words: Abstract Objective: Bottle feeding to sleep may increase early childhood caries (ECC) and overweight risk through sugar exposure and overfeeding. This study examined the association between feeding to sleep at 24 and 36 months on both ECC and overweight at 3-4 years. Methods: Participants were children in the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids longitudinal birth cohort. Exposure was bottle feeding to sleep at 24 and 36 months. Outcomes were ECC (prevalence; number of caries-affected tooth surfaces, dmfs) and overweight at 3-4 years. Results: 718 and 729 children had dental examinations and anthropometric measurements, respectively. 30.3% and 21.7% of children were bottle-fed to sleep at 24 and 36 months, respectively. Feeding to sleep at 24 months was associated with higher odds of overweight (OR 1.90, 95%CI 1.06-3.38) and moderately associated with higher caries (dmfs 1.48, 95%CI 1.00-2.20). Feeding to sleep at 36 months was associated with higher caries (dmfs 1.88, 95%CI 1.22-2.91). Conclusions: Feeding to sleep was associated with higher odds of overweight and higher numbers of caries-affected tooth surfaces. Communicating appropriate sleep, settling and bottle cessation methods throughout early childhood may prevent ECC and overweight. Implications for Public Health: Early interventions addressing bottle feeding could reduce the dual burden of ECC and obesity. Key words: early childhood caries, overweight, bottle feeding, toddler health, feeding behavior, cohort study