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Interventions and explorations that focus on modifiable elements of the early life environment are being investigated, to assess and improve all aspects of physical and psychological wellbeing - both in childhood and in later life. These include nutrition, physical activity, time in nature, built environments, plastics and pollutants.
Communicating with and Understanding your Baby
The Mums Minds Matter study is comparing three stress-reduction training programs across a custom-designed app that is working to increase long-term mental health skill application among perinatal women.
Tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases in young children. It can cause pain and infection and, if it remains untreated, can affect eating, speech, and sleep in children. Researchers are exploring the importance of early intervention and education for child dental health outcomes.
Research
Real time monitoring of respiratory viral infections in cohort studies using a smartphone appCohort studies investigating respiratory disease pathogenesis aim to pair mechanistic investigations with longitudinal virus detection but are limited by the burden of methods tracking illness over time. In this study, we explored the utility of a purpose-built AERIAL TempTracker smartphone app to assess real-time data collection and adherence monitoring and overall burden to participants, while identifying symptomatic respiratory illnesses in two birth cohort studies.
Research
ORIGINS: Nutritional Profile of Children Aged One Year in a Longitudinal Birth CohortDietary intake during the first year of life is a key determinant of a child's growth and development. ORIGINS is a longitudinal birth cohort study investigating factors that contribute to a 'healthy start to life' and the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
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Can positive mindsets be protective against stress and isolation experienced during the covid-19 pandemic? A mixed methods approach to understanding emotional health and wellbeing needs of perinatal womenThe aim of this study was to explore the relationship between emotional health and wellbeing and support needs of perinatal women during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to understand their experiences and need for support. This is a potentially vulnerable group and a critical developmental phase for women and infants.
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Environmental (Perinatal) risk factors of ADHD in a sibling control design studyCitation: Ibilola O, Silva D. Environmental (Perinatal) risk factors of ADHD in a sibling control design study. Open Access Journal of Behavioural
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A peer support intervention for first-time mothers: Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the mummy buddy programThe transition to motherhood, although joyous, can be highly stressful, and the availability of professional postpartum support for mothers is often limited. Peer volunteer support programs may offer a viable and cost-effective method to provide community-based support for new mothers. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of a peer volunteer support program-The Mummy Buddy Program-in which experienced volunteer mothers are paired with, and trained to offer social support to, first-time mothers.
Research
‘It’s been a lifelong thing for me’: parents’ experiences of facilitating a healthy lifestyle for their children with severe obesityFor parents and guardians, assisting children/adolescents with severe obesity to lose weight is often a key objective but a complex and difficult challenge. Our aim in this study was to explore parents' (and guardians') perspectives on the challenges they have faced in assisting their children/adolescents with severe obesity to lead a healthy lifestyle.