SMU Medical Journal

Ramandeep Kaur Sidhu ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, V2N4Z9, CA

Abstract

ECC is a critical global health challenge affecting young children. The aim of this study is to assess the potential association of infant feeding practices, breastfeeding and its duration, and such other factors as socio-demographic determinants and maternal influences with the risk of early childhood caries (ECC) among young children (2 to 5yrs). The methodology consists a critical review of the existing literature, which was obtained through an electronic search of Pub Med, MEDLINE, Canadian Best Practices Portal, and UNBC library electronic databases. The review reveals that cariogenic diet, low socioeconomic status, parental influences and feeding habits are potential risk factors for development of ECC. However, there is lack of information about factors such as the effect of, day time v/s night time breast feeding or bottle feeding, quantity and quality of breastfeeding, specific characteristics of poverty associated with ECC, and the effect of both prenatal and postnatal smoke. The study concludes that the existing literature is characterized by numerous conflicting reports and unanswered questions regarding the aetiology of the disease. In effect, there is a need for substantive research to identify the specific characteristics of each factor that contributes to or causes ECC.

Keywords

Early Childhood Caries, Infant Feeding, Dietary Habits, Maternal Smoking, Breastfeeding, Socio-Demographic Factors, Behavioural Factors, Young Children.

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Ramandeep Kaur Sidhu ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia V2N4Z9, CA

Abstract

With a boom in economy work camps have become common in the mining and other resource extraction industries of Canada. These places frequently experience various demographic and social disruptions. Researchers have identified potential impacts on the physical and psychosocial well being of camp dwellers. However, there is a big knowledge gap regarding appropriate health promotion tools and approaches for addressing the problematic health and social impacts associated with remote work camp settings. This article synthesizes results from existing Canadian and international research on socio environmental determinants of health and well-being of work camp workers, their families, their communities, and suitable tools for their health and wellbeing promotion. The ultimate goal of this project is to identify opportunities and ideas that work for health promotion at work camp site and how to get there. A review of relevant research literature including peer-reviewed journals, books, labour newsletters/websites, and "popular" information from a variety of sources has been conducted. The literature review indicates various knowledge gaps, and areas for future research, for example, investigating and evaluating support for the partners of workers, strategies that improve confidence in employee assistance programs, do fly-in/fly-out structures are responsible for enabling substance abuse, and work camp operation's implications for social issues. A setting based approach with socio-ecological lens of view can provide a comprehensive framework for health promotion in work camps. This approach enables us to recognize interactions between different health issues, and provides an opportunity to maximize the contribution of particular settings to joined-up holistic public health.

Keywords

Work-Camp, Fly-In/Fly-Out, Socio-Ecological, Health Promotion.

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