Obesity and Caries in Young South Asian Children- A Common Risk Factor Approach This formative research and efficacy trial targets the oral health of

2018

The CHALO (Child Health Action to Lower Obesity and Oral Health risk) -- from an Urdu word meaning Lets go!is a multi-level strategy to reduce pediatric obesity and dental caries risk in South Asian (SA) children. Obesity and caries are the two most prominent health disparities of early childhood. Both caries and obesity: a) disproportionately impact low-income children of color, b) share common risk behaviors, i.e., feeding practices, and c) can most effectively be reduced or prevented in early childhood (1, 2). SA immigrant children are at high risk for both (3-7), yet there has been almost no research in this vulnerable group. CHALO includes: a mixed methods descriptive study of SA child health risks, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed at reducing risk behavior, and a Knowledge Translation Project which will share descriptive and RCT data from the project and raise awareness regarding child health risks in relevant stakeholder communities. Aim 1: (Primary): Reduce risk behaviors associated with caries and obesity at 18 months. We hypothesize improved risk profiles in the Intervention vs. Control groups at 18 months: less bottle use (any, with added sweeteners/solids, at nap and bedtimes), improved food choices (fruits and vegetables,  juice and sweetened beverages, sweet and salty snacks); and improvements in risk behaviors specific to reducing obesity (physical activity and screen time) and to reducing caries (tooth brushing and dental-health-care utilization). Data will be obtained via research visits at 6, 12, and 18 months of age. (Secondary): Reduce incidence of caries and weight-for-length at 18 months. We hypothesize caries incidence and  weight-for-length velocity at 18 months in the Intervention vs. Control groups. Caries will be assessed via intra-oral cameras at the 18 month research visit. Anthropometric data will be obtained via observed measures at pediatric practices at 6, 12 and 18 month well child visits Aim 2: Investigate the prevalence, risk factors and social context of risky feeding practices using qualitative interviews and baseline questionnaire data. Aim 3: Implement and evaluate a Knowledge Translation campaign. A two-pronged campaign will target professionals (pediatric and oral health), and local communities in Year 5. Results from Aims 1 and 2 will inform the campaign. SA child health risk /promotion messages will be delivered via traditional dissemination methods and social media. The implementation and impact of the campaign will be evaluated using both traditional and social media metrics.

caries obesity "South Asianb"

Performing Research or Evaluation

Health-Related Activities, Other - Cultural Diversity

Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Urban

Regional

N/A