A qualitative insight into informal childcare and childhood obesity in children aged 0-5 years in the UK

Abstract Background Previous studies in various countries have found that informal childcare (provided by relatives, friends etc.) was associated with an increased risk of obesity in children aged 0–5 years. However, no qualitative research has been done to explore possible reasons for such a relationship and potential interventions to tackle it. We conducted a qualitative study with both parents and informal carers to explore their 1) experiences in receiving or giving informal childcare for British children aged 0–5 years; 2) perceived explanations of the relationship between informal childcare and childhood obesity and 3) preferred intervention ideas and delivery strategies for preventing obesity among those children under informal care. Methods Four in-depth focus groups with a total of 14 participants (7 parents, 7 informal caregivers) were conducted in Birmingham and Edinburgh (1 parent group and 1 informal caregiver group in each city). Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach. Results The significance of informal care to parents, carers, and society was recognised (theme one). Informal carers were identified to have practical and emotional support roles for the parents (theme two). Informal care was perceived to contribute to childhood obesity in four ways (theme three): cross-generation conflict preventing adoption of healthy practices; the trade-off for parents between receiving childcare and maintaining control; reduced energy capacity of carers; and increased snacking. Potential intervention ideas and delivery strategies (theme four) were identified. Examples of identified ideas included providing carers with up-to-date weaning advice, and suggestions of healthy snacks and ways to increase physical activity level in informal care. The suggestion of utilising existing primary care platforms (e.g. health visitor check-ups) to reach and deliver low-cost information based interventions, to all children aged 0–5 years who receive informal care, was highlighted. Conclusions This exploratory qualitative study provided novel insights into potential explanations for the evidenced link between informal care and childhood obesity in children aged 0–5 years, despite a small size and limited participants in each focus group. Our findings support the idea of and inform the development towards an information based and low-cost intervention delivered through existing primary care platforms

Advanced finite difference - beam propagation : method analysis of complex components

EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

New map of Gippsland: constructed from the most authentic government and private surveys and comprising all the recently discovered gold fields

Original format: 23 x 28 cm.Scale: 1 inch to 6 milesPhotograph of map showing gold fields, tracks and settlements throughout Gippsland

New map of Gippsland: constructed from the most authentic government and private surveys and comprising all the recently discovered gold fields

Scale: 1 inch to 6 milesPhotograph of map showing gold fields, tracks and settlements throughout Gippsland

Preliminary sketch showing the coast line of the Pearl Lochs, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands /

Relief shown by hachures. Depths shown by soundings.In upper left corner: Sheet no. 3

New map of Gipps Land [cartographic material] : constructed from the most authentic Government and private surveys and comprising all the recently discovered gold fields, tracks &c. /

Map of Gippsland region showing land allotments, gold fields and parishes in Southeast Victoria. Relief shown by hachures and spot heights.; "Respectfully dedicated to Angus McMillan Esq. of Bushy Park".; Also available in an electronic version via the Internet at: http://nla.gov.au/nla.map-rm1041

Pearl Lochs and Puuloa Entrance, Ewa, Oahu /

Relief shown by hachures. Depths shown by soundings

The use of sound for moving combustion deposits

Paper at Institute of Energy Symp. Ossett (GB) 19 Nov 1986Available from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:3608.8(CEA-D--392) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo