Children's Health in PHC

What broad factors influence a child’s health?

Cultural, economic, racial, spiritual, social, psychological, and environmental factors.

At what life stages do health determinants impact children?

Pre‑conception, prenatal, pregnancy, neonatal, infancy, pre‑school, school, and postnatal periods.

What do children need to stay healthy?

Parental love, guidance, emotional development, education, food and shelter, safety, boundaries, social networks, community resources, and “One Good Adult.”

What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

Negative early-life events such as emotional neglect, poverty, parental addiction or mental illness, abuse, or family criminal activity.

What are Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)?

Feeling supported by family, belonging at school, having caring adults, feeling safe at home, and being able to share feelings.

What is the impact of ≥4 ACEs?

increased risk of adult long-term issues such as mental illness, addiction, criminality, and imprisonment.

What was the purpose of the UK “Sure Start” programme?

Integrated early-years services for families with children <5, improving academic performance, immunisation rates, safety, and reducing hospitalisations.

What happened to Sure Start after 2010?

It was withdrawn during UK austerity measures, disproportionately affecting deprived areas.

What is the purpose of childhood immunisation programmes?

Protect children from infectious diseases, reduce morbidity, and promote population health.

What is perinatal health?

Health during pregnancy, childbirth, and the early postnatal period.

Name two risk factors for poor perinatal health.

Maternal smoking, poor nutrition, low socioeconomic status, substance misuse, or inadequate antenatal care.

Why is structured child health surveillance important?

Early detection of developmental issues, multidisciplinary support, and timely intervention.

What is the COSI initiative?

The WHO Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative monitoring obesity trends across Europe, including Ireland.

What percentage of Irish children in COSI 2023 were overweight or obese?

About 1 in 5 (17.7%), with higher rates in girls.

What trend has COSI identified in Ireland?

Obesity prevalence is higher in DEIS schools and older primary school children; the gap between DEIS and non‑DEIS schools is not narrowing.

Name two factors influencing childhood obesity.

Diet, physical activity, socioeconomic status, environment, family behaviours, and school policies.

Name two enablers for healthy weight in children.

Resource allocation, policy and legislation, community interventions, parental education, staff training, and population-level monitoring.

What did the Marmot Review (2020) conclude?

Health inequalities in England worsened over 10 years, especially in deprived areas, due to austerity and widening socioeconomic gaps.

What did the Marmot Review recommend?

Making wellbeing—not economic performance—the central goal of policy, improving access to education and health, and reducing inequalities.

Why is breastfeeding important in child health promotion?

Supports immunity, nutrition, bonding, and reduces risk of infections and obesity.

Why is smoking a major concern in child health?

Increases risk of perinatal complications, respiratory illness, SIDS, and long-term health issues.

What is the goal of smoking cessation interventions in families?

Reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, improve perinatal outcomes, and support long-term family health.