Key Points
In brief
-
This paper summarises the findings of the first national survey of infant feeding patterns among the Bangladeshi, Pakastani and Indian communities across England.
-
The study has highlighted interesting differences in infant feeding practices between the different minority ethnic groups.
-
It is unclear however whether these differences are caused by cultural or socio-economic factors.
Abstract
In 1994 the Department of Health commissioned a survey of early feeding practices within the Asian community. The survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) was designed to assess from a nationally representative sample of infants from the Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani communities from across England their feeding practices from birth to 15 months. A small sample of White infants were also included in the sample although they cannot be considered as nationally representative of the majority White population in England. Data was collected from 2382 mothers in total. The survey was carried out between 1994 and 1996 and was published in 1997. This article will summarise the main findings relevant to oral health. These include patterns of breastfeeding, use of bottles, care and advice on infant feeding, weaning practices and drinks consumption. Implications for oral health promotion are considered.
Similar content being viewed by others
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
References
Bedi R . Ethnic indicators of dental health for young Asian school children resident in areas of multiple deprivation. Br Dent J 1989; 166: 331–334.
Bradnock G, Jadaua S, Hamburger R . The dental health of indigenous and non-indigenous infant school children in West Birmingham. Community Dent Health 1988; 1: 139–150.
Prendergast M, Williams S, Curzon M . An assessment of dental caries prevalence among Gujurati Pakistani and White Caucasian five year old children resident in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. Community Dent Health 1989; 6: 223–232.
Plamping D, Bewley B, Gelbier S . Dental health and ethnicity. Br Dent J 1985; 168: 24–26.
Bedi R, Uppal R . The oral health of minority ethnic communities in the United Kingdom. Br Dent J 1995; 179: 421–425.
Williams S, Sahota P, Fairpo C . Infant feeding practices within white and Asian communities in inner-city Leeds. J Hum Nutr Diet 1989; 2: 325–338.
Williams S, Sahota P . An enquiry into the attitudes of Muslim Asian mothers regarding infant feeding practices and dental health. J Hum Nutr Diet 1990; 3: 393–401.
Duggan M, Harbottle L . The growth and nutritional status of healthy Asian children aged 4-40 months living in Sheffield. Br J Nutr 1996; 76: 453–471.
Warrington S, Storey D . Comparative studies of Asian and Caucasian children 2. Nutrition, feeding practices and health. Eur J Clin Nutr 1988; 42: 69–80.
Harris R, Armstrong D, Ali R, Loynes A . Nutritional survey of Bangladeshi children aged under 5 years in the London borough of Tower Hamlets. Arch Dis Child 1983; 58: 428–432.
Foster K, Cheesbrough S, Lader D . Infant feeding 1995. London: HMSO, 1997.
Thomas M, Avery, V . Infant feeding in Asian families. Early feeding practices and growth. London: The Stationary Office, 1997.
Nazaroo J . The health of Britain's ethnic minorities: findings from a national survey. London: Policy Studies Institute, 1997.
Department of Health. Weaning and the weaning diet. Report on Health and Social Subjects No. 45. London: HMSO, 1994.
Tedstone A, Dunce N, Aviles M, Shetty P, Daniels L Effectiveness of interventions to promote healthy feeding in infants under one year of age: a review. London: Health Education Authority, 1998.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Refereed Paper
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Watt, R. A national survey of infant feeding in Asian families: summary of findings relevant to oral health. Br Dent J 188, 16–20 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4800374
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4800374
This article is cited by
-
Reducing pediatric caries and obesity risk in South Asian immigrants: randomized controlled trial of common health/risk factor approach
BMC Public Health (2018)
-
Ethnic disparities in the oral health of three- to four-year-old children in East London
British Dental Journal (2013)
-
Evaluating “Starting Well,” the Scottish National Demonstration Project for Child Health: Outcomes at Six Months
The Journal of Primary Prevention (2005)
-
Physiognomy and teeth: An ethnographic study among young and middle-aged Hong Kong adults
British Dental Journal (2002)
-
The relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and dental health knowledge and attitudes of parents with young children
British Dental Journal (2002)
