PhD defence J. (Junwen) Yang

The main aim of this thesis was to study social inequalities in children’s lifestyle behaviors and child overweight, asthma, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The studies conducted in this thesis were embedded in the Generation R Study. Inequalities in health studied in this thesis refer to differences in the health of individuals according to indicators of socioeconomic status. The following conclusions can be drawn from the studies presented in this thesis. Social inequalities in the clustering of children’s lifestyle behaviors (screen time, physical activity, calorie-rich snack, and sugar-sweetened beverages) are present among school-aged children. From preschool to school-age the trajectories of children’s television time may vary according to indicators of social status. Findings also indicate that social inequalities in childhood asthma and indicators of lung function are present among school-aged children. Experiencing family poverty, either as an intermittent episode or as a chronic situation, is associated with childhood overweight, asthma, and HRQoL. When parents obtain a higher level of education after their child is born, this might be beneficial to attenuate the risk of the child developing overweight at school age. Our findings indicate that social inequalities in lifestyle behaviors and child health outcomes originate in early childhood and may accumulate over time, establishing an early base for social inequalities in later life. A joint effort between parents, schools, community, public health professionals, and policymakers is needed to reduce these inequalities.

Due to corona, the PhD defences do not take place publicly in the usual way in the Senate Hall of the Professor Andries Querido Room. The candidates will defend their dissertation either in a small group or online.