Parents heed health advice: Study

Feb 19 2013

Parents appear to be "listening" to some health advice during pregnancy, according to a study.

The Growing Up In Scotland report, which tracks children in comparable groups, found improvements in the number of mothers drinking alcohol and among "main carers" who smoke.

But advice on breastfeeding has not made a significant impact, with "little change" in rates. There are also differences depending on income, ranging from smoking levels to whether children had tooth decay.

At the same time, the study offered a snapshot of changing household finances. Comparing groups in 2004-5 and 2010-11, the study showed more people are finding it harder to pay for increased childcare costs.

Paul Bradshaw, of ScotCen Social Research, which carried out the study, said: "There is clear evidence in this report that parents are listening to healthcare advice coming from the Scottish Government.

"Mothers are increasingly likely to completely cut out alcohol during pregnancy and to follow guidelines on the introduction of solid food to young children. There are also signs that employers are more open to family-friendly policies, such as flexible working.

"While progress has been made in some areas, in others there is still some way to go. The findings suggest that there has been little change in breastfeeding rates.

"There also remain significant inequalities in health behaviours and access to information in relation to pregnancy and birth, and in child health outcomes such as birth weight and general health at 10 months."

Children's minister Aileen Campbell said Government action includes £18 million to support families in the Early Years Change Fund, £11 million to help treble the capacity of the Family Nurse Partnership to support first-time mothers and increased childcare provision.

She said: "This study shows progress and provides us with the unique evidence we need to help make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up. We are doing all we can to make sure our children get the best possible start in life and we are clear that much more could be achieved with full fiscal powers."