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Objectives: The Australian Government, through the National Obesity Strategy 2022–2032, has set an aspirational goal of reducing the prevalence of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity by 5% by 2030 (from 25% to 20%). Our objective was to quantify the long-term economic benefits of achieving this goal. Methods: Using a microsimulation model and a synthetic cohort of Australian children and adolescents aged 4–17 years, we estimated the excess per capita lifetime costs of overweight and obesity. Using these results and population projections for 2030, we estimated the potential lifetime cost savings that could be achieved through attaining the National Obesity Strategy goal. Results: Compared with their peers of a healthy weight, children and adolescents with overweight and obesity were estimated to incur, per capita, excess lifetime costs (discounted) of approximately $19 700 and $46 700, respectively (in 2030 Australian dollars). Achieving the National Obesity Strategy’s goal was estimated to save approximately $7.44 billion, predominantly through reductions in lifetime obesity-related healthcare costs and premature mortality. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the considerable economic benefits that could be achieved by reducing the current prevalence of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity in Australia; they provide justification for investment in prevention and treatment for this demographic.

Background: Over the past two decades, there has been an increase of immigrants in Australia. Despite this, the availability of culturally responsive resources and services that cater to their needs remains insufficient. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the resources used and trusted by Mongolian- and Arabic-speaking migrant mothers in Australia for child health information and examine how they navigate and overcome challenges they encounter accessing this information. Design: Semi-structured telephone interview Methods: A theory informed semi-structured 60-min telephone interview was conducted in Arabic and Mongolian with 20 Arabic- and 20 Mongolian-speaking migrant mothers of children younger than 2 years or currently pregnant and living in Australia. Data were analysed thematically using the framework method. Results: The reliance on digital platforms such as google emerged as a common trend among both groups of mothers when seeking child health information. Notably, there were differences in resources selection, with Mongolian mothers showing a preference for Australian-based websites, while Arabic-speaking mothers tended to opt for culturally familiar resources. There were various barriers that hindered their access to health services and resources, including language barriers, cost, and limited knowledge or familiarity with their existence. Negative encounters with healthcare professionals contributed to a perception among many mothers that they were unhelpful. Both groups of mothers employed a cross-checking approach across multiple websites to verify trustworthiness of information. Acculturation was shown only among the Mongolian-speaking mothers who adapted their cultural practices in line with their country of residence. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the importance of addressing the needs of migrant mothers in accessing child health information. Health professionals, government agencies, and researchers have an opportunity to provide culturally responsive support by fostering a culturally inclusive approach to developing and promoting equitable access to services and resources, ultimately enhancing the wellbeing of migrant families.

Abstract This study examined sociodemographic factors associated with mothers seeking child feeding advice from health professionals (HPs). Cross‐sectional analysis of survey data from linked randomized controlled trials was conducted. Surveys asked which sources of feeding information mothers used when their child was 6 months and 5 years old. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics and use of information from HPs. Here, 947 and 405 mothers completed 6‐month and 5‐year surveys, respectively. At 6 months, multiparous mothers were less likely to seek advice from child and family health nurses (CFHNs) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.558, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.416–0.749) and other HPs (AOR: 0.706, 95% CI: 0.542–0.919), unmarried mothers were less likely to seek advice from other HPs (AOR: 0.582, 95% CI: 0.342–0.990). At 5 years, mothers with household income ≥$80,000 p.a. were less likely to seek advice from CFHNs (AOR: 0.514, 95% CI: 0.302–0.875) and working mothers less likely to seek advice from general practitioners (GPs) (AOR: 0.581, 95% CI: 0.374–0.905). Mothers born in Australia were less likely to seek information from CFHNs (AOR: 0.462, 95% CI: 0.257–0.833) and GPs (AOR: 0.431, 95% CI: 0.274–0.677). There was a greater likelihood that multiparous mothers (AOR: 2.114, 95% CI: 1.272–3.516) and mothers of children whose fathers had not attended university (AOR: 2.081, 95% CI: 1.256–3.449) had never sought advice from CFHNs, and that mothers who had not attended university (AOR: 1.769, 95% CI: 1.025–3.051), multiparous (AOR: 1.831, 95% CI: 1.105–3.035) and employed (AOR: 2.058, 95% CI: 1.135–3.733) mothers had never sought advice from other HPs. Understanding sociodemographic factors associated with seeking child feeding advice from HPs may inform priorities for engaging families in health promotion.