PhD defence Yueyue You

The main aim of this thesis is to study individual and family-related factors that are relevant for indicators of child health (i.e. dental caries, weight status), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and lifestyle behaviours. The following conclusions can be drawn from the studies presented in this thesis. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviours (i.e. skipping breakfast, more social media platforms used, and spending more time on social media) have a negative impact on children’s health outcomes and HRQoL. Multiple individual and family-related factors (i.e. sex, ethnic background, socioeconomic status of a family, and family structure) may affect children’s HRQoL at younger age. Additionally, multiple family-related factors (i.e. family structure and socioeconomic status of a family) independent associated with children’s social media use at younger age. The findings in our study also support the assumption that interventions with multiple levels of influence (e.g. public policy, individual, interpersonal, or organizational) may contribute to policies to address oral health inequalities. The findings presented can support the development of evidence-based preventive interventions, practice guidelines and policies to promote child health and well-being.