Food insecurity, vitamin D insufficiency and respiratory infections among Inuit children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Food insecurity, vitamin D deficiency and lower respiratory tract infections are highly prevalent conditions among Inuit children. However, the relationship between these conditions has not been examined in this population.

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between food insecurity and severe respiratory infections before age 2 years and health centre visits for a respiratory problem in the past year. We also explored the relationship between serum vitamin D status and respiratory outcomes in this population.

Design

We included children aged 3-5 years who participated in a cross-sectional survey of the health of preschool Inuit children in Nunavut, Canada, from 2007 to 2008 (n=388). Parental reports of severe respiratory i

SUBMITTER: Tse SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4759828 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature