The hygiene hypothesis, as originally proposed, postulated an inverse relation between the incidence of infectious diseases in early life and the subsequent development of allergies and asthma. New evidence from epidemiological, biological and genetic studies has significantly enlarged the scope of the hypothesis. It now appears probable that environmental 'danger' signals regulate the pattern of immune responses in early life. Microbial burden in general, and not any single acute infectious illness, is the main source of these signals. The latter interact with a sensitive and complex receptor system, and genetic variations in this receptor system may be an important determinant of inherited susceptibility to asthma and allergies.

Northern Ireland (NI) has the poorest levels of oral health in the United Kingdom (UK) with its children having the highest levels of tooth decay in Europe (Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety; DHSSPS, 2007). The Oral Health Strategy for Northern Ireland (DHSSPS, 2007) emphasises the need to address these problems, yet there is a lack of research investigating the determinants of young people's toothbrushing behaviour. This study sought to address this research gap by investigating young peoples attitudes and motivations for brushing their teeth. To achieve this aim a mixed-methods sequential research design was employed, with the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) providing the theoretical framework for each of the research stages. In stage one, an elicitation study adopting focus group methodology was conducted to elicit the modal salient beliefs of the target behaviour. These beliefs were then used to inform the development of items contained within the TPB questionnaire. In stage two, the research sought to confirm suitability of the questionnaire measure for use with the target group, schoolchildren aged 9-10 years. Test-retest methodology was employed to explore the psychometric properties of each scale. In stage three, the study investigated the theoretical factors influencing toothbrushing intentions and behaviour among 867 schoolchildren. Participation in the research study was recruited using randomised and stratified sampling techniques. Overall, the findings provide support for the theoretical model of the TPB and highlight the key theoretical constructs in predicting intentions to brush teeth among schoolchildren, namely self-efficacy, attitude and subjective norm. They have also elucidated the relative importance of the factors that are influential in affecting childrens motivations and decisions to brush their teeth. Furthermore, the study has highlighted the important contribution of other variables affecting childrens toothbrushing behaviour such as, various risk factors can impinge upon their toothbrushing routine, including tiredness, laziness, memory and issues related to resources (e.g. types of toothpaste and texture of toothbrush). This study undoubtedly provides support for the theoretical model of the TPB. The questionnaire measure was found to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing toothbrushing beliefs of schoolchildren, suggesting that the theory is applicable for use with a child population. The findings from this study could be of use to those interested in designing interventions to reduce Nl's oral health problem and given the theoretical framework, identify those factors which influence toothbrushing behaviour amongst a particularly at-risk group. It is hoped that the research will make a valid contribution to the TPB-based literature and also serve as a possible framework for other health psychologists interested in this topic.

published_or_final_version / Community Medicine / Master / Master of Public Health

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Few studies have documented the impact of complete dentures on patients&rsquo / oral health-related quality of life. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between gender, age, socioeconomic status and denture satisfaction

Teacher support teams :a school-based strategy for the provision of education support services and health promotion.

Research shows that low levels of social acceptance, body satisfaction, and athletic competence increase risks for depressive symptoms among both girls and boys (Harter, Marold, & Whitesell, 1992). Little is known, however, about factors that can mediate these risks. To better understand how sports involvement may mediate risks for depressive symptoms, this study uses a multivariate structural model to examine how the qualitative nature of team sports involvement operates to influence risks for depressive symptoms. Participants were 455 students from a high school in a moderately-sized city. Girls reported lower mean levels of body satisfaction and athletic engagement and tended have higher levels of depressive symptoms. No sex differences were observed in experiences of positive team sports involvement. Structural equation modeling showed that the mediating model fit the data well. Implications for community- and school-based sports programs are discussed.