Experts for comment on UNICEF report

The following researchers with the University of Victoria’s Centre for Youth and Society (CFYS) are available to discuss the UNICEF report released today on the state of children in wealthy countries. Canada scored “below average” grades for obesity, infant mortality and children’s life satisfaction.

Obesity
UNICEF report: Canadian children's well-being includes high rates of obesity (27th out of 29 countries).

Dr. P.J. Naylor is an associate professor in the School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education. Her teaching and research interests are in socio-ecological approaches to obesity prevention, building and measuring organizational and community capacity, and mobilizing communities for action on health and knowledge exchange. pjnaylor@uvic.ca or 250-888-1362

Infant Mortality
UNICEF report: Canada ranked 22nd (of 29) in infant mortality.

Dr. Lenora Marcellus is an assistant professor in the School of Nursing. Her research currently centres around infants considered high risk and their families and caregivers. In particular, she is interested in the issues of prematurity, substance use during pregnancy (including infants with neonatal withdrawal, supporting women with substance use challenges, and supporting foster families who care for these infants in a community setting) and adolescent pregnancy and parenting. Prior to joining UVic, Lenora was the perinatal lead for the Vancouver Island Health Authority. lenoram@uvic.ca or 250-472-5428

Mental Health and Well Being
UNICEF report: Canada's overall ranking drops 7 places to 24th when children's views of their own life satisfaction are measured. Only five Eastern European countries rank lower than Canada in this category.

Dr. Anne Marshall is a professor of counselling psychology and Director of the Centre for Youth and Society, an interdisciplinary research centre at UVic. Her work focuses on adolescent transitions, mental health, mental health literacy, cultural identity and qualitative community-based research. amarshal@uvic.ca or 250-472-4706

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