1.  Title: The use of home-based therapy with ready-to-use therapeutic food to treat malnutrition in a rural area during a food crisis. Author: Amthor RE; Cole SM; Manary MJ Source: Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2009 Mar;109(3):464-7. Abstract: When the international community declared a famine in Malawi in January of 2006, emergency food aid reached only populations with pre-existing health care services. To treat the widespread childhood malnutrition in Machinga district, a rural area lacking health care facilities, in February 2006 five outpatient therapeutic programs were implemented that utilized home-based therapy and ready-to-use therapeutic food. Children with severe malnutrition, defined as the presence of edema and/or a weight-for-height less than 70% of the reference standard, were enrolled in the program. Two senior clinical nurses trained village health aides in each of the five communities. Children visited the health aides biweekly. During the visits, health aides collected demographic and anthropometric information and distributed a 2-week supply of ready-to-use therapeutic food, providing 175 kcal/kg/d. Treatment continued for 8 weeks; children were discharged before 8 weeks if they reached a weight-for-height more than 100% of the reference standard, or required admission to the hospital due to systemic infection or recurrence of edema. Of the 826 children enrolled, 775 (93.7%) recovered, 13 (1.8%) remained malnourished, 30 (3.6%) defaulted, and 8 (0.9%) died. Mean weight gained was 2.7+/-3.7 g/kg/d, height gained 0.3+/-0.9 mm/d, and mid-upper arm circumference gained 0.2+/-0.3 mm/d. Home-based therapy with ready-to-use therapeutic food administered by village health aides is an effective approach to treating malnutrition during food crises in areas lacking health services. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | MALAWI | RESEARCH REPORT | RURAL AREAS | COMMUNITY | CHILDREN | FAMINE | FOOD SECURITY | NUTRITION DISORDERS | ANTHROPOMETRY | BODY WEIGHT | BODY HEIGHT | MALNUTRITION | HOME CARE | TREATMENT | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Geographic Factors | Population | Residence Characteristics | Population Distribution | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Food Supply | Natural Resources | Environment | Diseases | Measurement | Research Methodology | Physiology | Biology | Care and Support | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Medical Procedures | Medicine Document Number: 330803 |
| 2. Title: An assessment of the effectiveness of growth monitoring and promotion practices in the Lusaka district of Zambia. Author: Charlton KE; Kawana BM; Hendricks MK Source: Nutrition. 2009 Oct;25(10):1035-46. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effectiveness of the growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) program in Zambia. METHODS: A 3-mo prospective study of growth outcomes was undertaken at randomly selected health facilities and community posts within the Lusaka district. Children <2 y old (n=698) were purposively sampled from three health facilities (n=459) and four community posts (n=77) where health workers had undergone training in GMP and three health facilities where staff had not received training (n=162). Qualitative data on knowledge, attitudes, and practices of GMP were collected from health facility managers (n=6), health workers (n=35), and mothers whose children attended all follow-up visits (n=27). RESULTS: Anthropometric status of children in all groups deteriorated, with children at community posts having the worst outcomes (change in weight-for-age Z-score -0.8+/-0.7), followed by trained (-0.5+/-0.6) and untrained (-0.3+/-0.47; P<0.05) health facilities. A similar trend was seen for weight for length. The overall dropout rate was 74.1%. Weight-for-age Z-scores were higher at 1- and 2-mo follow-up visits for children who did not complete the study at trained health facilities and community posts compared with those who remained in the study. Mothers/caregivers identified GMP as important in attending the under-five clinic, associated their child's weight with overall health status, and expressed a willingness to comply with health workers' advice. However, health care providers were poorly motivated, inadequately supervised, and demonstrated poor practices. CONCLUSIONS: The GMP program in Lusaka is functioning suboptimally, even in facilities with trained staff. Language: English Keywords: ZAMBIA | RESEARCH REPORT | MONITORING | CHILDREN | GROWTH | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | BODY WEIGHT | ANTHROPOMETRY | PROMOTION | PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS | Developing Countries | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Evaluation | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Biology | Physiology | Measurement | Research Methodology | Marketing | Economic Factors | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 342875 |
| 3. Title: Effect of micronutrient supplementation on diarrhoeal disease among stunted children in rural South Africa. Author: Chhagan MK; Van den Broeck J; Luabeya KK; Mpontshane N; Tucker KL; Bennish ML Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009 Jul;63(7):850-7. Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of zinc combined with vitamin A or multiple micronutrients in preventing diarrhoea is unclear in African countries with high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed children. Potential modifying factors, such as stunting, need to be addressed. The objective of this study was to determine whether adding zinc or zinc plus multiple micronutrients to vitamin A reduces diarrhoea incidence, and whether this differs between the strata of stunted or HIV-infected children. METHODS: We analyzed data from a randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00156832) of prophylactic micronutrient supplementation to children aged 6-24 months. Three cohorts of children: 32 HIV-infected children, 154 HIV-uninfected children born to HIV-infected mothers and 187 uninfected children born to HIV-uninfected mothers, received vitamin A, vitamin A plus zinc or multiple micronutrients, which included vitamin A and zinc. The main outcome was incidence of diarrhoea. Poisson regression was used in intent-to-treat analyses. Stratified analyses followed testing for statistical interaction between intervention and stunting. RESULTS: We observed no significant differences in overall diarrhoea incidence among treatment arms. Stunting modified this effect with stunted HIV-uninfected children having significantly lower diarrhoea incidence when supplemented with zinc or multiple micronutrients compared with vitamin A alone (2.04 and 2.23 vs 3.92 episodes/year, respectively, P=0.024). No meaningful subgroup analyses could be done in the cohort of HIV-infected children. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with vitamin A alone, supplementation with zinc and with zinc and multiple micronutrients, reduced diarrhoea morbidity in stunted rural South African children. Efficacy of zinc supplementation in HIV-infected children needs confirmation in studies that represent the spectrum of disease severity and age groups. Language: English Keywords: SOUTH AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | DOUBLE-BLIND STUDIES | INFANT | DIARRHEA, INFANTILE | INCIDENCE | HIV INFECTIONS | FOOD SUPPLEMENTATION | ZINC | VITAMIN A | VITAMINS AND MINERALS | ANTHROPOMETRY | Developing Countries | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Diarrhea | Diseases | Measurement | Viral Diseases | Nutrition Programs | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Metals | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 342462 |
| 4. Peer Reviewed Title: Anthropometric indices of infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers: a prospective cohort study in Lagos, Nigeria. Author: Ezeaka VC; Iroha EO; Akinsulie AO; Temiye EO; Adetifa IM Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS. 2009 Aug;20(8):545-8. Abstract: Numerous studies have reported that HIV-infected pregnant women are at increased risk of delivery of low birth weight (LBW) infants, of preterm deliveries and of intrauterine growth restriction. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of maternal HIV infection on the anthropometric characteristics of the babies at birth. A prospective study was carried out at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. There were three times more LBW babies in the HIV-positive group than in the uninfected mothers (odds ratio = 3.47, 95% confidence interval = 1.69, 7.27; chi(2) = 12.99, P = 0.0003).The maternal weight (t = 15.85; P = 0.0001), maternal body mass index (BMI) (t = 15.07; P = 0.0003), birth weight of infants (t = 27.17; P = 0.0001) and birth length (t = 31.20; P = 0.001) were significantly less in HIV-positive mothers than in controls. In conclusion, poor maternal bodyweight and low BMI are significant contributors to LBW in HIV-infected women. Nutritional counselling, dietary intake and weight monitoring during pregnancy should be emphasized to improve pregnancy outcome in HIV-infected women. Language: English Keywords: NIGERIA | RESEARCH REPORT | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | COHORT ANALYSIS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | MOTHERS | INFANT | INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION | MATERNAL NUTRITION | ANTHROPOMETRY | BIRTH WEIGHT | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Studies | Research Methodology | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Congenital Abnormalities | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Nutrition | Health | Measurement | Body Weight | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 342221 |
| 5. Title: Longitudinal growth of infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Author: Fausto MA; Carneiro M; Antunes CM; Colosimo EA; Pinto JA Source: Public Health Nutrition. 2009 Jun;12(6):783-8. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate growth parameters assessed by weight and length in infected and uninfected infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers and followed from birth to 18 months. METHODS: A cohort consisting of ninety-seven uninfected and forty-two infected infants born to HIV-infected mothers enrolled from 1995 to 2004, and admitted during their first 3 months of life at a referral Pediatric AIDS Clinic in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Infants were followed until 18 months of age. Data were analysed using mixed-effects linear regression models for weight and length fitted by restricted maximum likelihood. RESULTS: Infected infants contributed to 466 weight and 411 recumbent length measurements. Uninfected infants provided 924 weight and 907 length measurements. Mean birth weight and length were similar in both groups, 3.1 (sd 0.4) and 3.0 (sd 0.5) kg, and 48.7 (sd 1.4) and 48.8 (sd 2.9) cm for uninfected and infected infants, respectively. However, HIV-1 infection had an early impact in growth impairment: at 6 months of age, HIV-infected children were 1 kg lighter and 2 cm shorter than the uninfected. CONCLUSIONS: Growth faltering in weight, but not length, in HIV-infected children in Brazil is more marked than that reported in a European cohort, probably reflecting background nutritional deficiencies and concomitant infections. In these settings, early and aggressive nutritional management in HIV-1-infected infants should be a priority intervention associated with the antiretroviral therapy. Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | COHORT ANALYSIS | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | MOTHERS | INFANT | GROWTH | ANTHROPOMETRY | BIRTH WEIGHT | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Studies | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Child Development | Biology | Measurement | Body Weight | Physiology | HIV Document Number: 342213 |
| 6. Title: Nutritional recovery in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children with severe acute malnutrition. Author: Fergusson P; Chinkhumba J; Grijalva-Eternod C; Banda T; Mkangama C; Tomkins A Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood. 2009 Jul;94(7):512-6. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Few studies have reported on nutritional recovery, survival and growth among severely malnourished children with HIV. This study explores nutritional recovery in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children during inpatient nutrition rehabilitation and 4 months of follow-up. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Lilongwe district, Malawi. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Weight gain, anthropometrics. RESULTS: In our sample of 454 children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), 17.4% (n = 79) of children were HIV infected. None of the children were on antiretroviral therapy upon admission. Among the HIV-infected children, 35.4% (28/79) died, compared with 10.4% (39/375) in HIV-uninfected children (p<0.001). All children who survived achieved nutritional recovery (>85% weight for height and no oedema), regardless of HIV status. HIV-infected children had similar weight gain to HIV-uninfected children (8.9 vs 8.0 g/kg/d, not significant (NS)). Mean increases in z-scores for both subscapular (2.72 vs 2.69, NS) and triceps (1.26 vs 1.48, NS) skinfolds were similar between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children, respectively, during nutrition rehabilitation. 362 children were followed for 4 months, at which time mean weight for height z-score was similar in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children (-0.85 vs -0.64, NS). CONCLUSIONS: HIV-infected children with SAM have higher mortality rates than HIV-uninfected children. Among those who survive, however, nutritional recovery is similar in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children. Language: English Keywords: MALAWI | RESEARCH REPORT | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | CHILDREN | HIV INFECTIONS | MALNUTRITION | CASE FATALITY RATE | GROWTH | ANTHROPOMETRY | BODY WEIGHT | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Nutrition Disorders | Death Rate | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Child Development | Biology | Measurement | Physiology Document Number: 342645 |
| 7. Title: Nutritional Assessment of Newborns of HIV Infected Mothers. Author: Gangar J Source: Indian Pediatrics. 2009 Apr;46(4):339-41. Abstract: Nutritional status of 50 newborns born to HIV infected mothers in a tertiary care hospital was compared with that of babies born to HIV seronegative mothers, as assessed by birthweight, mid arm circumference to head circumference ratio (MAC/HC), ponderal index (PI), and clinical assessment of nutritional status (CAN) score. The incidence of malnutrition in babies born to HIV infected mothers was 36%, 82%, 20%, and 44% using birth weight, MAC/HC, PI, and CAN scores, respectively, compared to 10%, 56%, 8%, and 22% incidence in babies born to HIV seronegative mothers, respectively. Rate of fetal malnutrition was significantly more in babies born to HIV infected mothers. Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | INFANT | MOTHERS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | MALNUTRITION | INCIDENCE | ANTHROPOMETRY | BIRTH WEIGHT | NUTRITION INDEXES | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Nutrition Disorders | Measurement | Body Weight | Physiology | Biology | Nutrition | Health Document Number: 342375 |
| 8. Title: Impact of intestinal permeability, inflammation status and parasitic infections on infant growth faltering in rural Bangladesh. Author: Goto R; Mascie-Taylor CG; Lunn PG Source: British Journal of Nutrition. 2009 May;101(10):1509-16. Abstract: A longitudinal study of 298 rural Bangladeshi infants found evidence of growth faltering starting at 3 months of age. Anthropometric status declined substantially in the first 2 years of life, with weight-for-height (WHZ) falling from - 0.49 to - 1.75, weight-for-age (WAZ) from - 1.18 to - 2.87 and height-for-age (HAZ) from - 1.00 to - 1.88. Higher concentrations of the acute-phase protein alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and higher gut mucosal damage (as signified by raised lactulose:mannitol (L:M) ratios) were both associated with chronic malnutrition as indicated by poorer HAZ and WAZ scores (P = 0.011 and 0.005 for AGP and 0.039 and 0.019 for L:M ratio, respectively). Higher Hb levels were related to improved z-scores, while elevation of Giardia-specific IgM titre (GSIgM) was associated with poor WAZ and WHZ (P = 0.015 and 0.039, respectively). IgG did not show any significant association with z-scores and the L:M ratio did not correlate with any of the inflammation markers or Giardia infection. The prevalence of geohelminth infections was low (only 4 % in the total study period). However, the level of GSIgM indicated high endemicity of Giardia infection from early in life, although very few cysts were detected from stool samples. These findings suggest that rural Bangladeshi infants are being exposed to high levels of infection with concomitant gut damage and growth faltering. Language: English Keywords: BANGLADESH | RURAL AREAS | RESEARCH REPORT | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | INFANT | PARASITIC DISEASES | GASTROINTESTINAL EFFECTS | GROWTH | MALNUTRITION | ANTHROPOMETRY | LABORATORY PROCEDURES | IMMUNOLOGIC FACTORS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Geographic Factors | Population | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Diseases | Physiology | Biology | Child Development | Nutrition Disorders | Measurement | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Immunity | Immune System Document Number: 342008 |
| 9. Title: Reconsidering childhood undernutrition: can birth spacing make a difference? An analysis of the 2002-2003 El Salvador National Family Health Survey. Author: Gribble JN; Murray NJ; Menotti EP Source: Maternal and Child Nutrition. 2009 Jan;5(1):49-63. Abstract: It is well understood that undernutrition underpins much of child morbidity and mortality in less developed countries, but the causes of undernutrition are complex and interrelated, requiring a multipronged approach for intervention. This paper uses a subsample of 3853 children under age 5 from the most recent family health survey in El Salvador to examine the relationship between birth spacing and childhood undernutrition (stunting and underweight). While recent research and guidance suggest that birth spacing of three to five years contributes to lower levels of infant and childhood mortality, little attention has been given to the possibility that short birth intervals have longer-term effects on childhood nutrition status. The analysis controls for clustering effects arising from siblings being included in the subsample, as well as variables that are associated with household resources, household structure, reproductive history and outcomes, and household social environment. The results of the multiple regression analyses find that in comparison to intervals of 36-59 months, birth intervals of less than 24 months and intervals of 24-35 months significantly increase the odds of stunting (<24 months Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21-1.92; 25-36 months OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.05-1.64). Other factors related to stunting and underweight include standard of living index quintile, child's age, mother's education, low birthweight, use of prenatal care, and region of the country where the child lives. Policy and program implications include more effective use of health services and outreach programs to counsel mothers on family planning, breastfeeding, and well child care. Language: English Keywords: EL SALVADOR | RESEARCH REPORT | ANTHROPOMETRY | CHILDREN | CHILD HEALTH | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | CHILD NUTRITION | BIRTH SPACING | BIRTH INTERVALS | LOW BIRTH WEIGHT | FAMILY PLANNING | BREASTFEEDING | NEEDS | PROGRAM EVALUATION | Developing Countries | Central America | Latin America | Americas | Measurement | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Health | Biology | Nutrition | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Birth Weight | Body Weight | Physiology | Infant Nutrition | Economic Factors | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 329593 |
| 10. Title: Education, prenatal care, and poor perinatal outcome in Khartoum, Sudan. Author: Hassan AA; Abubaker MS; Radi EA; Adam I Source: International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. 2009 Apr;105(1):66-7. Abstract: Perinatal outcome is an important indicator of obstetric care and health status. Reducing the incidence of low birth weight neonates by at least one third between 2000 and 2010 is one of the major goals of the United Nations resolution "A World Fit for Children" and is an important contribution toward Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 which is to reduce child mortality by two thirds by 2015. Local surveillance and basic epidemiology can more accurately assess perinatal outcome and identify areas to which interventions should be targeted. The aims of the present study were to identify and quantify the risk factors for low birth weight neonates and perinatal mortality in Sudan, and to assess the role of sociodemographic factors. Language: English Keywords: SUDAN | RESEARCH REPORT | STATISTICAL STUDIES | MOTHERS | ANTENATAL CARE | LOW BIRTH WEIGHT | RISK FACTORS | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | ANTHROPOMETRY | PREGNANCY OUTCOMES | Developing Countries | Africa, North | Africa | Studies | Research Methodology | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Maternal Health Services | Maternal-Child Health Services | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Birth Weight | Body Weight | Physiology | Biology | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Measurement | Pregnancy | Reproduction Document Number: 341386 |
| 11. Peer Reviewed Title: Probiotics and prebiotics for severe acute malnutrition (PRONUT study): a double-blind efficacy randomised controlled trial in Malawi. Author: Kerac M; Bunn J; Seal A; Thindwa M; Tomkins A; Sadler K; Bahwere P; Collins S Source: Lancet. 2009 Jul 11;374(9684):136-44. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Severe acute malnutrition affects 13 million children worldwide and causes 1-2 million deaths every year. Our aim was to assess the clinical and nutritional efficacy of a probiotic and prebiotic functional food for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition in a HIV-prevalent setting. METHODS: We recruited 795 Malawian children (age range 5 to 168 months [median 22, IQR 15 to 32]) from July 12, 2006, to March 7, 2007, into a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled efficacy trial. For generalisability, all admissions for severe acute malnutrition treatment were eligible for recruitment. After stabilisation with milk feeds, children were randomly assigned to ready-to-use therapeutic food either with (n=399) or without (n=396) Synbiotic2000 Forte. Average prescribed Synbiotic dose was 10(10) colony-forming units or more of lactic acid bacteria per day for the duration of treatment (median 33 days). Primary outcome was nutritional cure (weight-for-height >80% of National Center for Health Statistics median on two consecutive outpatient visits). Secondary outcomes included death, weight gain, time to cure, and prevalence of clinical symptoms (diarrhoea, fever, and respiratory problems). Analysis was on an intention-to-treat basis. This trial is registered as an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial, number ISRCTN19364765. FINDINGS: Nutritional cure was similar in both Synbiotic and control groups (53.9% [215 of 399] and 51.3% [203 of 396]; p=0.40). Secondary outcomes were also similar between groups. HIV seropositivity was associated with worse outcomes overall, but did not modify or confound the negative results. Subgroup analyses showed possible trends towards reduced outpatient mortality in the Synbiotic group (p=0.06). INTERPRETATION: In Malawi, Synbiotic2000 Forte did not improve severe acute malnutrition outcomes. The observation of reduced outpatient mortality might be caused by bias, confounding, or chance, but is biologically plausible, has potential for public health impact, and should be explored in future studies. FUNDING: Department for International Development (DfID). Language: English Keywords: MALAWI | RESEARCH REPORT | DOUBLE-BLIND STUDIES | CHILDREN | MALNUTRITION | NUTRITION PROGRAMS | FOOD AND BEVERAGE | ANTHROPOMETRY | HIV INFECTIONS | ANTIBIOTICS | INFECTIONS | MORTALITY | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Nutrition | Measurement | Viral Diseases | Drugs | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Population Dynamics Document Number: 342331 |
| 12. Title: Metabolic profile and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in different reproductive phases of Czech women and their relations to weight, body composition and fat distribution. Author: KOSKOVA I; PETRASEK R; VONDRA K; DUSKOVA M; STARKA L Source: Physiological Research / Academia Scientiarum Bohemoslovaca. 2009;58(3):393-402. Abstract: In our study, 213 healthy Czech women aged 20 to 65 years were examined and divided into fully reproductive, premenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal groups. In all subjects body composition was determined by classical anthropometry and metabolic profile was assessed. A total of 146 subjects completed 3-year longitudinal study. Total and LDL cholesterol increased and ratio HDL/total cholesterol decreased with age (p<0.001), most significantly in menopause. Triacylglycerols increased only up to menopause. HDL had a very slight trend to decrease in menopause and postmenopause. Fasting blood glucose level increased progressively (p<0.001), in postmenopause frequently exceeded normal range. Higher BMI, total fat mass and central fat indices were associated with higher total and LDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols, C-peptide, insulin and fasting blood glucose level (p<0.001; fasting blood glucose level to waist-to-hip ratio: p<0.01) and lower HDL cholesterol (p<0.001). Higher C-peptide and insulin were associated with lower HDL cholesterol and higher triacylglycerols (p<0.001). Fasting glucose correlated with LDL cholesterol (p<0.01). Higher SHBG was associated with higher HDL and lower LDL cholesterol (p<0.001). Hormone replacement treatment was related to lower fasting blood glucose level in postmenopausal women (p<0.01). Oral contraception is suggestive of a positive influence on lipid spectrum by increasing the ratio HDL/total cholesterol. Markers of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism are not only age-related, but they are also related to BMI, total fat mass and central fat indices. Therefore, preventive programs should be focused above all on menopausal women. Language: English Keywords: CZECHOSLOVAKIA | RESEARCH REPORT | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | WOMEN | CARBOHYDRATE METABOLIC EFFECTS | LIPID METABOLIC EFFECTS | CHOLESTEROL | BODY WEIGHT | ANTHROPOMETRY | AGE FACTORS | MENOPAUSE | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES | HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY | Europe, Central | Europe | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Metabolic Effects | Physiology | Biology | Lipids | Measurement | Population Characteristics | Reproduction | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 342621 |
| 13. Peer Reviewed Title: Lipodystrophy and metabolic disorders in HIV-1-infected adults on 4- to 9-year antiretroviral therapy in Senegal: a case-control study. Author: Mercier S; Gueye NF; Cournil A; Fontbonne A; Copin N; Ndiaye I; Dupuy AM; Cames C; Sow PS; Ndoye I; Delaporte E; Simondon KB Source: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2009 Jun 1;51(2):224-30. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess adverse effects of long-term highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), that is, lipodystrophy and metabolic disorders, in a cohort of African patients. METHODS: One hundred eighty HIV-1-infected patients treated with HAART for 4-9 years in Dakar and 180 age-matched and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Regional subcutaneous fat changes were assessed by physicians, and fasting blood samples were drawn. Centralization of body fat was estimated using skinfold ratio, waist circumference, and waist to hip ratio (WHR). RESULTS: Mean duration of HAART was 5.4 years. Main drugs received were zidovudine, stavudine, and protease inhibitors. The prevalence of moderate-severe lipodystrophy was 31.1% (95% confidence interval: 24.3 to 37.9), with 13.3%, 14.5%, and 3.3% for lipoatrophy, lipohypertrophy, and mixed forms, respectively. Mild-severe lipodystrophy affected 65.0% (58.0; 72.0) of patients. Stavudine was the only independent risk factor (any vs. none: odds ratio = 2.8; 1.4 to 5.5). Patients had lower body mass index and skinfolds but greater centralization of body fat (WHR, P < 0.0001 and skinfold ratio, P < 0.001), fasting glucose (P < 0.0001), homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance, and triglyceride levels (P < 0.01 for both) than controls. Moderately-severely lipodystrophic patients had higher triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol than other patients (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-severe lipodystrophy affected one third of West African patients on long-term HAART and was associated with a less favorable metabolic profile. Language: English Keywords: SENEGAL | RESEARCH REPORT | CONTROL GROUPS | ADULTS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS | SIDE EFFECTS | LIPID METABOLIC EFFECTS | PREVALENCE | LIPIDS | ANTHROPOMETRY | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | HIV | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Physiology | Biology | Measurement Document Number: 341775 |
| 14. Title: Putting a finger on potential predictors of oral contraceptive side effects: 2D:4D and middle-phalangeal hair. Author: Oinonen KA Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2009;34:713-726. Abstract: Many women experience emotional or physical side effects when taking oral contraceptives (OCs). Despite the potential impact on women's health and well-being, there are no valid methods to screen women for their risk of OC side effects. The present paper presents the results of two studies where anthropometric indicators of androgen exposure, 2D:4D and middle-phalangeal hair, were examined for their potential as predictors of OC side effects. In study 1, 2D:4D was associated with women's reports of a history of: (a) negative mood side effects; (b) discontinuation due to negative mood side effects; (c) specific mood side effects (i.e., crying, sadness, and altered trust in one's partners) and (d) specific physical side effects (i.e., headaches, fatigue, and decreased sex drive). In study 2, 2D:4D and/or middle-phalangeal hair was/were associated with a reported history of: (a) discontinuation due to negative mood side effects; (b) specific mood-related side effects (i.e., negative mood, disrupted sleep, increased aggression, and altered trust in one's partner) and (c) specific physical side effects (i.e., headaches, decreased menstrual cramps, and increased sex drive/arousal). The general pattern was that adverse OC side effects were experienced by women with lower 2D:4D and fewer middle-phalangeal hairs. Almost all relationships remained significant when response bias was controlled. These results suggest a possible role for prenatal testosterone exposure and both androgen action and sensitivity in women's experience of OC side effects. Furthermore, these two digit measures may be useful predictors of hormonal contraceptive side effects in women. Language: English Keywords: CANADA | RESEARCH REPORT | WOMEN | SEXUAL PARTNERS | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, SIDE EFFECTS | ANTHROPOMETRY | ANDROGENS | SCREENING | EMOTIONS | HEADACHE | FATIGUE | CONTRACEPTION TERMINATION | SLEEPING | TESTOSTERONE | North America, Northern | Americas | Developed Countries | Demographic Factors | Population | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Contraceptive Safety | Safety | Public Health | Health | Measurement | Research Methodology | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Psychological Factors | Signs and Symptoms | Diseases | Contraception | Family Planning Document Number: 329672 |
| 15. Title: Lipodystrophy in children and adolescents with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and its relationship with the antiretroviral therapy employed. Author: Sarni RO; de Souza FI; Battistini TR; Pitta TS; Fernandes AP; Tardini PC; Fonseca FL; Dos Santos VP; Lopez FA Source: Jornal De Pediatria. 2009 Jul-Aug;85(4):329-34. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of clinical lipodystrophy in children with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and to relate it to the antiretroviral regimen employed, to changes in lipid profile and to insulin resistance. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 30 children and adolescents (median age = 9.1 years) with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome during 2004 and 2005. The following clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed: classification of HIV infection, anthropometric measurements (weight and height), serum glycemia, serum insulin and lipid profile (LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides). Lipodystrophy was diagnosed using clinical parameters. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: All of the patients were taking antiretroviral therapy regularly (median duration of 28.4 months); 80% were on three drugs in combination (highly active therapy) and 30% were on protease inhibitors. Lipodystrophy and dyslipidemia were observed in 53.3 and 60% of the patients, respectively. Children on a highly active therapy regimen with protease inhibitors exhibited a higher percentage of mixed lipodystrophy; the difference between these children and the group on highly active therapy without protease inhibitors and the group not on a highly active therapy was statistically significant (44.4 vs. 16.7%; p = 0.004). There was no statistically significant association between the presence of lipodystrophy and sex, age (> 10 years), changes to the lipid profile or insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The elevated prevalence of dyslipidemia and lipodystrophy observed among children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which exhibited a relationship with the antiretroviral regimen employed, may represent an increased risk for future complications, in particular cardiovascular problems. Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | LABORATORY PROCEDURES | PREVALENCE | CHILDREN | ADOLESCENTS | ANTHROPOMETRY | HIV INFECTIONS | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS | SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS | TREATMENT | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Measurement | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Viral Diseases | Diseases | HIV Document Number: 342520 |
| 16. Peer Reviewed Title: Height and weight differences between North and South Korea. Author: Schwekendiek D Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2009 Jan;41(1):51-5. Abstract: This paper investigates height and weight differences between the two Koreas by comparing national anthropometric data published by the South Korean Research Institute of Standard and Science with United Nations survey data collected inside North Korea in 2002. For socioeconomic reasons, pre-school children raised in the developing country of North Korea are up to 13 cm shorter and up to 7 kg lighter than children who were brought up in South Korea--an OECD member. North Korean women were also found to weigh up to 9 kg less than their Southern counterparts. Language: English Keywords: DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA | REPUBLIC OF KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | ANTHROPOMETRY | BODY HEIGHT | BODY WEIGHT | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | Developing Countries | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developed Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Measurement | Physiology | Biology | Economic Factors Document Number: 330510 |
| 17. Title: Maternal autonomy is inversely related to child stunting in Andhra Pradesh, India. Author: Shroff M; Griffiths P; Adair L; Suchindran C; Bentley M Source: Maternal and Child Nutrition. 2009 Jan;5(1):64-74. Abstract: Child stunting, an outcome of chronic undernutrition, contributes to poor quality of life, morbidity and mortality. In South Asia, the low status of women is thought to be one of the primary determinants of undernutrition across the lifespan. Low female status can result in compromised health outcomes for women, which in turn are related to lower infant birthweight and may affect the quality of infant care and nutrition. Maternal autonomy (defined as a woman's personal power in the household and her ability to influence and change her environment) is likely an important factor influencing child care and ultimately infant and child health outcomes. To examine the relationship between maternal autonomy and child stunting in Andhra Pradesh, India, we analysed data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-2. We used cross-sectional demographic, health and anthropometric information for mothers and their oldest child <36 months (n = 821) from NFHS-2. The main explanatory variables of autonomy are presented by four dimensions - decision making, permission to travel, attitude towards domestic violence and financial autonomy - constructed using seven binary variables. Logistic regression models were used to test associations between indicators of female autonomy and the risk of having a stunted child. Women with higher autonomy {indicated by access to money [odds ratio (OR) = 0.731; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.546, 0.981] and freedom to choose to go to the market [OR = 0.593; 95% CI 0.376, 0.933]} were significantly less likely to have a stunted child, after controlling for household socio-economic status and mother's education. In this south Indian state, two dimensions of female autonomy have an independent effect on child growth, suggesting the need for interventions that increase women's financial and physical autonomy. Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | ANTHROPOMETRY | PREGNANT WOMEN | CHILDREN | MATERNAL NUTRITION | MALNUTRITION | BODY HEIGHT | BODY WEIGHT | QUALITY OF LIFE | MORBIDITY | EVALUATION | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Measurement | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Nutrition | Health | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Physiology | Biology | Social Welfare | Economic Factors Document Number: 330818 |
| 18. Title: Aetiology of acute gastro-enteritis in children at Saint Camille Medical Centre, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Author: Simpore J; Ouermi D; Ilboudo D; Kabre A; Zeba B; Pietra V; Pignatelli S; Nikiema JB; Kabre GB; Caligaris S; Schumacher F; Castelli F Source: Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences. 2009 Feb 1;12(3):258-63. Abstract: The present study aims at identifying the infectious agents responsible for child Acute GastroEnteritis (AGE) in Ouagadougou. From May 5 2006 to June 22 2008, 648 children aged from 2 to 41 months, with at least an average of 3 loose stools per day have been enrolled for coproculture, parasitology and virology test. Among them, 34 (5.25%) were HIV seropositive. A single sample of faeces from each child was used to identify enteropathogens. An infectious aetiology was identified in 41.20% of cases. The pathogenic agents detected as responsible for the AGE are: Rotavirus 21.1%; Adenovirus 1.9%; Giardia 7.6% Entamoeba; 1.08%; entero-pathogenic E. coli 41.7%; Salmonella 3.40%; Shigella 1.85% and Yersinia 1.70%. Conclusion: Therefore, these AGE etiologic agents constitute a problem of public health in Burkina Faso. Their control for the child would require: (1) a regular paediatric and clinical follow up; (2) health education of the population for food hygiene and (3) in case of absence of HIV infection in the mother, a promotion of exclusive breast-feeding up to the age of 4 months. Language: English Keywords: BURKINA FASO | RESEARCH REPORT | SAMPLING STUDIES | CHILDREN | GASTROINTESTINAL EFFECTS | DIARRHEA | ROTAVIRUS | BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL DISEASES | PARASITIC DISEASES | HIV INFECTIONS | PREVALENCE | ANTHROPOMETRY | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Physiology | Biology | Diseases | Viral Diseases | Infections | Measurement Document Number: 342150 |
| 19. Peer Reviewed Title: Association of maternal height with child mortality, anthropometric failure, and anemia in India. Author: Subramanian SV; Ackerson LK; Davey Smith G; John NA Source: JAMA. 2009 Apr 22;301(16):1691-701. Abstract: CONTEXT: Prior research on the determinants of child health has focused on contemporaneous risk factors such as maternal behaviors, dietary factors, and immediate environmental conditions. Research on intergenerational factors that might also predispose a child to increased health adversity remains limited. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between maternal height and child mortality, anthropometric failure, and anemia. DESIGN, SETTING, AND POPULATION: We retrieved data from the 2005-2006 National Family Health Survey in India (released in 2008). The study population constitutes a nationally representative cross-sectional sample of singleton children aged 0 to 59 months and born after January 2000 or January 2001 (n = 50 750) to mothers aged 15 to 49 years from all 29 states of India. Information on children was obtained by a face-to-face interview with mothers, with a response rate of 94.5%. Height was measured with an adjustable measuring board calibrated in millimeters. Demographic and socioeconomic variables were considered as covariates. Modified Poisson regression models that account for multistage survey design and sampling weights were estimated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mortality was the primary end point; underweight, stunting, wasting, and anemia were included as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: In adjusted models, a 1-cm increase in maternal height was associated with a decreased risk of child mortality (relative risk [RR], 0.978; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.970-0.987; P < .001), underweight (RR, 0.971; 95% CI, 0.968-0.974; P < .001), stunting (RR, 0.971; 95% CI, 0.968-0.0973; P < .001), wasting (RR, 0.989; 95% CI, 0.984-0.994; P < .001), and anemia (RR, 0.998; 95% CI, 0.997-0.999; P = .02). Children born to mothers who were less than 145 cm in height were 1.71 times more likely to die (95% CI, 1.37-2.13) (absolute probability, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.07-0.12) compared with mothers who were at least 160 cm in height (absolute probability, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.04-0.07). Similar patterns were observed for anthropometric failure related to underweight and stunting. Paternal height was not associated with child mortality or anemia but was associated with child anthropometric failure. CONCLUSION: In a nationally representative sample of households in India, maternal height was inversely associated with child mortality and anthropometric failure. Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | HEALTH SURVEYS | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | MOTHERS | CHILDREN | PREVALENCE | CHILD MORTALITY | BODY HEIGHT | ANTHROPOMETRY | ANEMIA | RISK FACTORS | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Health | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Measurement | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Physiology | Biology | Diseases Document Number: 331241 |
| 20. Title: The World Health Organization child growth standards: expected implications for clinical and epidemiological research [editorial] Author: Van den Broeck J; Willie D; Younger N Source: European Journal of Pediatrics. 2009 Feb;168(2):247-51. Abstract: In 2006 and 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) released two sets of child growth standards (World Health Organization, WHO Child Growth Standards. Methods and development. Length/height-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-length, weight-for-height and body mass index-for-age. WHO, Geneva, 2006; World Health Organization, WHO Child Growth Standards: Methods and Development. Head circumference-for-age, arm circumference-for-age, triceps skinfold-for-age and subscapular skinfold-for-age. WHO, Geneva, 2007) to replace the National Center for Health Statistics references (Hamill et al., National Center for Health Statistics, Vital and Health Statistics Series 11, No 165, 1977) as an international tool for growth and nutritional assessment. This paper explores the scope of implications for future anthropometric research, highlighting foreseeable effects on the choice of research questions, choice of nutritional indices, training of measurers, and issues of internal and external validity of research results. The conclusion drawn is that the introduction of the WHO child growth standards is expected to have wide implications for growth and nutrition research. The full scope of this effect will gradually become clear while researchers, similar to health care workers, make the transition to using the new standards, re-evaluate results of past approaches, and explore the uses and functional validity of the standards, including those for indices that were not previously available. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | PREVALENCE | INCIDENCE | ANTHROPOMETRY | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | CHILD NUTRITION | NUTRITION INDEXES | BODY WEIGHT | Measurement | Research Methodology | Biology | Nutrition | Health | Physiology Document Number: 330512 |
| 21. Peer Reviewed Title: Infant malnutrition and obesity in three population-based birth cohort studies in Southern Brazil: trends and differences. Author: Barros AJ; Victora CG; Santos IS; Matijasevich A; Araujo CL; Barros FC Source: Cadernos de Saude Publica. 2008;24 Suppl 3:S417-26. Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the evolution of nutritional deficits and overweight in one-year-old children from three birth cohorts started in 1982, 1993 and 2004 in Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Samples from the 1982 and 1993 cohorts and all children from 2004 were weighed and measured, and their mothers interviewed. Anthropometric deficits and overweight were assessed using both NCHS and WHO growth standards. A comparison of the existence of nutritional deficits showed that, after a decline between 1982 and 1993, its prevalence stabilized between 1993 and 2004. Across the whole period, a decrease in all deficits was observed. Obesity, on the other hand, increased. A deficit in the ratio of body length to age was found to be strongly associated with family income. The group with income below one minimum wage was the only to present a significant reduction of stunting during the study period. The most significant improvements in the reduction of nutritional deficits occurred in the first half of the study period, while social differentials remained. Fighting malnutrition is still necessary among the 40% of the population considered poor, and must be accompanied by efforts to combat overweight which is being observed in all social strata. Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | COHORT ANALYSIS | ANTHROPOMETRY | INFANT | MALNUTRITION | OBESITY | DEFICIENCY DISEASES | Developing Countries | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Research Methodology | Measurement | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Body Weight | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 330452 |
| 22. Peer Reviewed Title: Comparison of four statistical approaches to score child development: A study of Malawian children. Author: Cheung YB; Gladstone M; Maleta K; Duan X; Ashorn P Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health. 2008 Aug;13(8):987-993. Abstract: Assessment of child development often results in a multitude of binary outcome data. There is no agreed way to use them to score the developmental status of children. Conventional methods include age-standardized Z-scores and simple sum of number of passes. Recently two approaches based on the Rasch model and the concept of 'developmental age' have been proposed. This study aims to compare the performance of the four approaches. In a longitudinal study, 473 Malawian children were measured for growth status at age 36 months and administered a new test of developmental milestones between age 3 and 6 years. The test consisted of four domains: gross motor (GM), fine motor (FM), social and language development. The four approaches were used to score the developmental level of each child in each domain, and the results compared. In this sample, the approach based on the Rasch model provided development scores that were more normally distributed than the other approaches did. The four sets of scores werehighly correlated with each other. They gave similar estimates of the effect of height-for-age on GM, social and language development. In FM development, the maximum difference in the effect size estimates was only 0.04 standard deviation despite its statistical significance (P = 0.009). The four approaches were practically equivalent in the context of the estimation of an intervention effect or association. Their relative advantages and disadvantages are discussed. None of them can be universally recommended. (author's) Language: English Keywords: MALAWI | RESEARCH REPORT | CHILDREN | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | STATISTICAL REGRESSION | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | ANTHROPOMETRY | BODY HEIGHT | LANGUAGE | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Studies | Research Methodology | Data Analysis | Biology | Measurement | Physiology | Communication Document Number: 327424 |
23.  Title: Anthropometric measurements of children attending a vaccination clinic in Yaounde, Cameroon. Author: Chiabi A; Tchokoteu PF; Takou V; Fru F; Tchouine F Source: African Health Sciences. 2008 Sep;8(3):174-179. Abstract: Growth faltering is a frequent public health problem in children and anthropometric measurements are useful tools for follow-up and early diagnosis. This problem has not been studied in the Cameroonian setting, that's why we undertook this study. To have a synopsis of the nutritional status in apparently healthy children attending a vaccination clinic and show the importance of anthropometric measurements in routine child health care. 1351 children aged (6-24 months), who attended the vaccination clinic of the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital over a 6 month period, were enrolled in the study. The registers of the vaccination clinic of the above hospital were retrospectively reviewed from 1st March to 31st August 2005. The following parameters were noted: age, height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and Z scores calculated for the following indicators: weight for age (WAZ), weight for height (WHZ), and height for age (HAZ). Our results show that 12 children (1.1 percent) in the 0-6 months age group and 4 (1.6 percent) in the 6-12 months age group had WAZ less than -2 indicating underweight. Also 10 children (0.9 percent) and 2 (0.8 percent) in the 0-6 and 6-12 months age groups respectively had WHZ less than -2, indicating wasting. HAZ was less than -2 in 70 children (6.4 percent) and in 8 (3.2 percent) in the 0-6 and 6-12 months age groups respectively indicating stunting. The MUAC was less than 12.5 cm in 6 children (2.4 percent). From our results, we conclude that growth faltering is common in supposedly healthy children attending our vaccination clinic. Anthropometric measurements are thus recommended and should be encouraged in routine child care settings for early diagnosis of growth retardation and to provide useful interventions. Language: English Keywords: CAMEROON | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | CHILDREN | ANTHROPOMETRY | GROWTH | PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | CHILD NUTRITION | BODY WEIGHT | AGE FACTORS | BODY HEIGHT | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Studies | Youth | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Measurement | Child Development | Biology | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Nutrition | Physiology Document Number: 323087 |
| 24. Title: Anthropometric measurements of children attending a vaccination clinic in Yaounde, Cameroon. Author: Chiabi A; Tchokoteu PF; Takou V; Fru F; Tchouine F Source: African Health Sciences. 2008 Sep;8(3):174-9. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Growth faltering is a frequent public health problem in children and anthropometric measurements are useful tools for follow-up and early diagnosis. This problem has not been studied in the Cameroonian setting, that's why we undertook this study. OBJECTIVES: To have a synopsis of the nutritional status in apparently healthy children attending a vaccination clinic and show the importance of anthropometric measurements in routine child health care. DESIGN: A retrospective study. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: 1351 children aged (6-24 months), who attended the vaccination clinic of the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital over a 6 month period, were enrolled in the study. METHOD: The registers of the vaccination clinic of the above hospital were retrospectively reviewed from 1st March to 31st August 2005. The following parameters were noted: age, height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and Z scores calculated for the following indicators: weight for age (WAZ), weight for height (WHZ), and height for age (HAZ). RESULTS: Our results show that 12 children (1.1 percent) in the 0-6 months age group and 4 (1.6 percent) in the 6-12 months age group had WAZ less than -2 indicating underweight. Also 10 children (0.9 percent) and 2 (0.8 percent) in the 0-6 and 6-12 months age groups respectively had WHZ less than -2, indicating wasting. HAZ was less than -2 in 70 children (6.4 percent) and in 8 (3.2 percent) in the 0-6 and 6-12 months age groups respectively indicating stunting. The MUAC was less than 12.5 cm in 6 children (2.4 percent). CONCLUSIONS: From our results, we conclude that growth faltering is common in supposedly healthy children attending our vaccination clinic. Anthropometric measurements are thus recommended and should be encouraged in routine child care settings for early diagnosis of growth retardation and to provide useful interventions. Language: English Keywords: CAMEROON | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | CHILDREN | ANTHROPOMETRY | IMMUNIZATION | GROWTH | CHILD NUTRITION | DEFICIENCY DISEASES | MALNUTRITION | AGE FACTORS | BODY HEIGHT | BODY WEIGHT | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | Studies | Youth | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Measurement | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Child Development | Biology | Nutrition | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Physiology Document Number: 331275 |
| 25. Title: Prevalence of undernutrition in Santal children of Puruliya district, West Bengal. Author: Chowdhury SD; Chakraborty T; Ghosh T Source: Indian Pediatrics. 2008 Jan 17;45:43-46. Abstract: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of undernutrition among the Santal children of Puruliya district of West Bengal. 442 Santal children (216 boys and 226 girls) aged 5-12 years were taken from randomly selected schools of Balarampur and Baghmundi areas of Puruliya. Nutritional status was analyzed by Z-score values according to the height-for-age, weight-for-age and weight-for-height reference data of National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). The prevalence of undernutrition among Santal children was as follows: stunting (17.9%), underweight (33.7%) and wasting (29.4%). Severe (below -3 Z-score) stunting, underweight and wasting were found in 4.98%, 7.92% and 9.51% of Santal children, respectively. In girls, prevalence of stunting (21.7%) and wasting (35.8%) was higher in comparison to boys (13.8% stunting and 22.7% wasting). (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | PREVALENCE | NUTRITION INDEXES | TRIBES | CHILD | MALNUTRITION | ANTHROPOMETRY | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Measurement | Research Methodology | Nutrition | Health | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases Document Number: 324486 |
| 26. Title: Iron deficiency and anaemia in rural school children in a coastal area of Morocco. Author: El Hioui M; Ahami AO; Aboussaleh Y; Rusinek S; Dik K Source: Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. 2008;7(3):400-403. Abstract: Iron deficiency anaemia is the major public health problem encountered in the world. In Children, this trouble has deleterious consequences on the global health and weak cognitive development. This study aims to determine the prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency and its association with socio-economic and anthropometric parameters of the Schoolchildren in a rural coastal region of Morocco. 295 students between 6 and 16 years old composed the study sample. The level of Haemoglobin was measured in a sub group of 280 school children. The iron status was determined by ferritin level in serum. A questionnaire was developed to collect information on the socio-economic and demographic status of the family such as the size of household, the working status of parents and their level of education. The mean haemoglobin concentration was 12.41 g/dl in boys and 12, 5 g/dl in girls, whereas the mean seric ferritin level was 26, 7 microg/l in boys and 27, 9 microg/l in girls. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 12, 2 % and iron deficiency was found in 20.4 %. Serum ferritin (SF), serum iron concentrations and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were significantly correlated with Hemoglobin There was an inversely significant relationship between education of the mother and anaemia in children (p=0.01) but not with gender, nor parents' employment. It is concluded that anaemia is relatively less prevalent in this study population. Further studies are needed to explore the dietary determinants of this situation. (author's) Language: English Keywords: MOROCCO | RESEARCH REPORT | NUTRITION SURVEYS | CHILDREN | SCHOOL AGE POPULATION | RURAL POPULATION | ANEMIA | PREVALENCE | SERUM IRON LEVEL | DEFICIENCY DISEASES | ANTHROPOMETRY | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | Africa, North | Africa | Developing Countries | Nutrition | Health | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Diseases | Measurement | Research Methodology | Hemic System | Physiology | Biology | Nutrition Disorders | Economic Factors Document Number: 327274 |
| 27. Peer Reviewed Title: Determinants of infant growth in Eastern Uganda: a community-based cross-sectional study. Author: Engebretsen IM; Tylleskar T; Wamani H; Karamagi C; Tumwine JK Source: BMC Public Health. 2008;8:418. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Child under-nutrition is a leading factor underlying child mortality and morbidity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Several studies from Uganda have reported impaired growth, but there have been few if any community-based infant anthropometric studies from Eastern Uganda. The aim of this study was to describe current infant growth patterns using WHO Child Growth Standards and to determine the extent to which these patterns are associated with infant feeding practices, equity dimensions, morbidity and use of primary health care for the infants. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of infant feeding practices, socio-economic characteristics and anthropometric measurements was conducted in Mbale District, Eastern Uganda in 2003; 723 mother-infant (0-11 months) pairs were analysed. Infant anthropometric status was assessed using z-scores for weight-for-length (WLZ), length-for-age (LAZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ). Dependent dichotomous variables were constructed using WLZ < -2 (wasting) and LAZ < -2 (stunting) as cut-off values. A conceptual hierarchical framework was used as the basis for controlling for the explanatory factors in multivariate analysis. Household wealth was assessed using principal components analysis. RESULTS: The prevalences of wasting and stunting were 4.2% and 16.7%, respectively. Diarrhoea during the previous 14 days was associated with wasting in the crude analysis, but no factors were significantly associated with wasting in the adjusted analysis. The adjusted analysis for stunting showed associations with age and gender. Stunting was more prevalent among boys than girls, 58.7% versus 41.3%. Having brothers and/or sisters was a protective factor against stunting (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8), but replacement or mixed feeding was not (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.0-7.1). Lowest household wealth was the most prominent factor associated with stunting with a more than three-fold increase in odds ratio (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.6-7.8). This pattern was also seen when the mean LAZ was investigated across household wealth categories: the adjusted mean difference between the top and the bottom wealth categories was 0.58 z-scores, p < 0.001. Those who had received pre-lacteal feeds had lower adjusted mean WLZ than those who had not: difference 0.20 z-scores, p = 0.023. CONCLUSION: Sub-optimal infant feeding practices after birth, poor household wealth, age, gender and family size were associated with growth among Ugandan infants. Language: English Keywords: UGANDA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | ANTHROPOMETRY | LOW INCOME POPULATION | INFANT | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | AGE FACTORS | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | FAMILY SIZE | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Measurement | Social Class | Socioeconomic Status | Economic Factors | Youth | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Biology | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 331178 |
| 28. Title: Stunting is associated with wasting in children from the semiarid region of Alagoas, Brazil. Author: Ferreira HS; Florêncio TM; Vieira EF; Assuncao ML Source: Nutrition Research. 2008 Jun;28(6):364-367. Abstract: Stunting is one of the most widespread forms of undernutrition found in Brazilian children. Some studies have revealed an association between this condition and overweight, whereas others report an association with wasting. The objective of this work was to test the hypothesis that stunted children who live in the semiarid region of Alagoas (Brazil), one of the poorest areas of the country, tend to exhibit wasting and not overweight. The study followed a transversal design that involved a probability sample (n = 480 children less than 5 years of age). Anthropometric indexes were compared with the National Center for Health Statistics reference curves. A height-for-age deficit (Z less than -2) was found in 9.6% of the children, whereas weight-for-height (WH) deficit was observed in only 0.6% of them. To test the hypothesis presented, the children were categorized according to quartiles (Q) of height-for-age. Shorter children (first Q; n = 121) were compared with the tallest ones (fourth Q; n = 121), taking into account variables of interest. The median WH value for the shorter children group (Z = -0.03) was significantly (P less than 0.001) lower than that for children included in the group of taller children (Z = 0.62). The prevalence of risk of wasting (WH Z less than -1) in the first Q was higher than that observed in the fourth Q (odds ratio, 3.03, 95% confidence interval, 1.2-8.3). Within the group of children studied, stunting was associated with WH deficit. (author's) Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | PREVALENCE | ANTHROPOMETRY | CHILD | BODY WEIGHT | MALNUTRITION | BODY HEIGHT | NUTRITION INDEXES | CALORIC INTAKE | OBESITY | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Measurement | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Physiology | Biology | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Nutrition | Health Document Number: 327244 |
| 29. Title: [Nutritional evaluation follow-up of the 1982 birth cohort, Pelotas, Southern Brazil] Author: Gigante DP; Minten GC; Horta BL; Barros FC; Victora CG Source: Revista De Saude Publica. 2008 Dec;42 Suppl 2:60-9. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of over/underweight and its association with demographic and socioeconomic factors. METHODS: Longitudinal cohort study of youths born in 1982 in Pelotas, Southern Brazil. In 2004-5 we interviewed 4,198 of the 5,914 cohort subjects, obtaining weight and stature measurements that were used to calculate body mass index (BMI). Underweight was defined as BMI lower than 18,5 kg/m(2); overweight as BMI between 25 and 30kg/m(2); and obesity as BMI IMC > 30kg/m(2). The effects of socioeconomic (family income and schooling) and demographic (skin color) variables, birthweight, and breastfeeding on underweight, overweight, and obesity were analyzed separately for men and women using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Prevalence of underweight, obesity, and overweight were 6.0%, 8.2%, and 28.9%, respectively. In adjusted analysis, only birthweight remained associated with underweight among men and women. Poor men showed higher risk of underweight, but were protected from obesity and overweight. By contrast, risk of obesity and overweight was higher among poor women. CONCLUSIONS: The present results underscore the importance of socioeconomic determinants on nutritional status, with special emphasis on the distinct effects these factors have among men and women in different nutritional conditions. Language: EnglishPortuguese Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | COHORT ANALYSIS | ADULTS | BODY WEIGHT | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | BIRTH WEIGHT | BREASTFEEDING | INTERVIEWS | ANTHROPOMETRY | OBESITY | PREVALENCE | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Physiology | Biology | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Infant Nutrition | Nutrition | Health | Data Collection | Measurement Document Number: 342193 |
| 30. Title: Updated growth curves for Turkish children aged 15 days to 60 months. Author: Gokcay G; Furman A; Neyzi O Source: Child: Care, Health and Development. 2008 Jul;34(4):454-463. Abstract: Growth reference values are useful in paediatric health care as a health indicator. Secular changes in height for age values are also known to affect the timing of puberty and brain weight. Different populations may be at different stages of this secular trend. It is, therefore, necessary to periodically update the growth reference values for each population to identify these changes. The aim of this study was to update the growth reference values for Turkish infants and young children. Background information and height/length, weight and head circumference measurements on a sample of 2391 boys and 2102 girls were obtained from Well Child Clinic Records. The LMS method was used for the analyses. The percentage of exclusive breastfeeding was 62% at 4 months and 26.6% at 6 months. The continuation rate of breastfeeding at 12 months was 62.5%. Comparison with previous Turkish data showed an increase in height of 0.9 cm for boys and 1.1 cm for girls at age 5 years. The increase in weight was 0.220 kg in girls, while a decrease of 0.160 kg was noted in boys. Comparison with the 2000 US and Swedish values indicated that population differences may exist in pre-pubertal years. This study provides an enhanced instrument to evaluate the growth of Turkish infants and young children. (author's) Language: English Keywords: TURKEY | RESEARCH REPORT | INFANT | CHILD | ANTHROPOMETRY | SEX FACTORS | BREASTFEEDING | BODY WEIGHT | BODY HEIGHT | GROWTH | EVALUATION | Developing Countries | Europe, Southeastern | Europe | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Measurement | Research Methodology | Infant Nutrition | Nutrition | Health | Physiology | Biology | Child Development Document Number: 327312 |
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