1
|
Hasan MI, Hossain SJ, Braat S, Dibley MJ, Fisher J, Grantham-McGregor S, Tofail F, Simpson JA, Arifeen SE, Hamadani J, Biggs BA, Pasricha SR. Benefits and risks of Iron interventions in children (BRISC): protocol for a three-arm parallel-group randomised controlled field trial in Bangladesh. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e018325. [PMID: 29146650 PMCID: PMC5695407 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anaemia is a major global health problem affecting about 43% of preschool children globally and 60% of 6-24-month-old children in rural Bangladesh, half of which is attributed to iron deficiency (ID). Although WHO recommends universal supplementation with iron or home fortification with iron-containing multiple micronutrient powders (MMPs) to children under 2 years, evidence for benefits of these interventions on childhood development (a key rationale for these interventions) and harms (especially infection) remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the impact of iron or MMPs supplementation compared with placebo on (a) children's development, (b) growth, (c) morbidity from infections and (d) haematological and iron indices. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is a three-arm, blinded, double-dummy, parallel-group, placebo-controlled superiority trial using stratified individual block randomisation. The trial will randomise 3300 children aged 8-9 months equally to arm 1: iron syrup (12.5 mg elemental iron), placebo MMPs; arm 2: MMPs (including 12.5 mg elemental iron), placebo syrup; and arm 3: placebo syrup, placebo MNPs. Children will receive interventions for 3 months based on WHO recommendations and then be followed up for 9 months post intervention. The primary outcome is cognitive composite score measured by Bayley III. Secondary outcomes include motor and language composite score by Bayley III, behaviour rating using selected items from Wolke's rating scales and BSID-II behaviour ratings, temperament, growth, haemoglobin, anaemia and iron status, and infectious morbidity. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, at the end of 3-month intervention and after 9 months postintervention follow-up. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The trial has been approved by the Ethical Review Committee of icddr,b (Dhaka, Bangladesh) and the Melbourne Health Human Research Ethics Committee (Melbourne, Australia). Results of the study will be disseminated through scientific publications, presentations at international meetings and policy briefs to key stakeholders. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12617000660381;Pre-results. WHO UNIVERSAL TRIAL NUMBER U1111-1196-1125.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Imrul Hasan
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sheikh Jamal Hossain
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sabine Braat
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and Melbourne Clinical and Translational Sciences (MCATS), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Jane Fisher
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Fahmida Tofail
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Julie A Simpson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and Melbourne Clinical and Translational Sciences (MCATS), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shams Ei Arifeen
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jena Hamadani
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Sant-Rayn Pasricha
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yoshida S, Martines J, Lawn JE, Wall S, Souza JP, Rudan I, Cousens S, Aaby P, Adam I, Adhikari RK, Ambalavanan N, Arifeen SE, Aryal DR, Asiruddin S, Baqui A, Barros AJ, Benn CS, Bhandari V, Bhatnagar S, Bhattacharya S, Bhutta ZA, Black RE, Blencowe H, Bose C, Brown J, Bührer C, Carlo W, Cecatti JG, Cheung PY, Clark R, Colbourn T, Conde-Agudelo A, Corbett E, Czeizel AE, Das A, Day LT, Deal C, Deorari A, Dilmen U, English M, Engmann C, Esamai F, Fall C, Ferriero DM, Gisore P, Hazir T, Higgins RD, Homer CS, Hoque DE, Irgens L, Islam MT, de Graft-Johnson J, Joshua MA, Keenan W, Khatoon S, Kieler H, Kramer MS, Lackritz EM, Lavender T, Lawintono L, Luhanga R, Marsh D, McMillan D, McNamara PJ, Mol BWJ, Molyneux E, Mukasa GK, Mutabazi M, Nacul LC, Nakakeeto M, Narayanan I, Olusanya B, Osrin D, Paul V, Poets C, Reddy UM, Santosham M, Sayed R, Schlabritz-Loutsevitch NE, Singhal N, Smith MA, Smith PG, Soofi S, Spong CY, Sultana S, Tshefu A, van Bel F, Gray LV, Waiswa P, Wang W, Williams SLA, Wright L, Zaidi A, Zhang Y, Zhong N, Zuniga I, Bahl R. Setting research priorities to improve global newborn health and prevent stillbirths by 2025. J Glob Health 2015; 6:010508. [PMID: 26401272 PMCID: PMC4576458 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.06.010508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2013, an estimated 2.8 million newborns died and 2.7 million were stillborn. A much greater number suffer from long term impairment associated with preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, congenital anomalies, and perinatal or infectious causes. With the approaching deadline for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015, there was a need to set the new research priorities on newborns and stillbirth with a focus not only on survival but also on health, growth and development. We therefore carried out a systematic exercise to set newborn health research priorities for 2013–2025. Methods We used adapted Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) methods for this prioritization exercise. We identified and approached the 200 most productive researchers and 400 program experts, and 132 of them submitted research questions online. These were collated into a set of 205 research questions, sent for scoring to the 600 identified experts, and were assessed and scored by 91 experts. Results Nine out of top ten identified priorities were in the domain of research on improving delivery of known interventions, with simplified neonatal resuscitation program and clinical algorithms and improved skills of community health workers leading the list. The top 10 priorities in the domain of development were led by ideas on improved Kangaroo Mother Care at community level, how to improve the accuracy of diagnosis by community health workers, and perinatal audits. The 10 leading priorities for discovery research focused on stable surfactant with novel modes of administration for preterm babies, ability to diagnose fetal distress and novel tocolytic agents to delay or stop preterm labour. Conclusion These findings will assist both donors and researchers in supporting and conducting research to close the knowledge gaps for reducing neonatal mortality, morbidity and long term impairment. WHO, SNL and other partners will work to generate interest among key national stakeholders, governments, NGOs, and research institutes in these priorities, while encouraging research funders to support them. We will track research funding, relevant requests for proposals and trial registers to monitor if the priorities identified by this exercise are being addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sachiyo Yoshida
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - José Martines
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Joy E Lawn
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK ; Saving Newborn Lives, Save the Children, Washington, USA
| | - Stephen Wall
- Saving Newborn Lives, Save the Children, Washington, USA
| | - Joăo Paulo Souza
- Department of Social Medicine, Ribeirăo Preto School of Medicine, University of Săo Paulo, Brazil
| | - Igor Rudan
- Centre for Population Health Sciences and Global Health Academy, The University of Edinburgh Medical School, Scotland, UK
| | - Simon Cousens
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Peter Aaby
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Ishag Adam
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | | | - Shams Ei Arifeen
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Dhana Raj Aryal
- Department of Neonatology Paropakar Maternity and women's Hospital, Nepal
| | - Sk Asiruddin
- TRAction Bangladesh Project, University Research Co., LLC
| | | | - Aluisio Jd Barros
- Centro de Pesquisas Epidemiológicas, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Christine S Benn
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, and University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Vineet Bhandari
- Program in Perinatal Research, Yale University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Shinjini Bhatnagar
- Pediatric Biology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, India
| | | | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Robert E Black
- Institute of International Programs, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | | | - Carl Bose
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, USA
| | | | - Christoph Bührer
- Department of Neonatology, Charité University Medical Center, Germany
| | | | - Jose Guilherme Cecatti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil
| | - Po-Yin Cheung
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pharmacology & Surgery, University of Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Tim Colbourn
- University College London Institute for Global Health, UK
| | - Agustin Conde-Agudelo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/National Institutes of Health/Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Erica Corbett
- Independent consultant maternal health research, Rwanda
| | - Andrew E Czeizel
- Foundation for the Community Control of Hereditary Diseases, Hungary
| | - Abhik Das
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, RTI International, USA
| | | | - Carolyn Deal
- Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Health, USA
| | | | - Uğur Dilmen
- Pediatrics and Neonatology, Yıldırım Beyazıt University Medical Faculty, Turkey
| | - Mike English
- Nuffield Department of Medicine & Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, UK and KEMRi-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cyril Engmann
- Newborn Health, Family Health Division, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the University of North Carolina Schools of Medicine and Public Health, USA
| | | | - Caroline Fall
- International Paediatric Epidemiology; Affiliations: Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, UK
| | | | - Peter Gisore
- School of Medicine, Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi University, Kenya
| | - Tabish Hazir
- Children's Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Pakistan
| | - Rosemary D Higgins
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD Neonatal Research Network, Pregnancy and Perinatology, Branch, National Institute of Health, USA
| | - Caroline Se Homer
- Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
| | - D E Hoque
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Lorentz Irgens
- University of Bergen and Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - M T Islam
- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | - Soofia Khatoon
- Paediatrics and Head of Department Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, Bangladesh
| | - Helle Kieler
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
| | - Michael S Kramer
- Departments of Pediatrics and of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eve M Lackritz
- Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth (GAPPS), USA
| | - Tina Lavender
- University of Manchester School of Nursing Midwifery & Social Work, University of Manchester, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Patrick J McNamara
- Departments of Paediatrics & Physiology, University of Toronto; Physiology & Experimental Medicine program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ben Willem J Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - G K Mukasa
- International Baby Food Action Network, Uganda
| | - Miriam Mutabazi
- STRIDES for Family Health, Management Sciences for Health, Uganda
| | - Luis Carlos Nacul
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
| | - Margaret Nakakeeto
- Kampala Children's Hospital Limited and Childhealth Advocacy International, Uganda
| | - Indira Narayanan
- United States Agency for International Development /Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program, USA
| | | | - David Osrin
- Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow in Clinical Science, Institute for Global Health, University College London, UK
| | - Vinod Paul
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India
| | | | - Uma M Reddy
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - Mathuram Santosham
- Center for American Indian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mary Alice Smith
- Environmental Health Science Department, University of Georgia, USA
| | - Peter G Smith
- Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sajid Soofi
- Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Women & Child Health Division, Aga Khan University, Pakistan
| | - Catherine Y Spong
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - Shahin Sultana
- National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh
| | - Antoinette Tshefu
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Frank van Bel
- Department of Neonatology, University of Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Peter Waiswa
- Division of Global Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia and School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, China
| | | | - Linda Wright
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institutes of Health, USA
| | | | - Yanfeng Zhang
- Department of Integrated Early Childhood Development, Capital Institute of Paediatrics, China
| | - Nanbert Zhong
- Developmental Genetics Laboratory, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, USA
| | | | - Rajiv Bahl
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Akter T, Hoque DME, Chowdhury EK, Rahman M, Russell M, Arifeen SE. Is there any association between parental education and child mortality? A study in a rural area of Bangladesh. Public Health 2015; 129:1602-9. [PMID: 26363670 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the association between parental education and under-five mortality, using the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) data from rural Bangladesh. It also investigated whether the association of parental education with under-five mortality had changed over time. STUDY DESIGN This study was nested in the IMCI cluster randomized controlled trial. METHODS Participants considered for the analysis were all children aged under five years from the baseline (1995-2000) and the final (2002-2007) IMCI household survey. The analysis sample included 39,875 and 38,544 live births from the baseline and the final survey respectively. The outcome variable was under-five mortality and the exposure variables were mother's and father's education. Data were analysed with logistic regression. RESULTS In 2002-2007, the odds of the under-five mortality were 38% lower for the children with mother having secondary education, compared to the children with uneducated mother. For similar educational differences for fathers, at the same time period, the odds of the under-five mortality were 16% lower. The association of mother's education with under-five mortality was significantly stronger in 2002-2007 compared to 1995-2000. CONCLUSIONS Mother's education appears to have a strong and significant association with under-five mortality, compared to father's education. The association of mother's education with under-five mortality appears to have increased over time. Our findings indicate that investing on girls' education is a good strategy to combat infant mortality in developing countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Akter
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - D M E Hoque
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - E K Chowdhury
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - M Rahman
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - M Russell
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - S E Arifeen
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hamadani JD, Tofail F, Nermell B, Gardner R, Shiraji S, Bottai M, Arifeen SE, Huda SN, Vahter M. Critical windows of exposure for arsenic-associated impairment of cognitive function in pre-school girls and boys: a population-based cohort study. Int J Epidemiol 2012; 40:1593-604. [PMID: 22158669 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyr176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to arsenic through drinking water has been associated with impaired cognitive function in school-aged children in a few cross-sectional studies; however, there is little information on critical windows of exposure. METHODS We conducted a population-based longitudinal study in rural Bangladesh. We assessed the association of arsenic exposure, based on urinary arsenic (U-As; twice during pregnancy and twice in childhood), with the development of about 1700 children at 5 years of age using Wechsler Pre-school and Primary Scale of Intelligence [intelligence quotient (IQ)]. RESULTS Median maternal U-As in pregnancy was 80 µg/l (10-90 percentiles: 25-400 µg/l). Children's urine contained 35 (12-155) µg/l and 51 (20-238) µg/l at 1.5 and 5 years, respectively. Using multivariable-adjusted regression analyses, controlling for all potential confounders and loss to follow-up, we found that verbal IQ (VIQ) and full scale IQ (FSIQ) were negatively associated with (log) U-As in girls. The associations were consistent, but somewhat stronger with concurrent arsenic exposure [VIQ: B = -2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -3.8 to -1.1; FSIQ: B = -1.4, 95% CI = -2.7 to -0.1, n = 817), compared with that at 1.5 years (VIQ: B = -0.85, 95% CI = -2.1 to 0.4; FSIQ: B = -0.74, 95% CI = -1.9 to 0.4, n = 902), late gestation (VIQ: B = -1.52, 95% CI = -2.6 to -0.4; FSIQ: B = -1.35, 95% CI = -2.4 to -0.3, n = 874) and early gestation (VIQ: B = -1.23, 95% CI = -2.4 to -0.06; FSIQ: B = -0.92, 95% CI = -2.0 to -0.2, n = 833). In boys, U-As showed consistently low and non-significant associations with all IQ measures. An effect size calculation indicated that 100 µg/l U-As was associated with a decrement of 1-3 points in both VIQ and FSIQ in girls. CONCLUSION We found adverse effects of arsenic exposure on IQ in girls, but not boys, at 5 years of age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Hamadani
- International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Borse NN, Hyder AA, Bishai D, Baker T, Arifeen SE. Potential Risk Estimation Drowning Index for Children (PREDIC): a pilot study from Matlab, Bangladesh. Accid Anal Prev 2011; 43:1901-1906. [PMID: 21819817 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2011.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Revised: 04/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Childhood drowning is a major public health problem that has been neglected in many low- and middle-income countries. In Matlab, rural Bangladesh, more than 40% of child deaths aged 1-4 years are due to drowning. AIM The main objective of this paper was to develop and evaluate a childhood drowning risk prediction index. METHODOLOGY A literature review was carried out to document risk factors identified for childhood drowning in Bangladesh. The Newacheck model for special health care needs for children was adapted and applied to construct a childhood drowning risk index called "Potential Risk Estimation Drowning Index for Children" (PREDIC). Finally, the proposed PREDIC Index was applied to childhood drowning deaths and compared with the comparison group from children living in Matlab, Bangladesh. This pilot study used t-tests and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve to analyze the results. RESULTS The PREDIC index was applied to 302 drowning deaths and 624 children 0-4 years old living in Matlab. The results of t-test indicate that the drowned children had a statistically (t=-8.58, p=0.0001) significant higher mean PREDIC score (6.01) than those in comparison group (5.26). Drowning cases had a PREDIC score of 6 or more for 68% of the children however, the comparison group had 43% of the children with score of 6 or more which was statistically significant (t=-7.36, p<0.001). The area under the curve for the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was 0.662. CONCLUSION Index score construction was scientifically plausible; and the index is relatively complete, fairly accurate, and practical. The risk index can help identify and target high risk children with drowning prevention programs. PREDIC index needs to be further tested for its accuracy, feasibility and effectiveness in drowning risk reduction in Bangladesh and other countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N N Borse
- Health Systems Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA(1); Public Health Sciences Division, The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - A A Hyder
- Health Systems Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA(1); International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - D Bishai
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - T Baker
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - S E Arifeen
- Public Health Sciences Division, The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Recent mortality data indicate that approximately half a million people drown each year worldwide, with more than 97% of such deaths occurring in low-income and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to examine verbal autopsy data on the circumstances of childhood drowning in Matlab, Bangladesh. The study analysed 10 years (1996-2005) of data which reported 489 deaths in children under 5 years and recorded preimmersion, immersion and postimmersion events. The data summarised household characteristics, age, gender and time of drowning event. The study also examined traditional rescue methods performed on children who were removed from the water OR found drowning. Of 489 deaths, 57% were aged 1-2 years and had a drowning mortality rate of 521 per 100 000 children. Most drowning events occurred during the morning (68%), in ponds (69%), and while the mother was busy doing household chores (70%). Traditional rescue methods were attempted in 55% of children and the most frequently reported measure was to spin the child over head (35%). Only 3% of families tried to perform resuscitation. Verbal autopsy data for Matlab is a useful resource for childhood injury research in a low-income country. The study is one of the first to publish data on traditional rescue practices performed on drowning children in rural Bangladesh. The findings suggest that interventions should be designed using locally identified risk factors to reduce childhood drowning incidents. Community-based resuscitation techniques and emergency medical systems are needed to improve postimmersion recovery of the child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N N Borse
- CDC-Center for Global Health, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Saha KK, Tofail F, Frongillo EA, Rasmussen KM, Arifeen SE, Persson LA, Huda SN, Hamadani JD. Household food security is associated with early childhood language development: results from a longitudinal study in rural Bangladesh. Child Care Health Dev 2010; 36:309-16. [PMID: 20184593 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2009.01049.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although household food security (HHFS) has been linked to academic performance in school children, its association with early childhood development has received less attention, particularly in low-income countries. We investigated the association of HHFS with subsequent language development of children at 18 months of age in rural Bangladesh. METHODS We followed 1439 infants born in 2002-2003 to the mothers in Maternal and Infant Nutrition Intervention in Matlab study, a large intervention trial conducted in rural Bangladesh. A HHFS scale was created from data collected from mothers during pregnancy. At 18 months, children's language (expression and comprehension) development was assessed using a Bengali adaptation of MacArthur's Communicative Development Inventory which was based on mothers' report of their children's ability to comprehend and express words in different categories. General linear regression models were used to examine the association between HHFS and language development at 18 months of age adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Household food security was associated with language comprehension (B = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.09, 0.30, P < 0.001) and expression (B = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.02, P < 0.01) at 18 months of age. Mean language comprehension and expression at 18 months of the children in higher quartiles of HHFS were higher (P < 0.05) than those of the children in lower quartiles. CONCLUSIONS Household food security is positively associated with subsequent language development of rural Bangladeshi children. Early language development has been reported to predict later child development. Therefore, strategies to ensure HHFS status in Bangladesh and similar settings should be considered for optimum child development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K K Saha
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Moore SE, Prentice AM, Wagatsuma Y, Fulford AJC, Collinson AC, Raqib R, Vahter M, Persson LA, Arifeen SE. Early-life nutritional and environmental determinants of thymic size in infants born in rural Bangladesh. Acta Paediatr 2009; 98:1168-75. [PMID: 19432828 PMCID: PMC2721967 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2009.01292.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aim: The aim was to assess the impact of nutritional status and environmental exposures on infant thymic development in the rural Matlab region of Bangladesh. Methods: In a cohort of Nmax 2094 infants born during a randomized study of combined interventions to improve maternal and infant health, thymic volume (thymic index, TI) was assessed by ultrasonography at birth and at 8, 24 and 52 weeks of age. Data on birth weight, infant anthropometry and feeding status were also collected. Results: At all ages, TI was positively associated with infant weight and strongly associated with the month of measurement. Longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding resulted in a larger TI at 52 weeks. TI at birth and at 8 weeks correlated positively with birth weight, but by 24 and 52 weeks and when adjusted for infant weight this effect was no longer present. Thymic size was not affected by pre-natal maternal supplementation or by socioeconomic status but was correlated to arsenic exposure during pregnancy. Conclusion: In this population of rural Bangladeshi infants, thymic development is influenced by both nutritional and environmental exposures early in life. The long-term functional implications of these findings warrant further investigation.
Collapse
|
9
|
Saha SK, Baqui AH, Darmstadt GL, Islam M, Arifeen SE, Santosham M, Nagatake T, Black RE. Addition of isovitalex in chocolate agar for the isolation of Haemophilus influenzae. Indian J Med Res 2009; 129:99-101. [PMID: 19287066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE The reason for lack of data on burden of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in developing countries was mainly failure of detection of this fastidious organism in laboratories. Use of isovitalex (IVX) was suggested as an essential supplement for growing this organism. This study was carried out to investigate the impact of IVX supplementation to chocolate agar for detection of Hib. METHODS Chocolate agar with and without supplementation of IVX was prepared. Clinical samples as well as reference strains of Hib were simultaneously cultured on both the media. RESULTS H. influenzae isolates (N=194) were simultaneously grown on chocolate agar (CA) with and without isovitalex (IVX). Average colony size of H. influenzae on CA with IVX (CA-IVX) was larger only by 0.10 cm (range 0.05 to 0.16 cm) compared to CA alone. Addition of IVX to CA increased the cost of media by 2.1-fold. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Isovitalex is not essential for the isolation and growth of H. influenzae almost halving the cost.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S K Saha
- Department of Microbiology, Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh Institute of Child Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mannan I, Rahman SM, Sania A, Seraji HR, Arifeen SE, Winch PJ, Darmstadt GL, Baqui A. Can early postpartum home visits by trained community health workers improve breastfeeding of newborns? J Perinatol 2008; 28:632-40. [PMID: 18596714 PMCID: PMC2929160 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2008.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2007] [Revised: 04/30/2008] [Accepted: 05/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Whether postpartum visits by trained community health workers (CHWs), reduce newborn breastfeeding problems. METHOD Community health workers made antenatal and postpartum home visits promoting newborn care practices including breastfeeding. CHWs assessed neonates for adequacy of breastfeeding and provided hands-on support to mothers to establish breastfeeding. History and observation data of 3495 neonates were analyzed to assess effects of CHW visitation on feeding problems. RESULT Inappropriate breastfeeding position and attachment were the predominant problems (12 to 15%). Only 6% of newborns who received home visit by CHWs within 3 days had feeding difficulties, compared to 34% of those who did not (odds ratio: 7.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.03 to 9.71, P=0.00). Latter group was 11.4 times (95% CI: 6.7 to 19.3, P=0.00) more likely to have feeding problems as late as days 6 to 7, than the former. CONCLUSION Counseling and hands-on support on breastfeeding techniques by trained workers within first 3 days of birth, should be part of community-based postpartum interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Mannan
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fronczak N, Arifeen SE, Moran AC, Caulfield LE, Baqui AH. Delivery practices of traditional birth attendants in Dhaka slums, Bangladesh. J Health Popul Nutr 2007; 25:479-487. [PMID: 18402192 PMCID: PMC2754018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes associations among delivery-location, training of birth attendants, birthing practices, and early postpartum morbidity in women in slum areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh. During November 1993-May 1995, data on delivery-location, training of birth attendants, birthing practices, delivery-related complications, and postpartum morbidity were collected through interviews with 1,506 women, 489 home-based birth attendants, and audits in 20 facilities where the women from this study gave birth. Associations among maternal characteristics, birth practices, delivery-location, and early postpartum morbidity were specifically explored. Self-reported postpartum morbidity was associated with maternal characteristics, delivery-related complications, and some birthing practices. Dais with more experience were more likely to use potentially-harmful birthing practices which increased the risk of postpartum morbidity among women with births at home. Postpartum morbidity did not differ by birth-location. Safe motherhood programmes must develop effective strategies to discourage potentially-harmful home-based delivery practices demonstrated to contribute to morbidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Fronczak
- Social Sectors Development Strategies, Inc., Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zaman K, Yunus M, Arifeen SE, Baqui AH, Sack DA, Hossain S, Rahim Z, Ali M, Banu S, Islam MA, Begum N, Begum V, Breiman RF, Black RE. Prevalence of sputum smear-positive tuberculosis in a rural area in Bangladesh. Epidemiol Infect 2006; 134:1052-9. [PMID: 16569271 PMCID: PMC2870495 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268806006108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) in a rural area in Bangladesh at Matlab. A TB surveillance system was established among 106,000 people in rural Bangladesh at Matlab. Trained field workers interviewed all persons aged > or = 15 years to detect suspected cases of TB (cough > 21 days) and sputum specimens of suspected cases were examined for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). Of 59,395 persons interviewed, 4235 (7.1%) had a cough for > 21 days. Sputum specimens were examined for AFB from 3834 persons, 52 (1.4%) of them were positive for AFB. The prevalence of chronic cough and sputum positivity were significantly higher among males compared to females (P < 0.001). The population-based prevalence rate of smear-positive TB cases was 95/100,000 among persons aged > or = 15 years. Cases of TB clustered geographically (relative risk 5.53, 95% CI 3.19-9.59). The high burden of TB among rural population warrants appropriate measures to control TB in Bangladesh. The higher prevalence of persistent cough and AFB-positive sputum among males need further exploration. Factors responsible for higher prevalence of TB in clusters should be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Zaman
- ICDDR,B, Centre for Health and Population Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Arifeen SE, Bryce J, Gouws E, Baqui AH, Black RE, Hoque DME, Chowdhury EK, Yunus M, Begum N, Akter T, Siddique A. Quality of care for under-fives in first-level health facilities in one district of Bangladesh. Bull World Health Organ 2005; 83:260-267. [PMID: 15868016 PMCID: PMC2626213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The multi-country evaluation of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) effectiveness, cost and impact (MCE) is a global evaluation to determine the impact of IMCI on health outcomes and its cost-effectiveness. MCE studies are under way in Bangladesh, Brazil, Peru, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. The objective of this analysis from the Bangladesh MCE study was to describe the quality of care delivered to sick children under 5 years old in first-level government health facilities, to inform government planning of child health programmes. METHODS Generic MCE Health Facility Survey tools were adapted, translated and pre-tested. Medical doctors trained in IMCI and these tools conducted the survey in all 19 health facilities in the study areas. The data were collected using observations, exit interviews, inventories and interviews with facility providers. FINDINGS Few of the sick children seeking care at these facilities were fully assessed or correctly treated, and almost none of their caregivers were advised on how to continue the care of the child at home. Over one-third of the sick children whose care was observed were managed by lower-level workers who were significantly more likely than higher-level workers to classify the sick child correctly and to provide correct information on home care to the caregiver. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate an urgent need for interventions to improve the quality of care provided for sick children in first-level facilities in Bangladesh, and suggest that including lower-level workers as targets for IMCI case-management training may be beneficial. The findings suggest that the IMCI strategy offers a promising set of interventions to address the child health service problems in Bangladesh.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S E Arifeen
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Baqui AH, Sabir AA, Begum N, Arifeen SE, Mitra SN, Black RE. Causes of childhood deaths in Bangladesh: an update. Acta Paediatr 2001; 90:682-90. [PMID: 11440104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Knowledge of the causes of child death is important for health-sector planning since they relate to available interventions. Little is known about causes of child death in Bangladesh from the conventional sources since there is no vital registration system and very few deaths are attended by a qualified physician. To determine the cause structure of child deaths, verbal autopsy interviews were conducted in the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 1993/94 national sample. Verbal autopsy is a method of finding out the causes of death based on an interview with the next of kin or other caregivers. Between BDHS 1993/94 and BDHS 1996/97, 1-4-y-old child mortality in Bangladesh declined by about 27.0%. This impressive decline prompted a verbal autopsy study using the BDHS 1996/97 national sample to determine whether the cause structure had changed. The same verbal autopsy instrument and methods to collect the data and the same computer algorithm to assign causes of death were used in both surveys. Comparison of BDHS 1993/94 and 1996/97 cause-specific mortality rates revealed that deaths due to almost all causes had declined, although significantly so only for acute respiratory infections (ARI), persistent diarrhoea and drowning. Deaths due to neonatal tetanus, acute watery diarrhoea and undernutrition had not decreased at all. CONCLUSION Despite an impressive decline in deaths due to ARI, this condition remains the most important known cause of death in Bangladeshi children. Neonatal tetanus and measles together account for about 10% of deaths in children under 5 y. Further improvements in child survival are possible by improving access to and quality of available child survival interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A H Baqui
- Department of International Health, School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Arifeen SE, Black RE, Caulfield LE, Antelman G, Baqui AH. Determinants of infant growth in the slums of Dhaka: size and maturity at birth, breastfeeding and morbidity. Eur J Clin Nutr 2001; 55:167-78. [PMID: 11305265 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influences of size at birth, breastfeeding and morbidity on growth during infancy in poor areas of urban Bangladesh. DESIGN This was a prospective observational study of a cohort of newborn infants followed until 12 months of age. SETTING Slum areas of Dhaka City in Bangladesh. SUBJECTS A total of 1654 newborn infants were enrolled at birth, and follow-up was completed for 1207 infants. Repeated anthropometric measurements and interviews of caretakers on infant feeding and morbidity were conducted. A mixed effects regression method was used for modeling infant growth. RESULTS After adjusting for other variables, mean differences in body weight by birth weight and length, small-for-gestational age and prematurity categories remained relatively constant throughout infancy. A positive impact of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 3 5 months on infant growth was detectable at 12 months of age. Although the bigger babies in the sample tended to grow relatively even bigger; exclusive breastfeeding appeared to counteract this pattern. Reported diarrhoea was associated with lower body weights and lengths even after adjusting for feeding patterns. CONCLUSIONS Size at birth has an important role in determining growth during infancy. Effective strategies for improving birth weight, poorly addressed till now in Bangladesh, are needed. The sustained effect on growth and the even more beneficial effect in lighter infants are compelling reasons for promotion of exclusive breastfeeding in early infancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S E Arifeen
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Arifeen SE, Black RE, Caulfield LE, Antelman G, Baqui AH, Nahar Q, Alamgir S, Mahmud H. Infant growth patterns in the slums of Dhaka in relation to birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, and prematurity. Am J Clin Nutr 2000; 72:1010-7. [PMID: 11010945 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/72.4.1010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relations between size and maturity at birth and infant growth have been studied inadequately in Bangladesh, where the incidence of low birth weight is high and most infants are breast-fed. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to describe infant growth patterns and their relations to birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, and prematurity. DESIGN A total of 1654 infants born in selected low-socioeconomic areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh, were enrolled at birth. Weight and length were measured at birth and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo of age. RESULTS The infants' mean birth weight was 2516 g, with 46.4% weighing <2500 g; 70% were small for gestational age (SGA) and 17% were premature. Among the SGA infants, 63% had adequate ponderal indexes. The mean weight of the study infants closely tracked the -2 SD curve of the World Health Organization pooled breast-fed sample. Weight differences by birth weight, SGA, or preterm categories were retained throughout infancy. Mean z scores based on the pooled breast-fed sample were -2.38, -1. 72, and -2.34 at birth, 3 mo, and 12 mo. Correlation analysis showed greater plasticity of growth in the first 3 mo of life than later in the first year. CONCLUSIONS Infant growth rates were similar to those observed among breast-fed infants in developed countries. Most study infants experienced chronic intrauterine undernourishment. Catch-up growth was limited and weight at 12 mo was largely a function of weight at birth. Improvement of birth weight is likely to lead to significant gains in infant nutritional status in this population, although interventions in the first 3 mo are also likely to be beneficial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S E Arifeen
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Osendarp SJ, van Raaij JM, Arifeen SE, Wahed M, Baqui AH, Fuchs GJ. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of zinc supplementation during pregnancy on pregnancy outcome in Bangladeshi urban poor. Am J Clin Nutr 2000; 71:114-9. [PMID: 10617955 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/71.1.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal zinc supplementation has been suggested as a potential intervention to reduce the incidence of low birth weight in developing countries. To date, placebo-controlled trials have all been performed in industrialized countries and the results are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate whether zinc supplementation in Bangladeshi urban poor during the last 2 trimesters of pregnancy was associated with pregnancy outcome. DESIGN We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 559 women from Dhaka slums, stratified by parity between 12 and 16 wk of gestation, were randomly assigned to receive 30 mg elemental Zn/d (n = 269) or placebo (n = 290). Supplementation continued until delivery. Serum zinc was estimated at baseline and at 7 mo of gestation. Dietary intake was assessed at baseline and anthropometric measurements were made monthly. Weight, length, and gestational ages of 410 singleton newborns were measured within 72 h of birth. RESULTS At 7 mo of gestation, serum zinc concentrations tended to be higher in the zinc-supplemented group than in the placebo group (15.9 +/- 4.4 compared with 15.2 +/- 4.3 micromol/L). No significant effect of treatment was observed on infant birth weight (2513 +/- 390 compared with 2554 +/- 393 g; NS) or on gestational age, infant length, or head, chest, or midupper arm circumference. The incidence and distribution of low birth weight, prematurity, and smallness for gestational age also did not differ significantly after zinc supplementation. CONCLUSIONS Supplementation with 30 mg elemental Zn during the last 2 trimesters of pregnancy did not improve birth outcome in Bangladeshi urban poor. These results indicate that interventions with zinc supplementation alone are unlikely to reduce the incidence of low birth weight in Bangladesh.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S J Osendarp
- Centre for Health and Population Research, the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Dhaka
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Baqui AH, Black RE, Arifeen SE, Hill K, Mitra SN, al Sabir A. Causes of childhood deaths in Bangladesh: results of a nationwide verbal autopsy study. Bull World Health Organ 1998; 76:161-71. [PMID: 9648357 PMCID: PMC2305652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
While knowledge of causes of deaths is important for health sector planning, little is known from conventional sources about the causes of deaths in Bangladesh. This is partly due to deficiencies in the registration system and partly because few deaths are attended by qualified physicians. The present study was undertaken to update the information available on causes of deaths among under-5-year-olds, taking advantage of advances in verbal autopsy methodology and of the national Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 1993-94. About 25% of the deaths were associated with acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) and about 20% with diarrhoea. Neonatal tetanus and measles remained important causes of death, and drowning was a major cause for 1-4-year-olds. Research and programmes to enable mothers to identify ALRI cases, particularly pneumonia, and to encourage timely and appropriate care-seeking and strengthening of ALRI case management at the primary care facilities are important priorities. While promotion of oral rehydration for watery diarrhoea and antibiotic treatment for dysentery should continue, broader preventive interventions including provision of safe water and sanitation, and improvements in personal hygiene require more attention. Further intensification of immunization programmes and innovative experimental interventions to reduce childhood from drowning should be designed and tested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A H Baqui
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
To evaluate the safety of vitamin A supplementation in early infancy using DPT/OPV immunization contracts, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Bangladesh. One hundred and sixty-seven infants received three doses of either 25,000 IU of vitamin A or a placebo at about 6.5, 11.8 and 17.0 weeks of age. Trained physicians examined each of the infants on days 1, 2, 3 and 8 after supplementation. Nine infants (10.5%) supplemented with vitamin A had episodes of bulging of the fontanelle compared with two infants (2.5%) in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Twelve of the 14 episodes occurred in infants supplemented with vitamin A. Of these 12 episodes, none occurred with the first dose, 3 occurred with the second and 9 with the third dose. The higher incidence of bulging of the fontanelle in the vitamin A group relative to the placebo group and its temporal association with the vitamin A doses are suggestive of a causal association. The finding that increased numbers of vitamin A doses were associated with a higher probability of bulging of the fontanelle suggests a cumulative effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A H Baqui
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Baqui AH, Arifeen SE, Amin S, Black RE. Levels and correlates of maternal nutritional status in urban Bangladesh. Eur J Clin Nutr 1994; 48:349-57. [PMID: 8055851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the levels and correlates of maternal nutritional status. DESIGN Cross-sectional maternal weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) data were correlated with sociodemographic data. SETTING Slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh. SUBJECTS Weight, height and MUAC were collected from a representative sample of 2417 nonpregnant mothers. Socioeconomic data such as age, education, religion and household economic status was collected from 2048 mothers; data on reproductive experiences such as number of pregnancies and number of children born alive now dead was available from 1314 mothers; and both sets of data from 1185 mothers. METHODS Using weight, height, MUAC and body mass index (BMI) data, the levels of maternal nutritional status were estimated. Bivariate and multivariate relationships of maternal nutritional status with socioeconomic and reproductive experiences variables were examined. RESULTS Mothers' mean weight, height, MUAC and BMI were 41.8 kg, 148.8 cm, 232.5 mm, and 18.8 respectively. In multivariate regression analyses, mothers' weight, BMI and MUAC were significantly positively correlated with mothers' years of schooling (P < 0.05) and household economic status (P < 0.01). Mothers' height was significantly positively correlated with years of schooling (P < 0.05), but not with household economic status. Maternal height and weight were significantly negatively correlated with number of child deaths (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest a possible inter-generational effect; thus, improvement of the nutritional status of girls of this generation would improve child survival in the next generation. This, however, will require complex and long-term planning. As an interim measure, shorter mothers should be targeted for appropriate antenatal and obstetric services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A H Baqui
- Urban Health Extension Project, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Dhaka
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|