Parul Christian

Estimates of burden and consequences of infants born small for gestational age in low and middle income countries with INTERGROWTH-21(st) standard: analysis of CHERG datasets.

Objectives To estimate small for gestational age birth prevalence and attributable neonatal mortality in low and middle income countries with the INTERGROWTH-21st birth weight standard. Design Secondary analysis of data from the Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG), including 14 birth cohorts with gestational age, birth weight, and neonatal follow-up. Small for gestational age was defined as infants weighing less than the 10th centile birth weight for gestational age and sex with the multiethnic, INTERGROWTH-21st birth weight standard. Prevalence of small for gestational age and neonatal mortality risk ratios were calculated and pooled among these datasets at the regional level. With available national level data, prevalence of small for gestational age and population attributable fractions of neonatal mortality attributable to small for gestational age were estimated. Setting CHERG birth cohorts from 14 population based sites in low and middle income countries. Main outcome measures In low and middle income countries in the year 2012, the number and proportion of infants born small for gestational age; number and proportion of neonatal deaths attributable to small for gestational age; the number and proportion of neonatal deaths that could be prevented by reducing the prevalence of small for gestational age to 10%. Results In 2012, an estimated 23.3 million infants (uncertainty range 17.6 to 31.9; 19.3% of live births) were born small for gestational age in low and middle income countries. Among these, 11.2 million (0.8 to 15.8) were term and not low birth weight (≥2500 g), 10.7 million (7.6 to 15.0) were term and low birth weight (<2500 g) and 1.5 million (0.9 to 2.6) were preterm. In low and middle income countries, an estimated 606u2009500 (495u2009000 to 773u2009000) neonatal deaths were attributable to infants born small for gestational age, 21.9% of all neonatal deaths. The largest burden was in South Asia, where the prevalence was the highest (34%); about 26% of neonatal deaths were attributable to infants born small for gestational age. Reduction of the prevalence of small for gestational age from 19.3% to 10.0% in these countries could reduce neonatal deaths by 9.2% (254u2009600 neonatal deaths; 164u2009800 to 449u2009700). Conclusions In low and middle income countries, about one in five infants are born small for gestational age, and one in four neonatal deaths are among such infants. Increased efforts are required to improve the quality of care for and survival of these high risk infants in low and middle income countries

Delivering an action agenda for nutrition interventions addressing adolescent girls and young women: priorities for implementation and research

Adolescent nutritional behaviors are assuming considerable importance in nutrition interventions given their important relationships with medium‐ and long‐term outcomes. This is the period when young people undergo major anatomical and physiological maturational changes in preparation for adulthood. Nutritional requirements during puberty are higher during adolescence than during the prepubertal stage and during adulthood. A significant proportion of adolescents also become parents, and hence the importance of their health and nutritional status before as well as during pregnancy has its impact on their own health, fetal well‐being, and newborn health. In this paper, we describe the evidence‐based nutrition recommendations and the current global guidance for nutrition actions for adolescents. Despite the limitations of available information, we believe that a range of interventions are feasible to address outcomes in this age group, although some would need to start earlier in childhood. We propose packages of preventive care and management comprising nutrition‐specific and nutrition‐sensitive interventions to address adolescent undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. We discuss potential delivery platforms and strategies relevant to low‐ and middle‐income countries. Beyond the evidence synthesis, there is a clear need to translate evidence into policy and for implementation of key recommendations and addressing knowledge gaps through prioritized research.

Effectiveness of a community-based nutrition programme to improve child growth in rural Ethiopia: a cluster randomized trial.

Few trials have shown that promoting complementary feeding among young children is effective in improving child linear growth in resource-challenged settings. We designed a community-based participatory nutrition promotion (CPNP) programme adapting a Positive Deviance/Hearth approach that engaged mothers in 2-week nutrition sessions using the principles of learning by doing around child feeding. We aimed to test the effectiveness of the CPNP for improving child growth in rural Ethiopia. A cluster randomized trial was implemented by adding the CPNP to the existing government nutrition programmes (six clusters) vs. government programmes only (six clusters). A total of 1790 children aged 6 to 12u2009months (876 in the intervention and 914 in the control areas) were enrolled and assessed on anthropometry every 3u2009months for a year. Multi-level mixed-effect regression analysis of longitudinal outcome data (nu2009=u20091475) examined the programme impact on growth, adjusting for clustering and enrollment characteristics. Compared with children 6 to 24u2009months of age in the control area, those in the intervention area had a greater increase in z scores for length-for-age [difference (diff): 0.021 z score/month, 95% CI: 0.008, 0.034] and weight-for-length (diff: 0.042 z score/month, 95% CI: 0.024, 0.059). At the end of the 12-month follow-up, children in the intervention area showed an 8.1% (Pu2009=u20090.02) and 6.3% (Pu2009=u20090.046) lower prevalence of stunting and underweight, respectively, after controlling for differences in the prevalence at enrollment, compared with the control group. A novel CPNP programme was effective in improving child growth and reducing undernutrition in this setting.

Modelling stunting in LiST: the effect of applying smoothing to linear growth data

BackgroundThe Lives Saved Tool (LiST) is a widely used resource for evidence-based decision-making regarding health program scale-up in low- and middle-income countries. LiST estimates the impact of specified changes in intervention coverage on mortality and stunting among children under 5 years of age. We aimed to improve the estimates of the parameters in LiST that determine the rate at which the effects of interventions to prevent stunting attenuate as children get older.MethodsWe identified datasets with serial measurements of children’s lengths or heights and used random effects models and restricted cubic splines to model the growth trajectories of children with at least six serial length/height measurements. We applied WHO growth standards to both measured and modelled (smoothed) lengths/heights to determine children’s stunting status at multiple ages (1, 6, 12, 24xa0months). We then calculated the odds ratios for the association of stunting at one age point with stunting at the next (“stunting-to-stunting ORs”) using both measured and smoothed data points. We ran analyses in LiST to compare the impact on intervention effect attenuation of using smoothed rather than measured stunting-to-stunting ORs.ResultsA total of 21,786 children with 178,786 length/height measurements between them contributed to our analysis. The odds of stunting at a given age were strongly related to whether a child is stunted at an earlier age, using both measured and smoothed lengths/heights, although the relationship was stronger for smoothed than measured lengths/heights. Using smoothed lengths/heights, we estimated that children stunted at 1xa0month have 45 times the odds of being stunted at 6xa0months, with corresponding odds ratios of 362 for the period 6 to 12xa0months and 175 for the period 12 to 24xa0months. Using the odds ratios derived from the smoothed data in LiST resulted in a somewhat slower attenuation of intervention effects over time, but substantial attenuation was still observed in the LiST outputs. For example, in Mali the effect of effectively eliminating SGA births reduced prevalence of stunting at age 59xa0months from 44.4% to 43.7% when using odds ratios derived from measured lengths/heights and from 44.4% to 41.9% when using odds ratios derived from smoothed lengths/heights.ConclusionsSmoothing of children’s measured lengths/heights increased the strength of the association between stunting at a given age and stunting at an earlier age. Using odds ratios based on smoothed lengths/heights in LiST resulted in a small reduction in the attenuation of intervention effects with age and thus some increase in the estimated benefits, and may better reflect the true benefits of early nutritional interventions.

Complementary Food Supplements Increase Dietary Nutrient Adequacy and Do Not Replace Home Food Consumption in Children 6–18 Months Old in a Randomized Controlled Trial in Rural Bangladesh

BackgroundnInadequate complementary feeding is common in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to growth deficits. Complementary food supplements (CFSs) aim to fill dietary gaps, but few CFS studies have measured nutrient intake. In a community-based, randomized CFS trial in Bangladesh, we previously reported poor dietary diversity in 6-18-mo-old participants.nnnObjectivenWe investigated, in a secondary analysis in the same trial, micronutrient intake adequacy in supplemented compared with control-arm children.nnnMethodsnAt age 6 mo, children were assigned to 1 y of child-feeding counseling for mothers (control) or counseling plus 1 of 4 CFS formulations. Mothers were administered quantitative past 24-h diet questionnaires for their children at ages 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 mo. Nutrient intakes were estimated with local recipes and food composition tables assuming average age-specific breastmilk intake. Adequacy was evaluated relative to estimated average requirements or adequate intakes. Multivariate analysis of variance and generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression models estimated the effect of each CFS on nutrient adequacy. GEE models tested dietary predictors of nutrient adequacy in the control arm.nnnResultsnA total of 25,964 dietary modules across 5 interviews were completed. Nutrient adequacy from home foods combined with assumed breastmilk intake was low. Only 5 of 16 micronutrients were adequately consumed by >60% of children at 18 mo of age. Daily CFSs did not affect energy-adjusted micronutrient intake from home foods at any follow-up age (Pxa0>xa00.05). CFSs increased the mean adequacy ratio for all micronutrients (Pxa0<xa00.001 at all ages), to ≥1 for 14 of 16 micronutrients at 18 mo. Dietary diversity predicted adequate iron, zinc and calcium intake at 15 mo in unsupplemented controls.nnnConclusionsnHome foods did not meet the estimated micronutrient needs of 9-18-mo-old children in rural Bangladesh. Daily supplementation with fortified complementary foods filled many micronutrient intake gaps and did not displace home foods. Previously, CFSs were shown to also improve linear growth and reduce stunting in this cohort. Findings support the need for CFSs in similar settings to promote nutritional well being and growth. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01562379.

Maternal short stature and under-weight status are independent risk factors for preterm birth and small for gestational age in rural Bangladesh

Background/objectivesTo estimate the risks of term-small for gestational age (SGA), preterm-appropriate for gestational age (AGA), and preterm SGA associated with maternal height and body mass index (BMI) and to calculate the population attributable fractions (PAF) of term SGA, preterm AGA, and preterm SGA associated with maternal short stature.Subjects/methodsA population-based cohort of 13,230 women with pre-pregnancy height and weight followed from 2012 to 2016 in Sylhet, Bangladesh. We analyzed data of 2655 singleton live born infants. The babies born <37 weeks of gestation were considered preterm and weight <10th percentile of Intergrowth sex-specific gestational age were considered SGA. Risk factors for term SGA, preterm AGA, and preterm SGA were examined using multinomial logistic regression that estimated relative risk ratios (RRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsMaternal short stature <145u2009cm was significantly associated with term SGA (RRR 1.88, 95% CI 1.37, 2.58; pu2009<u20090.001), preterm AGA (RRR 1.45, 95% CI 1.02, 2.05; pu2009<u20090.05), and preterm SGA (RRR 14.40, 95% CI 1.82, 113.85; pu2009<u20090.05). Maternal underweight status (BMIu2009<u200918.5u2009kg/m2) was significant predictor of term SGA (RRR 1.32, 95% CI 1.10, 1.59; pu2009<u20090.01), and preterm AGA (RRR 1.39, 95% CI 1.12, 1.71; pu2009<u20090.01). PAF for maternal short stature were 23.2, 7.3, and 73.9% for term SGA, preterm AGA, and preterm SGA, respectively.ConclusionsTo address the problem of undernutrition, Bangladesh needs to strengthen implementation of its multi-sectoral nutrition program comprising nutrition specific and sensitive interventions. Implementation of the program with high coverage and quality would improve maternal nutrition and perinatal outcomes including preterm births and SGA.

Prevalence of and risk factors for abnormal vaginal flora and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes in a rural district in north‐east Bangladesh

The role of screening and treatment for abnormal vaginal flora (AVF) on adverse pregnancy outcomes remains unclear. Using data from women who participated in a population‐based cluster randomized trial who were screened and treated for AVF, we report risk factors for AVF and association of persistent AVF with adverse perinatal outcomes.

Effects of a community-based nutrition promotion programme on child feeding and hygiene practices among caregivers in rural Eastern Ethiopia

OBJECTIVEnTo evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based participatory nutrition promotion (CPNP) programme involving a 2-week group nutrition session in improving child feeding and hygiene practices among caregivers.nnnDESIGNnCluster randomized trial. In the intervention area (six clusters), the CPNP programme was added to the context of government nutrition programmes; the control area (six clusters) received the government programme only. Child feeding practices were assessed every 3 months using a 24 h dietary recall questionnaire, and hand washing with soap was assessed every 6 months, over a period of 12 months. Feeding and hygiene measures at each visit were scored and the scores summed up for the entire follow-up period.nnnSETTINGnHabro and Melka Bello districts, Ethiopia.nnnSUBJECTSnRandomly selected mothers with a child aged 6-12 months (n 1790).nnnRESULTSnA total of 1199 mothers, 629 in the control and 570 in the intervention areas, were assessed at all visits and included in the analysis. Mothers in the intervention area showed higher scores than those in the control area regarding meal frequency (difference: 1·04, 95 % CI 0·35, 1·73), composite feeding score_1 (difference: 1·25, 95 % CI 0·37, 2·13; a summing score of currently breast-feeding, meal frequency and dietary diversity) and composite feeding score_2 (difference: 1·40, 95 % CI 0·49, 2·32; a summing score of meal frequency and dietary diversity). However, there were no differences in the scores of breast-feeding, dietary diversity and hand washing between the two areas (all P>0·05).nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe CPNP programme was effective in improving some child feeding behaviours in rural Eastern Ethiopia.

Implementation, utilization and influence of a community-based participatory nutrition promotion programme in rural Ethiopia: programme impact pathway analysis.

OBJECTIVEnA community-based participatory nutrition promotion (CPNP) programme, involving a 2-week group nutrition session, attempted to improve child feeding and hygiene. The implementation, utilization and influence of the CPNP programme were examined by programme impact pathway (PIP) analysis.nnnDESIGNnFive CPNP programme components were evaluated: (i) degree of implementation; (ii) participants perception of the nutrition sessions; (iii) participants message recall; (iv) utilization of feeding and hygiene practices at early programme stage; and (v) participants engagement in other programmes.nnnSETTINGnHabro and Melka Bello districts, Ethiopia.nnnSUBJECTSnRecords of 372 nutrition sessions, as part of a cluster-randomized trial, among mothers (n 876 in intervention area, n 914 in control area) from a household survey and CPNP participants (n 197) from a recall survey.nnnRESULTSnOverall, most activities related to nutrition sessions were successfully operated with high fidelity (>90 %), but a few elements of the protocol were only moderately achieved. The recall survey among participants showed a positive perception of the sessions (~90 %) and a moderate level of message recall (~65 %). The household survey found that the CPNP participants had higher minimum dietary diversity at the early stage (34·0 v. 19·9 %, P=0·01) and a higher involvement in the Essential Nutrition Action (ENA) programme over a year of follow-up (28·2 v. 18·3 %; P<0·0001) compared with non-participants within the intervention area.nnnCONCLUSIONSnOur PIP analysis suggests that CPNP was feasibly implemented, promoted a sustained utilization of proper feeding behaviours, and enhanced participation in the existing ENA programme. These findings provide a possible explanation to understanding CPNPs effectiveness.

Stunting Mediates the Association between Small-for-Gestational-Age and Postneonatal Mortality

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, one-third of all births are small for gestational age (SGA), and 4.4 million children are stunted; both conditions increase the risk of child mortality. SGA has also been shown to increase the risk of stunting. Objective: We tested whether the association between SGA and postneonatal mortality is mediated by stunting. Methods: We used longitudinal data from children aged 6 wk to 24 mo (n = 12,155) enrolled in the ZVITAMBO (Zimbabwe Vitamin A for Mothers and Babies) trial. HIV exposure was defined based on maternal HIV status at baseline. SGA was defined as birthweight <10th percentile of the INTERGROWTH-21st (International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21st Century) standards. We used a standard mediation approach by comparing the attenuation of the risk when the mediator was added to the model. We used Cox proportional hazards models first to regress SGA on postneonatal mortality, controlling for age. Stunting (length-for-age z score <−2) was then included in the model to test mediation. Results: Approximately 20% of children were term SGA, and 23% were stunted before their last follow-up visit. In this cohort, 31% of children were exposed to HIV; the HIV-exposed group represented a pooled group of HIV-infected and HIV-exposed but uninfected children. Postneonatal mortality was significantly higher among children born SGA (HR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 1.7). This association was attenuated and not statistically significant when stunting was included in the model, suggesting a mediation effect (HR: 1.1; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.3). When stratified by HIV exposure status, we observed a significant attenuation of the risk, suggesting mediation, only among HIV-exposed children (model 1, HR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.6; model 2, HR: 1.1; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.3). Conclusions: This analysis aids in investigating pathways that underlie an observed SGA-mortality relation and may inform survival interventions in undernourished settings.