scholarly journals Birth weight and adult earnings: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Mark J. Lambiris ◽  
Mia M. Blakstad ◽  
Nandita Perumal ◽  
Goodarz Danaei ◽  
Lilia Bliznashka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Biomedical Literature ◽  
Economic Outcomes ◽  
Childhood Development ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Standard Deviation Increase ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Adult Earnings

Abstract While substantial evidence has identified low birth weight (LBW; <2500 g) as a risk factor for early life morbidity, mortality and poor childhood development, relatively little is known on the links between birth weight and economic outcomes in adulthood. The objective of this study was to systematically review the economics (EconLit) and biomedical literature (Medline) and estimate the pooled association between birth weight and adult earnings. A total of 15 studies from mostly high-income countries were included. On average, each standard deviation increase in birth weight was associated with a 2.75% increase in annual earnings [(95% CI: 1.44 to 4.07); 9 estimates]. A negative, but not statistically significant, association was found between being born LBW and earnings, compared to individuals not born LBW [mean difference: −3.41% (95% CI: −7.55 to 0.73); 7 estimates]. No studies from low-income countries were identified and all studies were observational. Overall, birth weight was consistently associated with adult earnings, and therefore, interventions that improve birth weight may provide beneficial effects on adult economic outcomes.

scholarly journals Premature or Small for Gestational Age Discrimination: International Multicenter Trial Protocol for Classification of the Low-Birth-Weight Newborn Through the Optical Properties of the Skin

10.2196/16477 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e16477
Author(s):  
Zilma Reis ◽  
Gabriela Vitral ◽  
Rodney Guimarães ◽  
Juliano Gaspar ◽  
Enrico Colosimo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Small For Gestational Age ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Optoelectronic Device ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
New Device ◽  
Pregnancy Dating

Background A low birth weight is an independent risk factor for adverse infant outcomes and a predictor of chronic disease in adulthood. In these situations, differentiating between prematurity and small for gestational age (SGA) or simultaneous conditions is essential to ensuring adequate care. Such diagnoses, however, depend on reliable pregnancy dating, which can be challenging in developing countries. A new medical optoelectronic device was developed to estimate gestational age (GA) at birth based on newborn skin reflection. Objective This study will aim to evaluate the device’s ability to detect prematurity or SGA, or both conditions simultaneously as well as predict short-term pulmonary complications in a cohort of low-birth-weight newborns. Methods This study protocol was designed for a multicenter cohort including referral hospitals in Brazil and Mozambique. Newborns weighing 500-2500 g will be eligible for inclusion with the best GA available, considering the limited resources of low-income countries. Comparator-GA is based on reliable last menstrual period dating or ultrasound assessment before 24 weeks’ gestation. Estimated GA at birth (Test-GA) will be calculated by applying a novel optoelectronic device to the newborn’s skin over the sole. The average difference between Test-GA and Comparator-GA will be analyzed, as will the percentage of newborns who are correctly diagnosed as preterm or SGA. In addition, in a nested case–control study, the accuracy of skin reflection in the prediction of prematurity-related respiratory problems will be evaluated. The estimated required sample size is 298 newborns. Results Teams of health professionals were trained, and standard operating procedures were developed following the good practice guidelines for the clinical investigation of medical devices for human participants. The first recruitment started in March 2019 in Brazil. Data collection is planned to end in December 2020, and the results should be available in March 2021. Conclusions The results of this clinical study have the potential to validate a new device to easily assess postnatal GA, supporting SGA identification when pregnancy dating is unreliable or unknown. Trial Registration ReBec: RBR-33rnjf; http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-33rnjf/ International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/16477

scholarly journals Clinical effectiveness of drugs in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Ariel Abeldano Zuniga ◽  
Silvia Coca ◽  
Giuliana Abeldano ◽  
Ruth Ana Maria Gonzalez Villoria
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis

Objective. The aim was to assess the clinical effectiveness of drugs used in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection. Method. We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials assessing treatment with remdesivir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, ritonavir, dexamethasone, and convalescent plasma, for hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The outcomes were mortality, clinical improvement, duration of ventilation, duration of oxygen support, duration of hospitalization), virological clearance, and severe adverse events. Results. A total of 48 studies were retrieved from the databases. Ten articles were finally included in the data extraction and qualitative synthesis of results. The meta-analysis suggests a benefit of dexamethasone versus standard care in the reduction of risk of mortality at day 28; and the clinical improvement at days 14 and 28 in patients treated with remdesivir. Conclusions. Dexamethasone would have a better result in hospitalized patients, especially in low-resources settings. Significance of results. The analysis of the main treatments proposed for hospitalized patients is of vital importance to reduce mortality in low-income countries; since the COVID-19 pandemic had an economic impact worldwide with the loss of jobs and economic decline in countries with scarce resources. Keywords: Drugs; Antivirals; Clinical improvement; Mortality; COVID-19; SARS-CoV2.

scholarly journals Facilitating the Participation of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Development Centres in Malawi: Developing a Sustainable Staff Training Programme

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 2104
Author(s):  
Anita Soni ◽  
Paul Lynch ◽  
Mike McLinden ◽  
Jenipher Mbukwa-Ngwira ◽  
Mika Mankhwazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Children With Disabilities ◽  
Early Childhood Development ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Childhood Development ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Sub Saharan

This article explores the development of a sustainable training programme supporting the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood, education and care (ECEC) centres in Malawi. This programme is based on a review of literature of curriculum, pedagogy and teaching approaches in ECEC in sub-Saharan Africa, alongside a review of national policy documents. The training was designed to enable staff to value the inclusion of children with disabilities in ECEC centres, as well as suggesting practical ways to do so. We set out our response to the gap in training of ECEC staff through the development of a supplementary integrated training programme, which, whilst respectful of the curriculum, policy and practice of Malawi, challenged staff to consider ways of including children with disabilities (CWD) and their families. We suggest this is a pragmatic and sustainable model that could be applied to training in other ECEC settings across the region in sub-Saharan Africa. It concludes with guiding principles for training those working in ECEC with young children with disabilities in low-income countries.

Challenges for Evidence-Based Care for Children With Developmental Delays in Nicaragua

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abraham A. Salinas-Miranda ◽  
Eric A. Storch ◽  
Robert Nelson ◽  
Claudia Evans-Baltodano
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Developmental Delays ◽  
Early Childhood Development ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Childhood Development ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Low Income Country ◽  
Evidence Based Care

Evidence of successful models for promoting early childhood development and for effectively addressing developmental delays is available, yet the adoption of evidence-based strategies is limited in low-income countries. Nicaragua, a low-income country on the Central American isthmus, faces policy-, organizational-, and community-level obstacles which prevent families from receiving the benefits of early child development programs as well as other necessary services for children at risk of or with developmental delays. Failing to address developmental delays in a timely manner leads to detrimental social and economic consequences for families and society at large. In this article, we examine existing information on early childhood development in Nicaragua and discuss some programmatic implications for the recognition and early intervention of developmental delays in Nicaragua.

scholarly journals Is birth weight associated with blood pressure among African children and adolescents? A systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Lule ◽  
A. M. Elliott ◽  
L. Smeeth ◽  
E. L. Webb
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
African Children ◽  
The Relationship

There is substantial evidence of an inverse association between birth weight and later blood pressure (BP) in populations from high-income countries, but whether this applies in low-income countries, where causes of low birth weight are different, is not certain. Objective: We conducted a review of the evidence on the relationship between birth weight and BP among African children and adolescents. Medline, EMBASE, Global Health and Web of Science databases were searched for publications to October 2016. Papers reporting the relationship between birth weight and BP among African children and adolescents were assessed. Bibliographies were searched for further relevant publications. Selected papers were summarized following the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. In total, 16 papers from 13 studies conducted in nine African countries (Nigeria, Republic of Seychelles, Gambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, South Africa, Algeria, Zimbabwe and Angola) were reviewed. Eight studies were cohorts, while five were cross-sectional. The relationship between birth weight and later BP varied with age of the participants. Studies in neonates showed a consistently positive association, while predominantly inverse associations were seen among children, and studies in adolescents were inconsistent. Based on the limited number of studies identified, the relationship between birth weight and later BP may vary with age in African children and adolescents. Not all studies adequately controlled for confounding, notably gender or age. Whether the inverse relationship between birth weight and BP in later life observed in Western settings is also seen in Africa remains unclear.

scholarly journals Global epidemiology of COVID-19 knowledge, attitude and practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. e051447
Author(s):  
Bodrun Naher Siddiquea ◽  
Aishwarya Shetty ◽  
Oashe Bhattacharya ◽  
Afsana Afroz ◽  
Baki Billah
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
General Population ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Global Epidemiology ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

ObjectiveTo assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of the global general population regarding COVID-19.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO were used to identify articles published between 1 January and 30 June 2021 assessing KAP regarding COVID-19 in the global general population. The quality of eligible studies was assessed. Random effects model was used to obtain the pooled proportion of each component of KAP of COVID-19. Heterogeneity (I2) was tested, and subgroup and correlation analyses were performed.ResultsOut of 3099 records, 84 studies from 45 countries across all continents assessing 215 731 participants’ COVID-19 KAP were included in this study. The estimated overall correct answers for knowledge, good attitude and good practice in this review were 75% (95% CI 72% to 77%), 74% (95% CI 71% to 77%) and 70% (95% CI 66% to 74%), respectively. Low-income countries, men, people aged below 30 years and people with 12 years of education or less had the lowest practice scores. Practice scores were below 60% in Africa and Europe/Oceania. Overall heterogeneity was high (I2 ≥98%), and publication bias was present (Egger’s regression test, p<0.01). A positive significant correlation between knowledge and practice (r=0.314, p=0.006), and attitude and practice (r=0.348, p=0.004) was observed.ConclusionsThis study’s findings call for community-based awareness programmes to provide a simple, clear and understandable message to reinforce knowledge especially regarding efficacy of the preventive measures in low and lower middle-income countries, and in Africa and Europe/Oceania, which will translate into good practice. Targeted intervention for men, people with low education, unemployed people and people aged below 30 years should be recommended. As most of the included studies were online surveys, underprivileged and remote rural people may have been missed out. Additional studies are needed to cover heterogeneous populations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020203476.

scholarly journals Prevalence of frailty and prefrailty among community-dwelling older adults in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e018195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhammika D Siriwardhana ◽  
Sarah Hardoon ◽  
Greta Rait ◽  
Manuj C Weerasinghe ◽  
Kate R Walters
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

ObjectiveTo systematically review the research conducted on prevalence of frailty and prefrailty among community-dwelling older adults in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to estimate the pooled prevalence of frailty and prefrailty in community-dwelling older adults in LMICs.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis. PROSPERO registration number is CRD42016036083.Data sourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, Web of Science, CINAHL and WHO Global Health Library were searched from their inception to 12 September 2017.SettingLow-income and middle-income countries.ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years.ResultsWe screened 7057 citations and 56 studies were included. Forty-seven and 42 studies were included in the frailty and prefrailty meta-analysis, respectively. The majority of studies were from upper middle-income countries. One study was available from low-income countries. The prevalence of frailty varied from 3.9% (China) to 51.4% (Cuba) and prevalence of prefrailty ranged from 13.4% (Tanzania) to 71.6% (Brazil). The pooled prevalence of frailty was 17.4% (95% CI 14.4% to 20.7%, I2=99.2%) and prefrailty was 49.3% (95% CI 46.4% to 52.2%, I2=97.5%). The wide variation in prevalence rates across studies was largely explained by differences in frailty assessment method and the geographic region. These findings are for the studies with a minimum recruitment age 60, 65 and 70 years.ConclusionThe prevalence of frailty and prefrailty appears higher in community-dwelling older adults in upper middle-income countries compared with high-income countries, which has important implications for healthcare planning. There is limited evidence on frailty prevalence in lower middle-income and low-income countries.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016036083.

scholarly journals Pollution-Free Road Lighting

2001 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 364-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duco A. Schreuder
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Road Lighting ◽  
Technical Report

The beneficial effects of road lighting are often seen as very important. They relate to reducing road accidents and some forms of crime but also enhance the social safety of residents and pedestrians and the amenity for residents. Road traffic in developing countries is much more hazardous than in industrialized countries. Accident rates in ‘low’ income countries may be as much as 35 times higher than in ‘high’ income countries. Thus, it might be much more cost-effective to light roads in the developing world than in the industrialized world. Fighting light pollution is more pressing in developing countries as most of the major high-class astronomical observatories are there. Astronomical observations are disturbed by light from outdoor lighting installations, part of which is scattered in the atmosphere to form ‘sky glow’. The International Lighting Commission CIE has published a Technical Report giving general guidance for lighting designers and policy makers on the reduction of the sky glow.

Definitions, Classification, and Epidemiology of Intellectual Disability

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Sally-Ann Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Social Construct ◽  
The Core ◽  
Severe Intellectual Disability ◽  
Considerable Complexity ◽  
Over Time

Intellectual disability is a social construct rather than a purely statistical construct, with the core features being (i) impaired intelligence more than two standard deviations from the population mean, (ii) impaired adaptive functioning, along with (iii) onset during childhood/youth. The majority of people with intellectual impairments have mild intellectual impairments (6 mild:1 moderate-profound impairments), and the majority with intellectual impairments in whom this is disabling have mild rather than severe intellectual disability (ID). There is considerable complexity in interpreting findings from studies and meta-analysis on prevalence of ID, but it appears that in high-income countries, about 5/1,000 adults have ID, falling to about 2/1,000 over the age of 65 years. Prevalence is higher in children and young people, boys/men (about 58%), and in low-income countries (though it may be less disabling in less technology-driven communities). For complex reasons, prevalence varies with geography, and over time.

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