scholarly journals Early life risk factors of motor, cognitive and language development: a pooled analysis of studies from low/middle-income countries

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e026449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayesha Sania ◽  
Christopher R Sudfeld ◽  
Goodarz Danaei ◽  
Günther Fink ◽  
Dana C McCoy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Child Development ◽  
Motor Development ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Meta Analyses

ObjectiveTo determine the magnitude of relationships of early life factors with child development in low/middle-income countries (LMICs).DesignMeta-analyses of standardised mean differences (SMDs) estimated from published and unpublished data.Data sourcesWe searched Medline, bibliographies of key articles and reviews, and grey literature to identify studies from LMICs that collected data on early life exposures and child development. The most recent search was done on 4 November 2014. We then invited the first authors of the publications and investigators of unpublished studies to participate in the study.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesStudies that assessed at least one domain of child development in at least 100 children under 7 years of age and collected at least one early life factor of interest were included in the study.AnalysesLinear regression models were used to assess SMDs in child development by parental and child factors within each study. We then produced pooled estimates across studies using random effects meta-analyses.ResultsWe retrieved data from 21 studies including 20 882 children across 13 LMICs, to assess the associations of exposure to 14 major risk factors with child development. Children of mothers with secondary schooling had 0.14 SD (95% CI 0.05 to 0.25) higher cognitive scores compared with children whose mothers had primary education. Preterm birth was associated with 0.14 SD (–0.24 to –0.05) and 0.23 SD (–0.42 to –0.03) reductions in cognitive and motor scores, respectively. Maternal short stature, anaemia in infancy and lack of access to clean water and sanitation had significant negative associations with cognitive and motor development with effects ranging from −0.18 to −0.10 SDs.ConclusionsDifferential parental, environmental and nutritional factors contribute to disparities in child development across LMICs. Targeting these factors from prepregnancy through childhood may improve health and development of children.

scholarly journals Prevalence and determinants of anaemia among children aged 0–59 months in a rural region of Armenia: a case–control study

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 1260-1269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anahit Demirchyan ◽  
Varduhi Petrosyan ◽  
Viktoria Sargsyan ◽  
Kim Hekimian
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Severe Anaemia ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Daily Diet ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

AbstractObjectiveDespite the trend of increasing prevalence of childhood anaemia in Armenia, no studies exploring its risk factors have been conducted in the country. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of childhood anaemia in rural Armenia.DesignBlood Hb level was measured among a representative sample of children using the HemoCue Hb201+ analyser. The revealed cases with anaemia were compared with randomly selected non-anaemic controls. Mothers of cases and controls were interviewed. Logistic and linear regression models were fitted to identify the risk factors of anaemia and low Hb level, respectively.SettingTalin communities, Aragatsotn Province, Armenia.SubjectsChildren under 5 years of age in Talin region.ResultsOf the 729 studied children, 32·4 % were anaemic with 14·7 % having moderate/severe anaemia. Infants were the most affected group with 51·1 % being anaemic before 6 months and 67·9 % at 6–12 months of age. Fitted regression models identified the following predictors of anaemia: younger age, male gender, shorter birth length, anaemia during pregnancy, lower meal frequency per day, lack of meat in the diet, using dung cakes for heating and living in a community that received an incomplete set of nutrition interventions.ConclusionsThe study identified several modifiable risk factors that could be targeted to reduce childhood anaemia in rural Armenia and, possibly, in rural areas in other low-/middle-income countries. The suggested interventions include prevention and treatment of anaemia during pregnancy, provision of adequate complementary feeding to children with inclusion of meat in their daily diet and reduction of their exposure to biomass fuel smoke.

Risk Factors of Mortality Among Patients with Stroke in Low Middle-Income Countries:  A Series of 180 Patients

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larrey Kamabu ◽  
Hervé Monka Lekuya ◽  
Bienvenu Muhindo Kasusula ◽  
Nicole Kavugho Mutimani ◽  
Louange Maha Kathaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2 infection in Low and Middle-Income Countries and risk classification in the context of rolling out vaccine candidate across these countries : Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Ackah ◽  
Louise Ameyaw ◽  
Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo ◽  
Cynthia Osei Yeboah ◽  
Nana Esi Wood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Vaccine Candidate ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Research Database ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background Seroprevalence of SARS Cov-2 provides a good indication of the extent of exposure and spread in the population, as well as those likely to benefit from a vaccine candidate. To date, there is no published or ongoing systematic review on the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This systematic review and meta-analysis will estimate SARS Cov-2 seroprevalence and the risk factors for SARS Cov-2 infection in LMICs.Methods We will search PubMed, EMBASE, WHO COVID-19 Global research database, Google Scholar, the African Journals Online, LILAC, HINARI, medRxiv, bioRxiv and Cochrane Library for potentially useful studies on seroprevalence of COVID-19 in LMICs from December 2019 to December 2020 without language restriction. Two authors will independently screen all the articles, select studies based on pre-specified eligibility criteria and extract data using a pre-tested data extraction form. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion between the authors. The pooled seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2 for people from LMICs will be calculated. Random effects model will be used in case of substantial heterogeneity in the included studies, otherwise fixed-effect model will be used. A planned subgroup, sensitivity and meta-regression analyses will be performed. For comparative studies, the analyses will be performed using Review Manager v 5.4; otherwise, STATA 16 will be used. All effect estimates will be presented with their confidence intervals.Discussion The study will explore and systematically review empirical evidence on SARS Cov-2 seroprevalence in LMICs, and to assess the risk factors for SARS Cov-2 infection in Low Middle Income Countries in the context of rolling out vaccines in these countries. Finally, explore risk classifications to help with the rolling out of vaccines in LMICs.Systematic review registration: The protocol for this review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD422020221548).

scholarly journals Do improved biomass cookstove interventions improve indoor air quality and blood pressure? A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitya Kumar ◽  
Eunice Phillip ◽  
Helen Cooper ◽  
Megan Davis ◽  
Jessica Langevin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Fine Particulate Matter ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundHousehold air pollution (HAP) kills 4 million annually, with access to clean cooking being a challenge for 37% of the world’s population. Whilst there have been advancements in improved biomass cookstove (ICS) technologies, reviews on the impact of these ICS on HAP are now more than three years old.ObjectivesThis review and meta-analysis examines the most recent evidence on the impact of ICS on HAP and blood pressure (BP).MethodsA literature search was conducted using scientific literature databases and grey literature. Studies were included if they were published between January 2012 and June 2020, reported impact of ICS interventions in non-pregnant adults in low/middle-income countries, and reported post-intervention results along with baseline of traditional cookstoves. Outcomes included 24- or 48-hour averages of kitchen area fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), mean systolic BP (SBP) and mean diastolic BP (DBP). Meta-analyses estimated weighted mean differences between baseline and post-intervention values for all outcome measures.ResultsNine studies were included; eight contributed estimates for HAP and three for BP. Interventions lead to significant reductions in PM2.5 (−0.28 mg/m3, 95% CI: -0.46, -0.10), CO (−6.59ppm, 95%CI: - 10.73, -2.46) and SBP (−2.82mmHg, 95% CI: -5.53, -0.11); and a non-significant reduction in DBP (−0.80 mmHg, 95%CI: -2.33, 0.73), when compared to baseline of traditional cookstoves. Except for DBP, greatest reductions in all outcomes came from standard combustion ICS with a chimney, compared to ICS without a chimney and advanced combustion ICS. WHO air quality targets were met by post-intervention values for CO but not for PM2.5.ConclusionOur review suggests that ICS with a chimney results in the greatest reductions in HAP and BP. Further research on qualitative impact of such ICS on end-users is required to understand feasibility of adoption at scale.

scholarly journals The incidence of and risk factors for late presentation of childhood chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0244709
Author(s):  
Lucy Plumb ◽  
Emily J. Boother ◽  
Fergus J. Caskey ◽  
Manish D. Sinha ◽  
Yoav Ben-Shlomo
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Failure ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Late Presentation ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

Background When detected early, inexpensive measures can slow chronic kidney disease progression to kidney failure which, for children, confers significant morbidity and impacts growth and development. Our objective was to determine the incidence of late presentation of childhood chronic kidney disease and its associated risk factors. Methods We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CINAHL, grey literature and registry websites for observational data describing children <21 years presenting to nephrology services, with reference to late presentation (or synonyms thereof). Independent second review of eligibility, data extraction, and risk of bias was undertaken. Meta-analysis was used to generate pooled proportions for late presentation by definition and investigate risk factors. Meta-regression was undertaken to explore heterogeneity. Results Forty-five sources containing data from 30 countries were included, comprising 19,339 children. Most studies (37, n = 15,772) described children first presenting in kidney failure as a proportion of the chronic kidney disease population (mean proportion 0.43, 95% CI 0.34–0.54). Using this definition, the median incidence was 2.1 (IQR 0.9–3.9) per million age-related population. Risk associations included non-congenital disease and older age. Studies of hospitalised patients, or from low- or middle-income countries, that had older study populations than high-income countries, had higher proportions of late presentation. Conclusions Late presentation is a global problem among children with chronic kidney disease, with higher proportions seen in studies of hospitalised children or from low/middle-income countries. Children presenting late are older and more likely to have non-congenital kidney disease than timely presenting children. A consensus definition is important to further our understanding and local populations should identify modifiable barriers beyond age and disease to improve access to care.

scholarly journals Evidence on Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the Challenges Faced in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Qualitative Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Farah ◽  
Wim Groot ◽  
Milena Pavlova
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

Abstract Background In low-income countries (LIC) and low-middle-income countries (LMIC), the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has increased due to the lack of prevention and the presence of barriers to enter rehabilitation programs. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the evidence on pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in LIC and LMIC. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted. Four electronic databases were searched for qualitative and quantitative studies that documented the presence of PR in LIC and LMIC. We report our findings following the Prisma guidelines. In addition, grey literature was also searched. Articles not in English, presenting a point of view and/or not treating an adult population (< 18 years old) were excluded from the review. Data were extracted by one reviewer and synthesized in the form of tables. Tables present individual characteristics of the PR reported within countries, including country of origin, study design, population attending, intervention (kind of program setting), frequency and duration of a program established (if available), with health outcomes. The PICO framework was used for every country with reported PR to assess population, intervention, comparison and outcomes found. This systematic review is registered on Prospero: CRD42020141655. Results In total, 47 publications were included in the review. In LIC, PR for HIV-infected patients was most frequently reported, while in LMIC, PR for COPD patients was most frequent. Duration and frequency of treatments reported were also different in LIC and LMIC. Health outcomes on cardiopulmonary function were established in all publications. Results found that the implementation of PR in LMIC is ongoing. The most important barriers to access are the lack of funds and know-how among professional healthcare givers. Conclusion Findings suggest that the literature on PR is scarce in LIC and LMIC. Structured or non-structured rehabilitation programs for patients suffering from COPD, HIV and Tuberculosis, are infrequently available. Strategic policy initiatives to diminish barriers and challenges are needed to implement more PR programs in LIC and LMIC.

scholarly journals Economic costs of infertility care for patients in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e042951
Author(s):  
Purity Njagi ◽  
Wim Groot ◽  
Jelena Arsenijevic ◽  
Silke Dyer ◽  
Gitau Mburu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Infertility Treatment ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

IntroductionInfertility, a condition of the reproductive system, affects millions of individuals and couples worldwide. Despite infertility treatment’s existence, it is largely unavailable and inaccessible in low/middle-income countries (LMICs) due to the prohibitive costs compounded by an absence of financing. Previous systematic reviews have shown that there is scanty information in LMICs on out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for infertility treatment. This protocol outlines the methodological approach and analytical process to appraise the extent of economic burden due to payments for infertility care services in LMICs.Method and analysisUsing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach, we will primarily search for articles indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EconLit and PsycINFO databases. Grey literature from relevant organisations’ virtual libraries shall also be searched. Backward and forward searches on the articles selected will also be done. Quantitative studies on infertility treatment costs from LMICs across the world regions within the last 20 years will be considered. The primary outcome of interest shall include OOP payments, catastrophic health expenditure and direct costs for infertility services. Conversely, informal payments and indirect costs related to infertility treatments shall be considered as secondary outcomes. Integrated quality Criteria for Review Of Multiple Study designs will be used to assess the quality of the studies included in the review. Meta-analysis shall be considered if sufficient studies identified are homogenous in characteristics. Also, the review shall analyse the average cost of infertility treatment against the respective countries’ economic indicators like gross domestic product per capita if data permit.Ethics and disseminationResearch and ethics approval will not be required given this will be a review of published articles on the subject. The findings shall be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation to the WHO and its partners.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020199312.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction Models in Haiti: Implications for Primary Prevention in Low-Middle Income Countries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lily D Yan ◽  
Jean Lookens Pierre ◽  
Vanessa Rouzier ◽  
Michel Theard ◽  
Alexandra Apollon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Risk Prediction ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Risk Prediction Models ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are rapidly increasing in low-middle income countries (LMICs). Accurate risk assessment is essential to reduce premature CVD by targeting primary prevention and risk factor treatment among high-risk groups. Available CVD risk prediction models are built on predominantly Caucasian, high-income country populations, and have not been evaluated in LMIC populations. Objective To compare the predicted 10-year risk of CVD and identify high-risk groups for targeted prevention and treatment in Haiti. Methods We used cross-sectional data within the Haiti CVD Cohort Study, including 653 adults ≥ 40 years without known history of CVD and with complete data. Six CVD risk prediction models were compared: pooled cohort equations (PCE), adjusted PCE with updated cohorts, Framingham CVD Lipids, Framingham CVD Body Mass Index (BMI), WHO Lipids, and WHO BMI. Risk factors were measured during clinical exams. Primary outcome was continuous and categorical predicted 10-year CVD risk. Secondary outcome was statin eligibility. Results Seventy percent were female, 65.5% lived on a daily income of ≤1 USD, 57.0% had hypertension, 14.5% had hypercholesterolemia, 9.3% had diabetes mellitus, 5.5% were current smokers, and 2.0% had HIV. Predicted 10-year CVD risk ranged from 3.9% in adjusted PCE (IQR 1.7-8.4) to 9.8% in Framingham-BMI (IQR 5.0-17.8), and Spearman rank correlation coefficients ranged from 0.87 to 0.98. The percent of the cohort categorized as high risk using the uniform threshold of 10-year CVD risk ≥ 7.5% ranged from 28.8% in the adjusted PCE model to 62.0% in the Framingham-BMI model (χ2 = 331, p value < 0.001). Statin eligibility also varied widely. Conclusions In the Haiti CVD Cohort, there was substantial variation in the proportion identified as high-risk and statin eligible using existing models, leading to very different treatment recommendations and public health implications depending on which prediction model is chosen. There is a need to design and validate CVD risk prediction tools for low-middle income countries that include locally relevant risk factors.

scholarly journals Lifetime economic impact of the burden of childhood stunting attributable to maternal psychosocial risk factors in 137 low/middle-income countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e001144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary C Smith Fawzi ◽  
Kathryn G Andrews ◽  
Günther Fink ◽  
Goodarz Danaei ◽  
Dana Charles McCoy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Maternal Depression ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Psychosocial Risk Factors ◽  
Psychosocial Risk ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

IntroductionThe first 1000 days of life is a period of great potential and vulnerability. In particular, physical growth of children can be affected by the lack of access to basic needs as well as psychosocial factors, such as maternal depression. The objectives of the present study are to: (1) quantify the burden of childhood stunting in low/middle-income countries attributable to psychosocial risk factors; and (2) estimate the related lifetime economic costs.MethodsA comparative risk assessment analysis was performed with data from 137 low/middle-income countries throughout Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, North Africa and the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa. The proportion of stunting prevalence, defined as <−2 SDs from the median height for age according to the WHO Child Growth Standards, and the number of cases attributable to low maternal education, intimate partner violence (IPV), maternal depression and orphanhood were calculated. The joint effect of psychosocial risk factors on stunting was estimated. The economic impact, as reflected in the total future income losses per birth cohort, was examined.ResultsApproximately 7.2 million cases of stunting in low/middle-income countries were attributable to psychosocial factors. The leading risk factor was maternal depression with 3.2 million cases attributable. Maternal depression also demonstrated the greatest economic cost at $14.5 billion, followed by low maternal education ($10.0 billion) and IPV ($8.5 billion). The joint cost of these risk factors was $29.3 billion per birth cohort.ConclusionThe cost of neglecting these psychosocial risk factors is significant. Improving access to formal secondary school education for girls may offset the risk of maternal depression, IPV and orphanhood. Focusing on maternal depression may play a key role in reducing the burden of stunting. Overall, addressing psychosocial factors among perinatal women can have a significant impact on child growth and well-being in the developing world.

scholarly journals COVID-19 IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT: CHARACTERISTICS AND SPECIFICITIES IN IMMUNOCOMPETENT AND ONCOHEMATOLOGICAL PATIENTS

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. e2022009
Author(s):  
Federico Mercolini ◽  
Simone Cesaro
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Attributable Mortality ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Children And Adolescent ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Care Givers ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected less children and adolescents, morbidity and mortality figures being inferior to that reported for adults. In this review we focused on the clinical course, risk factors for severe COVID-19, mortality, treatment options and prevention measures in the pediatric and adolescent setting with special attention to the pediatric oncohematological patients. In this subgroups of patients, SARS-CoV-2 infection was often asyntomatic but 47 to 68% of patients require hospitalization and 9-10% of those hospitalized needed intensive care with a COVID-19 attributable mortality of about 4%. The multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated to Coronavirus 2019 was less frequent than that reported in the non-oncohematological pediatric population. Noteworthy, the course of COVID-19 was more severe in low-middle income countries. The key measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection are the reduction of patients exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 and vaccination, now available fore care givers and parents and for patients and siblings > 12 years old. The treatment of COVID-19 in pediatric patients was mainly based on supportive care with dexamethasone and heparin prophylaxis for severely ill patients. Other measures, such as convalescent plasma, remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies have been used in limited case or within experimental protocols. Further studies are needed on the risk factors and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pediatric immunocompromised patients. 

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