scholarly journals Antenatal Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation Is Associated with Improved Linear Growth and Reduced Risk of Stunting or Severe Stunting in South Asian Children Less than Two Years of Age: A Pooled Analysis from Seven Countries

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2632
Author(s):  
Yasir Bin Nisar ◽  
Victor M. Aguayo ◽  
Sk Masum Billah ◽  
Michael J. Dibley
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Birth Size ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Severe Stunting ◽  
Asian Children ◽  
Reduced Risk

In South Asia, an estimated 38% of preschool-age children have stunted growth. We aimed to assess the effect of WHO-recommended antenatal iron, and folic acid (IFA) supplements on smaller than average birth size and stunting in South Asian children <2 years old. The sample was 96,512 mothers with their most recent birth within two years, from nationally representative surveys between 2005 and 2016 in seven South Asian countries. Primary outcomes were stunting [length-for-age Z-score (LAZ) < –2], severe stunting [length-for-age Z-score (LAZ) < –3], length-for-age Z score, and perceived smaller than average birth size. Exposure was the use of IFA supplements. We conducted analyses with Poisson, linear and logistic multivariate regression adjusted for the cluster survey design, and 14 potential confounders covering the country of the survey, socio-demographic factors, household economic status, maternal characteristics, and duration of respondent recall. The prevalence of stunting was 33%, severe stunting was 14%, and perceived smaller than average birth size was 22%. Use of antenatal IFA was associated with a reduced adjusted risk of being stunted by 8% (aRR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89, 0.95), of being severely stunted by 9% (aRR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86, 0.96) and of being smaller than average birth size by 14% (aRR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80, 0.91). The adjusted mean LAZ was significantly higher in children whose mothers used IFA supplements. Maternal use of IFA in the first four months gestation and consuming 120 or more supplements throughout pregnancy was associated with the largest reduction in risk of child stunting. Antenatal IFA supplementation was associated with a significantly reduced risk of stunting, severe stunting, and smaller than average perceived birth size and improved LAZ in young South Asian children. The early and sustained use of antenatal IFA has the potential to improve child growth outcomes in South Asia and other low-and-middle-income countries with high levels of iron deficiency in pregnancy.

scholarly journals Multifactorial correlates of blood pressure in South Asian children in Canada: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e027844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeleke Fowokan ◽  
Zubin Punthakee ◽  
Charlotte Waddell ◽  
Miriam Rosin ◽  
Katherine M Morrison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Stepwise Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Asian Children ◽  
Z Scores

ObjectiveWe sought to explore various correlates of blood pressure (BP) and hypertension, and to identify the most important aggregate combination of correlates for BP in South Asian children.DesignCross-sectional studySettingCommunity-based recruitment in two Canadian citiesParticipantsSouth Asian children (n=762) provided a range of physiological, lifestyle and social variables. BP was assessed using an automated device. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and BP were transformed to z-scores using published standards.Outcome measuresLinear and logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations between the range of variables with BP z-scores and hypertension while stepwise regression was used to identify aggregate factors that provided explanatory capacity for systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) z-scores.ResultsA range of variables were associated with BP z-score and hypertension in unadjusted analysis. On adjustment for confounders, the association between age (β=−0.054, 95% CI=−0.078 to 0.029), female sex (β=−0.208, 95% CI=−0.350 to –0.067), height (β=0.022, 95% CI=0.011 to 0.033), weight (β=0.047, 95% CI=0.040 to 0.055), BMI z-score (β=0.292, 95% CI=0.249 to 0.336), WC z-score (β=0.273, 95% CI=0.219 to 0.326), WHtR z-score (β=0.289, 95% CI=0.236 to 0.342), heart rate (β=0.016, 95% CI=0.010 to 0.022), child’s perception of body image (β=0.183, 95% CI=0.128 to 0.239) and grip strength (β=0.025, 95% CI=0.007 to 0.043) with SBP z-score remained. In stepwise regression, age, sex, BMI z-score, heart rate and weight accounted for 30% of the variance of SBP z-score, while age, BMI z-score, heart rate and daily fast food intake accounted for 23% of the DBP z-score variance.ConclusionOur findings suggest that variables, such as age, sex, height, adiposity and heart rate, provide stronger explanatory capacity to BP variance and hypertension risk than other variables in South Asian children.

scholarly journals Adiposity measures and their validity in estimating risk of hypertension in South Asian children: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e024087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeleke O Fowokan ◽  
Zubin Punthakee ◽  
Charlotte Waddell ◽  
Miriam Rosin ◽  
Katherine M Morrison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Fat ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Body Fat Percentage ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hypertension Risk ◽  
Asian Children ◽  
Z Scores

ObjectiveGiven the South Asian phenotype of higher body fat at similar body mass index (BMI) relative to Caucasians, we sought to explore the association between prominent adiposity indicators with blood pressure (BP) and hypertension, to compare the accuracy of these indicators in estimating hypertension, and to provide cut-off values associated with adverse hypertension risk in South Asian children.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingCommunity-based recruitment in two Canadian cities (Hamilton and Surrey).ParticipantsSouth Asian children (n=762) were recruited from two Canadian cities. Waist circumference, waist to height ratio and BMI were determined. Body fat percentage was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and BP was assessed using an automated device. All variables (except body fat percentage) were transformed to z-scores using published standards.Outcome measuresLinear and Poisson regression was used to explore associations between the adiposity indicators with BP z-score and hypertension. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to explore the strength of the adiposity indicators in estimating hypertension risk and sex-stratified optimal adiposity cut-off values associated with hypertension risk.ResultsSignificant associations were detected in adjusted and unadjusted models between the adiposity indicators with BP z-score and hypertension (p<0.01 for all). The area under the curve (AUC) values for the adiposity indicators for boys and girls ranged from 0.74 to 0.80, suggesting that the adiposity indicators are fair measures of estimating hypertension risk. Sex-stratified cut-off associated with adverse risk of hypertension for girls and boys, respectively, were at the 92nd and 82nd percentile for BMI z-scores, 65th and 80th percentile for WC z-score, 63rd and 67th percentile for WHtR z-score and at 29.8% and 23.5% for body fat.ConclusionOur results show associations between adiposity indicators with BP and hypertension and suggests that South Asian children might be at adverse risk of hypertension at levels of adiposity considered normal.

scholarly journals Associations of diarised sleep onset time, period and duration with total and central adiposity in a biethnic sample of young children: the Born in Bradford observational cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e044769
Author(s):  
Paul James Collings ◽  
Jane Elizabeth Blackwell ◽  
Elizabeth Pal ◽  
Helen L Ball ◽  
John Wright
Keyword(s):  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Young Children ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Onset Time ◽  
Central Adiposity ◽  
Z Score ◽  
White Children ◽  
Asian Children ◽  
Sleep Parameters

ObjectivesTo investigate associations of parent-reported sleep characteristics with adiposity levels in a biethnic sample of young children.DesignA cross-sectional observational study.SettingThe Born in Bradford 1000 study, UK.ParticipantsChildren aged approximately 18 months (n=209; 40.2% South Asian; 59.8% white) and 36 months (n=162; 40.7% South Asian; 59.3% white).Primary and secondary outcome measuresChildren’s body mass index (BMI) z-score, sum of two-skinfolds (triceps and subscapular) and waist circumference. Adjusted regression was used to quantify associations of sleep parameters with adiposity stratified by ethnicity and age group. The results are beta coefficients (95% CIs) and unless otherwise stated represent the difference in outcomes for every 1-hour difference in sleep parameters.ResultsThe average sleep onset time was markedly later in South Asian (21:26±68 min) than white children (19:41±48 min). Later sleep onset was associated with lower BMI z-score (−0.3 (−0.5 to −0.0)) and sum of two-skinfolds (−1.5 mm (−2.8 mm to −0.2 mm)) in white children aged 18 months and higher BMI z-score in South Asian children aged 36 months (0.3 (0.0–0.5)). Longer sleep duration on weekends than weekdays was associated with higher BMI z-score (0.4 (0.1–0.8)) and waist circumference (1.2 cm (0.3–2.2 cm)) in South Asian children aged 18 months, and later sleep onset on weekends than weekdays was associated with larger sum of two-skinfolds (1.7 mm (0.3–3.1 mm)) and waist circumference (1.8 cm (0.6–2.9 cm)). Going to sleep ≥20 min later on weekends than weekdays was associated with lower waist circumference in white children aged 18 months (−1.7 cm (−3.2 cm to −0.1 cm)).ConclusionsSleep timing is associated with total and central adiposity in young children but associations differ by age group and ethnicity. Sleep onset times and regular sleep schedules may be important for obesity prevention.

scholarly journals Associations of diarised sleep onset time, period and duration with total and central adiposity in a biethnic sample of young children: the Born in Bradford study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J Collings ◽  
Jane E Blackwell ◽  
Elizabeth Pal ◽  
Helen Ball ◽  
John Wright
Keyword(s):  
South Asian ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Onset Time ◽  
Abdominal Adiposity ◽  
Central Adiposity ◽  
Z Score ◽  
White Children ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Asian Children ◽  
Sleep Parameters

Objectives: To investigate associations of sleep timing, period and duration with total and abdominal adiposity in a biethnic sample of children aged 18 and 36 months (m) Design: Cross-sectional observational study Setting: The Born in Bradford 1000 study, UK Participants: Children aged approximately 18m (n=209; 40.2% South Asian; 59.8% White) and 36m (n=162; 40.7% South Asian; 59.3% White) Primary and secondary outcome measures: Parents completed a 3-day sleep diary from which children's average daily sleep onset time, period and duration were calculated. Weekday to weekend differences in sleep parameters were also derived. As outcomes, indices of total (BMI z-score and sum of 2-skinfolds) and abdominal adiposity (waist circumference) were measured. Adjusted regression was used to quantify associations of sleep parameters with adiposity by age group and ethnicity. Results: The average daily sleep onset time was markedly later in South Asian (9:26pm ± 68 mins) than White children (7:41pm ± 48 mins). Later sleep onset was associated with lower BMI z-score and sum of 2-skinfolds in White children aged 18m. In contrast, later sleep onset was associated with higher BMI z-score in South Asian children aged 36m. For weekday to weekend differences, longer sleep duration and later sleep onset on weekends than weekdays were both associated with higher total and abdominal adiposity in South Asian children aged 18m. On the contrary, compared to consistent sleep onset times, going to sleep ≥20 minutes later on weekends than weekdays was associated with lower waist circumference in White children aged 18m. Conclusions: Sleep timing is associated with total and central adiposity in young children but associations differ by age group and ethnicity. Sleep onset times and regular sleep schedules may be important for obesity prevention.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Malnutrition in a Rural Residential Sanskrit School in Baglung, Nepal

2017 ◽  
Vol 56 (205) ◽  
pp. 153-157
Author(s):  
Bhawana Amatya ◽  
Nitesh Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Reference Data ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Severe Stunting ◽  
Under Nutrition ◽  
Growth Reference ◽  
Measuring Tape ◽  
Poor Absorption ◽  
Weight For Age

Introduction: Under-nutrition is a condition in which there is inadequate consumption, poor absorption or excessive loss of nutrients. Nepal still faces high chronic as well as acute under‐nutrition in children. The following study was conducted a Sanskrit school in rural Baglung to find the prevalence of malnutrition among the children which could reflect the nutritional status of the community. Methods: Out of 60 students admitted to the school, only 43 were present at the time when we collected our data. Weight was measured with a standard weighing scale and standing height with a measuring tape attached to the wall. Data were filled up in proforma, entered in Microsoft Excel 2013 and were analyzed and indicators calculated with SPSS version 20 using WHO Child Growth Reference data for 5-19 years and macros. Results: Stunting (Z score < -2) was found in 53.5 % of the study group and severe stunting (Z score < -3) was found in 25.6%. 12.5% of the 8 children under 10 years in our study had weight for age < -2 Z score which indicates underweight. No one was severely underweight. In our study, 2.3% had severe thinness (Z-score < -3), 14% had thinness (Z-score < -2). No one was overweight or obese. Conclusions: The prevalence of malnutrition was high among the students of the rural Sanskrit school where the study was conducted.   Keywords: anthropometry; Baglung; malnutrition; Nepal; prevalence.

«Имперский синдром»: концепция османского халифата на Ближнем Востоке и в Южной Азии (первая четверть XX в.)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.A. Kirillina ◽  
A.L. Safronova ◽  
V.V. Orlov
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Political Role ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Aspect Interaction ◽  
Muhammad Rashid Rida ◽  
Political Actions

Аннотация В статье изучены общие и специфические черты идейных воззрений, пропагандистской риторики и политических действий представителей халифатистского движения на Ближнем Востоке и в Южной Азии. В ретроспективном ключе прослеживается эволюция представлений о сущности и необходимости возрождения института халифата в трудах исламских идеологов, реформаторов и политиков Джамал ад-Дина ал-Афгани, Абд ар-Рахмана ал-Кавакиби, Мухаммада Рашида Риды, Абул Калама Азада. Внимание авторов сосредоточено на общественно-политических дискуссиях 2030-х годов XX столетия, а также на повестке дня халифатистских конгрессов и конференций этого периода. На них вырабатывались первые представления современников о пост-османском формате мусульманского единства и идейно-политической роли будущего халифата. Авторы демонстрируют различие между моделями реакции мусульман Ближнего Востока и Южной Азии на упразднение османского халифата республиканским руководством Турции. Установлена многоаспектная взаимосвязь между халифатистскими ценностями, проосманскими настроениями и формами самоотождествления, которые сложились в арабских и южноазиатских обществах. Отдельно намечено соотношение между подъемом халифатистских настроений и радикализацией антиколониальных действий мусульман Индостана.Abstract The article deals with analysis of common and specific features of ideas, propaganda, rhetoric and political actions taken by representatives of the movement for defense of the Caliphate in the Middle East and South Asia. The retrospection showing the transformation of conception of the Caliphate and the necessity of its revival in the works of eminent ideologists and politicians of the Muslim world Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, Abd al-Rahman al-Kawakibi, Muhammad Rashid Rida and Abul Kalam Azad, is also given in the article. The authors also focus on the social and political discussions of the 1920s 1930s, as well as on the agenda of Caliphatist congresses and conferences of this period. They helped to elaborate the early representations of post-Ottoman pattern of the Muslim unity and the ideological and political role of the future Caliphate. The authors demonstrate the difference between the forms of reaction of Muslims in the Middle East and South Asia to the repudiation of the Caliphate by the Republican leaders of Turkey. The article establishes a multi-aspect interaction between the Caliphatist values and forms of self-identification, emerged in Arab and South Asian societies. The correlation between the rise of Caliphatist attitudes and radicalization of anti-colonial actions of South Asian Muslims is also outlined.

Emerging Trends of Artificial Intelligence in South Asia and its Implications for Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaza Arif
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Counter Measures ◽  
China And India ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Military Modernization ◽  
Offensive Realism ◽  
Strategic Balance ◽  
Full Swing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a breakthrough technology which is astonishingly impressive. Major world powers are rapidly integrating AI in their military doctrines. This trend of militarization of AI can be seen in the South Asian region as well. Following the theoretical approach of offensive realism, China and India are in full swing to revolutionize their militaries with this emerging trend in order to accumulate maximum power and to satisfy their various interests. Consequently, Indian military modernization has the potential to provoke Pakistan to take counter measures. Pakistan is already encountering a number of challenges in economic sector and will face the strenuous task of accommodating a handsome financial share for the development of its AI capabilities. South Asia is a very turbulent region characterized by arch rivals who are also nuclear powers and have repeatedly indulged in various crises over the years. Introduction of AI in South Asia will have significant repercussions as it will trigger an arms race and at the same time disturb the strategic balance in the region.

The Baluch, Sunnism and the State in Iran

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane A. Dudoignon
Keyword(s):  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Social Life ◽  
The State ◽  
First Century ◽  
Local Democracy ◽  
Oasis Area ◽  
Shed Light

Since 2002, Sunni jihadi groups have been active in Iranian Baluchistan without managing to plunge the region into chaos. This book suggests that a reason for this, besides Tehran’s military responses, has been the quality of Khomeini and Khamenei’s relationship with a network of South-Asia-educated Sunni ulama (mawlawis) originating from the Sarbaz oasis area, in the south of Baluchistan. Educated in the religiously reformist, socially conservative South Asian Deoband School, which puts the madrasa at the centre of social life, the Sarbazi ulama had taken advantage, in Iranian territory, of the eclipse of Baluch tribal might under the Pahlavi monarchy (1925-79). They emerged then as a bulwark against Soviet influence and progressive ideologies, before rallying to Khomeini in 1979. Since the turn of the twenty-first century, they have been playing the role of a rampart against Salafi propaganda and Saudi intrigues. The book shows that, through their alliance with an Iranian Kurdish-born Muslim-Brother movement and through the promotion of a distinct ‘Sunni vote’, they have since the early 2000s contributed towards – and benefitted from – the defence by the Reformist presidents Khatami (1997-2005) and Ruhani (since 2013) of local democracy and of the minorities’ rights. They endeavoured to help, at the same time, preventing the propagation of jihadism and Sunni radicalisation to Iran – at least until the ISIS/Daesh-claimed attacks of June 2017, in Tehran, shed light on the limits of the Islamic Republic’s strategy of reliance on Deobandi ulama and Muslim-Brother preachers in the country’s Sunni-peopled peripheries.

scholarly journals Wasting and Associated Factors among Children under 5 Years in Five South Asian Countries (2014–2018): Analysis of Demographic Health Surveys

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4578
Author(s):  
Nidhi Wali ◽  
Kingsley E. E. Agho ◽  
Andre M. N. Renzaho
Keyword(s):  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Health Surveys ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Household Wealth ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Sampling Weights

Child wasting continues to be a major public health concern in South Asia, having a prevalence above the emergency threshold. This paper aimed to identify factors associated with wasting among children aged 0–23 months, 24–59 months, and 0–59 months in South Asia. A weighted sample of 564,518 children aged 0–59 months from the most recent demographic and health surveys (2014–2018) of five countries in South Asia was combined. Multiple logistic regression analyses that adjusted for clustering and sampling weights were used to examine associated factors. Wasting prevalence was higher for children aged 0–23 months (25%) as compared to 24–59 months (18%), with variations in prevalence across the South Asian countries. The most common factor associated with child wasting was maternal BMI [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for 0–23 months = 2.02; 95% CI: (1.52, 2.68); AOR for 24–59 months = 2.54; 95% CI: (1.83, 3.54); AOR for 0–59 months = 2.18; 95% CI: (1.72, 2.77)]. Other factors included maternal height and age, household wealth index, birth interval and order, children born at home, and access to antenatal visits. Study findings suggest need for nutrition specific and sensitive interventions focused on women, as well as adolescents and children under 2 years of age.

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