Intrauterine growth standards: a cross-sectional study in a population of Nigerian newborns

The aim of the study was to define an intrauterine growth curve for a population of Nigerian newborn babies. A cross-sectional observational study design was adopted. Weight, length and head circumference were all measured in consecutive singleton deliveries at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital over a 3-year period. Gestational age (GA) of the babies was estimated from the last menstrual period or first trimester ultrasound. The estimates obtained were clinically validated using the Ballard score. Mean birth weights and percentiles of the weight, length and head circumferences for the respective GA were estimated using the SPSS 15 software package. A total of 5273 babies were recruited for the study with GA ranging from 25-44 weeks. Comparison of the mean birth weights of the various GA with the data from Denver, Colorado, showed that Nigerian babes tended to weigh less at the early GA, although these differences were not statistically significant. Between 26-36 weeks, the average weights of both sexes were similar; however, beyond this time point there was a consistent increase in the average weight of the males over the female babies. Growth curves for Nigerian newborn babies were generated and showed that the mean birth weight of Nigerian preterm babies was lighter than that of babies in Colorado. The impact of these differences on the classification of newborns will require further evaluation.

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The impact of optimal dating on the assessment of fetal growth

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03640-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

N. Fries ◽

F. Dhombres ◽

M. Massoud ◽

J. J. Stirnemann ◽

R. Bessis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fetal Growth ◽

First Trimester ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Low Risk ◽

Fetal Ultrasound ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Growth Standards ◽

Z Scores ◽

The Impact ◽

In Pregnancy

Abstract Background The impact of using the Intergrowth (IG) dating formulae in comparison to the commonly used Robinson dating on the evaluation of biometrics and estimated fetal weight (EFW) has not been evaluated. Methods Nationwide cross-sectional study of routine fetal ultrasound biometry in low-risk pregnant women whose gestational age (GA) had been previously assessed by a first trimester CRL measurement. We compared the CRL-based GA according to the Robinson formula and the IG formula. We evaluated the fetal biometric measurements as well as the EFW taken later in pregnancy depending on the dating formula used. Mean and standard deviation of the Z scores as well as the number and percentage of cases classified as <3rd, < 10th, >90th and > 97th percentile were compared. Results Three thousand five hundred twenty-two low-risk women with scans carried out after 18 weeks were included. There were differences of zero, one and 2 days in 642 (18.2%), 2700 (76.7%) and 180 (5%) when GA was estimated based on the Robinson or the IG formula, respectively. The biometry Z scores assessed later in pregnancy were all statistically significantly lower when the Intergrowth-based dating formula was used (p < 10− 4). Likewise, the number and percentage of foetuses classified as <3rd, < 10th, >90th and > 97th percentile demonstrated significant differences. As an example, the proportion of SGA foetuses varied from 3.46 to 4.57% (p = 0.02) and that of LGA foetuses from 17.86 to 13.4% (p < 10− 4). Conclusion The dating formula used has a quite significant impact on the subsequent evaluation of biometry and EFW. We suggest that the combined and homogeneous use of a recent dating standard, together with prescriptive growth standards established on the same low-risk pregnancies, allows an optimal assessment of fetal growth.

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What Is the Impact of Prior Authorization on the Incidence of Pediatric Tonsillectomy?

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/0194599820969631 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 019459982096963

Author(s):

Vanessa F. Torrecillas ◽

Kaden Neuberger ◽

Alexander Ramirez ◽

Paul Krakovitz ◽

Jeremy D. Meier

Keyword(s):

Elective Surgery ◽

Lag Time ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Claims ◽

Third Party ◽

Prior Authorization ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Before And After ◽

The Mean ◽

The Impact

Objective Third-party payers advocate for prior authorization (PA) to reduce overutilization of health care resources. The impact of PA in elective surgery is understudied, especially in cases where evidence-based clinical practice guidelines define operative candidacy. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of PA on the incidence of pediatric tonsillectomy. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Health claims database from a third-party payer. Methods Any pediatric patient who had evaluation for tonsillectomy from 2016 to 2019 was eligible for inclusion. A time series analysis was used to evaluate the change in incidence of tonsillectomy before and after PA. Lag time from consultation to surgery before and after PA was compared with segmented regression. Results A total of 10,047 tonsillectomy claims met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Female patients made up 51% of claims, and the mean age was 7.9 years. Just 1.5% of claims were denied after PA implementation. There was no change in the incidence of tonsillectomy for all plan types ( P = .1). Increased lag time from consultation to surgery was noted immediately after PA implementation by 2.38 days (95% CI, 0.23-4.54; P = .030); otherwise, there was no significant change over time ( P = .98). Conclusion A modest number of tonsillectomy claims were denied approval after implementation of PA. The value of PA for pediatric tonsillectomy is questionable, as it did not result in decreased incidence of tonsillectomy in this cohort.

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The Social and Psychological Impact of Superficial Dermatophytic Infection using Dlqi and Ghq-12: A Cross-Sectional Study in 174 Patients at a Tertiary Care Centre in Southern-East Rajasthan

10.47363/jdmrs/2021(2)133 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Shivani Saini ◽

◽

Agarwal Shail ◽

Jain Manish ◽

Yadav Devendra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Population ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

The Mean ◽

The Impact

Background: Dermatophytosis is a common fungal infection affecting 20-25% of the world population. Aims: Our study was aimed to assess its impact on health-related quality of life(QoL), mental health, and various variables. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done from April 2019 to September 2019 on 174 patients of dermatophytosis of aged more than 16 years with their informed consent. The impact of infection on the quality of life was assessed by using the Dermatology life quality index questionnaire and General health questionnaire-12 was used to assess psychological impact. A visual analogue scale was used to assess the severity of pruritus. Appropriate statistical tests were applied. Results: Males to females ratio was 1.4:1. The age group of 21-30 was having the highest number of patients with the mean age of 27.8±9.97. Most patients had BSA under 10%. The mean value of DLQI and GHQ-12 were found 15.989±7.407 and 2.8563±2.8964, respectively. We found that dermatophytosis had a very large effect on the quality of life as the maximum number of patients(39%) were within this category. The “work and school” part in the questionnaire gained maximum importance(52.8%). The mean VAS score was 6±2.733 with most patients(32.7%) had moderate itching. We found a positive correlation between VAS and DLQI, VAS and GHQ-12, DLQI, and GHQ-12 with the statistical significance. Conclusion: In our study dermatophytosis affected the quality of life as well as the psychological health of patients. Therefore proper treatment of superficial dermatophtytosis is essential to prevent it from further complications

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Family size and marital age

Paediatrica Indonesiana ◽

10.14238/pi25.5-6.1985.107-11 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (5-6) ◽

pp. 107-11

Author(s):

Helena Siregar ◽

Azwin Lubis ◽

M. Arif Nasution ◽

Indra Kesuma Nasution ◽

Thamrin Tanjung

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Family Size ◽

Occupational Status ◽

Married Couples ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Mean ◽

Age Of Marriage ◽

The Impact

A cross sectional study about the relationships between family size and marital age and the impact of educatimt, occupation and family planning programme was conducted in the region of South Tapanuli North Sumatera. The study was performed on 246 married couples by simple random sampling of households in the villages Pakantea, Tamiang, Muarasoro and Sumuran, during the period of September 25 up to October 3, 1982. The eariiest age of marriage for women was 14 years, ancl the latest 20 years. Most of the women (68%) married at 15-20 year. The main education of responders were primary school (67%). The occupational status was mostly (90%) farmer. The mean family size under 20 years old was 6.3 and over 20 years, 5.3. Fertility rate under 20 years was still high. Family Planning was not yet widely accepted in this area.

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The effect of coffee consumption on serum total cholesterol in the Sami and Norwegian populations

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980010000376 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 1818-1825 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Tove Nystad ◽

Marita Melhus ◽

Magritt Brustad ◽

Eiliv Lund

Keyword(s):

Total Cholesterol ◽

Serum Cholesterol ◽

Coffee Consumption ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Total Serum ◽

Total Serum Cholesterol ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cholesterol Levels ◽

The Mean ◽

The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo assess coffee consumption in the Sami and Norwegian populations and to investigate the impact of unfiltered boiled coffee consumption on serum cholesterol concentrations.DesignA cross-sectional study. Information was collected by self-administrated questionnaires and total serum cholesterol was analysed. Participants were divided into three ethnic groups: Sami I (Sami used as home language in the last three generations), Sami II (at least one Sami identity marker) and Norwegian.SettingIn an area with Sami, Kven/Finnish and Norwegian populations, the SAMINOR study, 2003–2004.SubjectsA total of 5647 men and 6347 women aged 36–79 years.ResultsMore than 90 % of the study populations were coffee drinkers. Only 22 % were unfiltered coffee consumers. Sami I had the highest proportion of participants who consumed nine or more cups of unfiltered coffee per day, although the number of participants was limited. Total coffee consumption was associated with increased total cholesterol for men (P < 0·01) and women (P < 0·0001). For those who drank only unfiltered coffee, a significant association was found only in Norwegian men, adjusted for physical activity in leisure time, BMI and smoking habits (P < 0·001). From the lowest (less than five cups) to the highest (nine or more cups) unfiltered coffee consumption category, the mean total cholesterol levels increased by 0·29 mmol/l in Norwegian men.ConclusionsUnfiltered coffee consumption was lower in the present study compared to previous reports. In general, total coffee consumption was positively associated with total cholesterol levels. However, for unfiltered coffee consumption, an association was found only in Norwegian men.

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New Growth Curves for Spanish Children (0–10 Years) in the Region of Extremadura

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18178953 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (17) ◽

pp. 8953

Author(s):

Luis Pardo-Galán ◽

Raquel Pastor-Cisneros ◽

Daniel Collado-Mateo ◽

José Adsuar ◽

Miguel García-Gordillo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Curves ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Regional Government ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mean Values ◽

The Social ◽

The Mean ◽

Health Organization

The anthropometric reference data used to examine the growth pattern of children in Spain are obtained from studies carried out several years ago. In the region of Extremadura, the tables obtained by the Faustino Obergozo Foundation, which date back to 2004, are used. The first objective of this work is to develop growth tables and graphs that accurately reflect the somatometric variables of children in Extremadura. Secondly, the averages of these variables by sex will be compared to determine if there are significant differences between them. A database provided by the General Directorate of Planning, Training, and Health and Social Quality of the Regional Government of Extremadura was used, which contains the measurements of height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of boys and girls in Extremadura between the years 2006–2016. The database was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and the R software version 3.5.1, considering a cross-sectional study. As a result, the tables and growth graphs of Extremadura’s population base for weight and height are presented, from birth to 10 years, as well as comparisons of the average values of the analyzed variables between boys and girls. We found that there are significant differences in the mean values, according to sex, of the height and weight. On the other hand, BMI progressed normally when comparing the results of the Extremadura population with those reflected by the World Health Organization (WHO). Differences were found when comparing the results with those obtained by the Faustino Orbegozo Foundation.

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High-risk pregnancy: effectiveness of personalized pregravid preparation and positive perinatal experience

Reproductive Endocrinology ◽

10.18370/2309-4117.2021.62.34-41 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 34-41

Author(s):

G.S. Manasova ◽

N.V. Didenkul ◽

N.V. Kuzmyn

Keyword(s):

First Trimester ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Convincing Evidence ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Average Weight ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Planning Stage ◽

Risk Pregnancy ◽

Significant Difference

Research objective: to study the possibilities of improving perinatal results by optimizing pergravid preparation in women with high perinatal risk.Materials and methods. The first stage – a cross-sectional study – consisted in determining the vitamin D (VD) status and assessing the course of pregnancy in 459 women in the II and III trimester; the second stage was a randomized controlled study of women with VD deficiency in group IIA (planning stage, 54 women) and IIB (I trimester, 60 women), who received the vitamin and mineral complex (VMC) Pregna-5 with a high calcitriol content and perinatal results were evaluated. VD in the blood was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results. VD level was optimal only in 30.7% of pregnant women (group ІА), in 69.3% of women its insufficiency or deficiency was found (group ІB). The frequency of threatened termination (9.9 vs. 45.6%; p < 0.01), preeclampsia (2.0 vs. 11%; p < 0.05), intrauterine growth retardation (7% only in group IIB, p < 0.01) was significantly higher against the background of BD deficiency. Normalization of the VD level (groups IIA and IIB) after VMC administration was observed within 1–3 months. Pregnancy complications value was higher in the group where the VMC was started in the first trimester: early gestosis (15 vs. 28.57%; p < 0.05), the threat of termination (22.2 vs. 36.7%; p < 0.05), bacterial vaginosis (7.4 vs. 31.7%; p < 0.05), placental dysfunction (18.5 vs. 40.0%; p <0.01), placental pathology in group IIB was detected 2–3 times more often. The differences between the preeclampsia (1.9 vs. 6.7%; p > 0.05) and anemia (16.6 vs. 28.3%; p > 0.05) were insignificant. Analysis of the childbirth results showed a significantly higher frequency of cesarean sections in group IIB (38.3 vs. 22.2%; p < 0.05), the average weight of newborns was less (3299.11 ± 128 g vs. 3643.24 ± 136 g; p < 0.01). The most effective was the VMC start at the stage of pregnancy planning (F = 13.35482; p = 0.000016); a significant difference was revealed in the course of pregnancy in the groups where VMC started in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy (Q = 4.67, p = 0.00458).Conclusions. Timely donation of VMC with a high content of cholecalciferol in women with high perinatal risk may lead to a positive course of pregnancy. Further research is required to obtain a convincing evidence base.

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Awareness of Diagnosis and Decision-Making Preferences of Greek Cancer Patients

Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology ◽

10.33805/2638-8235.115 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 5-12

Author(s):

Despoina G Alamanou ◽

Konstantinos Giakoumidakis ◽

Dimosthenis G Theodosiadis ◽

Nikolaos V Fotos ◽

Elissavet Patiraki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Active Role ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical Encounter ◽

The Mean ◽

The Impact ◽

The City

Objective: In Greece, the old phenomenon of hiding cancer diagnosis and depriving cancer patients of their right to participate in decisionmaking remains a reality. The aim of this study was to assess the decision-making preferences of Greek cancer patients and their awareness of diagnosis. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 229 adult Greek patients diagnosed with cancer, attending the oncology outpatient department (outpatients) or being hospitalized (inpatients), in one general hospital in Athens. Patients who were aware of cancer diagnosis (n=209) were administered at the Control Preference Scale (CPS), a tool, designed to elicit decision-making preferences. The IBM SPSS program, version 21.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: One hundred and one patients (52.8%) were males. The mean [±standard deviation (SD)] age was 64.8 (±11.2) years. The vast majority of patients knew they suffered from cancer (n=209, 91.3%). Older patients (p=0.003), those who lived in suburbs of the city (p=0.01), those who had lower educational level (p=0.001), those with lower personal income (p=0.001) and shorter disease duration (p=0.001) stated that were unaware of cancer diagnosis. Seventy five (36.2%) patients chose the shared-decision role in decision-making procedures. Lower age (OR 1.04, 95%, CI: 1.00-1.08, p= 0.05) and higher education level (OR 2, 63, 95%, CI: 1.11-6.29, p=0.03) were significantly associated with the preference of patients to actively participate in decision-making regarding treatment. Conclusions: Although Greek cancer patients are aware of cancer diagnosis and treatment, nowadays, they still seem to hesitate in playing a more active role in the decision-making procedures, which portrays the impact of the dominating paternalistic model of doctor-patient relationship in the Greek medical encounter

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Gender Differences in Attitude Towards Pornography Among Youth in Kelantan

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH) ◽

10.47405/mjssh.v6i1.629 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 268-278

Author(s):

Norazlifah Muhamad ◽

Azrianii Ab Rahman ◽

Mohd Ismail Ibrahim ◽

Razlina Abdul Rahman ◽

Wan Nor Arifin Wan Mansor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Gender Differences ◽

Private Colleges ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Mean ◽

The Impact ◽

Self Administered Questionnaire

Although the number of pornography exposure is increasing, our understandings on the issues are still lacking. This study aimed to compare gender differences in the attitudes towards pornography among youth in Kelantan. A cross sectional study was conducted using a validated self-administered questionnaire (PORQUE) on 930 college students in both government and private colleges in Kelantan. The mean scores were significantly higher among females for majority of the items assessing non-permissive feelings toward pornography materials (p<0.001), perception on impact of pornography (p<0.05) and perception on factors contributed to pornography (p<0.05). The mean score for majority of the items assessing permissive and perceptions toward pornography materials were significantly higher among males(p<0.001). Females were more non-permissive towards pornography, better perceived the impact of pornography and factors contributed to pornography compared to males. These findings are important as it serve as a guide for the stakeholders to implement pornography intervention for youth in Malaysia.

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Changes in perceived knowledge about childbirth among pregnant women participating in the Senses of Birth Intervention in Brazil: A cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.2.13895/v4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Luísa M M Fernandes ◽

Sônia Lansky ◽

Bernardo J Oliveira ◽

Amélia A L Friche ◽

Christine T. Bozlak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Low Income ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Perceived Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knowledge Domains ◽

Normal Birth ◽

The Mean ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: Senses of Birth (SoB) is a health education intervention in Brazil that addresses reproductive rights, the benefits and risks of normal birth and cesarean, and use of evidence-based practices (EBP) during labor and childbirth, aiming to reduce unnecessary cesareans in the country. This study evaluates the impact of the SoB intervention on pregnant women’s perceived knowledge about normal birth, cesarean, and use of EBP in childbirth. Method: 1,287 pregnant women answered a structured questionnaire, immediately after their visit to the exhibition, between March 2015 and March 2016, in four cities. To identify the impact of the intervention on women’s perceived knowledge and possible association with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, statistical analyses were performed including paired T-tests, ANOVA, and logistic and linear regressions. Results: The mean score (MS) of perceived knowledge after the intervention was higher than the mean score before experiencing the SoB for all three knowledge domains: Normal Birth (MS Before= 3.71 x MS After= 4.49), Cesarean (MS Before= 3.54 x MS After= 4.26) and EBPs (MS Before= 3.14 x MS After= 4.14). The results suggest that SoB intervention was more effective for low income women (B = 0.206; p < 0.001 for EBP), women without private health insurance (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.49- 4.09 for normal birth), women with private prenatal care (OR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.59- 3.66 for normal birth), women experiencing their first pregnancy (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.31-2.82 for EBP; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for normal birth; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for cesarean), and women in their first or second trimester at the time of the intervention (OR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.13-2.39 for EBP; OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11-1.97 for normal birth; OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.40-2.41 for cesarean). Conclusion: The study showed opportunities to increase knowledge among Brazilian pregnant women for the three knowledge domains, and a need to focus the discussion on how to achieve a positive experience of birth using EBP. The intervention gains relevance considering the lack of evidence of the efficacy of non-clinical interventions to reduce unnecessary cesareans in middle and low-income countries targeting women.

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