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Thesis--Universitas Indonesia. / Summary in English. "Dalil-dalil": (1 leaf) inserted. Bibliography: p. 183-202.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Cornell University, 1980. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 247-268).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Cornell University, 1980. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 247-268).

This thesis investigates possible mechanisms underlying the decreased kidney size and the development of high blood pressure in the offspring of our model of maternal iron deficiency. This study has demonstrated that a maternal iron deficient diet has no effect on gene expression of either markers of vasculogenesis/angiogenesis or regulators of apoptosis and cell proliferation in the kidneys of the offspring. The effect of maternal iron deficiency on well documented mechanisms involved in blood pressure regulation were investigated in the offspring. The data showed that neither renal sodium transport nor nephron number are involved in hypertension development in our model of maternal iron deficiency. The renin angiotensin system showed significant increase in the renal renin mRNA expression, and pulmonary ACE1 mRNA and activity levels in newborn offspring of iron deficient mothers.  These changes are unique for maternal iron deficiency as they have not been seen in the other models of nutritional programming.  However, they are also temporary and disappear by two weeks after birth and at this stage it is unknown if and how the renin angiotensin system contributes to hypertension development in the offspring of iron deficient mothers. Finally, the whole rat genome arrays were used to identify new genes and pathways affected by maternal iron deficiency in fetal kidneys.  The results of the microarray experiment suggested renal inflammation and increased collagen cross-linking leading to stiffening of vascular walls, as possible causes of hypertension in the offspring of iron deficient mothers.  Further analysis showed, however, that both mechanisms do not appear to be involved.  The microarray study also identified CD36 scavenger receptor as being significantly up-regulated in the kidneys of the fetuses of iron deficient mothers, but its expression significantly decreased in adult animals compared to controls. The data presented in this thesis indicate that the effect of an iron deficient diet on offspring blood pressure is multifactorial and complex.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Aberdeen University, 2009. / Title from web page (viewed on Aug. 26, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

The primary objective of this research is to explore the determinants of compliance to iron supplement medication among a sample of pregnant women. The data is based on a larger research project on Nutritional Anemia collected by the Nutrition Center of the Philippines, from 1980 to 1982. The focus of analysis is on compliance as a dependent variable. Also, three sets of factors are used to explain compliance behavior. These are: socio-demographic, treatment, and social psychological factors. The sample consists of 377 pregnant women who were interviewed to explore the research problem. Data are obtained from a survey, and are analyzed using zero-order correlations and multiple regression techniques. Results of the zero-order correlation analysis show that the socio-demographic and treatment factors have weak relationships with compliance rate. Moreover, among the social-psychological factors, three are found to have significant positive correlations with compliance rate; and these are, folk health beliefs, perceived knowledge about the benefits of vitamins, and mothers‘ health practices. The results of the multiple regression analysis indicate that, with controls, all the potential determinants are not significantly related to compliance rate. The study results are then evaluated in the light of the literature on compliance in the United States. A compliance model is then suggested which serves as a guideline for future research. However, even with the establishment of this compliance model, a question concerning the operationalization of the variables remains. Some suggestions on measures of the variables are provided. / Master of Science

Introduction Anemia prevalence in pregnancy ranges from 51%-60% globally. Genetic disorders, infectious diseases, reproductive factors, nutritional deficiencies, and poverty can affect anemia status. Anemia can negatively impact economic progress, social and intellectual development, and maternal health. Estimates indicate that anemia is the direct cause of 3-7% of maternal deaths and an indirect cause of 20-40% of maternal deaths. Although several initiatives by the international community address the anemia problem, prevalence remains unacceptably high in Sierra Leone at 2,000 per 100,000 live births. This study explored ecological determinants of anemia status of pregnant women living in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Method This was a mixed-method, retrospective, unmatched case-control research study based on the Modified Ecological Model for Health Behavior and Health Promotion. One hundred and seventy one pregnant women, who visited one of five health facilities were interviewed for the study. Anemic participants' (Hgb<11.0g/dL) responses were compared to responses of non-anemic participants and the differences were assessed. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to assess qualitative knowledge items, whereas t-tests were conducted to determine if mean knowledge differences existed between those with anemia and those without. Chi-square was used to analyze forced choice attitude items: perceived threat to anemia and perceived benefits of anemia prevention and treatment. Chi-square was also used to analyze selected behaviors and perceived barriers to anemia prevention and treatment. Odds ratio determined the strength of the relationship between the dependent variable (anemia status) and selected exposure variables (modifying factors). Results Seventy-seven percent of participants were anemic (M: Hgb=9.63g/dL). Those with anemia were more likely to first see a health care provider after 12 weeks of pregnancy (p<.05). Participants who earned income in the top two quintiles were less likely to have anemia than those in the lower three quintiles (p=.007). Participants who had anemia were more likely to cite lack of finances as a barrier to seeking prenatal services (p=.007). Although differences existed between participants who had anemia and those who did not have anemia, they were generally not statistically significant for knowledge, behavior or modifying factors. Participants who had pica, however, were more likely to have anemia than those who did not (p=.005). There was misinformation among participants about the use of palm oil, Vimto and "blood tonic" as treatment options. In addition, participants cited family and friends as sources of this same information as well as correct suggestions and information about anemia prevention and treatment. Discussion Health providers need to be clearer about messages that they deliver to service users to reduce misinformation about anemia prevention and treatment. Community awareness about anemia, anemia causes, anemia prevention and anemia treatment needs to be raised. Information, particularly about anemia causes, need to be disseminated and programs to address those causes need to be developed and implemented. Program development and implementation should be a comprehensive effort that includes training traditional birth attendants and lay health workers. Efforts should incorporate health efforts from government agencies, the non-governmental sector, donor groups, and community and civil society groups to deliver culturally and regionally appropriate interventions.

Submitted by Maria Aparecida (cidazen@gmail.com) on 2017-12-04T13:59:30Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Elisângela Veruska.pdf: 9962603 bytes, checksum: d714b3ef5ef96281322806f3185e4720 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-12-04T13:59:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Elisângela Veruska.pdf: 9962603 bytes, checksum: d714b3ef5ef96281322806f3185e4720 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-09-29 / Wheezing is considered the most common respiratory symptom in childhood, causing an important role in infant morbimortality and being responsible for the great demand of outpatient medical appointments, in emergency services and presenting high rates of hospitalization. In this thesis, two studies were carried out. The first study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors for recurrent wheezing in children aged 13 to 35 months. The second study aimed to verify the prevalence of anemia in pregnancy and its association with respiratory problems. For the first cross-sectional study, a sample of 2,780 children with 13 to 35 months of age, living in the city of São Luís-MA participating in the BRISA cohort, was considered. In the second study, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving a sample of 3,279 children who participated in the BRISA cohort and the follow-up of this cohort, aged 13 to 35 months. To evaluate the factors associated with recurrent wheezing, a multivariate logistic regression model was adjusted, with the inclusion of variables in a hierarchical fashion using the theoretical model. The outcome of interest was the presence of recurrent wheezing. The independent variables evaluated were maternal age and her education, smoking, anemia in pregnancy, type of delivery, gender, birth weight, family history of asthma, rhinitis and dermatitis, exclusive breastfeeding, presence of mold, domestic animal and carpet at home, a history of respiratory problems and hospitalization. To verify the relation of presence of anemia in pregnancy and respiratory problems, the chi-square test was performed. In the first study, the prevalence of recurrent wheezing was 9%, with associated factors: age of the mother equal to or greater than 35 years (PR = 0.49, CI = 0.24 - 0.99, p = 0.049), male (PR = 1.62, CI = 1.23 - 2.14, p = 0.001), family history of asthma (PR = 1.55, CI = 1.09 - 2.19, p = 0.013), family history of rhinitis (PR = 1.71 CI = 1.26 - 2.30, p = 0.000), anemia during pregnancy (PR = 1.33, CI = 1.02 - 1.75, p = 0.034), exclusive breastfeeding (PR = 0.75, CI = 0.56 - 0.99, p = 0.044), presence of mold in the home (PR = 1.56, CI = 1.11 - 2.18, p = 0.009 ) and respiratory problems (PR = 3.90, CI = 2.53 - 0.99, p <0.001) .In the second study, the prevalence of anemic pregnant women was 47% and the problems related to anemia were maternal age lower than 20 years (p <0.001), inadequate maternal schooling (P <0.001), smoking in pregnancy (p=0.014), alcohol in pregnancy (p <0.001), normal labor (p <0.001), and in children, recurrent wheezing (p = 0.013), pneumonia (p = 0.040), and cough (p <0.001). The results obtained in this study have great relevance, as evidenced the prevalence of recurrent wheezing among children in São Luís and the associated factors, as well as, anemia prevalence and its relationship with respiratory problems in the child. / A sibilância é considerado o sintoma respiratório mais comum na infância, causando importante papel na morbimortalidade infantil e sendo responsável por grande demanda de consultas médicas ambulatoriais, em serviços de prontoatendimento e apresentando altas taxas de hospitalização. Nesta tese, foram realizados dois estudos. O primeiro estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência e fatores associados para sibilância recorrente em crianças com 13 até 35 meses de idade. O segundo estudo teve como objetivo verificar a prevalência de anemia na gestação e sua associação com problemas respiratórios. Para o primeiro estudo, tipo transversal, foi considerado uma amostra de 2.780 crianças com 13 até 35 meses de idade, residentes no município de São Luís-MA participantes da coorte BRISA. No segundo estudo, foi realizado um estudo transversal, envolvendo amostra de 3.279 crianças que participaram da coorte BRISA e do seguimento dessa coorte, com idade de 13 a 35 meses. Para avaliação dos fatores associados à sibilância recorrente foi ajustado modelo de regressão logística multivariado, com inclusão das variáveis de modo hierarquizado a partir do modelo teórico. O desfecho de interesse foi a presença de sibilância recorrente. As variáveis independentes avaliadas foram: idade e escolaridade da mãe, fumo, anemia na gestação, tipo de parto, sexo da criança, peso ao nascer, história familiar de asma, rinite e dermatite, aleitamento exclusivo, presença de mofo, animal doméstico e carpete no domicílio, antecedentes de problema respiratório e internação. Para verificar a relação de presença de anemia na gestação e problemas respiratórios foi realizado o teste qui-quadrado. No primeiro estudo, a prevalência de sibilância recorrente foi de 9%, tendo como fatores associados: idade da mãe igual ou superior a 35 anos (RP=0,49; IC = 0,24 – 0,99; p=0,049), sexo masculino (RP=1,62; IC = 1,23 – 2,14; p=0,001), história familiar de asma (RP=1,55; IC = 1,09 – 2,19; p=0,013), história familiar de rinite (RP=1,71 IC = 1,26 – 2,30; p=0,000), anemia na gestação (RP=1,33; IC = 1,02 – 1,75; p=0,034), aleitamento materno exclusivo (RP=0,75; IC = 0,56 – 0,99; p=0,044), presença de mofo na residência (RP=1,56; IC = 1,11 – 2,18; p=0,009) e problemas respiratórios (RP=3,90; IC = 2,53 – 0,99; p<0,001). No segundo estudo, a prevalência de gestantes anêmicas foi de 47 % e os problemas relacionados a anemia foram idade materna menor que 20 anos (p<0,001), escolaridade materna inadequada (p<0,001), fumo na gestação (p=0,014), álcool na gestação (p<0,001), parto normal (p<0,001) e nas crianças, sibilância recorrente (p=0,013), pneumonia (p=0,040) e tosse (p<0,001). Os resultados obtidos neste estudo possuem grande relevância, pois evidenciou a prevalência de sibilância recorrente entre crianças em São Luís e os fatores associados, assim como, a prevalência de anemia e sua relação com problemas respiratórios na criança.

Impaired intrauterine growth, inability of the fetus to achieve the required growth potential, contributes to a higher burden of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Intrauterine growth is an inferred process and small for gestational age is considered a rough estimate of impaired intrauterine growth that requires reliable gestational age data. Due to sparse data and measurement errors in gestational age, researchers rely on markers such as birth weight, birth length, and birth head circumference to infer fetal growth. While the etiology of impaired fetal growth is multifactorial, maternal anemia and undernutrition contribute substantially to impaired fetal growth and are prioritized in 2030 global nutrition goals by the World Health Assembly. Nutrition supplements such as lipid-based nutrient supplements, multiple micronutrients, and iron or folic acid during pregnancy are presumed to improve maternal anemia. But the effect of the supplements during pregnancy on fetal growth appears to be small to negligible, which has shifted the researcher’s focus to the pre-conception period. However, prior reviews on the preconception period have either synthesized the evidence from observational studies, or have explored outcomes such as congenital anomalies (e.g., neural tube defects), neurodevelopment disorders, or only birth weight. Hence the evidence from existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of preconception nutrition supplements on maternal anemia and all markers of fetal growth including birth weight, birth length, and birth head circumference has not been systematically summarized and synthesized. We bridged this knowledge gap in the current dissertation (Aim 1). The Women First (WF) Preconception Nutrition Trial found that lipid-based nutrient supplementation started preconception or during pregnancy conferred greater benefits for birth weight and birth length among mothers who were anemic (Hemoglobin (Hb) < 12 g/dL) than among mothers who were non-anemic (Hb ≥ 12 g/dL) pre-pregnancy. However, by dichotomizing women into anemic and non-anemic women, we may miss high-risk women with specific Hb levels who may obtain greater benefits for intrauterine growth associated with the supplements. Assessing the effect of preconception nutrient supplements across a range of pre-pregnancy Hb levels will help us identify women with specific Hb cut-offs who may have the greatest potential to respond to the supplements (Aim 2). Additionally, there are major gaps in understanding the mechanisms of how nutrient supplements, consumed either before or during pregnancy, improve intrauterine growth. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms would allow for fine-tuning of nutrition interventions for greater efficacy. Here, we examined whether Hb during pregnancy could be a potential mechanism through which nutrition supplements improve intrauterine growth (Aim 3). For Aim 1, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of the RCTs evaluating the effect of preconception nutrition supplements on maternal hemoglobin and markers of intrauterine growth including birth weight, birth length, birth head circumference, and small for gestational age. Additionally, we examined preterm birth as an important perinatal outcome. We searched electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central. We computed pooled mean differences and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effect models. We employed I2 and Cochran’s Q test statistics to assess heterogeneity. We used the GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations) tool to assess the quality of evidence. For Aim 2 and Aim 3, we leveraged the existing data from a large multi-country Women First (WF) Preconception Nutrition Trial conducted in Pakistan, India, Guatemala, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Women in the WF trial were randomized to consume a lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) at least three months before and during pregnancy (Arm 1- preconception), only during pregnancy (Arm 2- during), or not at all (Arm 3 - control). The outcome was weight, length, and head circumference within 48 hours of birth expressed as Z-scores. For Aim 2, we analyzed the WF trial data on 2443 women-newborn dyads. For each site, we computed adjusted mean differences in these Z-scores between the randomized arms across six pre-pregnancy Hb categories (8-8.9, 9-9.9, 10-10.9, 11-11.9, 12-12.9, and ≥13g/dL) based on Hb distributions. We pooled site-specific effect measures using meta-analysis. For Aim 3, hemoglobin measured at 12 (n=2075) and 32 weeks of gestation (n=2157) was a mediator. We employed causal mediation analysis under a counterfactual approach to estimate direct and indirect effects. For Aim 1, we identified 20 eligible RCTs (n=27,659 women). Preconception nutrition supplements (iron and folic acid, multiple micronutrients, and a lipid-based nutrient supplement) increased maternal hemoglobin by 0.30g/dL ((0.03, 0.57); I2=79%). However, we did not find a significant effect of the supplements on birth weight (12.47gm ((-33.14, 58.08); I2=58%)), birth length (0.15cm (-0.26, 0.56); I2=68%; n=5), birth head circumference (-0.23cm (-0.88, 0.43); I2=84%), small for gestational age (RR: 0.91 (0.80,1.04); I2=31%), or preterm birth (RR: 0.93 (0.69,1.25); I2=57%). Overall, the quality of evidence was assessed as moderate and very low for maternal hemoglobin and three markers of intrauterine growth including birth weight, birth length, and birth head circumference, respectively. In Aim 2, we found that the effect of LNS on birth weight, length, and head circumference varied by pre-pregnancy Hb categories. Pooled mean differences in the Z-scores for birth length (0.60 (0.03, 1.23)), birth weight (0.50, (0.11, 0.89)), and birth head circumference ((0.26, (0.02, 0.51)) were greatest for Arm 1-preconception vs. Arm 3-control women with Hb 9-9.9g/dL. Women with Hb 10-10.9g/dL also benefited from preconception LNS. However, compared to controls, the effects of preconception LNS on birth weight, birth length, and birth head circumference attenuated for women with Hb 10-10.9g/dL. Compared to Arm 3-control, LNS during pregnancy (Arm 2) improved birth length, birth weight, and birth head circumference for women with Hb 8-10.9g/dL. Preconception LNS (Arm1) vs. LNS during pregnancy (Arm 2) improved the three markers of intrauterine growth only for women with Hb 9-9.9g/dL. Women with nearly normal (11-11.9 g/dL) and normal Hb (≥12g/dL) did not appreciably benefit from LNS, offered before and or during pregnancy. For Aim 3, Hb at 12 or 32 weeks of gestation did not mediate the relationship between the LNS and intrauterine growth. Indirect effects of preconception LNS (Arm 1) vs. Arm 3, mediated by Hb at 12 weeks, were 0.02 (-0.02, 0.01), 0.01 (-0.01, 0.02), and 0.01 (-0.01, 0.02) for length, weight, and head circumference Z-scores, respectively. The corresponding direct effects, not mediated by Hb, were 0.18 (0.09, 0.33), 0.12 (0.03, 0.23), and 0.06 (-0.03, 0.20), respectively. Site-specific and gestational age-adjusted data analyses both at 12 and 32 weeks of gestation confirmed the findings of negligible mediation by Hb during pregnancy. All types of preconception nutrition supplements studied to date appear to reduce maternal anemia. However, it is uncertain whether there are beneficial effects of preconception nutrition supplements on markers of intrauterine growth. Low quality of evidence from the RCTs examining the markers of intrauterine growth warrants future well-designed RCTs to produce solid scientific data, particularly on the benefits of a more comprehensive package of preconception nutrition supplements that include both macro- and micronutrients. The findings from the WF trial suggest that the benefits of preconception LNS on fetal growth are mainly confined to women with pre-pregnancy Hb 9-9.9g/dL. Compared to controls, women with Hb 10-10.9g/dL also benefited from preconception LNS, albeit the magnitude of effect on three markers of intrauterine growth was modest for women with Hb 10-10.9g/dL. However, LNS, started during pregnancy, appeared to improve markers of intrauterine growth for women with a wider range of Hb 8-10.9g/dL. Women with Hb ≥ 11g/dL did not benefit from LNS started either pre-conception or during pregnancy. These findings suggest that prioritizing women with specific pre-pregnancy Hb categories for targeted nutrition interventions may be advisable. This would target limited resources most efficiently in LMICs. Lastly, negligible mediation by Hb during pregnancy suggests that alternative pathways that potentially mediate the relationship between LNS and intrauterine growth need to be investigated.