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Olabumuyi OO, Uchendu OC, Green PA. Prevalence, Pattern and Factors Associated with Developmental Delay amongst Under-5 Children in Nigeria: Evidence from Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2011-2017. Niger Postgrad Med J 2024; 31:118-129. [PMID: 38826015 DOI: 10.4103/npmj.npmj_51_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children develop dynamically, and when a child fails to reach age-appropriate developmental milestones compared to their peers, it is considered a developmental delay. In developing nations like Nigeria, several demographics, socioeconomic, childcare and external factors may influence the highly individualised process. This study assessed the prevalence and pattern of developmental delay, across Nigeria's geopolitical zones including identified factors associated with developmental delay, providing insight for appropriate interventions to prevent disability in affected children. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), which was carried out in rounds 4 (2011) and 5 (2016/2017). Every 5 years, the UNICEF-supported MICS cross-sectional household survey is carried out using the cluster sampling method. A semi-structured, questionnaire administered by the interviewer was used to obtain individual and household-level data. This study comprised a weighted sample of 17,373 under-5 children who had complete data from both survey rounds on characteristics deemed significant for the study. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23. Using the Chi-square test and multivariate binomial logistic regression, factors linked to developmental delay were identified, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) provided and the significance level set at 5%. RESULTS The mean age and sex distribution of the children surveyed in both rounds was comparable, with a male preponderance of 51.2% in round 4 and 50.4% in round 5. In both round 4 (51.2%) and round 5 (49.0%), the Northeast zone had the highest prevalence of overall developmental delay while the least prevalence was seen in the Southwest zone (20.3%) and the Southeast zone (14.7%) in round 4 and round 5, respectively. Across all the zones, delay in the literacy-numeracy domain of development was the most prevalent, with the highest (91.3% and 86.7%, respectively) in the Northeast zone during both rounds of the survey. Delay in the physical domain was, however, the least prevalent form of developmental delay across the zones, with the least in South South (20.6%) and Southeast (5.4%) in rounds 4 and 5. The odds of developmental delay were 1.5 and 1.7 times higher amongst children 4 years old than 3 years old in both rounds of the survey. The likelihood of having developmental delay was found to increase with the severity of stunting amongst the children during both rounds of the survey (odds ratio [OR] =1.5; 95% CI = 1.20-1.78 in round 4 and OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.16-1.58 in round 5). Children from the poorest wealth index had higher odds of developmental delay (OR = 5.8; 95% CI = 4.92-6.82 in round 4 and OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.99-3.10 in round 5). CONCLUSION The prevalence of developmental delay is high across all zones; however, the burden varies amongst them. The age of the child, nutritional status and wealth index were indicators of developmental delay in Nigerian under-5 children. This underscores the need for surveillance and interventions focussed on improving child literacy, nutritional status and household standard of living across the zones.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Obioma Chukwudi Uchendu
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Pauline Aruoture Green
- Department of Community Medicine, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Rivers State, Nigeria
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Purgato M, Prina E, Ceccarelli C, Cadorin C, Abdulmalik JO, Amaddeo F, Arcari L, Churchill R, Jordans MJ, Lund C, Papola D, Uphoff E, van Ginneken N, Tol WA, Barbui C. Primary-level and community worker interventions for the prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of well-being in low- and middle-income countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 10:CD014722. [PMID: 37873968 PMCID: PMC10594594 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014722.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a significant research gap in the field of universal, selective, and indicated prevention interventions for mental health promotion and the prevention of mental disorders. Barriers to closing the research gap include scarcity of skilled human resources, large inequities in resource distribution and utilization, and stigma. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of delivery by primary workers of interventions for the promotion of mental health and universal prevention, and for the selective and indicated prevention of mental disorders or symptoms of mental illness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To examine the impact of intervention delivery by primary workers on resource use and costs. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Global Index Medicus, PsycInfo, WHO ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to 29 November 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of primary-level and/or community health worker interventions for promoting mental health and/or preventing mental disorders versus any control conditions in adults and children in LMICs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Standardized mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD) were used for continuous outcomes, and risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data, using a random-effects model. We analyzed data at 0 to 1, 1 to 6, and 7 to 24 months post-intervention. For SMDs, 0.20 to 0.49 represented small, 0.50 to 0.79 moderate, and ≥ 0.80 large clinical effects. We evaluated the risk of bias (RoB) using Cochrane RoB2. MAIN RESULTS Description of studies We identified 113 studies with 32,992 participants (97 RCTs, 19,570 participants in meta-analyses) for inclusion. Nineteen RCTs were conducted in low-income countries, 27 in low-middle-income countries, 2 in middle-income countries, 58 in upper-middle-income countries and 7 in mixed settings. Eighty-three RCTs included adults and 30 RCTs included children. Cadres of primary-level workers employed primary care health workers (38 studies), community workers (71 studies), both (2 studies), and not reported (2 studies). Interventions were universal prevention/promotion in 22 studies, selective in 36, and indicated prevention in 55 RCTs. Risk of bias The most common concerns over risk of bias were performance bias, attrition bias, and reporting bias. Intervention effects 'Probably', 'may', or 'uncertain' indicates 'moderate-', 'low-', or 'very low-'certainty evidence. *Certainty of the evidence (using GRADE) was assessed at 0 to 1 month post-intervention as specified in the review protocol. In the abstract, we did not report results for outcomes for which evidence was missing or very uncertain. Adults Promotion/universal prevention, compared to usual care: - probably slightly reduced anxiety symptoms (MD -0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.27 to -0.01; 1 trial, 158 participants) - may slightly reduce distress/PTSD symptoms (SMD -0.24, 95% CI -0.41 to -0.08; 4 trials, 722 participants) Selective prevention, compared to usual care: - probably slightly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD -0.69, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.30; 4 trials, 223 participants) Indicated prevention, compared to usual care: - may reduce adverse events (1 trial, 547 participants) - probably slightly reduced functional impairment (SMD -0.12, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.15; 4 trials, 663 participants) Children Promotion/universal prevention, compared to usual care: - may improve the quality of life (SMD -0.25, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.11; 2 trials, 803 participants) - may reduce adverse events (1 trial, 694 participants) - may slightly reduce depressive symptoms (MD -3.04, 95% CI -6 to -0.08; 1 trial, 160 participants) - may slightly reduce anxiety symptoms (MD -2.27, 95% CI -3.13 to -1.41; 1 trial, 183 participants) Selective prevention, compared to usual care: - probably slightly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD 0, 95% CI -0.16 to -0.15; 2 trials, 638 participants) - may slightly reduce anxiety symptoms (MD 4.50, 95% CI -12.05 to 21.05; 1 trial, 28 participants) - probably slightly reduced distress/PTSD symptoms (MD -2.14, 95% CI -3.77 to -0.51; 1 trial, 159 participants) Indicated prevention, compared to usual care: - decreased slightly functional impairment (SMD -0.29, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.10; 2 trials, 448 participants) - decreased slightly depressive symptoms (SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.04; 4 trials, 771 participants) - may slightly reduce distress/PTSD symptoms (SMD 0.24, 95% CI -1.28 to 1.76; 2 trials, 448 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The evidence indicated that prevention interventions delivered through primary workers - a form of task-shifting - may improve mental health outcomes. Certainty in the evidence was influenced by the risk of bias and by substantial levels of heterogeneity. A supportive network of infrastructure and research would enhance and reinforce this delivery modality across LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Purgato
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Prina
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Caterina Ceccarelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Camilla Cadorin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Amaddeo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Rachel Churchill
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Mark Jd Jordans
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Crick Lund
- King's Global Health Institute, Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Davide Papola
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Uphoff
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Nadja van Ginneken
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Wietse Anton Tol
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Corrado Barbui
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Childhood stunting and subsequent educational outcomes: a marginal structural model analysis from a South African longitudinal study. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:3016-3024. [PMID: 36008100 PMCID: PMC9991553 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022001823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between childhood stunting and grade completion (as educational outcome) in South Africa. DESIGN Longitudinal study. Data were obtained using the National Income Dynamics Study over five waves (2008 to 2017). Children were tracked at wave 1 in 2008 until wave 5 in 2017 to determine their total years of schooling. We controlled for time-variant and time-varying confounding with a marginal structural model to estimate the associations between childhood stunting and subsequent grade completion. SETTING Nationally representative study of South African households. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2629 children aged 2 and 3 years in 2008. RESULTS We observed a substantial decrease in the prevalence of stunting between wave 1 (28·2 %) and wave 4 (8·6 %). Our marginal structural model results suggest that childhood stunting was significantly associated with decreased odds (22 % less likely) of grade completion (OR = 0·78; 95 % CI: 0·40, 0·86; P = 0·015), while those who were only stunted during early childhood had a 29 % reduction in the odds of grade completion (OR = 0·71; 95 % CI: 0·51, 0·82; P = 0·020). CONCLUSION These findings underscore the fact that stunting is a significant predictor of academic achievement, whose effects might be long-lasting.
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Attanasio O, Baker-Henningham H, Bernal R, Meghir C, Pineda D, Rubio-Codina M. Early Stimulation and Nutrition: The Impacts of a Scalable Intervention. JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION 2022; 20:1395-1432. [PMID: 35965610 PMCID: PMC9372035 DOI: 10.1093/jeea/jvac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Early childhood development is becoming the focus of policy worldwide. However, the evidence on the effectiveness of scalable models is scant, particularly when it comes to infants in developing countries. In this paper, we describe and evaluate with a cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial an intervention designed to improve the quality of child stimulation within the context of an existing parenting program in Colombia, known as FAMI. The intervention improved children's development by 0.16 of a standard deviation (SD) and children's nutritional status, as reflected in a reduction of 5.8 percentage points of children whose height-for-age is below -1 SD.
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Walker SP, Chang SM, Wright AS, Pinto R, Heckman JJ, Grantham‐McGregor SM. Cognitive, psychosocial, and behaviour gains at age 31 years from the Jamaica early childhood stimulation trial. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 63:626-635. [PMID: 34403137 PMCID: PMC8850528 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little evidence on adult benefits from early childhood interventions in low and middle-income countries. We assessed adult cognition, psychosocial skills and behaviour from a stimulation trial conducted in Jamaica. METHODS Children with stunted growth (height-for age <-2SD of references) aged 9-24 months were enrolled in a two-year randomised-controlled trial of nutritional supplementation and/or stimulation. At mean age 31.79 (SD 0.40) years, 95 of 127 participants (74.8%; 53.7% male) were assessed. Children without stunted growth were also followed as a comparison group (64 of 84 participants, 76.2%). Measurements included IQ, executive function, mental health, psychosocial skills, personality traits and risk behaviours. A block permutation test, valid for small sample sizes, was used. Analyses accounted for the randomisation protocol, multiple hypothesis testing and attrition. RESULTS Treatment group participants (stimulation intervention with or without supplementation, n = 48) had significantly greater IQ (Hedges g effect size 0. 57; 95%CI 0.20, 0.95) and cognitive flexibility (0.61; 0.25, 0.98) compared with no-treatment (no-intervention and supplementation only, n = 47). They also had reduced depressive symptoms (0.61; 0.28, 1.00), increased grit (0.53; 0.16, 0.92) and conscientiousness (0.66; 0.31, 1.07), lower substance use (rank mean score, 0.45; 0.08, 0.81) and risk taking related to health and work (0.64; 0.27, 1.00). There were 18 significant outcomes of 33 assessed. Comparison participants had higher IQ than no-treatment (1.17; 0.81, 1.54) and treatment groups (0.62; 0.18, 1.07); and better executive function, lower social inhibition and risk taking than the no-treatment group. CONCLUSIONS The wide-ranging benefits at 31 years from the stimulation intervention supports investment in larger scale programmes to promote early childhood development in disadvantaged children. The lower IQ in the treatment group compared with comparison participants, emphasises the need for continued efforts to prevent early childhood growth retardation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan P. Walker
- Caribbean Institute for Health ResearchThe University of the West IndiesKingstonJamaica
| | - Susan M. Chang
- Caribbean Institute for Health ResearchThe University of the West IndiesKingstonJamaica
| | - Amika S. Wright
- Caribbean Institute for Health ResearchThe University of the West IndiesKingstonJamaica
| | - Rodrigo Pinto
- Department of EconomicsThe University of California at Los AngelesLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - James J. Heckman
- Centre for for the Economics of Human DevelopmentUniversity of ChicagoChicagoILUSA,American Bar FoundationChicagoILUSA
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Zhou S, Jin CY, Guo J, Liu Z, Feng Q, Wang J, Xu XR, Wang S, Wan ZS, Obel C, Liu H, Wang HJ. The relationship between online courses and mental health among Chinese children. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:328. [PMID: 35538454 PMCID: PMC9087162 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03976-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies on the association of online courses and mental health were mainly conducted in universities, and no study investigated the relationship between characteristics of online courses and children's mental health in primary and secondary school. This study aimed to explore the association of online courses and children's mental health in primary and secondary school. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey among 540 primary and secondary school students and their parents in the eastern, central and western region of China from April to May in 2020. Children's mental health was assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Borderline mental health problems (SDQ total difficulties score ≥ 16) and mental health problems (SDQ total difficulties score ≥ 20) were defined according to Goodman's standard. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the association between online courses and children's mental health. RESULTS Compared with those who did not have problems of online courses, children having the difficulty in understanding the content of online courses had a higher SDQ total difficulties score [β = 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89, 2.71] and a higher risk of borderline mental health problems [odds ratio (OR) = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.07, 3.49], while device or internet connection problems were not significantly associated with children's mental health. Compared with children who had live courses, those having video-recorded courses had a higher SDQ total difficulties score (β = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.01, 1.80). Children who spent more than 4 h on online courses had a higher SDQ total difficulties score than those of less than or equal to 4 h (β = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.09, 1.81). CONCLUSION We found that online courses with inappropriate characteristics were associated with children's mental health. The findings called for the efforts to optimize the online courses and improve children's mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhou
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38 Xueyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Chu-Yao Jin
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38 Xueyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Jing Guo
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38 Xueyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Qiang Feng
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38 Xueyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China ,grid.507041.70000 0004 0386 5990General Administration of Sport of China, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Wang
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Rong Xu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Wang
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38 Xueyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Zhong-Shang Wan
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38 Xueyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Carsten Obel
- grid.7048.b0000 0001 1956 2722Research Unit for Mental Public Health, Institute of Public Health, Aarhus University Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hui Liu
- Medical Informatics Center, Peking University, No.38 Xueyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Hai-Jun Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38 Xueyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Gupta SS, Raut AV, Kothekar P, Maliye CH, Kalantri A, Bahulekar PV, Anshu, Garg BS. Nurturing Care Interventions for Realizing the Development Potential of Every Child: From Pilot to Scale Up in Maharashtra. Indian Pediatr 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13312-021-2356-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Jeong J, Pitchik HO, Fink G. Short-term, medium-term and long-term effects of early parenting interventions in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e004067. [PMID: 33674266 PMCID: PMC7938974 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parenting interventions during early childhood are known to improve various child development outcomes immediately following programme implementation. However, less is known about whether these initial benefits are sustained over time. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review of parenting interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that were delivered during the first 3 years of life and had completed a follow-up evaluation of the intervention cohort at least 1 year after the primary postintervention endpoint. We summarized intervention effects over time by child-level and parent-level outcomes as well as by timing of follow-up rounds in the short-term (1-3 years after programme completion), medium-term (4-9 years), and long-term (10+ years). We also conducted exploratory meta-analyses to compare effects on children's cognitive and behavioral development by these subgroups of follow-up rounds. RESULTS We identified 24 articles reporting on seven randomised controlled trials of parenting interventions delivered during early childhood that had at least one follow-up study in seven LMICs. The majority of follow-up studies were in the short-term. Three trials conducted a medium-term follow-up evaluation, and only two trials conducted a long-term follow-up evaluation. Although trials consistently supported wide-ranging benefits on early child development outcomes immediately after programme completion, results revealed a general fading of effects on children's outcomes over time. Short-term effects were mixed, and medium-term and long-term effects were largely inconclusive. The exploratory meta-analysis on cognitive development found that pooled effects were significant at postintervention and in the short-term (albeit smaller in magnitude), but the effects were not significant in the medium-term and long-term. For behavioural development, the effects were consistently null over time. CONCLUSIONS There have been few longer-term follow-up studies of early parenting interventions in LMICs. Greater investments in longitudinal intervention cohorts are needed in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of parenting interventions over the life course and to improve the design of future interventions so they can have greater potential for achieving and sustaining programme benefits over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Jeong
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Helen O Pitchik
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Günther Fink
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Derakhshandeh-Rishehri PhD Student SM, Shenavar MSc R, Farmani Bs A, Hemmati PhD A, Faghih PhD S. The effects of nutritional support baskets on growth parameters of under five years old children with malnutrition and low socio-economic status. J Trop Pediatr 2021; 67:6139356. [PMID: 33594420 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmab007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although malnutrition is globally widespread among children, there is no consensus on the most effective intervention for improving a child's growth. The present study is designed to investigate the effects of nutritional support basketson growth indices of malnourished children. METHODS This is a field trial conducted on 3667 malnourished children (0-60 months) for 9months, between 2017 and 2018, in Fars province of Iran. Weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height and body mass index-for age indices were assessed before and after the intervention with nutritional support baskets, which contains 600 kcal/day. RESULTS The baseline prevalence of moderate/severeunderweight, stunting and wasting were 31.5%, 33.3% and 28.9%, respectively. After the intervention, the prevalence non-significantly reduced to 25.5%, 31.7% and 20.35%, respectively (p > 0.05). The intervention is associated with a non-significant reduction in the prevalence of underweight and wasting in 0-23 months children, and a non-significant reduction in the prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting in 24-60 months children. Furthermore, the intervention is associated with a non-significant reduction in the prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting in girls, and a non-significant reduction in the prevalence of underweight and wasting in boys. CONCLUSIONS Nutrition support was effective in improving malnutrition indices of children; however, the results were non-significant. Further studies with longer period and control group areneeded to support the effectiveness of nutrition support in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh-Masomeh Derakhshandeh-Rishehri PhD Student
- Nutrition Research Center, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Community Nutrition, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Razieh Shenavar MSc
- Department of Community Nutrition, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Azam Farmani Bs
- Department of Community Nutrition, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Shiva Faghih PhD
- Nutrition Research Center, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Community Nutrition, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Abstract
A new approach to comprehensive growth and nutrition assessment of infants, children, and adolescents that is etiology based and relatively simple to implement is now available. It encompasses five domains: anthropometry (growth measurements), assessment of change in growth (growth dynamism), duration of the growth abnormalities, etiology of the nutritional imbalance, and impact of the nutritional state on functional outcomes. Its increased use will help to standardize the screening, diagnosis, and documentation of malnutrition in both ambulatory and hospitalized patients. [Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(11):e425-e433.].
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Abessa TG, Worku BN, Wondafrash M, Girma T, Valy J, Lemmens J, Bruckers L, Kolsteren P, Granitzer M. Effect of play-based family-centered psychomotor/psychosocial stimulation on the development of severely acutely malnourished children under six in a low-income setting: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pediatr 2019; 19:336. [PMID: 31521161 PMCID: PMC6744679 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-019-1696-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends incorporating psychosocial stimulation into the management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM). However, there is little evidence about the effectiveness of these interventions for SAM children, particularly when serious food shortages and lack of a balanced diet prevail. The objective of this study was to examine whether family-based psychomotor/psychosocial stimulation in a low-income setting improves the development, linear growth, and nutritional outcomes in children with SAM. METHOD Children with SAM (N = 339) admitted for treatment to the Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia, were randomized to a control (n = 170) or intervention (n = 169) group. Both groups received routine medical care and nutritional treatment at the hospital. The intervention group additionally received play-based psychomotor/psychosocial stimulation during their hospital stay, and at home for 6 months after being discharged from hospital. The fine motor (FM) and gross motor (GM) functions, language (LA) and personal-social (PS) skills of the children were assessed using adapted Denver II, the social-emotional (SE) behavior was assessed using adapted Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional, and the linear growth and nutritional status were determined through anthropometric assessments. All outcomes were assessed before the intervention, upon discharge from hospital, and 6 months after discharge (as end-line). The overtime changes of these outcomes measured in both groups were compared using Generalized Estimating Equations. RESULTS The intervention group improved significantly on GM during hospital follow-up by 0.88 points (p < 0.001, effect size = 0.26 SD), and on FM functions during the home follow-up by 1.09 points (p = 0.001, effect size = 0.22 SD). Both young and older children benefited similarly from the treatment. The intervention did not contribute significantly to linear growth and nutritional outcomes. CONCLUSION Psychomotor/psychosocial stimulation of SAM children enhances improvement in gross motor functions when combined with standard nutrient-rich diets, but it can enhance the fine motor functions even when such standard dietary care is not available. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was retrospectively registered on 30 January 2017 at the US National Institute of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) # NCT03036176 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Teklu Gemechu Abessa
- Department of Special Needs and Inclusive Education, College of Behavioral Sciences and Education, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Berhanu Nigussie Worku
- REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Psychology, College of Behavioral Sciences and Education, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mekitie Wondafrash
- Department of Population and Family Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tsinuel Girma
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Johan Valy
- Department of Healthcare, PXL University College, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Johan Lemmens
- Department of Healthcare, PXL University College, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Patrick Kolsteren
- Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, University of Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marita Granitzer
- REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
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Early Childhood Development Programs, Peacebuilding, and the Sustainable Development Goals: Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Research and Multisectoral Partnerships. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-96592-5_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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13
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Ahner-McHaffie TW, Guest G, Petruney T, Eterno A, Dooley B. Evaluating the impact of integrated development: are we asking the right questions? A systematic review. Gates Open Res 2018; 1:6. [PMID: 29984355 PMCID: PMC6034098 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12755.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Emerging global transformations - including a new Sustainable Development Agenda - are revealing increasingly interrelated goals and challenges, poised to be addressed by similarly integrated, multi-faceted solutions. Research to date has focused on determining the effectiveness of these approaches, yet a key question remains: are synergistic effects produced by integrating two or more sectors? We systematically reviewed impact evaluations on integrated development interventions to assess whether synergistic, amplified impacts are being measured and evaluated. Methods: The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation’s (3ie) Impact Evaluation Repository comprised our sampling frame (n = 4,339). Following PRISMA guidelines, we employed a three-stage screening and review process. Results: We identified 601 journal articles that evaluated integrated interventions. Seventy percent used a randomized design to assess impact with regard to whether the intervention achieved its desired outcomes. Only 26 of these evaluations, however, used a full factorial design to statistically detect any synergistic effects produced by integrating sectors. Of those, seven showed synergistic effects. Conclusions: To date, evaluations of integrated development approaches have demonstrated positive impacts in numerous contexts, but gaps remain with regard to documenting whether integrated programming produces synergistic, amplified outcomes. Research on these program models needs to extend beyond impact only, and more explicitly examine and measure the synergies and efficiencies associated with linking two or more sectors. Doing so will be critical for identifying effective integrated development strategies that will help achieve the multi-sector SDG agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Greg Guest
- FHI 360, 359 Blackwell St Suite 200; Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Brian Dooley
- FHI 360, 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW; Washington, DC, USA
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Young People and Climate Change: The Role of Developmental Science. DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-96592-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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Ahner-McHaffie TW, Guest G, Petruney T, Eterno A, Dooley B. Evaluating integrated development: are we asking the right questions? A systematic review. Gates Open Res 2017. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12755.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Emerging global transformations - including a new Sustainable Development Agenda - are revealing increasingly interrelated goals and challenges, poised to be addressed by similarly integrated, multi-faceted solutions. Research to date has focused on determining the effectiveness of these approaches, yet a key question remains: are synergistic effects produced by integrating two or more sectors? We systematically reviewed impact evaluations on integrated development interventions to assess whether synergistic, amplified impacts are being measured and evaluated. Methods: The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation’s (3ie) Impact Evaluation Repository comprised our sampling frame (n = 4,339). Following PRISMA guidelines, we employed a three-stage screening and review process. Results: We identified 601 journal articles that evaluated integrated interventions. Seventy percent used a randomized design to assess impact with regard to whether the intervention achieved its desired outcomes. Only 26 of these evaluations, however, used a full factorial design, the only design capable of statistically detecting synergistic effects produced by integrating sectors. Of those, seven showed synergistic effects. Conclusions: To date, evaluations of integrated development approaches have demonstrated positive impacts in numerous contexts, but gaps remain with regard to documenting whether integrated programming produces synergistic, amplified outcomes. Research on these program models needs to extend beyond impact only, and more explicitly examine and measure the synergies and efficiencies associated with linking two or more sectors. Doing so will be critical for identifying effective integrated development strategies that will help achieve the multi-sector SDG agenda.
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Perkins JM, Kim R, Krishna A, McGovern M, Aguayo VM, Subramanian S. Understanding the association between stunting and child development in low- and middle-income countries: Next steps for research and intervention. Soc Sci Med 2017; 193:101-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Abstract
The main forms of childhood malnutrition occur predominantly in children <5 years of age living in low-income and middle-income countries and include stunting, wasting and kwashiorkor, of which severe wasting and kwashiorkor are commonly referred to as severe acute malnutrition. Here, we use the term 'severe malnutrition' to describe these conditions to better reflect the contributions of chronic poverty, poor living conditions with pervasive deficits in sanitation and hygiene, a high prevalence of infectious diseases and environmental insults, food insecurity, poor maternal and fetal nutritional status and suboptimal nutritional intake in infancy and early childhood. Children with severe malnutrition have an increased risk of serious illness and death, primarily from acute infectious diseases. International growth standards are used for the diagnosis of severe malnutrition and provide therapeutic end points. The early detection of severe wasting and kwashiorkor and outpatient therapy for these conditions using ready-to-use therapeutic foods form the cornerstone of modern therapy, and only a small percentage of children require inpatient care. However, the normalization of physiological and metabolic functions in children with malnutrition is challenging, and children remain at high risk of relapse and death. Further research is urgently needed to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of severe malnutrition, especially the mechanisms causing kwashiorkor, and to develop new interventions for prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research &Learning, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - James A Berkley
- Clinical Research Department, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- The Childhood Acute Illness &Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, Nairobi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert H J Bandsma
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research &Learning, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
- The Childhood Acute Illness &Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Marko Kerac
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Indi Trehan
- Lao Friends Hospital for Children, Luang Prabang, Laos
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - André Briend
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Effect of childhood nutrition counselling on intelligence in adolescence: a 15-year follow-up of a cluster-randomised trial. Public Health Nutr 2017; 20:2034-2041. [DOI: 10.1017/s1368980017000751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to assess the effects of an early childhood nutrition counselling intervention on intelligence (as measured by the intelligence quotient (IQ)) at age 15–16 years.DesignA single-blind, cluster-randomised trial.SettingIn 1998, in Southern Brazil, mothers of children aged 18 months or younger were enrolled in a nutrition counselling intervention (n 424). Counselling included encouragement and promotion of exclusive breast-feeding until 6 months of age and continued breast-feeding supplemented by protein-, lipid- and carbohydrate-rich foods after age 6 months up to age 2 years. The control group received routine feeding advice. In 2013, the fourth round of follow-up of these individuals, at the age of 15–16 years, was undertaken. IQ was assessed using the short form of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III). Mental disorders (evaluated using the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA)) and self-reported school failure, smoking and alcohol use were also investigated. Adjusted analyses were conducted using a multilevel model in accordance with the sampling process.SubjectsAdolescents, mean (sd) age of 15·4 (0·5) years (n 339).ResultsMean (sd) total IQ score was lower in the intervention group than the control group (93·4 (11·4) and 95·8 (11·2), respectively) but the association did not persist after adjustment. The prevalence of any mental disorders was similar between intervention and control groups (23·1 and 23·5 %, respectively). There were no differences between groups regarding school failure, smoking and alcohol use.ConclusionsNutrition counselling intervention in early childhood had no effect on intelligence measured during adolescence.
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Galler JR, Koethe JR, Yolken RH. Neurodevelopment: The Impact of Nutrition and Inflammation During Adolescence in Low-Resource Settings. Pediatrics 2017; 139:S72-S84. [PMID: 28562250 PMCID: PMC5374755 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-2828i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 1 out of 5 children worldwide suffers from childhood malnutrition or stunting and associated health conditions, including an increased susceptibility to infections and inflammation. Due to improved early interventions, most children even in low-resource settings now survive early childhood malnutrition, yet exhibit continuing evidence of neurodevelopmental deficits, including poor school achievement and behavioral problems. These conditions are compounded in children who continue to be undernourished throughout the adolescent years. At present, these sequelae of malnutrition and infection are of major concern in the adolescent population, given that young people between the ages of 10 and 24 years represent nearly one-quarter of the world's population. Therefore, there is an urgent need to focus on the well-being of this age group and, in particular, on behavioral, cognitive, and brain disorders of adolescents who experienced malnutrition, infection, and inflammation prenatally, in early childhood, and during adolescence itself. Because one-third of all women globally become pregnant during their adolescent years, brain and behavioral disorders during this period can have an intergenerational impact, affecting the health and well-being of the next generation. This article summarizes the current state of knowledge and evidence gaps regarding childhood and adolescent malnutrition and inflammation and their impact on adolescent neurodevelopment, the limited evidence regarding nutrition and psychosocial interventions, and the role of resilience and protective factors in this age group. This overview should help to inform the development of new strategies to improve the neurodevelopmental outcomes of high risk adolescent populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina R Galler
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts;
- Chester M. Pierce, MD Division of Global Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - John R Koethe
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Robert H Yolken
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Kikuchi K, Poudel KC, Rwibasira JM, Majyambere A, Mutabazi V, Nyonsenga SP, Muhayimpundu R, Jimba M. Caring for perinatally HIV-infected children: call for mental care for the children and the caregivers. AIDS Care 2017; 29:1280-1286. [PMID: 28359213 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2017.1307917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy has dramatically improved the survival rate of perinatally HIV-infected children. For them to thrive, it is necessary to understand better their mental health issues. Caregivers play an important role in children's daily care and caregiver mental health may relate to children's mental health. However, this association has rarely been studied. Accordingly, the present study examined the associations between depression of caregivers and that of perinatally HIV-infected children in Kigali, Rwanda. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 475 perinatally HIV-infected children aged 7-14 years and their caregivers. We collected children's depression score data via face-to-face interviews with children using the Beck Depression Inventory for Youth. We also collected sociodemographic data using a semi-structured questionnaire with caregivers. In addition, we measured children's weight, height, and collected their clinical records. Data were analyzed via linear and logistic regression analyses. Of all children, 22% had symptoms of depression. Among those who had depressive symptoms (n= 105), 49% had never received psychological support. In both the linear and logistic regression analysis, caregiver's high depression scores were positively associated with children's higher depression scores (AOR: 3.064, 95% CI: 1.723, 4.855, and AOR: 1.759, 95% CI: 1.129, 2.740, respectively). Taking Efavirenz and low height-for-age were also positively associated with higher depression scores among HIV-infected children. Mental health needs to be addressed to improve quality of life of perinatally HIV-infected children. Caregiver's depression was positively associated with children's depressive symptoms. Caring for both children and the caregivers' mental health may prevent the mutual fostering of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimiyo Kikuchi
- a Institute of Decision Science for a Sustainable Society (IDS3) , Kyushu University , Fukuoka , Japan.,b Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Krishna C Poudel
- c Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences , University of Massachusetts-Amherst , Amherst , USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Masamine Jimba
- b Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
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Abstract
Institutions are not necessarily good environments for children. In the face of challenges such as HIV, Ebola, poverty, conflict and disaster the numbers have grown rather than reduced. Some countries have closed institutions down -driven by findings that cognitive developmental delay is associated with institutional care. Yet insight into abuse and violence within institutionalised settings is neglected. Maltreatment -violence and abuse -may be an issue. This systematic review series addresses violence and abuse experiences in institutionalised care, exploring firstly the frequency of abuse/violence in institutions, secondly any interventions to reduce such violence or abuse and thirdly the perpetrators of such violence or abuse. The final systematic review updates the findings on cognitive delay associated with institutionalised care. With a violence lens, cognitive delay may well be considered under the umbrella of neglect. Maltreatment and abuse may be a driver of cognitive delay. The keyword search covered several electronic databases and studies were included for data abstraction if they met adequacy criteria. Eight studies were identified on the prevalence of abuse in institutions and a further three studies reported on interventions. Only one study was identified documenting peer on peer violence in institutions. Sixty-six studies were identified examining cognitive development for institutionalised children. All but two of these record cognitive deficits associated with institutionalisation. Only two asked about violence or abuse which was found to be higher in institutionalised children. Overall the abuse experiences of children in institutions are poorly recorded, and in one study violence was associated with high suicidal attempts. The major intervention pathway for ameliorating cognitive challenge seems to be placement out of the institutions which shows benefits and redresses some cognitive outcomes - yet not a total panacea. The single study providing training and monitoring of harsh punishment and maltreatment showed immediate and decided reductions. This data suggest, despite the paucity of studies, violence and abuse, by commission or omission is prevalent in institutions, has an effect on child well-being and is amenable to intervention. Simple training or more complex structures to place children within conducive alternative environments (or to avoid institutionalised placements in the first place) seem to be the main pathway of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Sherr
- a Department of Infection & Population Health , University College London , London , UK
| | - Kathryn J Roberts
- a Department of Infection & Population Health , University College London , London , UK
| | - Natasha Gandhi
- a Department of Infection & Population Health , University College London , London , UK
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Das JK, Salam RA, Lassi ZS, Khan MN, Mahmood W, Patel V, Bhutta ZA. Interventions for Adolescent Mental Health: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. J Adolesc Health 2016; 59:S49-S60. [PMID: 27664596 PMCID: PMC5026677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Many mental health disorders emerge in late childhood and early adolescence and contribute to the burden of these disorders among young people and later in life. We systematically reviewed literature published up to December 2015 to identify systematic reviews on mental health interventions in adolescent population. A total of 38 systematic reviews were included. We classified the included reviews into the following categories for reporting the findings: school-based interventions (n = 12); community-based interventions (n = 6); digital platforms (n = 8); and individual-/family-based interventions (n = 12). Evidence from school-based interventions suggests that targeted group-based interventions and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective in reducing depressive symptoms (standard mean difference [SMD]: -.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -.26 to -.05) and anxiety (SMD: -.33; 95% CI: -.59 to -.06). School-based suicide prevention programs suggest that classroom-based didactic and experiential programs increase short-term knowledge of suicide (SMD: 1.51; 95% CI: .57-2.45) and knowledge of suicide prevention (SMD: .72; 95% CI: .36-1.07) with no evidence of an effect on suicide-related attitudes or behaviors. Community-based creative activities have some positive effect on behavioral changes, self-confidence, self-esteem, levels of knowledge, and physical activity. Evidence from digital platforms supports Internet-based prevention and treatment programs for anxiety and depression; however, more extensive and rigorous research is warranted to further establish the conditions. Among individual- and family-based interventions, interventions focusing on eating attitudes and behaviors show no impact on body mass index (SMD: -.10; 95% CI: -.45 to .25); Eating Attitude Test (SMD: .01; 95% CI: -.13 to .15); and bulimia (SMD: -.03; 95% CI: -.16 to .10). Exercise is found to be effective in improving self-esteem (SMD: .49; 95% CI: .16-.81) and reducing depression score (SMD: -.66; 95% CI: -1.25 to -.08) with no impact on anxiety scores. Cognitive behavioral therapy compared to waitlist is effective in reducing remission (odds ratio: 7.85; 95% CI: 5.31-11.6). Psychological therapy when compared to antidepressants have comparable effect on remission, dropouts, and depression symptoms. The studies evaluating mental health interventions among adolescents were reported to be very heterogeneous, statistically, in their populations, interventions, and outcomes; hence, meta-analysis could not be conducted in most of the included reviews. Future trials should also focus on standardized interventions and outcomes for synthesizing the exiting body of knowledge. There is a need to report differential effects for gender, age groups, socioeconomic status, and geographic settings since the impact of mental health interventions might vary according to various contextual factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai K Das
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rehana A Salam
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zohra S Lassi
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Marium Naveed Khan
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Vikram Patel
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India; Sangath, Goa, India
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
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Bain K, Richards J. Mothers' perinatal and infant mental health knowledge in a Johannesburg township setting. J Child Adolesc Ment Health 2016; 28:71-95. [PMID: 27561997 DOI: 10.2989/17280583.2016.1200585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper examines maternal knowledge regarding perinatal and infant mental health amongst mothers in Alexandra township, Johannesburg. The applicability and utility of these Western-derived concepts in a low socio-economic South African setting is examined. METHOD A concurrent mixed methods approach was used. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on the responses of 255 mothers on a structured questionnaire, designed to elicit levels of knowledge about the relational needs and awareness of infants and the psychosocial needs of mothers, to determine trends in mothers' knowledge. A thematic content analysis was also conducted on the responses to determine themes and understandings within the mothers' responses. RESULTS Maternal knowledge in Alexandra regarding perinatal and infant mental health correlates with maternal education levels. Cultural, contextual and psychological factors appear to influence maternal understandings of infant sentience and maternal ambivalence. CONCLUSIONS Further research is required to determine possible contributions of the denial of negative maternal affect post-birth to elevated levels of post-natal depression found amongst South African mothers parenting in adverse circumstances. There is a need for education regarding key messages from the neuroscience of development, to give these parents opportunities to raise their children in a way that supports healthy cognitive and emotional development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Bain
- a Psychology Department , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Jade Richards
- b Ububele Educational and Psychotherapy Trust , Johannesburg , South Africa
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Tomlinson M, Morgan B. Infant Mental Health Research in Africa: a call for action for research in the next 10 years. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2015; 2:e7. [PMID: 28596855 PMCID: PMC5269628 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2015.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Less than 3% of articles published in the peer reviewed literature include data from low- and middle-income countries - where 90% of the world's infants live. METHODS In this paper, we discuss the context of infancy in Africa and the conditions of adversity obtaining in Africa. RESULTS We discuss the implications of poverty on parenting, and linked to this outline the impact of maternal depression on infant development. CONCLUSIONS We outline three features of the field of infant mental health research in Africa, and issue a call for action about what we believe is needed in order to develop the field in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Tomlinson
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Barak Morgan
- Global Risk Governance Program, Department of Public Law, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Tomlinson M, Bornstein MH, Marlow M, Swartz L. Imbalances in the knowledge about infant mental health in rich and poor countries: too little progress in bridging the gap. Infant Ment Health J 2014; 35:624-9. [PMID: 25798511 PMCID: PMC4552328 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The vast majority of infants are born in poor countries, but most of our knowledge about infants and children has emerged from high-income countries. In 2003, M. Tomlinson and L. Swartz conducted a survey of articles on infancy between 1996 and 2001 from major international journals, reporting that a meager 5% of articles emanated from parts of the world other than North America, Europe, or Australasia. In this article, we conducted a similar review of articles on infancy published between 2002 and 2012 to assess whether the status of cross-national research has changed in the subsequent decade. Results indicate that despite slight improvements in research output from the rest of world, only 2.3% of articles published in 11 years included data from low- and middle-income countries--where 90% of the world's infants live. These discrepancies are indicative of the progress still needed to bridge the so-called 10/90 gap (S. Saxena, G. Paraje, P. Sharan, G. Karam, & R. Sadana,) in infant mental health research. Cross-national collaboration is urgently required to ensure expansion of research production in low-resource settings.
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Dose of early intervention treatment during children's first 36 months of life is associated with developmental outcomes: an observational cohort study in three low/low-middle income countries. BMC Pediatr 2014; 14:281. [PMID: 25344731 PMCID: PMC4288653 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2431-14-281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The positive effects of early developmental intervention (EDI) on early child development have been reported in numerous controlled trials in a variety of countries. An important aspect to determining the efficacy of EDI is the degree to which dosage is linked to outcomes. However, few studies of EDI have conducted such analyses. This observational cohort study examined the association between treatment dose and children's development when EDI was implemented in three low and low-middle income countries as well as demographic and child health factors associated with treatment dose. METHODS Infants (78 males, 67 females) born in rural communities in India, Pakistan, and Zambia received a parent-implemented EDI delivered through biweekly home visits by trainers during the first 36 months of life. Outcome was measured at age 36 months with the Mental (MDI) and Psychomotor (PDI) Development Indices of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II. Treatment dose was measured by number of home visits completed and parent-reported implementation of assigned developmental stimulation activities between visits. Sociodemographic, prenatal, perinatal, and child health variables were measures as correlates. RESULTS Average home visits dose exceeded 91% and mothers engaged the children in activities on average 62.5% of days. Higher home visits dose was significantly associated with higher MDI (mean for dose quintiles 1-2 combined = 97.8, quintiles 3-5 combined = 103.4, p = 0.0017). Higher treatment dose was also generally associated with greater mean PDI, but the relationships were non-linear. Location, sociodemographic, and child health variables were associated with treatment dose. CONCLUSIONS Receiving a higher dose of EDI during the first 36 months of life is generally associated with better developmental outcomes. The higher benefit appears when receiving ≥91% of biweekly home visits and program activities on ≥67% of days over 3 years. It is important to ensure that EDI is implemented with a sufficiently high dose to achieve desired effect. To this end groups at risk for receiving lower dose can be identified and may require special attention to ensure adequate effect.
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Attanasio OP, Fernández C, Fitzsimons EOA, Grantham-McGregor SM, Meghir C, Rubio-Codina M. Using the infrastructure of a conditional cash transfer program to deliver a scalable integrated early child development program in Colombia: cluster randomized controlled trial. BMJ 2014; 349:g5785. [PMID: 25266222 PMCID: PMC4179481 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.g5785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of an integrated early child development intervention, combining stimulation and micronutrient supplementation and delivered on a large scale in Colombia, for children's development, growth, and hemoglobin levels. DESIGN Cluster randomized controlled trial, using a 2 × 2 factorial design, with municipalities assigned to one of four groups: psychosocial stimulation, micronutrient supplementation, combined intervention, or control. SETTING 96 municipalities in Colombia, located across eight of its 32 departments. PARTICIPANTS 1420 children aged 12-24 months and their primary carers. INTERVENTION Psychosocial stimulation (weekly home visits with play demonstrations), micronutrient sprinkles given daily, and both combined. All delivered by female community leaders for 18 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cognitive, receptive and expressive language, and fine and gross motor scores on the Bayley scales of infant development-III; height, weight, and hemoglobin levels measured at the baseline and end of intervention. RESULTS Stimulation improved cognitive scores (adjusted for age, sex, testers, and baseline levels of outcomes) by 0.26 of a standard deviation (P=0.002). Stimulation also increased receptive language by 0.22 of a standard deviation (P=0.032). Micronutrient supplementation had no significant effect on any outcome and there was no interaction between the interventions. No intervention affected height, weight, or hemoglobin levels. CONCLUSIONS Using the infrastructure of a national welfare program we implemented the integrated early child development intervention on a large scale and showed its potential for improving children's cognitive development. We found no effect of supplementation on developmental or health outcomes. Moreover, supplementation did not interact with stimulation. The implementation model for delivering stimulation suggests that it may serve as a promising blueprint for future policy on early childhood development.Trial registration Current Controlled trials ISRCTN18991160.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Costas Meghir
- Department of Economics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marta Rubio-Codina
- Centre for the evaluation of development policy, Institute for Fiscal Studies, London
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Atilola O. Child mental-health policy development in sub-Saharan Africa: broadening the perspectives using Bronfenbrenner's ecological model. Health Promot Int 2014; 32:380-391. [DOI: 10.1093/heapro/dau065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Batura N, Hill Z, Haghparast-Bidgoli H, Lingam R, Colbourn T, Kim S, Sikander S, Pulkki-Brannstrom AM, Rahman A, Kirkwood B, Skordis-Worrall J. Highlighting the evidence gap: how cost-effective are interventions to improve early childhood nutrition and development? Health Policy Plan 2014; 30:813-21. [PMID: 24963156 PMCID: PMC4451167 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czu055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence of the effectiveness of early childhood interventions to improve the growth and development of children. Although, historically, nutrition and stimulation interventions may have been delivered separately, they are increasingly being tested as a package of early childhood interventions that synergistically improve outcomes over the life course. However, implementation at scale is seldom possible without first considering the relative cost and cost-effectiveness of these interventions. An evidence gap in this area may deter large-scale implementation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We conduct a literature review to establish what is known about the cost-effectiveness of early childhood nutrition and development interventions. A set of predefined search terms and exclusion criteria standardized the search across five databases. The search identified 15 relevant articles. Of these, nine were from studies set in high-income countries and six in low- and middle-income countries. The articles either calculated the cost-effectiveness of nutrition-specific interventions (n = 8) aimed at improving child growth, or parenting interventions (stimulation) to improve early childhood development (n = 7). No articles estimated the cost-effectiveness of combined interventions. Comparing results within nutrition or stimulation interventions, or between nutrition and stimulation interventions was largely prevented by the variety of outcome measures used in these analyses. This article highlights the need for further evidence relevant to low- and middle-income countries. To facilitate comparison of cost-effectiveness between studies, and between contexts where appropriate, a move towards a common outcome measure such as the cost per disability-adjusted life years averted is advocated. Finally, given the increasing number of combined nutrition and stimulation interventions being tested, there is a significant need for evidence of cost-effectiveness for combined programmes. This too would be facilitated by the use of a common outcome measure able to pool the impact of both nutrition and stimulation activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Batura
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK, Department of Population Health and Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Health Economics and Systems Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Zelee Hill
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK, Department of Population Health and Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Health Economics and Systems Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Hassan Haghparast-Bidgoli
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK, Department of Population Health and Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Health Economics and Systems Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Raghu Lingam
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK, Department of Population Health and Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Health Economics and Systems Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Timothy Colbourn
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK, Department of Population Health and Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Health Economics and Systems Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Sungwook Kim
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK, Department of Population Health and Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Health Economics and Systems Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Siham Sikander
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK, Department of Population Health and Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Health Economics and Systems Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Anni-Maria Pulkki-Brannstrom
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK, Department of Population Health and Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Health Economics and Systems Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK, Department of Population Health and Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Health Economics and Systems Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Atif Rahman
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK, Department of Population Health and Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Health Economics and Systems Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Betty Kirkwood
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK, Department of Population Health and Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Health Economics and Systems Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Jolene Skordis-Worrall
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK, Department of Population Health and Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Health Economics and Systems Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK, Department of Population Health and Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Health Economics and Systems Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK and Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK, Maternal and Child Health Intervention Research Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeä University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden, Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, Child Mental Health Unit, Unive
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Black MM, Dewey KG. Promoting equity through integrated early child development and nutrition interventions. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2014; 1308:1-10. [PMID: 24571211 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sustainable development, a foundation of the post-2015 global agenda, depends on healthy and productive citizens. The origins of adult health begin early in life, stemming from genetic-environmental interactions that include adequate nutrition and opportunities for responsive learning. Inequities associated with inadequate nutrition and early learning opportunities can undermine children's health and development, thereby compromising their productivity and societal contributions. Transactional theory serves as a useful framework for examining the associations that link early child development and nutrition because it emphasizes the interplay that occurs between children and the environment, mediated through caregiver interactions. Although single interventions targeting early child development or nutrition can be effective, there is limited evidence on the development, implementation, evaluation, and scaling up of integrated interventions. This manuscript introduces a special edition of papers on six topics central to integrated child development/nutrition interventions: (1) review of integrated interventions; (2) methods and topics in designing integrated interventions; (3) economic considerations related to integrated interventions; (4) capacity-building considerations; (5) examples of integrated interventions; and (6) policy implications of integrated interventions. Ensuring the health and development of infants and young children through integrated child development/nutrition interventions promotes equity, a critical component of sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen M Black
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kathryn G Dewey
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
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Frongillo EA, Tofail F, Hamadani JD, Warren AM, Mehrin SF. Measures and indicators for assessing impact of interventions integrating nutrition, health, and early childhood development. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2014; 1308:68-88. [PMID: 24372533 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
When implementing interventions integrating nutrition, health, and early childhood development, evaluation studies of effectiveness that assess the intermediate and ultimate impacts on the four domains of food and nutrition, family care, health, and child development are needed. Such studies should demonstrate impact, both benefits and potential harms, and understand mechanisms through which impact has been achieved. This article reviews and suggests measures and indicators suitable for use in evaluation studies of effectiveness of integrated interventions for children under 5 years of age. Within each of the four domains, multiple constructs and subconstructs were considered. For each construct and subconstruct, we identified measures and indicators, using several search processes, and reviewed them in relation to validity, responsiveness to intervention inputs and activities, equivalence in constructs and items across contexts with appropriate adaptation, and feasibility for use in effectiveness studies. Suggested measures and indicators for each domain, construct, and subconstruct are tabulated and described. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of measures and indicators across domains and constructs, further research establishing validity, and guidance on adaptation of measures to particular contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Fahmida Tofail
- International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jena D Hamadani
- International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Andrea M Warren
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Syeda F Mehrin
- International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Boo FL, Palloni G, Urzua S. Cost-benefit analysis of a micronutrient supplementation and early childhood stimulation program in Nicaragua. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2014; 1308:139-148. [PMID: 24571215 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper estimates the cost-benefit ratio for an integrated early childhood development program in Nicaragua (PAININ). Using longitudinal data, we estimate the average treatment effects of PAININ including micronutrient sprinkles on the prevalence of anemia and hemoglobin levels among disadvantaged children aged 6-36 months. We also estimate the effects of PAININ excluding sprinkles on cognitive outcomes among children aged 2.5-5 years. In the younger age group the program reduced anemia by 4 percentage points after 8 months and nearly 6 percentage points after 1 year; the latter is a 26% decrease in anemia. In the older age group, the program improved verbal and numeric memory after a year and a half, but the effects were modest (0.13 SD). When analyzing its potential impact on earnings, we conclude that the discounted annual costs of the program per child are less than the discounted annual increase in beneficiary earnings. Specifically, we estimate a cost-benefit ratio of 1.50 from the PAININ plus sprinkles package. Our sensitivity analysis suggests a range for this ratio between 1.30 and 2.30.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giordano Palloni
- Department of Economics, The University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Sergio Urzua
- Department of Economics, The University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
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Grantham-McGregor SM, Fernald LCH, Kagawa RMC, Walker S. Effects of integrated child development and nutrition interventions on child development and nutritional status. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2014; 1308:11-32. [PMID: 24673166 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review of studies that examined the effect of interventions combining a child development component with a nutrition one; in some cases the nutrition interventions also included health-promotion components. Only papers with both child development and nutrition outcomes and rated as moderate-to-good quality were included. Eleven efficacy and two nonrandomized trials, and eight program evaluations were identified. Only six trials examined interventions separately and combined. The trials showed nutritional interventions usually benefited nutritional status and sometimes benefited child development. Stimulation consistently benefited child development. There was no significant loss of any effect when interventions were combined, but there was little evidence of synergistic interaction between nutrition and stimulation on child development. Only three trials followed up the children after intervention. All at-scale program evaluations were combined interventions. Five benefited child development, but one did not, and two showed deficits. There was generally little benefit of at-scale programs to nutritional status. We found no rigorous evaluations of adding stimulation to health and nutrition services at scale and there is an urgent need for them. There is also a need to establish quality-control mechanisms for existing scaled-up programs and to determine their long-term effects. There is also a need to determine if there are any sustained benefits for the children after programs finish.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lia C H Fernald
- Department of Community Health and Human Development, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Rose M C Kagawa
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Susan Walker
- Tropical Medicine Research Institute, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
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Baker-Henningham H. The role of early childhood education programmes in the promotion of child and adolescent mental health in low- and middle-income countries. Int J Epidemiol 2013; 43:407-33. [DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyt226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Mutamba BB, van Ginneken N, Smith Paintain L, Wandiembe S, Schellenberg D. Roles and effectiveness of lay community health workers in the prevention of mental, neurological and substance use disorders in low and middle income countries: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2013; 13:412. [PMID: 24119375 PMCID: PMC3852794 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-13-412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been suggested that lay community health workers (LHWs) could play a role in primary and secondary prevention of Mental, Neurological and Substance use (MNS) disorders in low resourced settings. We conducted a systematic review of the literature with the aim of assessing the existing evidence base for the roles and effectiveness of LHWs in primary and secondary prevention of MNS disorders in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Methods Internet searches of relevant electronic databases for articles published in English were done in August 2011 and repeated in June 2013. Abstracts and full text articles were screened according to predefined criteria. Authors were asked for additional information where necessary. Results A total of 15 studies, 11 of which were randomised, met our inclusion criteria. Studies were heterogeneous with respect to interventions, outcomes and LHWs’ roles. Reduction in symptoms of depression and improved child mental development were the common outcomes assessed. Primary prevention and secondary prevention strategies were carried out in 11 studies and 4 studies respectively .There was evidence of effectiveness of interventions however, most studies (n = 13) involved small sample sizes and all were judged to have an unclear or high risk of bias. Conclusions LHWs have the potential to provide psychosocial and psychological interventions as part of primary and secondary prevention of MNS disorders in LMICs, but there is currently insufficient robust evidence of effectiveness of LHW led preventive strategies in this setting. More studies need to be carried out in a wider range of settings in LMICs that control for risk of bias as far as possible, and that also collect indicators relating to the fidelity and cost of interventions.
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Rajan P, Koti A. Ergonomic assessment and musculoskeletal health of the underprivileged school children in pune, India. Health Promot Perspect 2013; 3:36-44. [PMID: 24688951 PMCID: PMC3963689 DOI: 10.5681/hpp.2013.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal health in schoolchildren is a global health problem.The objective of the current study was to assess ergonomic behavior and musculoskeletal health in urban poor schoolchildren in Pune, India. METHODS Sixty-five (29 male students) slum dwelling schoolchildren were assessed for their ergonomics using a validated and reliable tool. RESULTS Average age was 13 years. Out of 65 students, 36 reported presence of musculoskeletal pain. In addition, 78.5% had bad ergonomics when lifting books.Sitting posture was poor in 67.7%, while 50.8% demonstrated bad posture while using a computer. As far as the female students were concerned, it was seen that out of 36 students, 55.6% complained of presence of pain. Out of the 20 students who reported pain, 70% had a score lower than 7.5 on ergonomic score assessment (indicative of bad ergonomics). When the male students were considered, out of 29 students, 65.5% reported presence of pain. Out of the 19 students who reported pain, close to 79% demonstrated bad ergonomics. CONCLUSION There is presence of musculoskeletal aches and pains in this underprivileged section of the society, including demonstration of bad ergonomics and postures while performing activities in school. Thus, musculoskeletal health problems exist in urban slum schoolchildren. It is important to identify health problems at an early stage in both boys and girls. Children are the future of the nation and hence, identification of health issues early in life and preventing them from becoming chronic is of utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavithra Rajan
- Corresponding Author: Pavithra Rajan Tel: +91 9004218207;
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Walker SY, Pierre RB, Christie CDC, Chang SM. Neurocognitive function in HIV-positive children in a developing country. Int J Infect Dis 2013; 17:e862-7. [PMID: 23562357 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2013.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to characterize neurological outcomes and determine the prevalence of HIV encephalopathy in a cohort of HIV-infected children in Jamaica. METHODS Data for 287 HIV-infected children presenting between 2002 and 2008 were reviewed and neurological outcomes characterized. A nested case-control study was conducted between July and September 2009 used 15 randomly selected encephalopathic HIV-infected children aged 7-10 years and 15 matched controls (non-encephalopathic HIV-infected). Their neurocognitive functions were evaluated using clinical assessment and standardized tests for intelligence, short term memory (visuo-spatial and auditory), selective attention, and fine motor and coordination functions. Outcomes were compared using Fisher's exact test and the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS Sixty-seven (23.3%) children were encephalopathic. The median age at diagnosis of HIV encephalopathy was 1.6 years (interquartile range (IQR) 1.1-3.4 years). Predominant abnormalities were delayed milestones (59, 88.1%), hyperreflexia (59, 86.5%), spasticity (50, 74.6%), microcephaly (42, 61.7%), and quadriparesis (21, 31.3%). The median age of tested children was 8.7 years (IQR 7.6-10.8 years) in the encephalopathic group and 9 years (IQR 7.4-10.7 years) in the non-encephalopathic group. Encephalopathic children performed worse in all domains of neurocognitive function (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of HIV encephalopathy was noted, and significant neurocognitive dysfunction identified in encephalopathic children. Optimized management through the early identification of neurological impairment and implementation of appropriate interventions is recommended to improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Walker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
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Perkins SC, Finegood ED, Swain JE. Poverty and language development: roles of parenting and stress. INNOVATIONS IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2013; 10:10-19. [PMID: 23696954 PMCID: PMC3659033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Socioeconomic status affects a variety of mental and physical health outcomes, such as language development. Indeed, with poverty, disparities in the development of language processing are arguably among the most consistently found- with decreases in vocabulary, phonological awareness, and syntax at many different developmental stages. In this review, after considering basic brain systems affected by low socioeconomic status that are important for language development and related peripartum issues, we focus on two theoretical models that link poverty with the brain systems affected in language problems. The family stress model connects poverty with parental emotional distress that affects parenting, whereas the parental investment model involves a focus on basic needs that affects children's language. Understanding the mechanisms through which poverty affects the brain, parenting behaviors and language development may have implications for identification and treatment of individuals as well as social policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne C Perkins
- Dr. Perkins is from Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Mr. Finegood is from NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York, New York; and Dr. Swain is from Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Yale Child Study Center Yale, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
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Klasen H, Crombag AC. What works where? A systematic review of child and adolescent mental health interventions for low and middle income countries. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2013; 48:595-611. [PMID: 22961287 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-012-0566-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) problems are common and serious all over the world and are linked to pre-mature deaths and serious dysfunction in adult life. Effective interventions have been developed in high income countries (HIC), but evidence from low income settings is scarce and scattered. The aim of this paper is to identify the most promising interventions in the area of global CAMH. METHOD A systematic review of all randomised controlled trials in CAMH in low and middle income countries (LAMIC) was carried out and supplemented by 1a level evidence from HIC as well as suitable information from child programme evaluations and adult studies in LAMIC. RESULTS In behavioural disorders parent training is a highly promising intervention, which can successfully improve children's compliance and bring down rates of conduct problems significantly. In young children cognitive, emotional and behavioural development can be enhanced through nutritional supplements and by stimulation through play, praise and reading. Trauma treatments can bring positive results even in severely traumatised children, who remain in unstable living conditions. In developmental disorders, there are successful prevention strategies as well as programmes that bring children out of isolation and improve their independence. Some classroom-based interventions for adolescents have reduced symptoms of common mental disorders as well as risk taking behaviours. CONCLUSIONS While many results are still tentative the evidence suggests that it is possible to develop affordable and feasible interventions that significantly improve the lives of affected children, their families and their communities around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrikje Klasen
- Stichting De Jutters, Postbus 61452, 2506, AL Den Haag, The Netherlands.
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Galler JR, Bryce CP, Waber DP, Hock RS, Harrison R, Eaglesfield GD, Fitzmaurice G. Infant malnutrition predicts conduct problems in adolescents. Nutr Neurosci 2012; 15:186-92. [PMID: 22584048 DOI: 10.1179/1476830512y.0000000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of conduct problems in a well-documented sample of Barbadian adolescents malnourished as infants and a demographic comparison group and to determine the extent to which cognitive impairment and environmental factors account for this association. METHODS Behavioral symptoms were assessed using a 76-item self-report scale in 56 Barbadian youth (11-17 years of age) with histories of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) limited to the first year of life and 60 healthy classmates. Group comparisons were carried out by longitudinal and cross-sectional multiple regression analyses at 3 time points in childhood and adolescence. RESULTS Self-reported conduct problems were more prevalent among previously malnourished youth (P < 0.01). Childhood IQ and home environmental circumstances partially mediated the association with malnutrition. Teacher-reported classroom behaviors at earlier ages were significantly correlated with youth conduct problems, confirming the continuity of conduct problems through childhood and adolescence. DISCUSSION Self-reported conduct problems are elevated in children and adolescents with histories of early childhood malnutrition. Later vulnerability to increased conduct problems appears to be mediated by the more proximal neurobehavioral effects of the malnutrition on cognitive function and by adverse conditions in the early home environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina R Galler
- Judge Baker Children's Center, 53 Parker Hill Avenue, Boston, MA 02120, USA.
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Effects of a community-based approach of food and psychosocial stimulation on growth and development of severely malnourished children in Bangladesh: a randomised trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 2012; 66:701-9. [PMID: 22353925 DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2012.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Psychosocial stimulation (PS) and food supplementation (FS) improve development of malnourished children. This study evaluates the effects of a community-based approach of PS and FS on growth and development of severely malnourished children. SUBJECTS/METHODS Severely underweight hospitalised children aged 6-24 months (n = 507) were randomly allocated on discharge to five groups: (i) PS, (ii) FS, (iii) PS+FS, (iv) clinic-control and (v) hospital-control. PS included play sessions and parental counselling on child development. This was done at each fortnightly follow-up visit, that is, every second week, for 6 months at community clinics. FS included distribution of cereal-based food packets (150-300 kcal/day) for 3 months. All groups received medical care, micronutrient supplementation, health-education and growth monitoring. Children's development was assessed using revised version of Bayley Scales of Infant Development at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of intervention. Anthropometry was measured using standard procedure. RESULTS Comparing groups with any stimulation with those with no stimulation there was a significant effect of stimulation on children's mental development index (group*session interaction P = 0.037, effect size = 0.37 s.d.) and weight-for-age Z-score (group*session interaction P = 0.02, effect size=0.26 s.d.). Poor levels of development and nutritional status were sustained, however, due to their initial very severe malnutrition. There was no effect on motor development and linear growth. CONCLUSION Children receiving any stimulation showed a significant benefit to mental development and growth in weight. More intensive intervention with longer duration is needed to correct their poor developmental levels and nutritional status.
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Galler JR, Bryce CP, Waber DP, Medford G, Eaglesfield GD, Fitzmaurice G. Early malnutrition predicts parent reports of externalizing behaviors at ages 9-17. Nutr Neurosci 2012; 14:138-44. [PMID: 21902884 DOI: 10.1179/147683011x13009738172521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether externalizing behaviors are more prevalent in youth who have experienced an episode of malnutrition in the first year of life than in healthy comparison youth. METHOD Parents of previously malnourished youth and a matched healthy comparison group completed a behavior rating scale when the youth were 9-15 years of age and again, 2 years later, when they were 11-17 years of age. Longitudinal multiple regression analysis was applied to evaluate group differences adjusted for baseline age, sex, household standard of living, and maternal depressive symptoms. RESULTS Early childhood malnutrition was associated with problems in executive functioning at both occasions. Malnutrition also predicted discernibly higher parent-reported levels of aggression toward peers at 9-15 years than at 11-17 years. These findings were independent of baseline age, sex, household standard of living, and maternal depressive symptoms. Problem behaviors in general decreased during follow-up. CONCLUSION Parents report persisting problems with executive functioning through adolescence in youth who suffered an episode of moderate-to-severe protein-energy malnutrition in the first year of life, while reports of aggression, although more common when this cohort were younger, did not persist at follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina R Galler
- Judge Baker Children's Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02120, USA.
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Kieling C, Baker-Henningham H, Belfer M, Conti G, Ertem I, Omigbodun O, Rohde LA, Srinath S, Ulkuer N, Rahman A. Child and adolescent mental health worldwide: evidence for action. Lancet 2011; 378:1515-25. [PMID: 22008427 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(11)60827-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1204] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mental health problems affect 10-20% of children and adolescents worldwide. Despite their relevance as a leading cause of health-related disability in this age group and their longlasting effects throughout life, the mental health needs of children and adolescents are neglected, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. In this report we review the evidence and the gaps in the published work in terms of prevalence, risk and protective factors, and interventions to prevent and treat childhood and adolescent mental health problems. We also discuss barriers to, and approaches for, the implementation of such strategies in low-resource settings. Action is imperative to reduce the burden of mental health problems in future generations and to allow for the full development of vulnerable children and adolescents worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Walker SP, Wachs TD, Grantham-McGregor S, Black MM, Nelson CA, Huffman SL, Baker-Henningham H, Chang SM, Hamadani JD, Lozoff B, Gardner JMM, Powell CA, Rahman A, Richter L. Inequality in early childhood: risk and protective factors for early child development. Lancet 2011; 378:1325-38. [PMID: 21944375 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(11)60555-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 805] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inequality between and within populations has origins in adverse early experiences. Developmental neuroscience shows how early biological and psychosocial experiences affect brain development. We previously identified inadequate cognitive stimulation, stunting, iodine deficiency, and iron-deficiency anaemia as key risks that prevent millions of young children from attaining their developmental potential. Recent research emphasises the importance of these risks, strengthens the evidence for other risk factors including intrauterine growth restriction, malaria, lead exposure, HIV infection, maternal depression, institutionalisation, and exposure to societal violence, and identifies protective factors such as breastfeeding and maternal education. Evidence on risks resulting from prenatal maternal nutrition, maternal stress, and families affected with HIV is emerging. Interventions are urgently needed to reduce children's risk exposure and to promote development in affected children. Our goal is to provide information to help the setting of priorities for early child development programmes and policies to benefit the world's poorest children and reduce persistent inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan P Walker
- Tropical Medicine Research Institute, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.
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Mainella FP, Agate JR, Clark BS. Outdoor-based play and reconnection to nature: A neglected pathway to positive youth development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 2011:89-104. [DOI: 10.1002/yd.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Walker SP, Chang SM, Vera-Hernández M, Grantham-McGregor S. Early childhood stimulation benefits adult competence and reduces violent behavior. Pediatrics 2011; 127:849-57. [PMID: 21518715 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-2231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An estimated 178 million children younger than 5 years in developing countries experience linear growth retardation and are unlikely to attain their developmental potential. We aimed to evaluate adult benefits from early childhood stimulation and/or nutritional supplementation in growth-retarded children. METHODS In Kingston, Jamaica, 129 growth-retarded children aged 9 to 24 months took part in a 2-year trial of nutritional supplementation (1 kg milk-based formula per week) and/or psychosocial stimulation (weekly play sessions to improve mother-child interaction). We assessed IQ, educational attainment, and behavior at 22 years old in 105 participants. We used multivariate regressions, weighted to adjust for loss to follow-up, to determine treatment benefits. RESULTS We found no significant benefits from supplementation. Participants who received stimulation reported less involvement in fights (odds ratio: 0.36 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12-1.06]) and in serious violent behavior (odds ratio: 0.33 [95% CI: 0.11-0.93]) than did participants with no stimulation. They also had higher adult IQ (coefficient: 6.3 [95% CI: 2.2-10.4]), higher educational attainment (achievement, grade level attained, and secondary examinations), better general knowledge, and fewer symptoms of depression and social inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Early psychosocial intervention had wide-ranging benefits in adulthood that are likely to facilitate functioning in everyday life. The reductions in violent behavior are extremely important given the high levels of violence in many developing countries. The study provides critical evidence that early intervention can lead to gains in adult functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan P Walker
- Epidemiology Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
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Dreyer BP. Early childhood stimulation in the developing and developed world: if not now, when? Pediatrics 2011; 127:975-7. [PMID: 21518709 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-0385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Benard P Dreyer
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, NBV 8 East 11, 550 First Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Holt RL, Mikati MA. Care for child development: basic science rationale and effects of interventions. Pediatr Neurol 2011; 44:239-53. [PMID: 21397164 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2010.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 11/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The past few years have witnessed increasing interest in devising programs to enhance early childhood development. We review current understandings of brain development, recent advances in this field, and their implications for clinical interventions. An expanding body of basic science laboratory data demonstrates that several interventions, including environmental enrichment, level of parental interaction, erythropoietin, antidepressants, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, hypothermia, nutritional supplements, and stem cells, can enhance cerebral plasticity. Emerging clinical data, using functional magnetic resonance imaging and clinical evaluations, also support the hypothesis that clinical interventions can increase the developmental potential of children, rather than merely allowing the child to achieve an already predetermined potential. Such interventions include early developmental enrichment programs, which have improved cognitive function; high-energy and high-protein diets, which have increased brain growth in infants with perinatal brain damage; constraint-induced movement therapy, which has improved motor function in patients with stroke, cerebral palsy, and cerebral hemispherectomy; and transcranial magnetic stimulation, which has improved motor function in stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Holt
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Galler JR, Bryce CP, Waber D, Hock R, Exner N, Eaglesfield D, Fitzmaurice G, Harrison R. Early childhood malnutrition predicts depressive symptoms at ages 11-17. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2010; 51:789-98. [PMID: 20331492 PMCID: PMC2906663 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2010.02208.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms in Barbadian youth with histories of infantile malnutrition and in a healthy comparison group and the extent to which the effect of malnutrition was mediated/moderated by maternal depression. METHODS Depressive symptoms were assessed using a 20-item scale administered to youths (11-17 years of age) who had experienced an episode of protein-energy malnutrition (marasmus or kwashiorkor) during the first year of life and in a comparison group of healthy youths without a history of malnutrition. Their mothers completed the same questionnaire on the same test on three occasions when their children were 5-17 years of age at 2-5-year intervals. RESULTS The prevalence of depressive symptoms was elevated among previously malnourished youth relative to healthy comparison children (p < .001). When youth depression scores were subjected to a longitudinal multiple regression analysis, adjusting for the effect of maternal depressive symptoms, significant effects due to the history of early childhood malnutrition remained and were not discernibly attenuated from an unadjusted analysis. We also found significant independent effects of maternal depressive symptoms on youth depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Early childhood malnutrition contributed independently to depressive symptoms in youths who experienced a significant episode of malnutrition in the first year of life. This relationship was not mediated or moderated by the effects of maternal depression. Whether the later vulnerability to depression is a direct effect of the episode of malnutrition and related conditions early in life or whether it is mediated by the more proximal neurobehavioral effects of the malnutrition remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- JR Galler
- Judge Baker Children’s Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | - CP Bryce
- Barbados Nutrition Study, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - D Waber
- Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - R Hock
- Judge Baker Children’s Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | - N Exner
- Judge Baker Children’s Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | - D Eaglesfield
- Judge Baker Children’s Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | - G Fitzmaurice
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA and McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
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Wallander JL, McClure E, Biasini F, Goudar SS, Pasha O, Chomba E, Shearer D, Wright L, Thorsten V, Chakraborty H, Dhaded SM, Mahantshetti NS, Bellad RM, Abbasi Z, Carlo W. Brain research to ameliorate impaired neurodevelopment--home-based intervention trial (BRAIN-HIT). BMC Pediatr 2010; 10:27. [PMID: 20433740 PMCID: PMC2873519 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2431-10-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2010] [Accepted: 04/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of an early developmental intervention program on the development of young children in low- and low-middle-income countries who are at risk for neurodevelopmental disability because of birth asphyxia. A group of children without perinatal complications are evaluated in the same protocol to compare the effects of early developmental intervention in healthy infants in the same communities. Birth asphyxia is the leading specific cause of neonatal mortality in low- and low-middle-income countries and is also the main cause of neonatal and long-term morbidity including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Mortality and morbidity from birth asphyxia disproportionately affect more infants in low- and low-middle-income countries, particularly those from the lowest socioeconomic groups. There is evidence that relatively inexpensive programs of early developmental intervention, delivered during home visit by parent trainers, are capable of improving neurodevelopment in infants following brain insult due to birth asphyxia. METHODS/DESIGN This trial is a block-randomized controlled trial that has enrolled 174 children with birth asphyxia and 257 without perinatal complications, comparing early developmental intervention plus health and safety counseling to the control intervention receiving health and safety counseling only, in sites in India, Pakistan, and Zambia. The interventions are delivered in home visits every two weeks by parent trainers from 2 weeks after birth until age 36 months. The primary outcome of the trial is cognitive development, and secondary outcomes include social-emotional and motor development. Child, parent, and family characteristics and number of home visits completed are evaluated as moderating factors. DISCUSSION The trial is supervised by a trial steering committee, and an independent data monitoring committee monitors the trial. Findings from this trial have the potential to inform about strategies for reducing neurodevelopmental disabilities in at-risk young children in low and middle income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan L Wallander
- Psychological Sciences and Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, 5200 Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Elizabeth McClure
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Fred Biasini
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Shivaprasad S Goudar
- Departments of Physiology and Medical Education, J N Medical College, Belgaum, 590 010 Karnataka, India
| | - Omrana Pasha
- Departments of Community Health Sciences and Family Medicine, Aga Kahn University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Elwyn Chomba
- University Teaching Hospital, Private Bag RW1X, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Darlene Shearer
- Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd, AC 129A, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
| | - Linda Wright
- Center for Research for Mothers and Children, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6100 Executive Blvd., Room 4B05J, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Vanessa Thorsten
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Hrishikesh Chakraborty
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Sangappa M Dhaded
- Department of Pediatrics, J. N. Medical College, Belgaum, 590 010 Karnataka, India
| | | | - Roopa M Bellad
- Department of Pediatrics, J. N. Medical College, Belgaum, 590 010 Karnataka, India
| | - Zahid Abbasi
- Departments of Community Health Sciences and Family Medicine, Aga Kahn University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Waldemar Carlo
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 South 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35233-7335, USA
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