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Co R, Nankabirwa V, Bale C, de Sa AB, Martin-Herz SP, Blair E, Pollack L, Laleau V, Flaherman V, Ginsburg AS. Weight change in the first 30 days among infants born less than 2000 grams in Guinea-Bissau and Uganda. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11000. [PMID: 38745098 PMCID: PMC11094132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of low birth weight infants in sub-Saharan Africa and the associated poor outcomes, weight change during the newborn period has not been well characterized for this population. We prospectively assessed growth over the first 30 days among 120 infants born < 2000 g (g) in Guinea-Bissau and Uganda, and compared it to a similar cohort of 420 infants born ≥ 2000 g. Among those born < 2000 g, mean birth weight was 1747 ± 164 g, and initial weight loss was 8.25 ± 4.40% of birth weight prior to the initiation of weight gain at a median of 3 (interquartile range 2, 4) days of age. This initial weight loss was more pronounced (8.25 vs 6.06%; p < 0.001) and lasted longer (median 3 vs 2 days; p < 0.001) than for infants born ≥ 2000 g. The initial period of weight loss was an important predictor of growth at 30 days in both cohorts. Infants born < 2000 g on average grew proportionately to their size at birth but did not experience catch-up growth; their weights at 30 days remained much lower than that of infants born ≥ 2000 g and most remained severely underweight. Targeted interventions to optimize early growth should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimundo Co
- International Partnership for Human Development, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | | | - Carlito Bale
- International Partnership for Human Development, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | | | | | - Emily Blair
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lance Pollack
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Victoria Laleau
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Amy Sarah Ginsburg
- Clinical Trials Center, University of Washington, Building 29, Suite 250, 6200 NE 74th Street, Seattle, WA, 98115, USA.
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Nel S, Wenhold F, Botha T, Feucht U. One-year anthropometric follow-up of South African preterm infants in kangaroo mother care: Which early-life factors predict malnutrition? Trop Med Int Health 2024; 29:292-302. [PMID: 38327260 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm infants often have poor short- and long-term growth. Kangaroo mother care supports short-term growth, but longer-term outcomes are unclear. METHODS This study analysed longitudinally collected routine clinical data from a South African cohort of preterm infants (born <37 weeks gestation) attending the outpatient follow-up clinic of a tertiary-level hospital (Tshwane District, South Africa) for 1 year between 2012 and 2019. At 1 year, small-for-gestational age (SGA) and appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) infants were compared with regard to age-corrected anthropometric z-scores (weight-for-age [WAZ], length-for-age [LAZ], weight-for-length [WLZ] and BMI-for-age [BMIZ]) and rates of underweight (WAZ < -2), stunting (LAZ < -2), wasting (WLZ < -2) and overweight (BMIZ> + 2). Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate associations between maternal/infant characteristics and rates of underweight, stunting, wasting and overweight. RESULTS At 1 year, compared with AGA infants (n = 210), SGA infants (n = 111) had lower WAZ (-1.26 ± 1.32 vs. -0.22 ± 1.24, p < 0.001), LAZ (-1.50 ± 1.11 vs. -0.60 ± 1.06, p < 0.001), WLZ (-0.66 ± 1.31 vs. 0.11 ± 1.24, p < 0.001) and BMIZ (-0.55 ± 1.31 vs. 1.06 ± 1.23, p < 0.001), despite larger WAZ gains from birth (+0.70 ± 1.30 vs. +0.05 ± 1.30, p < 0.001). SGA infants had significantly more stunting (34.2% vs. 9.1%; p < 0.001), underweight (31.2% vs. 7.2%; p < 0.001) and wasting (12.6% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.012), with no difference in overweight (4.5% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.397). In multiple regression analysis, birth weight-for-GA z-score more consistently predicted 1-year malnutrition than SGA. CONCLUSION Preterm-born SGA infants remain more underweight, stunted and wasted than their preterm-born AGA peers at 1 year, despite greater WAZ gains. Interventions for appropriate catch-up growth especially for SGA preterm infants are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Nel
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Fetal, Newborn & Child Health Care Strategies, Kalafong Hospital, University of Pretoria Research Centre for Maternal, Atteridgeville, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SA MRC) Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Unit, Kalafong Hospital, Atteridgeville, South Africa
| | - Friede Wenhold
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Fetal, Newborn & Child Health Care Strategies, Kalafong Hospital, University of Pretoria Research Centre for Maternal, Atteridgeville, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SA MRC) Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Unit, Kalafong Hospital, Atteridgeville, South Africa
| | - Tanita Botha
- Fetal, Newborn & Child Health Care Strategies, Kalafong Hospital, University of Pretoria Research Centre for Maternal, Atteridgeville, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SA MRC) Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Unit, Kalafong Hospital, Atteridgeville, South Africa
- Department of Statistics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ute Feucht
- Fetal, Newborn & Child Health Care Strategies, Kalafong Hospital, University of Pretoria Research Centre for Maternal, Atteridgeville, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SA MRC) Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Unit, Kalafong Hospital, Atteridgeville, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Gauteng Department of Health, Tshwane District Health Services, Pretoria, South Africa
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Belfort MB, Perrin M. Delivering on the Promise of Human Milk for Extremely Preterm Infants in the NICU. JAMA 2024; 331:567-569. [PMID: 38289598 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.26820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Brown Belfort
- Department of Pediatrics, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maryanne Perrin
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Greensboro
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Pedaveeti M, Iqbal F, Purkayastha J, Bharadwaj SK, Patil AK, Lewis LES. Comparative Growth Outcomes in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: Evaluating Different Feeding Strategies. Indian J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s12098-023-04989-9. [PMID: 38206546 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-04989-9] [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] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the growth pattern of preterm, very low birth weight (VLBW) appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants on three different feeding regimens. METHODS This prospective open label three-arm parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted at neonatal intensive care unit, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. One hundred twenty VLBW (weight between 1000-1500 g and gestational age 28-32 wk) preterm AGA infants admitted from April 2021 through September 2022 were included. Three feeding regimens were compared: Expressed breast milk (EBM); EBM supplemented with Human milk fortifier (HMF); EBM supplemented with Preterm formula feed (PTF). Primary outcome measure was assessing the growth parameters such as weight, length, head circumference on three different feeding regimens at birth 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 wk/discharge. Secondary outcomes included incidence of co-morbidities and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS Of 112 infants analyzed, Group 2 supplemented with HMF showed superior growth outcomes by 6th wk/discharge of intervention, with mean weight of 2053±251 g, mean length of 44.6±1.9 cm, and mean head circumference of 32.9±1.4 cm. However, infants in Group 3, supplemented with PTF, registered mean weight of 1968±203 g, mean length of 43.6±2.0 cm, and mean head circumference of 32.0±1.6 cm. Infants exclusively on EBM presented with mean weight of 1873±256 g, mean length of 43.0±2.0 cm and mean head circumference of 31.4±1.6 cm. CONCLUSIONS Addition of 1 g of HMF to 25 ml of EBM in neonates weighing 1000-1500 g showed better weight gain and head circumference at 6 wk/discharge, which was statistically significant. However, no significant differences in these parameters were observed at postnatal or 2, 3, 4, and 5 wk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounika Pedaveeti
- Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Udupi District, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Faiza Iqbal
- Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Udupi District, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Jayashree Purkayastha
- Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Udupi District, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Shruthi K Bharadwaj
- Department of Neonatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Udupi District, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Anand Kumar Patil
- Department of Neonatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Udupi District, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Leslie Edward S Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Udupi District, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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Tomori C, O'Connor DL, Ververs M, Orta-Aleman D, Paone K, Budhathoki C, Pérez-Escamilla R. Critical research gaps in treating growth faltering in infants under 6 months: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0001860. [PMID: 38190356 PMCID: PMC10773941 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
In 2020, 149.2 million children worldwide under 5 years suffered from stunting, and 45.4 million experienced wasting. Many infants are born already stunted, while others are at high risk for growth faltering early after birth. Growth faltering is linked to transgenerational impacts of poverty and marginalization. Few interventions address growth faltering in infants under 6 months, despite a likely increasing prevalence due to the negative global economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Breastfeeding is a critical intervention to alleviate malnutrition and improve child health outcomes, but rarely receives adequate attention in growth faltering interventions. A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to identify and evaluate interventions addressing growth faltering among infants under 6 months that employed supplemental milks. The review was carried out following guidelines from the USA National Academy of Medicine. A total of 10,405 references were identified, and after deduplication 7390 studies were screened for eligibility. Of these, 227 were assessed for full text eligibility and relevance. Two randomized controlled trials were ultimately included, which differed in inclusion criteria and methodology and had few shared outcomes. Both studies had small sample sizes, high attrition and high risk of bias. A Bangladeshi study (n = 153) found significantly higher rates of weight gain for F-100 and diluted F-100 (DF-100) compared with infant formula (IF), while a DRC trial (n = 146) did not find statistically significant differences in rate of weight gain for DF-100 compared with IF offered in the context of broader lactation and relactation support. The meta-analysis of rate of weight gain showed no statistical difference and some evidence of moderate heterogeneity. Few interventions address growth faltering among infants under 6 months. These studies have limited generalizability and have not comprehensively supported lactation. Greater investment is necessary to accelerate research that addresses growth faltering following a new research framework that calls for comprehensive lactation support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecília Tomori
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Population, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Deborah L O'Connor
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mija Ververs
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dania Orta-Aleman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Katerina Paone
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, Yale University School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Chakra Budhathoki
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, Yale University School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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Reddy N S, Dharmaraj A, Jacob J, Sindhu KN. Exclusive breastfeeding practices and its determinants in Indian infants: findings from the National Family Health Surveys-4 and 5. Int Breastfeed J 2023; 18:69. [PMID: 38124065 PMCID: PMC10731841 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-023-00602-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in infants for the first 6 months of life. This analysis aims to estimate the proportion of Indian infants exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months using the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS)-4 and 5, and further, determine factors associated with EBF practices. METHODS EBF for this analysis was defined as when infants received only breast milk and no complementary feeds (solid food, water, animal milk, baby formula, juice, and fortified food) in the last 24 h prior to the survey. The proportion of infants exclusively breastfed was plotted from birth to 6 months as per the age of children at the time of the survey, and this was computed for individual states, union territories, and overall, for India. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors influencing EBF in Indian infants. RESULTS The proportion of Indian infants exclusively breastfed for 6 months was 31.3% (1280/4095; 95% CI 29.9, 32.7) and 43% (1657/3853; 95% CI 41.4, 44.6) as per the NFHS-4 and 5 surveys, respectively. In NFHS-5, infants of scheduled tribes (aOR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2, 1.9) and mothers who delivered at public health facilities (aOR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1, 1.5) showed an increased odds of being exclusively breastfed at 6 months of life compared to their counterparts. Further, infants of mothers aged < 20 years (aOR 0.5; 95% CI 0.4, 0.7), low birth weight infants (aOR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4, 0.8), and infants in whom breastfeeding was initiated one hour after birth (aOR 0.8; 95% CI 0.7, 0.9) showed a reduced odds of being exclusively breastfed at 6 months compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS The overall EBF practice showed an increasing trend in the NFHS-5 compared to the NFHS-4 survey. However, a vast gap remains unaddressed in the Indian setting with > 50% of the population still not exclusively breastfeeding their infants for the WHO recommended duration of first 6 months. Behavioral studies dissecting the complex interplay of factors influencing EBF within the heterogenous Indian population can help plan interventions to promote and scale-up EBF in Indian infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samarasimha Reddy N
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, ICMR - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
| | - Aravind Dharmaraj
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632004, India
| | - Jovis Jacob
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, ICMR - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
| | - Kulandaipalayam Natarajan Sindhu
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632004, India.
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7
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Vesel L, Benotti E, Somji S, Bellad RM, Charantimath U, Dhaded SM, Goudar SS, Karadiguddi C, Mungarwadi G, Vernekar SS, Kisenge R, Manji K, Salim N, Samma A, Sudfeld CR, Hoffman IF, Mvalo T, Phiri M, Saidi F, Tseka J, Tsidya M, Caruso BA, Duggan CP, Israel-Ballard K, Lee AC, Mansen KL, Martin SL, North K, Young MF, Fishman E, Fleming K, Semrau KE, Spigel L, Tuller DE, Henrich N. Facilitators, barriers, and key influencers of breastfeeding among low birthweight infants: a qualitative study in India, Malawi, and Tanzania. Int Breastfeed J 2023; 18:59. [PMID: 37940987 PMCID: PMC10634072 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-023-00597-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low birthweight (LBW) infants are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months is recommended to help them thrive through infection prevention, growth improvements, and enhancements in neurodevelopment. However, limited data exist on the feeding experiences of LBW infants, their caregivers and key community influencers. The qualitative component of the Low Birthweight Infant Feeding Exploration (LIFE) study aimed to understand practices, facilitators, and barriers to optimal feeding options in the first six months for LBW infants in low-resource settings. METHODS This study was conducted in four sites in India, Malawi, and Tanzania from July 2019 to August 2020. We conducted 37 focus group discussions with mothers and family members of LBW infants and community leaders and 142 in-depth interviews with healthcare providers, government officials, and supply chain and donor human milk (DHM) experts. Data were analyzed using a framework approach. RESULTS All participants believed that mother's own milk was best for LBW infants. Direct breastfeeding was predominant and feeding expressed breast milk and infant formula were rare. DHM was a new concept for most. Adequate maternal nutrition, lactation support, and privacy in the facility aided breastfeeding and expression, but perceived insufficient milk, limited feeding counseling, and infant immaturity were common barriers. Most believed that DHM uptake could be enabled through community awareness by overcoming misconceptions, safety concerns, and perceived family resistance. CONCLUSION This study fills an evidence gap in LBW infant feeding practices and their facilitators and barriers in resource-limited settings. LBW infants face unique feeding challenges such as poor latching and tiring at the breast. Similarly, their mothers are faced with numerous difficulties, including attainment of adequate milk supply, breast pain and emotional stress. Lactation support and feeding counseling could address obstacles faced by mothers and infants by providing psychosocial, verbal and physical support to empower mothers with skills, knowledge and confidence and facilitate earlier, more and better breast milk feeding. Findings on DHM are critical to the future development of human milk banks and highlight the need to solicit partnership from stakeholders in the community and health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Vesel
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Emily Benotti
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Somji
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Roopa M Bellad
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Umesh Charantimath
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Sangappa M Dhaded
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Shivaprasad S Goudar
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandrashekhar Karadiguddi
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Geetanjali Mungarwadi
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Sunil S Vernekar
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Rodrick Kisenge
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Karim Manji
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nahya Salim
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Abraham Samma
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Christopher R Sudfeld
- Departments of Global Health and Population and Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irving F Hoffman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tisungane Mvalo
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Melda Phiri
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Friday Saidi
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer Tseka
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mercy Tsidya
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Bethany A Caruso
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christopher P Duggan
- Departments of Global Health and Population and Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kiersten Israel-Ballard
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anne Cc Lee
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly L Mansen
- Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition Program, PATH, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephanie L Martin
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Krysten North
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa F Young
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eliza Fishman
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katelyn Fleming
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine Ea Semrau
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lauren Spigel
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Danielle E Tuller
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natalie Henrich
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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8
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Caruso BA, Paniagua U, Hoffman I, Manji K, Saidi F, Sudfeld CR, Vernekar SS, Bakari M, Duggan CP, Kibogoyo GC, Kisenge R, Somji S, Kafansiyanji E, Mvalo T, Nyirenda N, Phiri M, Bellad R, Dhaded S, K A C, Koppad B, Nabapure S, Nanda S, Singh B, Yogeshkumar S, Fleming K, North K, Tuller DE, Semrau KEA, Vesel L, Young MF. Safe infant feeding in healthcare facilities: Assessment of infection prevention and control conditions and behaviors in India, Malawi, and Tanzania. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001843. [PMID: 37289720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Infants need to receive care in environments that limit their exposure to pathogens. Inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) environments and suboptimal infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings contribute to the burden of healthcare-associated infections, which are particularly high in low-income settings. Specific research is needed to understand infant feeding preparation in healthcare settings, a task involving multiple behaviors that can introduce pathogens and negatively impact health. To understand feeding preparation practices and potential risks, and to inform strategies for improvement, we assessed facility WASH environments and observed infant feeding preparation practices across 12 facilities in India, Malawi, and Tanzania serving newborn infants. Research was embedded within the Low Birthweight Infant Feeding Exploration (LIFE) observational cohort study, which documented feeding practices and growth patterns to inform feeding interventions. We assessed WASH-related environments and feeding policies of all 12 facilities involved in the LIFE study. Additionally, we used a guidance-informed tool to carry out 27 feeding preparation observations across 9 facilities, enabling assessment of 270 total behaviors. All facilities had 'improved' water and sanitation services. Only 50% had written procedures for preparing expressed breastmilk; 50% had written procedures for cleaning, drying, and storage of infant feeding implements; and 33% had written procedures for preparing infant formula. Among 270 behaviors assessed across the 27 feeding preparation observations, 46 (17.0%) practices were carried out sub-optimally, including preparers not handwashing prior to preparation, and cleaning, drying, and storing of feeding implements in ways that do not effectively prevent contamination. While further research is needed to improve assessment tools and to identify specific microbial risks of the suboptimal behaviors identified, the evidence generated is sufficient to justify investment in developing guidance and programing to strengthen infant feeding preparation practices to ensure optimal newborn health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany A Caruso
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Uriel Paniagua
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Irving Hoffman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Karim Manji
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Friday Saidi
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Christopher R Sudfeld
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sunil S Vernekar
- Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed-to-be-University), Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Mohamed Bakari
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Christopher P Duggan
- Center for Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Nutrition, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - George C Kibogoyo
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rodrick Kisenge
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sarah Somji
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Tisungane Mvalo
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Naomie Nyirenda
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Melda Phiri
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Roopa Bellad
- Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed-to-be-University), Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Sangappa Dhaded
- Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed-to-be-University), Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Chaya K A
- Bapuji Child Health Institute & Research Centre, Davangere, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhavana Koppad
- Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed-to-be-University), Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Shilpa Nabapure
- SS Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Davangere, Karnataka, India
| | - Saumya Nanda
- Shri Jagannath Medical College and Hospital, Puri, Odisha, India
| | - Bipsa Singh
- Shri Jagannath Medical College and Hospital, Puri, Odisha, India
| | - S Yogeshkumar
- Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed-to-be-University), Belgaum, Karnataka, India
| | - Katelyn Fleming
- Ariadne Labs, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health / Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Krysten North
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Danielle E Tuller
- Ariadne Labs, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health / Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Katherine E A Semrau
- Ariadne Labs, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health / Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Linda Vesel
- Ariadne Labs, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health / Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Melissa F Young
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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