Effect of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Mothers of Children under 5 Years in the Peri-Urban Areas of Bobo-Dioulasso: Before and after Study

Background: This study assessed the effect of a nutrition education intervention. This intervention aimed to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers on food safety in the peri-urban areas of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. Methods: A total of 243 mothers of children under 5 years in the peri-urban of Bobo-Dioulasso were administered the FAO questionnaire for food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices assessment during two cross-sectional surveys, before and after the intervention, in January and October 2017. The intervention included two components consisting of a theoretical phase (counselling and discussion) and cooking demonstrations implemented for ten months. To account for the before-and-after design of the study, the McNemar’s test was used to assess the effect of the intervention on food safety KAP of mothers of children under 5 years. Results: The mean age of mothers was 29 ± 6.2 years and 50.6% of them were between 20 and 29 years old. One for knowledge (cooking thoroughly with, p-value = 0.0001) and another for attitudes (perceived benefits of reheating leftovers before eating them, p-value = 0.0001), significantly increased after the intervention. In terms of food safety practices, all the indicators (cleaning of dirty surfaces, plates and utensils and storage of perishable foods) significantly increased (all p = 0.0001 Conclusion: This study provided some evidence of an effective nutrition education intervention for improving maternal KAP on food safety for their child’s feeding.

Acceptability of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) by Mothers with Low-Birth-Weight Babies at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital, in Ndola, Zambia

Background: Kangaroo Mother Care is a simple safe method used to care for low-birth-weight babies. Low-birth-weight is a global public health issue that pose significant challenge to perinatal care systems. Globally, complications due to low-birth-weight are the leading cause of neonatal mortality, resulting in an estimated 1 million deaths annually. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a low-cost method of care for low-birth-weight infants in areas with inadequate incubators and power outages with positive outcomes. Objectives: To assess factors influencing acceptability of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in NICU at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital in Ndola, Zambia. Methodology: A cross sectional quantitative analytical study design was used. The study was conducted at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital (ADCH) in Ndola, Zambia. The purposive sampling method was used to select the study participants and a total of 129 mothers with Low Weight Babies A were selected to participate structured closed ended questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants using an interview. Data was analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) software version 26. Cross tabulations were done to determine association of variables using a Chi square (x2) test at 95% confidence interval and were assumptions where not met, fishers exact test was used. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Results: Most of the respondents had male babies 77%, 69% of the babies weighed 1000 g - 1400 g, majority 79% had normal delivery, 71% of the respondents were multigravida and most of the respondents 79% were married. The study reviewed that 85% of those who attained secondary education accepted KMC, 74% of the respondents without monthly income accepted KMC, 80% of the respondents had positive attitude and accepted KMC. 82% of the respondents who had positive perception accepted KMC. Conclusion: Acceptance of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) among 75% of the mothers underscores its widespread favourability as a beneficial method for infant care.

Mothers’challenges and experiences of children with cerebral palsy:a qualitative meta-synthesis

Objective:To examine what challenges and experiences a mother faces in caring for children with cerebral palsy(CP).As the main caregiver of children with CP,mothers are under multiple pressures.Even though mothers’challenges and experiences of children with CP will affect their quality of life and the rehabilitation of the children,little is known about their challenges and experiences during the whole care.Methods:A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to extract and analyze qualitative research from the PubMed,CINAHL,PsycINFO,Web of Science,Ovid and MEDLINE databases.Thirteen articles were selected and analyzed using thematic syntheses.Results:From 2522 screened abstracts,84 texts were reviewed,and 13 studies met the inclusion criteria.Mothers’challenges and experiences of children with CP include 4 themes,both positive and negative.Conclusions:The mothers of children with CP suffer from physical burden,as well as psychological pressure,in the care experience;social and healthcare support are their main challenges.Interventions to help them face the difficulties and adapt to the role of caregivers as soon as possible should target multiple aspects in order to maximize effectiveness,to promote the healthy growth of children with CP.

Effect of Continuous Care on Postpartum Anxiety among Primipara Mothers in China

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of continuous care on postpartum anxiety in primipara mothers in China.Methods:A quasi-experimental,non-equivalent control group design was employed.The initial screening involved 120 primipara women from two hospitals in Shandong Province.Based on the inclusion criteria,60 eligible primipara mothers were selected to participate in the study.Results:The findings indicated that continuous care significantly reduced the anxiety levels of primipara mothers,as shown by a marked decrease in the scores on a researcher-developed anxiety scale.Conclusion:Continuous care has been proven to be an effective intervention for alleviating postpartum anxiety in Chinese primipara mothers and has a positive impact on their mental health and postpartum recovery.

Experiences of Mothers on the Utilization of Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV Services at Mtendere Clinic, Lusaka

Introduction: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is one of the leading causes of mortality among women of reproductive age and Mother to Child Transmission of Human immunodeficiency virus is still a challenge affecting many countries. Globally, an estimation of 180,000 children under 15 years acquire the Human immunodeficiency virus every day, and more than 90% of those infections are due to Mother to Child Transmission. The study sought to explore the experiences of mothers on the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission-HIV services at Mtendere Clinic, Lusaka. Materials and Methods: Qualitative interpretive phenomenology study design was employed using in-depth interviews to collect data from a sample that was selected using purposive sampling technique. Thirteen participants were recruited, and these were HIV-positive mothers at least between the ages of 15 and 49 years and enrolled in the Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV program. The in-depth interviews were audiotape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed using thematic method. Findings: Three main themes that emerged are;living with HIV, support system and barriers to utilization of Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV services. Most of the participants expressed having acquired knowledge from the program, and received counselling and support from spouses, family as well as health personnel at Mtendere health facility which culminated into a positive experience and enhanced their uptake of the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission-HIV services. However, barriers to service utilization were identified and these included fear of stigma, negative attitudes from health workers, long waiting times, lack of support and lack of transport to the health facility. Conclusion: Interventions such as community awareness campaigns on Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV, male involvement and implementing mother-to-mother peer support strategies in Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV service utilization should be prioritized so as to alleviate stigma and enhancing a positive experience for these mothers thus reducing on the Mother to Child HIV Transmission burden and mortality rates.

日本创业板市场退市监管机制及其绩效研究——以MOTHERS市场为例

创业板是风险企业和创业企业融资的重要平台,其退市制度的设立和实施对该市场的发展意义重大。通过对日本MOTHERS市场退市制度进行研究,发现其具有如下特点:首先,日本采取"直接退市"制度避免了对壳资源的炒作;其次,创业板上市公司退市的相关条款中,"市场标准"多于"财务标准";再次,虽然MOTHERS目前成交金额处于低位,但MOTHERS退市制度并未就此放松。

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms,Parenting Stress and Social Support in Chinese Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Although little is known about the current situation regarding autism spectrum disorder(ASD)in main land China,psychiatric disorders are common among Chinese mothers of preschool children with ASD.Previous studies showed ASD child's behavioral symptoms,maternal anxiety,and maternal depressive symptoms were associated with overall parenting stress in northern China.In the present study,we retrospectively analyzed medical records at the hospital related to neuropsychiatric symptoms,parenting stress and social support in mothers of children with ASD from southern China.A total of 80 mothers of children with ASD were screened.Among them,34 mothers were in low-functioning ASD group(L-ASD group)and 46 mothers were in highfunctioning ASD group(H-ASD group).Identification of the ASD cases was confirmed with a Revised Autism Diagnostic Inventory.Neuropsychiatric symptoms,parenting stress and social support were measured by neuropsychiatric inventory(NPI),parenting stress index short form(PSISF),and multi-dimensional scale of perceived social support(MSPSS).Total mean score of the NPI in the L-ASD group was significantly higher than that in the H-ASD group(P<0.01).The subscale scores of NPI,including depression,anxiety,apathy,irritability,agitation,night time behavior disturbances and change in appetite were significantly higher in the L-ASD group than those in the H-ASD group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Meanwhile,the total PSI-SF scores and the scores of parental distress(PD),parental-child dysfunctional interaction(PCDI)and difficult child(DC)in the L-ASD group were significantly higher than those in the H-ASD group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).The total score of MSPSS was also higher in the L-ASD group than in the H-ASD group(P<0.01).This study goes further to show the neuropsychiatric symptoms and parenting stress are significantly higher in mothers of children with ASD,and more social supports are needed for mothers of children with ASD from southern China,especially for mothers of children with low-functioning ASD.

Maternal Predictors for Quality of Life during the Postpartum in Brazilian Mothers

Introduction: The postpartum period can have a significant physical, emotional, and social impact on the quality of a woman’s life. Most postpartum research has focused on physical complications and only a few studies have specifically investigated quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore predictors affecting the quality of life of postpartum Brazilian mothers. Study Design and Methods: A cross-sectional Quality of Life survey was performed in 210 Brazilian mothers during the early postpartum period. Data were collected using an interview technique and two instruments: 1) a maternal questionnaire and the 2) Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life tool/Brazilian version. The association between maternal characteristics and quality of life in the post-partum period was investigated with bivariate and multivariable analyses. Results: Mothers who had the best Quality of Life were white, registered students, 30 - 40 years of age, who were married or living with a partner, and without physical complaints;in addition, they had at least an 8th grade education, more than 4 children, and had attended more than 8 prenatal visits with a nurse. The stepwise model indicated that white race (p < 0.05) and married or living with a partner (p < 0.05) were the best predictors of Quality of Life in postpartum women. Conclusions and Clinical Implications: Marital status and race conditions may predict quality of life in postpartum Brazilian mothers. In addition, improved knowledge concerning the postpartum, maternal experience may help develop health interventions to enhance the quality of life of this population.

Practice environment related barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among HIV-positive mothers in Blantyre, Malawi

Rates of exclusive breastfeeding in Malawi remain low despite the acknowledged benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the infant’s wellbeing and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Creating an environment supportive of exclusive breastfeeding is critical to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among HIV-positive mothers. However, little is known on factors that influence the environment within which HIV-positive mothers in Malawi practise exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, the exploratory qualitative study on which this article is based was conducted at the Chatinkha maternity unit of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Malawi from April 16, 2009 to May 8, 2009 to explore perceived practice environment related barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among HIV-positive mothers. Data were obtained through indepth interviews with 16 purposively selected breastfeeding HIV-positive mothers between 18 and 35 years old and two focus group discussions with women of unknown HIV status. Semi-structured interview and focus group guides were utilised. Content analysis of data was done. Five main themes emerged regarding factors that may influence the environment within which exclusive breastfeeding was practised: 1) availability of resources;2) societal norms and cultural practices;3) mother-baby proximity;4) health workers’ attitudes and 5) disclosure of the mothers’ HIV status. A multi-sectoral approach to promote exclusive breastfeeding is suggested. This?should include community involvement because it is in the community where breastfeeding norms and cultural practices associated with breast-feeding are propagated.

Maternal Separation Affects Mothers’ Affective and Reproductive Behaviors as Well as Second Offspring’s Emotionality

Daily separation of rat pups from their mothers while the preweaning period has an impact on behavior and stress response of pups. We hypothesized that maternal separation may create a depression-like state in mother rats from which we separate the rat pups and decrease their reproductive function and fertility. Also, we aimed to evaluate the transmission degree of depression and anxiety across generations. Females aged 3 months were divided in two groups of 10 rats each. After a first mating and a first parturition, we conducted maternal separation 3 h during 22 days for the experienced group while the control group mothers kept their pups. At 4 months of age, females underwent behavioral tests and a second mating. Second generation’s pups were also subjected to behavioral tests. Behavioral tests showed that mothers which experienced separation were more depressive and anxious than control ones, also they had a lower litter size. Rats pups of the second generation whose mothers experienced maternal separation also revealed behavior changes akin to depression and anxiety. Thus, maternal separation causes depressive and anxious-likestates on mother rats which experienced separation and has an impact on their litter size. Also, consequences of maternal separation seem to last throughout generations.

Birth outcomes among laboring mothers in selected health facilities of North Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia: A facility based cross-sectional study

Background: Poor birth outcomes are common health problems everywhere in the world. Hence institutional delivery in Ethiopia is very low, improving birth outcomes through recent evidence remained critical. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of poor birth outcomes and associated factors among women who delivered in selected health facilities of North Wollo Zone. Methods: A facility based cross-sectional survey was conducted on 295 laboring mothers from May to June 2009. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Patient’s chart was reviewed to retrieve medical information. Anthropometry of the neonate was taken by standard measurement tools. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), version 15. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of poor birth outcomes. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: All the data resulted from 295 laboring mothers were made part of the analyses. A total of 266 (90.2%) laboring mothers gave live birth. A quarter, 68 (23.1%) of the laboring mothers had a poor birth outcome. The common adverse outcomes were intrauterine fetal death (IUFD, preterm, and birth defects with the proportion of 29 (42.6%), 22 (32.4%), and 3 (4.4%), respectively). Mother whose husband’s occupation was merchant (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.0-19.0), driver (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.12-15.76), & women who were illiterate (AOR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.2-13.5), primary school completed (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.3-13.8), non-antenatal care visited (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.12-10.2), rural residence, (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.11-5.80), & mother’s HIV status, (AOR = 34.2, 95% CL 5.6, 207.0) were independent predictors of poor birth outcomes. Conclusions: Poor birth outcomes were very common in the study area where low birth weight accounted for much of all adverse pregnancy outcomes. Occupation, residence, antenatal care visit, income, maternal education and HIV status were determinants of poor birth outcomes. Accessing antenatal care in early trimester, mild physical work, maternal education to secondary level and above should be encouraged.

Mothers’ Knowledge of Health Caring for Premature Infants after Discharge from Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Background: Preterm labor is one of the most public health problems related to neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Poor knowledge among mothers about the care requirements of a preterm neonate is immediate cause for post-discharge medical problems in premature and neonates readmission to NICU. Hence, this study aims to evaluate mothers’ knowledge of caring for premature infants post-discharge from Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Gaza strip. Methods: A Quantitative-based cross-sectional designs study was used to survey 120 mothers of preterm neonates at the time of preterm neonates discharge by face-to-face interview at Al-Shifa medical complex and Nasser hospital between February and June 2018. Results: The results showed that only about 58.4% of mothers of premature babies had good knowledge about health care needed for premature infants after discharge from NICU. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the level of knowledge and mother’s sociodemographic characteristics (P-values > 0.05). Conclusion: Mothers’ knowledge of premature infants care was not at the optimal level, which might put the newborns at risk. Therefore, the study emphasizes the necessity of thoughtful exchange of health information between team members and mothers and establishing pre- and post-discharge plans with mothers to start their healthy transition of preterm neonate to home and to ameliorate family concerns.

Cardiac changes in infants of diabetic mothers

Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a systemic chronic metabolic disorder characterized by increased insulin resistance and/orβ-cell defects.It affects all ages from the foetal life,neonates,childhood to late adulthood.Gestational diabetes is a critical risk factor for congenital heart diseases(CHDs).Moreover,the risk increases with low maternal education,high body mass index at conception,undiagnosed pregestational diabetes,inadequate antenatal care,improper diabetes control,and maternal smoking during pregnancy.Maternal DM significantly affects the foetal heart and foetal-placental circulation in both structure and function.Cardiac defects,myocardial hypertrophy are three times more prevalent in infants of diabetic mothers(IDMs).Antenatal evaluation of the cardiac function and structures can be performed with foetal electrocardiography and echocardiography.Postnatal cardiac evaluation can be performed with natal and postnatal electrocardiography and echocardiography,detection of early atherosclerotic changes by measuring aortic intima-media thickness,and retinal vascular changes by retinal photography.Ameliorating the effects of diabetes during pregnancy on the offspring depends mainly on pregestational and gestational diabetes prevention.However,other measures to reduce the risk,such as using medications,nutritional supplements,or probiotics,still need more research.This review discusses the mechanism of foetal sequels and the risk factors that increase the prevalence of CHDs in gestational DM,the various cardiac outcomes of gestational DM on the foetus and offspring,cardiac evaluation of foetuses and IDMs,and how to alleviate the consequences of gestational DM on the offspring.

Predictors of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants: The role of stress, self-efficacy and perceived social support

Objective:To determine the predictive role of stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support on readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants.Methods:The present cross-sectional,descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 120 mothers of preterm infants admitted to hospitals affiliated to Lorestan University of Medical Sciences,Iran in 2019.Participants were selected by a convenience sampling method and based on inclusion criteria.Data collection tools included the demographic questionnaire of mothers and infants,parent perceptions of their child's hospital discharge,parental stressor scale:neonatal intensive care unit,perceived maternal parenting,and multidimensional scale of perceived social support.Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and stepwise regression at the significance level of 0.05.Results:Infant behavior and appearance,situational belief,and family support achieved the highest mean score from parents'stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support dimensions,respectively.There was a significant relationship between stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support with readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants(P<0.001).The score of mothers'readiness for discharge decreased by 0.07 per 1-point increase in stress score,and the score of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants rose by 0.35 and 0.43,respectively,for a unit increase in the scores of self-efficacy and perceived social support.Conclusions:Stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support can be considered as predictors of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants.It is suggested that nurses in neonatal intensive care units provide a better platform for the readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants by reducing stressors and increasing maternal self-efficacy and social support.

Parenting Stress of Chinese Mothers Living and Child-Rearing in Japan and Related Factors

Background: Parenting stress causes physical and psychological problems for mothers during child-rearing and negatively impacts the growth and development of their children. We assumed that Chinese mothers living in Japan would experience particularly high levels of parenting stress and difficulty because they had to leave the environment in which they were born and raised in a different language and culture. Objective: The objective is to identify the actual situation and related factors of parenting stress among Chinese mothers in Japan. Methods: From July to October 2021, an online, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was administered to the mothers of children aged 6 months to 5 years, and the data from 93 mothers were statistically analyzed. Results: Mothers in the study had one (45.2%) or two (45.2%) children in their care, and 23.7% of the mothers’ husbands were Japanese. The average score of total PSI-SF-15 of the mothers in this study was slightly higher than that of mothers raising children in China. Additionally, “I think it is a shame not to practice Chinese customs”, “I feel that Chinese customs are not respected”, “the number of children with diagnosed diseases”, “Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) total score” and “father’s nationality” influenced the parenting stress of the mothers in this study. Conclusion: In order to reduce parenting stress among Chinese mothers in Japan, it is necessary to respect and support the practice of Chinese customs, create an environment in which it is easy to discuss children’s illnesses, and educate mothers to promote the use of social support.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of techniques of breastfeeding among new mothers: A survey across Delhi Region

Objective:The present study aims to evaluate aims to assess the knowledge,attitude,and practice of primiparous mothers in the immediate postpartum period regarding breastfeeding techniques which will be helpful in forming awareness and training programs.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional survey was used.A total of 120 primiparous mothers with a mean age of 24.92 years participated in the survey and filled the questionnaire related to the knowledge,attitude,and practice of techniques of breastfeeding.Results:Results revealed that 48.3%of new mothers were not aware of the correct techniques to initiate breastfeeding,whereas 68.3%of subjects reported that during latching,the baby’s upper and lower lip should be everted.The majority of new mothers were aware of breastfeeding techniques with some misconceptions as in our culture,most of the breastfeeding information passed from generation to generation.Conclusion:The level of awareness about feeding skills among primiparous mothers can be further improved by antenatal counseling or training from health-care workers during the gestational period.This will further help new mothers to educate and will provide adequate information which will decrease the myths.

Relationship between the different replication status of HBV and mutations in the core promoter in mothers and their children infected via mother-to-infant transmission

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between the different replication status of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and mutations in the core promoter (CP) in mother and her child infected by mother-to-infant transmission. METHODS: The core promoter was amplified by PCR and cloned into pGEM-T vector with the T-A choning technique. The recombinant plasmid pGEM-CP was confirmed by digestion with restriction enzyme Apa I and Sac I. Two clones were selected to be sequenced in each patient. RESULTS: Every pair of mother and child had same serotype and genotype and the homology of nucleotides encoding 'a' determinant was 98%-100%. The number of mutations in the core promoter of patients with a high replication status was less than that in those with a low replication status. Mutations were mainly distributed in basia core promoter (BCP) and the inbibitor region of Kunitz-type serine protease. This difference was not associated with mother or child. CONCLUSION: The different replication status of HBV is caused by mutations in the core promoter in mother and child infected hy mother-to-infant transmission and appears to be not associated with the status of development of the infection.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight among Teenage Mothers in New Mulago Hospital： A Cross Sectional Study

The World Health Organization defines low birth weight （LBW） as a new born having a weight of less than 2,500 g at birth. Low birth weight is one of the major determinants of perinatal survival, infant morbidity and mortality as well as the risk of developmental disabilities and illnesses in future lives. WHO estimates that about 30 million low birth weight babies are born annually （23.4% of all births） and they often face short and long term health consequences. Whereas the global prevalence of LBW has slightly declined, the rate in many developing countries is still quite high. In Uganda, low birth weight among teenage mothers is a problem. Our study aimed to estimate the prevalence of and identify the factors associated with low birth weight among teenage mothers in New Mulago hospital. We conducted an analytical cross sectional study among teenage mothers who delivered from new Mulago Hospital Complex labour suite from August 2013 to August 2014. Trained interviewers, administered pre-tested questionnaires to consecutive mothers to obtain information on their socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history and child factors. Odds ratios and P-values were calculated to determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. We also used descriptive statistics for the quantitative data. A total of 357 teenage mothers were enrolled on the study. Their mean age was 18 years （Range 13-19）, majority, 98.4% aged 15-19 years. The prevalence of LBW was 25.5%. Pre-term delivery （OR 3.3032, P = 0.0001） and multiple pregnancies （OR 0.165, P = 0.039） were associated with LBW. Malaria, young maternal age and ANC attendance were not associated with LBW. Child factors such as birth order, congenital anomalies and sex of the baby were also not associated with LBW. The prevalence of LBW is high among teenage mothers, pre-term delivery and multiple pregnancies were associated factors with LBW. Health professional＇s need to address teenage maternal health. Health workers should encourage teenage mothers to attend focused antenatal care as recommended by the Uganda ministry of Health. A specialized maternal facility centre that is friendly for adolescent/teenage mothers is advisable so as to improve on completion rates and capture high risk teenage mothers early.

Cardiometabolic effects of breastfeeding on infants of diabetic mothers

BACKGROUND Breast milk is the best and principal nutritional source for neonates and infants.It may protect infants against many metabolic diseases,predominantly obesity and type 2 diabetes.Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a chronic metabolic and microvascular disease that affects all the body systems and all ages from intrauterine life to late adulthood.Breastfeeding protects against infant mortality and diseases,such as necrotizing enterocolitis,diarrhoea,respiratory infections,viral and bacterial infection,eczema,allergic rhinitis,asthma,food allergies,malocclusion,dental caries,Crohn's disease,and ulcerative colitis.It also protects against obesity and insulin resistance and increases intelligence and mental development.Gestational diabetes has short and long-term impacts on infants of diabetic mothers(IDM).Breast milk composition changes in mothers with gestational diabetes.AIM To investigate the beneficial or detrimental effects of breastfeeding on the cardiometabolic health of IDM and their mothers.METHODS We performed a database search on different engines and a thorough literature review and included 121 research published in English between January 2000 and December 15,2022,in this review.RESULTS Most of the literature agreed on the beneficial effects of breast milk for both the mother and the infant in the short and long terms.Breastfeeding protects mothers with gestational diabetes against obesity and type 2 DM.Despite some evidence of the protective effects of breastfeeding on IDM in the short and long term,the evidence is not strong enough due to the presence of many confounding factors and a lack of sufficient studies.CONCLUSION We need more comprehensive research to prove these effects.Despite many obstacles that may enface mothers with gestational diabetes to start and maintain breastfeeding,every effort should be made to encourage them to breastfeed.

Childhood malaria in the Niger delta area of Nigeria:mothers/care givers'perception,definition and treatment practices

Objective:The objective of the study was to evaluate mothers/care givers perception of malaria,their treatment practices and the effects on the outcome of malaria.Methods:Four hundred and sixty children were enrolled and their mothers/care givers interviewed.The children were screened for malaria parasitaemia and there after,blood specimens were obtained for biochemical and haematological evaluation from those children who met the criteria and tested positive to P.falciparum parasites.Packed cell volume,electrolytes,urea, creatinine,plasma glucose,and serum bilirubin were analyzed.Results:A total of 460 children were studied, 233(50.7%) males and 227(49.3%) females.Mild malaria cases were 112(24.3%) and severe malaria 348(75.7%).Those who presented early 106(23.0%) and those who presented late 354(77.0%).Perception and definition of malaria as well as the treatment seeking behaviors vary significantly with the level of education of the mothers and care givers.Those without formal education 68(51.9%) wrongly perceived that the etiology of malaria can only be diagnosed by native doctors compared to those with primary six education 61 (26.5%) and junior secondary education 10(10.1%).Only 43(9.3%) gave the correct dose of chloroquine syrup to their sick children,while 32(7.0%) gave at sub optimal doses.Conclusion:Wrong perception of malaria especially the complicated malaria and wrong treatment practices are major contributory factors to the high mortality and morbidity of malaria in Nigeria.There is therefore a need for health education to correct the wrong ideas about the cause and treatment practices of malaria as part of malaria control programme.