...epidemiologists prefer one type of study over another and describes strengths and weaknesses of each approach. To begin an epidemiologic study, we decide what to study. For this discussion, let's say we want to study prenatal exposure to electric and magnetic fields and the effect on a baby's birthweight. We look at the existing literature on birthweight to assess current knowledge and data. It is important to know if others have conducted similar studies in case they have uncovered specific design limitations or useful results, and this information is helpful in understanding the context of one's own study. We believe that known risks include prematurity, poor prenatal care, low socioeconomic status, non-white ethnicity, large size of the mother, younger or older mothers, smoking, alcohol consumption and a host of other factors. Electric and magnetic field exposures are not known risk factors but have not been studied extensively. Therefore we wish to study them. Cohort Study The "What will happen to me?" study follows a group of healthy people with different levels of exposure and assesses what happens to their health over time. It is a desirable design because exposure precedes the health outcome — a condition necessary for causation — and is less subject to bias because exposure is evaluated before the health status is known. The cohort study is also expensive, time-consuming and the most logistically difficult of all the studies. It is most useful for relatively common...
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...variables. Controlling for different relevant variables like demographics, age, education etc. we try to find a causal relation between the impact of prenatal care and birth weight. And in the end we conclude our results that a positive relationship is indeed present and significant, leaving room for data limitations and possible solutions for future research. IMPACT OF PRENATAL CARE ON BIRTH WEIGHT Shehryar Amin Waqas Sheikh Hafiz Moazam Ali Nasir Javed Econometrics 2 Introduction Birth weight is a key factor for a child’s health and wellness. Not only it is important to prevent infant mortality rate but also a healthier birth weight helps reduce the increased risks of illnesses faced by babies born with low birth weight. Also in a statistical brief for the state center for health statistics of North Carolina1, it was found that compared with children born with normal birth weight, low birth weight children were more at a risk for poorer health and also low educational outcomes through childhood and adolescence. They are more likely to have special health care needs and require additional educational services and extra medical care. So birth weight is an important measure for a child’s health. In this paper we would try to establish the relation between infant’s health (being represented by birth weight) and the impact of...
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...Reproduction is a means of a species’ survival. Over time, having children has become viewed as a gift and a very special occasion that only happens a few times in one’s life, not just a means of survival. The idea of reproduction and what it means and does for society has become increasingly important. Everything an expectant mother eats, drinks, and puts into her body goes directly into her fetus’ bloodstream. The actions a mother takes during pregnancy sets the course of her baby’s entire life. This is the idea at the core of the science of fetal origins. The science of fetal origins is a recently developed science that focuses on the effects of all actions a mother takes during a pregnancy. Are certain foods more important to eat than...
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...they encounter with perfection. Bulimia nervosa is a disorder with psychological, and physiological effects. It is an eating disorder, common especially among young women of normal weight, that is characterized by episodic binge eating. Bingeing is defined as the rapid consumption of a large amount of food, often a bulimic person will eat more in two hours than a normal person would consume in an entire day. Binges are often followed by feelings of guilt, shame, loss of control, anxiety and depression. These negative feelings, especially anxiety and shame lead to bulimic behaviors, such as purging. The most common purging behavior is vomiting, which is a way to dispose of the calories and fat taken in that causes weight gain orally. The other way of deposing calories and fat are the use of laxatives, it is not as common as vomiting. There is more pain caused to the anus when using laxatives, then there is pain to the throat when vomiting, that’s why laxatives are a less common way and vomiting is a more common way. Exact causes of bulimia are unknown even though in studies there is some evidence that an occurring brain chemical may influence eating behaviors, because it is in connection to the regulation of food intake. Growing/constant peer pressure is also a big help of causing bulimia, as well as low self-esteem....
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...Preventing Hypothermia in Preterm Infants Mary McDermott Grand Canyon University Introduction to Nursing Research March 15, 2013 Preventing Hypothermia in Preterm Infants Bredemeyer, S., Reid, S., & Wallace, M. (2005, February 15). Thermal management for premature births. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 482-489. http://dx.doi.org/http://dx.doi.org.libaccess.fdu.edu/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03616.x Abstract: This paper reports an audit of the effect on admission temperatures of using occlusive polyethylene wrap applied immediately after the birth of extremely premature infants. Use of occlusive polyethylene wrap during the early postnatal management of the premature infant reduces evaporative and convective heat loss. Retrospective pre-intervention (control) group infants were immediately dried with pre-warmed towels and resuscitated under radiant heat. Infants in the intervention group were managed under radiant heat, were not dried, but were immediately enclosed in an occlusive polyethylene wrap. The demographic characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Use of occlusive polyethylene wrap resulted in higher admission temperatures for infants less than 27 weeks gestation. There was no statistically significant improvement in admission temperatures for 27-29 week infants. The rate of hypothermia on admission was lower in the intervention group, but more infants recorded temperatures exceeding 37.2 degrees C during the first 12 hours. There were no other adverse...
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...Georgia was among the states with the highest rate of infant deaths. In 1990 the infant morality rate in Georgia was at 12.4 deaths for each 1,000 live births and decreasing to 8.5 per 1,000 in 1998. The infant death rate among the white population is 6.1 per 1,000 while the African American population was stated at a much greater rate of 13.5 per 1,000, which is over twice as high as infant death rates among the white population in the state of Georgia. (Georgia Department of Human Resources: Infant Mortality Fact Sheet, 2000) PURPOSE OF STUDY The purpose of this study is to investigate Infant mortality in African American women in Georgia for the years 2000-2005 in five public health districts with the highest rates of infant mortality and five public health districts with the lowest infant mortality rates (so we are looking at 10 public health districts total that can be found on the OASIS website) in the state of Georgia). LITERATURE REVIEW It is stated by the Georgia Department of Human Resources in the work entitled: “Infant Mortality: Fact Sheet” that the primary cause of infant deaths in the state of Georgia has been found to be low birthweight, or babies who are born weighing 5.5 pounds or less. The second primary cause of infant mortality in the state of Georgia is premature birth, which is often characterized by low birthweight. Risk factors stated by the Georgia Department of Human Resources include those of: (1) Conception at a young age; (2) Poor...
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...------------------------------------------------- SCHOOL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- BIRTHWEIGHT OF NEWBORNS IN RELATION TO THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE ATWIMA NWABIAGYA DISTRICT OF ASHANTI REGION OF GHANA. ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES, ------------------------------------------------- KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, KUMASI IN ------------------------------------------------- PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF ------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC HEALTH (MPH) DEGREE IN POPULATION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH. ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- BENTUM JOYCE ------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------...
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...There are many dangers to an unborn child that can follow them the rest of their lives from maternal smoking. Many studies and significant research shows smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of a long list of problems. Still birth is the most common complication, but placental dysfunctional, premature labor and low birth weight are also problems that can harm the fetus. Over 40% of children studied also had some form of heart defect. Exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy has also been linked to SIDS. Birth defects such as cleft palate and cleft lip can be caused from smoking while pregnant as well as your child being diagnosed with asthma. Speech defects as well as behavioral problems such as ADD/ADHD also play a role in maternal smoking. No one would give an infant a cigarette, so why would we while carrying our child smoke? Smoking during pregnancy can harm both the baby and the mother. Most would do anything to protect their child. Yet many women, who feel this way, continue to smoke while pregnant, insisting that the dangers are non-existent. In reality, there are many dangers to an unborn child that can follow them for the rest of their lives, if they survive gestation, and birth. Miscarriages, low birth weight, premature labor, and organ defects are just a few things that can plague the child of a smoking mother. There are many studies, and significant research that shows smoking while pregnant increases the risk of a long list of problems, that may...
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...College November 24, 2014 ABSTRACT Objectives: To research the causes of death during childbirth and infancy in nations around the world. To examine related health concerns of birth rate, death rate, birth defects, and how access to medical care in different nations contribute to the birth and survival of the fetus. Reviewing statistics of birth rates in all income nations and the overall affect on the population. Applying the Social Conflict theory as it relates to views on pregnancy. Explore different ideas on how to change declining birth rates and promote better health care for all nations. Key Words: Pregnancy, birth rates, death rates , birth defects,social conflict, health care associated with pregnancy. INTRODUCTION In December of 2013, The World Health Organization (WHO) conveyed a consultation on improving the measurement of quality of maternal, newborn, and child care in health facilities. This annual report proposed 19 core indicators for reporting on the quality of MNHC care in nations around the globe. While some key interventions have increased over the past decade, little progress has been made in the quality of care in some health care facilities around the world. The amount of health care coverage provided to mothers, newborns, and children in low income nations is very minimal compared to high income nations particularly in the United States where health care and food programs have been implemented to help the poor and create a better chance of...
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...development. Prenatal care is very important and will help you to make wise decisions and increase your chances for a happy and healthy outcome. You are no longer responsible for just one person but two. The little one growing inside of you depends on your for nutrition and a safe resting place for nine months. All of the lifestyle choices you make during pregnancy will not only affect your health but also the child as well. Bad habits like alcohol, smoking, and drug use may harm your baby and bring about developmental issues. Identifying developmental issues as early as possible allows early intervention that can lead to successful treatment. The brain begins developing although still in the womb and continues to grow over time. Research has shown that exposure to alcohol in the womb is one of the leading causes of brain disorders in infants in the United States. Exposure to environmental toxins can also cause slow brain development and mental retardation. Prenatal care is one of the best ways to protect babies from brain damage. Developmental delays can have future negative effects on your child, which may lead to speech and language difficulties, behavioral problems, and learning problems. Nutrition Your baby’s development depends on proper nutrition. My doctor informed me when I was pregnant that folate and folic acid, calcium, protein, and iron were the most important to your diet. All help to prevent birth defects and low birth weight. Healthy eating is important...
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...WHAT IS FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME? Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a birth defect caused by heavy alcohol consumption (usually in a binge pattern) during pregnancy. It is characterised by growth retardation, facial and neural abnormalities as well as malformations of other organ systems. Maternal risk for giving birth to a child with FAS is known to vary substantially by population and that the risk also varies between individuals. Alcohol and its primary metabolite, acetaldehyde, are known tissue toxins which may interfere directly with cellular growth and metabolism. When a pregnant woman consumes alcohol, it is carried to all her organs and tissues including the placenta. The placenta functions to protect the fetus and provides nourishment from the mother to the fetus. Alcohol is able to cross the placental membrane and is then transported directly to all developing tissues of the fetus. These adverse effects of alcohol on the developing fetus are characterised by an array of disorders, termed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). They include structural anomalies as well as behavioural and neuro-cognitive disabilities. Children at the severe end of the spectrum are defined as having the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). HOW MANY CHILDREN ARE AFFECTED BY FAS? FAS is the most common preventable cause of mental retardation worldwide, even more so than Down’s syndrome. In South Africa, FAS related research has been limited to a few at-risk...
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...economic growth, with some arguing that new medical technology may account for about one-half or more of real long-term spending growth. Rising health care expenditures lead to the question of whether we are getting value for the money we spend. On an average, increases in medical spending as a result of advances in medical care have provided reasonable value. An alternative viewpoint holds that although new technologies represent medical advances, they are prone to overuse and thereby excess cost. Most of the suggestions to slow the growth in new medical technology in the U.S. focus on cost-effectiveness analysis. However, there are other issues that include, whether money would be saved by reducing costly technology where marginal value is low and how to monitor the cost impact and whether a cost containment approach would discourage technological innovation. The Role of Technology in Rising Health Care Costs. What should or shouldn’t be done. For nearly all of the...
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...than females. The development of communication and language skills is a very important milestone that most children should reach. Children with autism may never reach this milestone or reach it many years later. All depending on the severity of their Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children with Autism tend to have problems with conversations, verbal utterances, syntax,...
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...1 The importance of nutrition during infancy and toddlerhood Nutrition is one of the basic building blocks of the human body. From pregnancy through toddler hood the fetus is growing and developing at a faster rate than at any other time in its life. The proper balance of nutrition can be the difference in birth weight, birth defects, and obesity. Too little energy, protein, and nutrients during this sensitive period can lead to lasting deficits in cognition, social, and emotional development. The importance of nutrition in pregnancy cannot be overstated. Proper nutrition, from conception through the first year of life, is a key factor to healthy growth and development in a baby. Not only do we need to be concerned with what is eaten we also need to look at how much is eaten. Good nutrition maintains maternal energy requirements, provides the underlying layer for the development of the new fetus tissues, and builds energy reserves for postpartum lactation. “Recommendations for prenatal nutrition have traditionally been directed at two clinical arenas, weight gain in pregnancy and dietary intake in pregnancy.” (Booker, C.J. 2010) Conversely, over nutrition can have just as negative an affect as malnutrition? Increasing the awareness of infant nutrition is especially critical now as the U.S. faces escalating rates of obesity across all segments of the population. And yet the debate over obesity often ignores the importance of infant nutrition in the first year...
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...SHEEP RECORDS FOR 1r4 Agricultural Experiment Station Oregon State College Corvallis Station Circular 182 December, 1949 FOREWORD Lamb and wool sales grossed the Oregon farmer approximately $12,000,000 in 1948. The trend is to smaller flocks on more farms. Sheep numbers in the nation are at an all time low, but on January 1, 1949 Oregon showed 738,000 sheep on hand or a 5,000 head increase over a year ago. It remains now for the sheep to become more efficient as a means of marketing our grassa chief resource. Keeping records can help the stockman spot those animals that are making him money and those losing him money. This publication tells of a simple record system that can be used in any flock. A workable set of records will net the grower more dollars each year and help him build his flock into a more profitable enterprise. Dean and Director Sheep Records for Greater Profits By W. G. CADMTJS Research Assistant, Animal Husbandry MEET effectively the growing competition from other TO livestock and to maintain a favorable economic positionclasses of in the face of falling prices, the sheep producer must select and maintain breeding animals which will return a satisfactory profit. Animals which do no more than pay their way must be eliminated from the flock. Far too often the sheep breeder tends to single out a few outstanding ewes or rams and rate his flock on the basis of these few individuals. He overlooks those ewes and rams which...
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