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Biomedical subjects

J Kevany

Publications and source records attributed to J Kevany.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

A WHO Collaborative Study of Maternal Anthropometry and Pregnancy Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate to what degree anthropometric measurements are useful and efficient in predicting maternal and fetal outcomes in different country settings and to develop appropriate reference curves for maternal weight gain. METHODS: A meta-analysis of 25 data sets providing information on over 111,000 births worldwide. RESULTS: Attained weight indicators from pre-pregnancy (Pp) through 9 lunar months demonstrated high odds ratios (O.R.) for both low birth weight (LBW) and intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR). The strongest effect size (O.R. = 4.0) was provided by attained weight at 7 lunar months for IUGR, when applied to women of below average pre-pregnancy weight. The study indicators showed only minor and inconsistent O.R. for preterm birth (PTB). The ability of study indicators to predict the three maternal outcomes was much weaker. Maternal height as a predictor of assisted delivery showed the highest positive O.R. (1.6), but did not meet the screening criteria. CONCLUSIONS: A single measurement of attained weight at 5 or 7 lunar months (16-20 or 24-28 weeks) is the most practical screening instrument for LBW and IUGR in most primary health care settings and provides warning of the need for intervention. The operational value of these findings should be demonstrated through their successful large-scale application in service settings.

Body Height↗
PubMed1995

Immunization determinants in the eastern region of Ghana.

A study of the immunization determinants of children aged 12 to 18 months was conducted in 1991 in the Eastern Region of Ghana, using structured interviews of mothers and fathers. The completion of immunization schedules by one year, among the 294 children, was positively associated (P < 0.005) with the town of residence of the child and mother, the ability of the mother to speak English, the target child having been treated for illness at the local hospital, the child's mother having given birth to less than 5 children, the possession of a sewing machine by the mother, and the birth of the child in the current town of residence. Significantly higher immunization coverage levels were achieved where the Under Fives' Clinic was an affordable and acceptable service, integrating preventive and curative care, and where measures were implemented by the community to increase attendance levels at the Clinic. This was achieved among a target group who were otherwise at a relatively high risk of failing to complete immunization schedules on-time.

Fathers↗
PubMed1994

Determinants of nutrition status among children in the eastern region of Ghana.

A cross-sectional survey of children's weights was included in a population study which was designed to identify and measure the determinants of immunization status of 12-18-month-old children of 294 mothers in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Birth weight, among a subgroup of 91 children where this information was available from the mothers' Road To Health cards, was the variable with which current weight-for-age Z scores was most strongly associated (r = 0.38). Associations of current weight-for-age with certain socio-economic variables, at or close to statistically significant levels, corresponded with similar or stronger associations of birth weight with these same socio-economic variables. Cross-sectional studies of young children, to identify associations and possible determinants of nutrition status, are more informative where there is a high Road To Health card coverage and where birth weights have been recorded on these cards.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed1990

Nutrient intakes in long-stay mentally handicapped persons.

A study of the dietary intake of 115 male and 217 female mentally handicapped persons aged 15-64 years in five long-stay institutions was carried out using a semi-weighed technique over 4 d. Nineteen per cent of males and 5% of females were classified as being underweight and 15% of males and 27% of females were classified as being obese. The average daily intakes of nutrients were: energy 8.8 MJ, protein 92 g, carbohydrate 218 g, fat 101 g, dietary fibre 18 g, calcium 1024 mg, iron 12.5 mg, vitamin B6 1.4 mg, vitamin B12 10.8 micrograms, ascorbic acid 68 mg. The distribution of energy between protein, carbohydrate and fat was 18, 39 and 43% respectively. Energy intakes were not related to ambulatory status, degree of mental handicap, the level of drug usage or body mass index. Energy intakes varied significantly between hospitals and between the sexes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Diet and primary prevention of cancer.

Various assessments have been made of the contribution of diet to the risk of developing cancer in industrialized societies. The evidence available for a causal relationship between diet factors and cancer of specific sites is still incomplete and further research is needed to fill gaps in knowledge. Nevertheless given the limited effectiveness of available therapy in the treatment of established disease, preventive measures based on available evidence should receive active consideration, particularly as they are unlikely to be hazardous in other respects and as they approximate to changes in food supply and diet recommended for general health maintenance. Prevention must address itself to the nature of the food supply, to the choice of the foods that constitute the normal diet and the way in which these are stored and prepared both domestically and industrially. The objectives of a primary prevention programme would be to develop dietary intake patterns that would meet established requirements for health maintenance, would minimize the intake of carcinogens and optimize the intake of inhibitors. The feasibility of public health measures in respect of these objectives is examined and the cost effectiveness assessed. Potential problems arising from the implementations are considered. Measures include the modification of agricultural practices and of food processing techniques as well as various approaches to nutrition education, and modification of food intake patterns. It is concluded that considerable experience exists in other areas of nutrition intervention to suggest that primary prevention of cancer in respect of dietary factors is feasible and would complement other public health activities in this area.

Diet↗
PubMed1982

Lead in petrol.

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Air Pollutants↗