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An Ethiopian birth cohort study
M Asefa1, R Drewett, J Hewison
1Department of Community Health, Jimma Institute of Health Sciences, Ethiopia.
Insights
This study tracked infant health in Ethiopia, finding an 11.5% infant mortality rate. Ethnic differences significantly impacted infant growth, with variations in weight and length observed by the first year.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- A birth cohort study was conducted in Jimma town, South West Ethiopia, during 1992-93.
- The study focused on infants from birth to their first birthday.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the design and methods of a one-year birth cohort study.
- To report on principal health outcomes, including infant mortality and growth patterns.
- To analyze factors influencing infant health in the study population.
Main Methods:
- Infants were visited bimonthly, with data collected on home environment, infant care practices, and vaccinations.
- Infant anthropometric measurements (length, weight, mid-upper arm circumference) were taken.
- Mothers' handling of illness episodes was recorded.
- Statistical analysis included a Reed model fitted as a random coefficient regression model.
Main Results:
- Out of 1563 infants, 86% were followed for one year. The infant mortality rate was 115/1000.
- Mean length and weight at one year were -1.41 and -1.52 SD below the NCHS/WHO reference population median.
- Significant differences in infant growth were observed across ethnic groups, with weight variations up to 1 kg at one year.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a high infant mortality rate in the studied Ethiopian population.
- Ethnic background is a significant determinant of infant growth and development.
- Further research is needed to understand and address the factors contributing to ethnic disparities in infant health.
Abstract:
A one-year birth cohort was studied in Jimma town, South West Ethiopia, in 1992-93. We report here on the design and on the methods used in the study and describe the principal health outcomes. Infants were visited bimonthly until their first birthday. Background data on the physical, cultural and economic environment of the home were collected at the first visit, and data on nursing and weaning on traditional surgical and other practices, and on vaccination at the first visit and at each subsequent visit. Length, weight and mid upper arm circumference were measured, and details of the mother's handling of illness episodes recorded. Of 1563 children born, 86% were successfully followed to the end of their first year or to an earlier death. There were 141 deaths, indicating an infant mortality of 115/1000 (estimated probability of surviving to 1 year 0.8851, with s.e. 0.0101). The mean length and weight of the singleton infants at the end of their first year was -1.41 and -1.52 SD from the median of the NCHS/WHO reference population. Weights throughout the first year were analysed in more detail using a Reed model, fitted as a random coefficient regression model in ML3-E. There were clear differences in growth across the different ethnic groups, with the best growing group weighing on average about 1 kg more at the end of the first year than the groups growing least well.