International Journal of Child Health and Nutrition

194-202

Authors: Ana Cristina Lindsay, Mary Greaney, Judith A. Salkeld, Jennifer Walsh

Background: Racial and ethnic disparities in physical activity (PA) are evident, with non-Hispanic Black and Mexican American children engaging in less vigorous activity than non-Hispanic White children. Collaborating with public health programs serving at-risk populations, such as the WIC program may be an effective way to promote the development of healthful PA behaviors among low-income preschool children and families. This paper explores WIC staff perceptions, attitudes, barriers, and facilitators related to PA levels and behaviors among low-income Latino preschool children and families, as well as the role the WIC program may play in promoting PA among low-income populations. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with a sample of WIC staff in the State of Rhode Island (RI), Northeast United States. Individual, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 21 WIC staff working directly with Latino clients enrolled in the WIC program. Thematic content analysis was used. Results: The majority of WIC staff reported their Latino clients facing many barriers that limit their ability to be physically active, including busy and multiple shift schedules, lack of access to safe outdoor spaces, financial constraints to attending programs and recreational facilities, lack of transportation getting to safe outdoor spaces and facilities, etc. WIC staff identified several ways that the WIC program could increase the promotion PA among Latino families including partnering with local organizations such as the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club to provide increased access and opportunities for PA among low-income, Latino families. Conclusions: Study findings add to the existing literature suggesting that the WIC program is an important venue for educating low-income, Latino children and families about the importance of establishing early healthy PA habits within the context of overall health and development. Findings also highlight the need for a continuing effort to integrate the promotion of PA as part of the WIC program. In addition, findings highlight WIC staff desire for additional training and resources in promotion of PA

213-218

Authors: Paola Iaccarino Idelson, Eugenio Zito, Enza Mozzillo, Mary Lista, Sara Mobilia, Giuliana Valerio, Adriana Franzese

Obesity is a complex public health issue with increasing prevalence in childhood and with a large burden on physical and mental health. Recent data suggest the effectiveness of multi-component approach, of interventions aimed at changing parenting style, and of group educational sessions. In particular, interventions containing a family-behavioral component produce larger effect sizes than alternative treatment groups. Many models have been developed for the multi-component and multi-stakeholder treatment of childhood obesity, with a frequent discrepancy in the intensity of the treatment programme and in the resources available within clinics. Looking for effective strategies for the treatment of childhood obesity we built a Multi-component Obesity Group Experience (MOGE) model, analysing BMI and fat mass reduction as primary outcomes and qualitative improvements in the behavior towards nutrition and lifestyle as secondary one. Thirty-five consecutive obese children (20 girls, BMI z-score 2.1+0.2), were treated by MOGE model and the results were compared with 35 matched obese subjects of the same age (control group followed with a traditional treatment). After 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment it has been observed a significant reduction of BMI z-score and body fat mass. Moreover, a clinically significant psychological wellness was observed in children of MOGE group

230-239

Authors: Shi-Ying Li, Xiao-Li Dong, Wing-Si Vincy Wong, Yi-Xiang Su, Man-Sau Wong

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), especially linoleic acid (LA), arachidonic acid (AA), alpha- linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential to infant growth and development during early life. Up till now, there is only limited number of studies with large sample size on LC-PUFA in breast milk in China. In order to better understand the LC-PUFA levels in Chinese women, we report an analysis that included 44 studies of 3815 subjects from the latest 10-year peer-reviewed papers of breast milk studies of fatty acid profiles from China and other regions: Asia (excluding China), Europe, America and Africa. The results showed that Chinese women had significantly higher LA and ALA levels in the breast milk than European and other Asian women. The DHA level in the breast milk of Chinese women meets the Chinese and international recommended intake for young infants. This review provides comprehensive investigation on the LC-PUFA levels in the mature milk of Chinese women in most recent publications and server as a reference for further studies on human milk in China.

246-250

Authors: Sunday O. Ochigbo, Ifeoma Venn, Anachuna Kingsley

Background: Bilirubin encephalopathy is the clinical syndrome associated with bilirubin toxicity to the central nervous system resulting in chronic and permanent sequelae. It has been estimated that approximately 60% of term babies and 80% of preterm babies develop jaundice within the first week of life.Objective:To determine the prevalence, morbidity and mortality of bilirubin encephalopathy at our centre. Methodology:A retrospective descriptive review of the case files of all babies diagnosed with bilirubin encephalopathy over the past 5 years from January 2010 to December 2014 was undertaken. Information retrieved from the case notes included age, sex, presence of fever, duration of illness, place of delivery, causes and treatment. The outcome measures such as discharged home, discharged against medical advice, and death were also noted.Results:Out ofa total of 2,820 babies, 21 (0.74%) were admitted on account of bilirubin encephalopathy. Of these 21, seventeen (81%) were males and four (19%) females giving M; F ratio of 5:1. Eighteen babies (85.7%) had pyrexia, 8(38.1%) and 6(28.6%) were hypertonic and hypotonic respectively on admission. Only 33.3% of the deliveries took place in the health facilities. The established factors responsible for jaundice included infections (septicaemia) (15/71.4%), ABO incompatibility (4/19.1%), and G6PDeficiency (2/9.5%). The mean maximum serum bilirubin of the subjects was 321.3μmol/l (242.5 – 440.3). The case fatality was 4/21(19%). Conclusion:Neonatal septicaemia is associated with bilirubin encephalopathy. Therefore identification and prompt treatment is of utmost importance to avoid morbidity and mortality