Ferritin concentrations in low-birth babies in South-west Nigeria

In the absence of acute phase reaction, ferritin concentration has been used as a standard measurement of iron stores. Low birth weight babies are at risk of developing iron lack because ferritin concentration at birth is influenced by duration of gestation, maternal iron status and conditions altering maternal­foetal iron exchange. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the ferritin concentrations of low birth weight babies in comparison with that of normal birth weight babies. Materials and methods: Fortyfour normal birth weight (NBW) babies and 40 low birth weight (LBW) babies were recruited for the study. About 1.0ml of venous blood was drawn aseptically from each subject into a micro EDTA tube, centrifuged at 5000rpm for 5 minutes, the plasma separated into cryotubes and stored at-20oC until ready for quantitative determination of ferritin concentrations using direct immunoenzymatic colorimetric method.Data obtained was analysed statistically using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS,version 23, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Gestational age correlated positively with ferritin concentrations in LBW neonates (p<0.05)while APGAR score correlatepositively with ferritin concentrations in normal birth weight babies (r=0.398; p<0.05). Thoug not statistically significant (p=0.214), median values for ferritin concentrations were 188.5µg/ dl and 373µg/dl for LBW and NBW neonates respectively. Conclusion: Gestational age correlated positively with ferritin concentrations in LBW neonates

Correlates of exclusive breast feeding among nursing mothers attending child health clinic at a general hospital in Rivers State Nigeria

Background: Early initiation of breast feeding and feeding exclusively for six months have great implication for the survival, well-being and growth of new borne. Factors such as maternal age, occupation, religion, spouse age, spouse occupation, parity, antenatal care (ANC) attendance, mode of delivery (MOD) and birth order are significantly associated with exclusive breast feeding (EBF) Methodology: The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among nursing mothers attending child health clinic in General Hospital Bonny, in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria. All eligible nursing mother who presented at the clinic were enlisted for the study. Enlistment of eligible participants was done on every child welfare clinic day. Data was collected using a pretested, interviewer administered, structured questionnaire which was adapted and prepared in English Language. Categorical data was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression model with statistical significance set at 0.05. Result: Results from this study identified significant association between EBF and some maternal variables such as age, occupation and religion. Spouse age and occupation were significantly associated with EBF. ANC attendance, gestational age, MOD, parity and birth order were also significant variables associated with EBF. Conclusion: Maternal variables such as age, occupation, religion, parity, MOD, ANC attendance including spouse age and occupation significantly influence EBF of new borne.