Socio-demographic correlates of mothers given birth to normal and low birth weight babies

To observe the pattern of morbidity affecting fetal growth among the low socio economic group women. One hundred and fifty pregnant women who were in 2[nd] and 3[rd] trimester were selected from government maternity hospital which catered to the low socio economic group. The selected subjects were followed up till delivery. Morbidity profile was monitored every fortnightly throughout pregnancy. The women were grouped into two, based on birth weight of neonates. Those women who had babies with normal birth weight were referred as normal birth weight group [NBW] and those with low birth weight infants were referred as low birth weight group [LBW]. Significant differences in the morbidity pattern in the two groups were seen. The major sicknesses among normal birth weight [NBW] group were low back pain, Urinary tract infection, and allergy, while the low birth weight [LBW] groups were found to suffer from urinary tract infection, constipation, allergy, low back pain, diarrhea, and stomach ache. Incidence rate of the common sickness were significantly lower in NBW women as compared to the LBW group

Comparison of nutrient intake by sleep status in selected adults in Mysore, India

Insomnia has become a major public health issue in recent times. Although quality of sleep is affected by environmental, psychophysiological, and pharmacological factors, diet and nutrient intake also contribute to sleep problems. This study investigated the association between nutrient intake and co-morbid symptoms associated with sleep status among selected adults. Subjects in this study included 87 men and women aged 21-45 years. Presence of insomnia was assessed using the Insomnia Screening Questionnaire, and dietary intake was measured over three consecutive days by dietary survey. Descriptive analysis, ANOVA, and Chi-Square tests were performed to compute and interpret the data. Approximately 60% of the participants were insomniacs. People with insomnia consumed significantly lesser quantities of nutrients as compared to normal sleepers. Differences in intakes of energy, carbohydrates, folic acid, and B12 were highly significant (P < 0.002). Further, intakes of protein, fat, and thiamine were significantly different (P < 0.021) between insomniacs and normal sleepers. The nutrient intake pattern of the insomniacs with co-morbid symptoms was quite different from that of the normal sleepers. Based on these results, it is probable that there is an association between nutrition deficiency, co-morbid symptoms, and sleep status. More studies are required to confirm these results.

Body mass index [BMI] as a factor influencing post surgical events in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]

To study association between obesity and post surgical events such as length of ICU and hospital stay, morbidity and complications among CABG patients. The study was conducted in Iran during June - November 2006. 219 patients of elective CABG participated. Data regarding anthropometric indices, surgical and Post surgical observations for total time for surgery, time of stay in ICU; total length of Hospital stay, time of mechanical ventilation and occurrence of complications were obtained. Women were overweight [49.2%] and obese [34.4%] in higher percentage than men [42.1 and 20.6%]. Shoulder height; shoulder waist and waist height ratios were linearly proportional to increase in BMJ. Waist hip ratio had poor association with BMI in both males and females [P<0.5]. Mean surgery time was 3.62 +/- 0.553, 3.77 +/- 0.522 and 4.22 +/- 0.856 hrs for normal, over weight and obese patients. Mean ventilation time was significantly low [7.64 +/- 2.725 hrs.] for overweight subjects. Occurrence of Arrhythmia [34.7 Vs 2.7%] delirium [11.6 and 4.0%], and need for re-intubation [9.3 and 0.0%] was also higher in obese. Mean time of ICU stay was 55.49 +/- 18. 381 hrs, obese patients required significantly longer time [62.48 +/- 20.494 hrs]. This seemed to influence number of days in hospital. The mean morbidity rate was higher in ICU [22.0%] as compared to post surgical wards [1.2%]. Subjects with normal BMI occupied the central position between obese and overweight subjects for most parameters. Overweight subjects exhibited better performance than those who were normal or obese signifying influence of body weight on post surgical prognosis. Presence of small proportion of adipose tissue probably buffers against the traumatic effects of surgery