Pattern and determinants of birth weight in Oman.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse the pattern of birth weight (BW) and identify the factors affecting BW and the risk factors of low birth weight (LBW) in Oman. STUDY DESIGN: The data for the study came from the 2000 Oman National Health Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health. The survey covered a nationally representative sample of 2037 ever married Omani women of reproductive age. METHODS: Data on birth weight were gathered from health cards of the infants born within five years before the survey date. The study considered 977 singleton live births for whom data on birth weights were available. LBW was defined as BW less than 2500 g. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, multivariate linear regression and logistic regression models were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean BW was found to be 3.09 (SD 0.51) kg. BW was found to be significantly lower among the infants with the following characteristics: born in Ad-Dhakhliyah region, born in rural areas, and whose mothers had low economic status, low parity (0-2), and late initiation of antenatal care (ANC) visit. The incidence of LBW was found to be 9% in Oman in 2000. Mother's education, economic status, region of residence, late initiation of first ANC visit and experience of pregnancy complications appeared as the significant determinants of LBW in Oman. In contrast to most other studies, this study demonstrates that mothers with an advanced level of education (secondary and above) are more likely to have infants with LBW in Oman. CONCLUSION: The study findings highlight the need of intervention for specific groups of women with higher risk of adverse BW outcomes.

Spina bifida and birth outcome before and after fortification of flour with iron and folic acid in Oman.

This paper presents the trend of spina bifida and other neural tube defects in Oman after the nationwide implementation of folate supplementation of pregnant women in 1990 and the fortification of wheat flour with iron and folate in 1996. The annual incidence of spina bifida fluctuated from 2.34 to 4.03 per 1000 deliveries between 1991 and 1996, but fell sharply to 2.11 per 1000 deliveries in 1997, after which the downward trend continued, reaching 0.29 per 1000 deliveries by 2006. The rate of other neural tube defects remained almost constant. The reduction in spina bifida rates in Oman could be linked to the start of flour fortification but not the supplementation programme.

Spina bifida and birth outcome before and after fortification of flour with iron and folic acid in Oman

This paper presents the trend of spina bifida and other neural tube defects in Oman after the nationwide implementation of folate supplementation of pregnant women in 1990 and the fortification of wheat flour with iron and folate in 1996. The annual incidence of spina bifida fluctuated from 2.34 to 4.03 per 1000 deliveries between 1991 and 1996, but fell sharply to 2.11 per 1000 deliveries in 1997, after which the downward trend continued, reaching 0.29 per 1000 deliveries by 2006. The rate of other neural tube defects remained almost constant. The reduction in spina bifida rates in Oman could be linked to the start of flour fortification but not the supplementation programme

Protein-energy malnutrition among preschool children in Oman: results of a national survey.

We assessed the prevalence of underweight, wasting and stunting among preschool children in Oman from March to December 1999. Within each region, samples of males and females in the age groups 0-5, 6-11, 12-23, 24-35, 36-47 and 48-60 months were drawn from the registers of health institutions and the weight and height/length of the children were measured. The total sample comprised 19,440 children; 9911 males and 9529 females. Data were analysed according to the World Health Organization protocols. The prevalence rates of wasting, stunting and underweight were 7.0%, 10.6% and 17.9% respectively at the national level. There were no sex differences.

Protein-energy malnutrition among preschool children in Oman: results of a national survey

We assessed the prevalence of underweight, wasting and stunting among preschool children in Oman from March to December 1999. Within each region, samples of males and females in the age groups 0-5, 6-11, 12-23, 24-35, 36-47 and 48-60 months were drawn from the registers of health institutions and the weight and height/length of the children were measured. The total sample comprised 19 440 children; 9911 males and 9529 females. Data were analysed according to the World Health Organization protocols. The prevalence rates of wasting, stunting and underweight were 7.0%, 10.6% and 17.9% respectively at the national level. There were no sex differences

Schistosoma mansoni in the Nile Delta, Egypt. A large scale epidemiological study in Kafr El Sheikh Governorate.

This is an early descriptive report of the 'Epidemiology 123' project in Egypt which makes use of large probability sampling methods. These results focus on Schistosoma mansoni infection in the northern Nile Delta Governorate of Kafr El Sheikh. A probability sample of 18,777 persons, representing the rural population of the entire Governorate, was drawn. The sample was designed not to exclude villages based on location or presence of health care facilities and to include representation of the smaller ezbas or hamlets. The objective was to obtain detailed estimates on age and sex specific patterns of S. mansoni infection, and to provide a baseline for prospective studies. Stool specimens were examined by the Kato method. The estimated prevalence of S. monsoni infection in the rural population was 39.3% (SE +/- 3.3) in 44 villages and ezbas after weighing for the effects of the sample design. The estimated geometric mean egg count per gram stool (GMEC) was 72.9 (SE +/- 7.3). Prevalence and GMEC varied considerably by village and ezba, with ezbas having a significantly higher prevalence. Villages and ezba specific prevalence was strongly associated with GMEC (r2 = 0.61, p < 0.001). The prevalence of S. mansoni infection increased by age to 55.4% (SE +/- 3.2) at age 16, without significant change in the adult ages. There was no gender difference until age six, after which males were consistently higher until middle age, when the differences converged. The age and sex specific pattern of GMEC varied widely, however, when the GMEC data were collapsed into five year age groups, GMEC peaked at 81.5 (SE / + - 12.1) epg in the 10 to 14 year age group. These estimates provide the basis for evaluating control measures for reducing prevalence, intensity of infection, and transmission.

Impact of population-based selective chemotherapy on prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infections in the Nile Delta: Kafr El Sheikh.

The impact of selective treatment with praziquantel (40 mg/kg) on Schistosoma mansoni prevalence and intensity of infection in two annual follow-up examinations was measured. The target population was the entire rural area of the northern Nile Delta Governorate, Kafr El Sheikh, from which a probability sample was drawn. The sample included 44 villages and hamlets (ezba). Baseline prevalence was determined by the examination of stool by two Kato slides and all infected persons treated and reexamined one year later. Those found infected in the second round were treated and examined again one year later. The prevalence and geometric mean egg count declined across all ages in each follow-up (prevalence: 39.3% (SE +/- 3.3), 28.4% (SE +/- 2.6), and 22.4% (SE +/- 2.3), respectively; and GMEC: 72.9 (SE +/- 7.3), 52.5 (SE +/- 4.5), and 41.9 (SE +/- 2.4), respectively). Reduction in prevalence varied considerably by village and ezba and was strongly related to the proportion of the village or ezba population that was infected and treated (r2 = 0.29). This latter observation provides a rationale for the maximum application of chemotherapy in the endemic Nile Delta community.