Last data update: Jan 27, 2025. (Total: 48650 publications since 2009)
Records 1-18 (of 18 Records) |
Query Trace: Dooyema CA[original query] |
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Belay B , Frintner MP , Liebhart JL , Lindros J , Harrison M , Dooyema CA , Hassink SG , Cook SR . J Pediatr 2019 215 285-286 We appreciate the interest of Ichikawa et al and Jabarkheel et al, and we agree that the prevention of childhood obesity begins early in life with the provision of anticipatory guidance relating to healthy behaviors and the assessment of weight status, using weight-for-length and body mass index (BMI), as indicated. Our analysis indicates that a greater proportion of pediatricians reported using either of these measures in 2017 compared with in 2006. There is room for improvement and continued quality of care; providers can be encouraged to use these measures as an approach to identifying children with increases in weight indices who may benefit from additional efforts to support healthy growth and prevent obesity. |
Fruit, vegetable, and sugar-sweetened beverage intake among young children, by state - United States, 2021
Hamner HC , Dooyema CA , Blanck HM , Flores-Ayala R , Jones JR , Ghandour RM , Petersen R . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (7) 165-170 Good nutrition in early childhood supports optimal growth, development, and health (1). Federal guidelines support a dietary pattern with daily fruit and vegetable consumption and limited added sugars, including limited consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (1). Government-published dietary intake estimates for young children are outdated at the national level and unavailable at the state level. CDC analyzed data from the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH)* to describe how frequently, according to parent report, children aged 1-5 years (18,386) consumed fruits, vegetables, and sugar-sweetened beverages, nationally and by state. During the preceding week, approximately one in three (32.1%) children did not eat a daily fruit, nearly one half (49.1%) did not eat a daily vegetable, and more than one half (57.1%) drank a sugar-sweetened beverage at least once. Estimates of consumption varied by state. In 20 states, more than one half of children did not eat a vegetable daily during the preceding week. In Vermont, 30.4% of children did not eat a daily vegetable during the preceding week, compared with 64.3% in Louisiana. In 40 states and the District of Columbia, more than one half of children drank a sugar-sweetened beverage at least once during the preceding week. The percentage of children drinking sugar-sweetened beverages at least once during the preceding week ranged from 38.6% in Maine to 79.3% in Mississippi. Many young children are not consuming fruits and vegetables daily and are regularly consuming sugar-sweetened beverages. Federal nutrition programs and state policies and programs can support improvements in diet quality by increasing access to and availability of fruits and vegetables and healthy beverages in places where young children live, learn, and play. |
Leveraging federal, state, and facility-level early care and education systems and providers toward optimal child nutrition in the first 1000 days
Dooyema CA , Hall K , Tovar A , Bauer KW , Lowry-Warnock A , Blanck HM . Am J Public Health 2022 112 S779-s784 Early childhood is a critical period in the development, growth, and health of children. Many infants and toddlers in the United States spend time in nonparental early care and education (ECE) arrangements, which include care from child-care centers, family child-care homes, family members, and neighbors, or a combination of these providers. As of 2019, 14% of infants (0–12 months of age) and 27% of toddlers (1–2 years) participated in a center-based care arrangement; however, these statistics do not account for children cared for in family child-care homes, which are also an important source of care for this age group.1 |
Answering the Call: The Response of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Federal Public Health Nursing Workforce to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Zauche LH , Pomeroy M , Demeke HB , MetteeZarecki SL , Williams JL , Newsome K , Hill L , Dooyema CA . Am J Public Health 2022 112 S226-s230 Many public health challenges face our world today, including systemic racism, the opioid epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses are well-qualified and well-positioned to respond to these challenges, as nurses represent 50% of the global health workforce and are leaders not only in clinical settings but also in public health.1 The professions of nursing and public health have been closely intertwined since the founding of the modern-day nursing profession by Florence Nightingale, a pioneer in the field of epidemiology.2 |
US pediatrician practices and attitudes concerning childhood obesity: 2006 and 2017
Belay B , Frintner MP , Liebhart JL , Lindros J , Harrison M , Sisk B , Dooyema CA , Hassink SG , Cook SR . J Pediatr 2019 211 78-84 e2 OBJECTIVE: To compare primary care pediatricians' practices and attitudes regarding obesity assessment, prevention, and treatment in children 2 years and older in 2006 and 2017. STUDY DESIGN: National, random samples of American Academy of Pediatrics members were surveyed in 2006, 2010, and 2017 on practices and attitudes regarding overweight and obesity (analytic n = 655, 592, and 558, respectively). Using logistic regression models (controlling for pediatrician and practice characteristics), we examined survey year with predicted values (PVs), including body mass index (BMI) assessment across 2006, 2010, and 2017 and practices and attitudes in 2006 and 2017. RESULTS: Pediatrician respondents in 2017 were significantly more likely than in 2006 and 2010 to report calculating and plotting BMI at every well-child visit, with 96% of 2017 pediatricians reporting they do this. Compared with 2006, in 2017 pediatricians were more likely to discuss family behaviors related to screen time, sugar-sweetened beverages, and eating meals together, P < .001 for all. There were no observed differences in frequency of discussions on parental role modeling of nutrition and activity-related behaviors, roles in food selection, and frequency of eating fast foods or eating out. Pediatricians in 2017 were more likely to agree BMI adds new information relevant to medical care (PV = 69.8% and 78.1%), they have support staff for screening (PV = 45.3% and 60.5%), and there are effective means of treating obesity (PV = 36.3% and 56.2%), P < .001 for all. CONCLUSIONS: Results from cross-sectional surveys in 2006 and 2017 suggest nationwide, practicing pediatricians have increased discussions with families on several behaviors and their awareness and practices around obesity care. |
Referrals and management strategies for pediatric obesity - DocStyles Survey 2017
Imoisili OE , Goodman AB , Dooyema CA , Park S , Harrison M , Lundeen EA , Blanck H . Front Pediatr 2018 6 367 Background: Childhood obesity care management options can be delivered in community-, clinic-, and hospital-settings. The referral practices of clinicians to these various settings have not previously been characterized beyond the local level. This study describes the management strategies and referral practices of clinicians caring for pediatric patients with obesity and associated clinician characteristics in a geographically diverse sample. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the DocStyles 2017 panel-based survey of 891 clinicians who see pediatric patients. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate associations between the demographic and practice characteristics of clinicians and types of referrals for the purposes of pediatric weight management. Results: About half of surveyed clinicians (54%) referred <25% of their pediatric patients with obesity for the purposes of weight management. Only 15% referred most (>/=75%) of their pediatric patients with obesity for weight management. Referral types included clinical referrals, behavioral referrals, and weight management program (WMP) referrals. Within these categories, the percentage referrals ranged from 19% for behavioral/mental health professionals to 72% for registered dieticians. Among the significant associations, female clinicians had higher odds of referral to community and clinical WMP; practices in the Northeast had higher odds of referral to subspecialists, dieticians, mental health professionals, and clinical WMP; and clinics having >/=15 well child visits per week were associated with higher odds of referral to subspecialists, mental health professionals, and health educators. Not having an affiliation with teaching hospitals and serving low-income patients were associated with lower odds of referral to mental health professionals, and community and clinical WMP. Compared to pediatricians, family practitioners, internists, and nurse practitioners had higher odds of providing referrals to mental health professionals and to health educators. Conclusion: This study helps characterize the current landscape of referral practices and management strategies of clinicians who care for pediatric patients with obesity. Our data provide insight into the clinician, clinical practice, and reported patient characteristics associated with childhood obesity referral types. Understanding referral patterns and management strategies may help improve care for children with obesity and their families. |
Screening and referral for childhood obesity: Adherence to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation
Imoisili OE , Goodman AB , Dooyema CA , Harrison MR , Belay B , Park S . Am J Prev Med 2018 56 (2) 179-186 INTRODUCTION: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends clinicians screen children aged 6 years or older for obesity and offer or refer children with obesity to intensive weight management programs. This study explores clinician awareness of weight management programs meeting the recommendation, adherence to the recommendation of screening and referral, and associations between provider and practice characteristics and weight management program referrals. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from the DocStyles survey 2017, a web-based panel survey, analyzed in 2017. Among 1,023 clinicians who see pediatric patients, this study examined clinician awareness of weight management programs in their communities that met the recommendation, practice of screening for childhood obesity, and referral to weight management programs. Multivariable logistic regression estimated associations between the demographic and practice characteristics of clinicians and weight management program referrals. RESULTS: Only 24.6% of surveyed clinicians were aware of a weight management program that met the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation in their community; of those aware, 88.9% referred patients to these weight management programs. Most (83.6%) clinicians screened children for obesity in >/=75% of visits. Overall, 53.5% of clinicians provided referrals to weight management programs. Referral was higher among female clinicians and clinicians serving mostly middle-income patients. Providers without teaching hospital privileges had lower odds of referral. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to clinical recommendations is essential to curbing the childhood obesity epidemic. Only one in four surveyed clinicians were aware of weight management programs in their community meeting U.S. Preventive Services Task Force criteria. Half of clinicians referred pediatric patients with obesity to a weight management program. Results suggest efforts are needed to increase awareness of, and referral to, weight management programs meeting the recommendation. |
Implementation of multisetting interventions to address childhood obesity in diverse, lower-income communities: CDC's Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration Projects
Dooyema CA , Belay B , Blanck HM . Prev Chronic Dis 2017 14 E140 Childhood obesity continues to be a local, state, and national problem affecting not only children but their families, schools, employers, and communities. Obesity affects approximately 12.5 million (17%) US children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years, with higher levels among some groups of children, including those living in low-income households. Obesity can have harmful effects during childhood. Children who have obesity are more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. They are more likely to have asthma, sleep apnea, fatty liver, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Obesity is also related to psychosocial problems in children, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social problems such as bullying and stigma (1). To address obesity, the National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine), among other groups, has called for interventions to alter nutrition and physical activity environments and promote behavior change in multiple settings to reach adults and children. For children, in addition to the home setting, other settings that can help support obesity prevention and aid healthy child growth include early care and education (ECE) or child care, schools, community, and health care (2). |
Supporting obesity prevention in statewide quality rating and improvement systems: A review of state standards
Geary NA , Dooyema CA , Reynolds MA . Prev Chronic Dis 2017 14 E129 INTRODUCTION: A quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) is a fundamental component of most states' early care and education infrastructures. States can use a QRIS to set standards that define high-quality care and award child care providers with a quality rating designation based on how well they meet these standards. The objective of this review was to describe the extent to which states' QRIS standards include obesity prevention content. METHODS: We collected publicly available data on states' QRIS standards. We compared states' QRIS standards with 47 high-impact obesity prevention components in Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs, 3rd Edition, and 6 additional topics based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Spectrum of Opportunities for Obesity Prevention in the Early Care and Education Setting. RESULTS: Thirty-eight states operated a state-wide QRIS in early 2015. Of those, 27 states' QRIS included obesity prevention standards; 20 states had at least one QRIS standard that aligned with the high-impact obesity prevention components, and 21 states had at least one QRIS standard that aligned with at least one of the 6 additional topics. QRIS standards related to the physical activity high-impact obesity prevention components were the most common, followed by components for screen time, nutrition, and infant feeding. CONCLUSION: The high proportion of states operating a QRIS that included obesity prevention standards, combined with the widespread use of QRISs among states, suggests that a QRIS is a viable way to embed obesity prevention standards into state early care and education systems. |
Association between sugar-sweetened beverage intake and proxies of acculturation among U.S. Hispanic and non-Hispanic white adults
Park S , Blanck HM , Dooyema CA , Ayala GX . Am J Health Promot 2016 30 (5) 357-64 PURPOSE: This study examined associations between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and acculturation among a sample representing civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. DESIGN: Quantitative, cross-sectional study. SETTING: National. SUBJECTS: The 2010 National Health Interview Survey data for 17,142 Hispanics and U.S.-born non-Hispanic whites (≥18 years). MEASURES: The outcome variable was daily SSB intake (nondiet soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened coffee/tea drinks). Exposure variables were Hispanic ethnicity and proxies of acculturation (language of interview, birthplace, and years living in the United States). ANALYSIS: We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the exposure variables associated with drinking SSB ≥1 time/d after controlling for covariates. RESULTS: The adjusted odds of drinking SSB ≥1 time/d was significantly higher among Hispanics who completed the interview in Spanish (OR = 1.65) than U.S.-born non-Hispanic whites. Compared with those who lived in the United States for <5 years, the adjusted odds of drinking SSB ≥1 time/d was higher among adults who lived in the United States for 5 to <10 years (OR = 2.72), those who lived in the United States for 10 to <15 years (OR = 2.90), and those who lived in the United States for ≥15 years (OR = 2.41). However, birthplace was not associated with daily SSB intake. CONCLUSION: The acculturation process is complex and these findings contribute to identifying important subpopulations that may benefit from targeted intervention to reduce SSB intake. |
Electronic health records to support obesity-related patient care: results from a survey of United States physicians
Bronder KL , Dooyema CA , Onufrak SJ , Foltz JL . Prev Med 2015 77 41-7 OBJECTIVE: Obesity-related electronic health record (EHR) functions increase the rates of measuring BMI, diagnosing obesity, and providing obesity services. This study describes the prevalence of obesity-related EHR functions in clinical practice and analyzes characteristics associated with increased obesity-related EHR sophistication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were analyzed from DocStyles, a web-based panel survey administered to 1507 primary care providers practicing in the United States in June, 2013. Physicians were asked if their EHR has specific obesity-related functions. Logistical regression analyses identified characteristics associated with improved obesity-related EHR sophistication. RESULTS: Of the 88% of providers with an EHR, 83% of EHRs calculate BMI, 52% calculate pediatric BMI percentile, and 32% flag patients with abnormal BMI values. Only 36% provide obesity-related decision support and 17% suggest additional resources for obesity-related care. Characteristics associated with having a more sophisticated EHR include age ≤45years old, being a pediatrician or family practitioner, and practicing in a larger, outpatient practice. DISCUSSION: Few EHRs optimally supported physician's obesity-related clinical care. The low rates of obesity-related EHR functions currently in practice highlight areas to improve the clinical health information technology in primary care practice. CONCLUSIONS: More work can be done to develop, implement, and promote the effective utilization of obesity-related EHR functions to improve obesity treatment and prevention efforts. |
Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (CORD): the cross-site overview and opportunities for interventions addressing obesity community-wide
Foltz JL , Belay B , Dooyema CA , Williams N , Blanck HM . Child Obes 2015 11 (1) 4-10 BACKGROUND: This is the first of a set of articles in this issue on the Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (CORD) project and provides an overview of the multisite approach and community-wide interventions. Innovative multisetting, multilevel approaches that integrate primary healthcare and public health interventions to improve outcomes for children with obesity need to be evaluated. The CORD project aims to improve BMI and obesity-related behaviors among underserved 2- to 12-year-old children by utilizing these approaches. METHODS: The CORD consortium, structure, model terminology and key components, and common measures were solidified in year 1 of the CORD project. Demonstration sites applied the CORD model across communities in years 2 and 3. Evaluation plans for year 4 include site-specific analyses as well as cross-site impact, process, and sustainability evaluations. RESULTS: The CORD approach resulted in commonalities and differences in participant, intervention, comparison, and outcome elements across sites. Products are to include analytic results as well as cost assessment, lessons learned, tools, and materials. DISCUSSION: Foreseen opportunities and challenges arise from the similarities and unique aspects across sites. Communities adapted interventions to fit their local context and build on strengths, but, in turn, this flexibility makes cross-site evaluation challenging. CONCLUSION: The CORD project represents an evidence-based approach that integrates primary care and public health strategies and evaluates multisetting multilevel interventions, thus adding to the limited research in this field. CORD products will be disseminated to a variety of stakeholders to aid the understanding, prevention, and management of childhood obesity. |
The Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration Project: a team approach for supporting a multisite, multisector intervention
Williams N , Dooyema CA , Foltz JL , Belay B , Blanck HM . Child Obes 2014 11 (1) 104-8 BACKGROUND: Comprehensive multisector, multilevel approaches are needed to address childhood obesity. This article introduces the structure of a multidisciplinary team approach used to support and guide the multisite, multisector interventions implemented as part of the Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (CORD) project. This article will describe the function, roles, and lessons learned from the CDC-CORD approach to project management. METHODS: The CORD project works across multisectors and multilevels in three demonstration communities. Working with principal investigators and their research teams who are engaging multiple stakeholder groups, including community organizations, schools and child care centers, health departments, and healthcare providers, can be a complex endeavor. To best support the community-based research project, scientific and programmatic expertise in a wide range of areas was required. The team was configured based on the skill sets needed to interact with the various levels of staff working with the project. CONCLUSIONS: By thoughtful development of the team and processes, an efficient system for supporting the multisite, multisector intervention project sites was developed. The team approach will be formally evaluated at the end of the project period. |
Factors influencing school closure and dismissal decisions: influenza A (H1N1), Michigan 2009
Dooyema CA , Copeland D , Sinclair JR , Shi J , Wilkins M , Wells E , Collins J . J Sch Health 2014 84 (1) 56-62 BACKGROUND: In fall 2009, many US communities experienced school closures during the influenza A H1N1 pandemic (pH1N1) and the state of Michigan reported 567 closures. We conducted an investigation in Michigan to describe pH1N1-related school policies, practices, and identify factors related to school closures. METHODS: We distributed an online survey to all Michigan K-12 school principals. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests summarize school policies, practices, adherence to government guidelines, and differences between schools that closed and those that remained open during the pandemic. RESULTS: Of 4441 traditional K-12 Michigan schools, 937 (21%) principals responded to our survey representing approximately 374,000 students and 17,700 teachers. The majority (88%) of schools had influenza preparedness plans and followed government school influenza guidelines. Among respondents, 15% (137/937) of schools closed in fall 2009 with high absenteeism as the primary reason for closure. Schools that closed reported significant illness in their school, had <300 students, and had invested substantial resources preparing and responding to influenza. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to government guidelines for schools appears high in Michigan. Closures occurred in schools that reported significant illness and were likely motivated by excessive absenteeism. Understanding factors related to closures during pH1N1 may inform future pandemic preparedness efforts. |
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis in Florida: a case report and epidemiological review of Florida cases
Budge PJ , Lazensky B , Van Zile KW , Elliott KE , Dooyema CA , Visvesvara GS , Beach MJ , Yoder JS . J Environ Health 2013 75 (8) 26-31 Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but nearly always fatal infection of the central nervous system caused by the thermophilic, free-living ameba Naegleria fowleri. Since its first description in 1965 through 2010, 118 cases have been reported in the U.S.; all cases are related to environmental exposure to warm freshwater; most have occurred in children and adolescents and are associated with recreational water activities, such as swimming, diving, or playing in freshwater lakes, ponds, or rivers. Over one-fourth of all national PAM cases have occurred in Florida. The authors describe here a fatal case of PAM in a resident of northeast Florida and the ensuing environmental and public health investigation; they also provide a review of all cases of PAM in Florida from 1962 to 2010 and discuss public health responses to PAM in Florida, highlighting opportunities for positive collaboration between state and local environmental health specialists, epidemiologists, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
Childhood lead poisoning associated with gold ore processing: a village-level investigation - Zamfara State, Nigeria, October-November 2010
Lo YC , Dooyema CA , Neri A , Durant J , Jefferies T , Medina-Marino A , de Ravello L , Thoroughman D , Davis L , Dankoli RS , Samson MY , Ibrahim LM , Okechukwu O , Umar-Tsafe NT , Dama AH , Brown MJ . Environ Health Perspect 2012 120 (10) 1450-5 BACKGROUND: During May-June 2010, a childhood lead poisoning outbreak related to gold-ore-processing was confirmed in 2 villages in Zamfara State, Nigeria. During June-September, villages with suspected or confirmed childhood lead poisoning continued to be identified in Zamfara State. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the extent of childhood lead poisoning (≥1 child with a blood lead level [BLL] ≥10 microg/dL) and lead contamination (≥1 soil/dust sample with a lead level >400 parts per million) among villages in Zamfara State and identified villages that should be prioritized for urgent interventions. METHODS: We used chain-referral sampling to identify villages of interest, defined as villages suspected of participation in gold-ore-processing during the previous 12 months. We interviewed villagers, determined BLLs among children aged <5 years, and analyzed soil/dust from public areas and homes for lead. RESULTS: We identified 131 villages of interest and visited 74 (56%) villages in 3 local government areas. Fifty-four (77%) of 70 villages that completed the survey reported gold-ore-processing. Ore-processing villages were more likely to have ≥1 child aged <5 years with lead poisoning (68% vs. 50%, p=0.17) or death following convulsions (74% vs. 44%, p=0.02). Soil/dust contamination and BLL ≥45 microg/dL were identified in ore-processing villages only [50% (p<0.001) and 15% (p=0.22), respectively]. The odds of childhood lead poisoning or lead contamination was 3.5 times as high in ore-processing villages than the other villages (95% CI: 1.1, 11.3). CONCLUSION: Childhood lead poisoning and lead contamination were widespread in surveyed areas, particularly among villages that had processed ore recently. Urgent interventions are required to reduce lead exposure, morbidity, and mortality in affected communities. |
Population-level intervention strategies and examples for obesity prevention in children
Foltz JL , May AL , Belay B , Nihiser AJ , Dooyema CA , Blanck HM . Annu Rev Nutr 2012 32 391-415 With obesity affecting approximately 12.5 million American youth, population-level interventions are indicated to help support healthy behaviors. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of population-level intervention strategies and specific intervention examples that illustrate ways to help prevent and control obesity in children through improving nutrition and physical activity behaviors. Information is summarized within the settings where children live, learn, and play (early care and education, school, community, health care, home). Intervention strategies are activities or changes intended to promote healthful behaviors in children. They were identified from (a) systematic reviews; (b) evidence- and expert consensus-based recommendations, guidelines, or standards from nongovernmental or federal agencies; and finally (c) peer-reviewed synthesis reviews. Intervention examples illustrate how at least one of the strategies was used in a particular setting. To identify interventions examples, we considered (a) peer-reviewed literature as well as (b) additional sources with research-tested and practice-based initiatives. Researchers and practitioners may use this review as they set priorities and promote integration across settings and to find research- and practice-tested intervention examples that can be replicated in their communities for childhood obesity prevention. (Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nutrition Volume 32 is July 17, 2012. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/catalog/pubdates.aspx for revised estimates.) |
Outbreak of fatal childhood lead poisoning related to artisanal gold mining in northwestern Nigeria, 2010
Dooyema CA , Neri A , Lo YC , Durant J , Dargan PI , Swarthout T , Biya O , Gidado SO , Haladu S , Sani-Gwarzo N , Nguku PM , Akpan H , Idris S , Bashir AM , Brown MJ . Environ Health Perspect 2011 120 (4) 601-7 BACKGROUND: In May 2010, a team of national and international organizations was assembled to investigate children's deaths due to lead poisoning in villages in northwestern Nigeria. OBJECTIVES: To determine the cause of the childhood lead poisoning outbreak, investigate risk factors for child mortality, and identify children aged <5 years in need of emergency chelation therapy for lead poisoning. METHODS: We administered a cross-sectional, door-to-door questionnaire in two affected villages, collected blood from children aged 2-59 months, and soil samples from family compounds. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed with survey, blood-lead, and environmental data. Multivariate logistic regression techniques were used to determine risk factors for childhood mortality. RESULTS: We surveyed 119 family compounds. One hundred eighteen of 463 (25%) children aged <5 years had died in the last year. We tested 59% (204/345) of children, aged <5 years, and all were lead poisoned (≥10 microg/dL); 97% (198/204) of children had blood-lead levels ≥45 microg/dL, the threshold for initiating chelation therapy. Gold ore was processed inside two-thirds of the family compounds surveyed. In multivariate modeling significant risk factors for death in the previous year from suspected lead poisoning included: the child's age, the mother performing ore-processing activities, community well as primary water source, and the soil-lead concentration in the compound. CONCLUSION: The high levels of environmental contamination, percentage of children aged <5 years with elevated blood-lead levels (97%, >45 microg/dL), and incidence of convulsions among children prior to death (82%) suggest that most of the recent childhood deaths in the two surveyed villages were caused by acute lead poisoning from gold ore-processing activities. Control measures included environmental remediation, chelation therapy, public health education, and control of mining activities. |
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