Duggan, Christopher

Predictors of low birth weight and preterm birth in rural Uganda: Findings from a birth cohort study

Publication Type

Abstract

Background

Approximately 20.5 million infants were born weighing <2500 g (defined as low birthweight or LBW) in 2015, primarily in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Infants born LBW, including those born preterm (<37 weeks gestation), are at increased risk for numerous consequences, including neonatal mortality and morbidity as well as suboptimal health and nutritional status later in life. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of LBW and preterm birth among infants in rural Uganda.

Markers of Environmental Enteric Dysfunction Are Associated with Poor Growth and Iron Status in Rural Ugandan Infants

Publication Type

Abstract

Background

Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), characterized by altered intestinal permeability/inflammation, microbial translocation, and systemic inflammation (SI), may be a significant contributor to micronutrient deficiencies and poor growth in infants from low-resource settings.

Objective

We examined associations among EED, SI, growth, and iron status at 6 mo of age.

Methods

Unsafe Drinking Water Is Associated with Environmental Enteric Dysfunction and Poor Growth Outcomes in Young Children in Rural Southwestern Uganda

Publication Type

Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), a subclinical disorder of the small intestine, and poor growth are associated with living in poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions, but specific risk factors remain unclear. Nested within a birth cohort study, this study investigates relationships among water quality, EED, and growth in 385 children living in southwestern Uganda. Water quality was assessed using a portable water quality test when children were 6 months, and safe water was defined as lacking Escherichia coli contamination.

Association between maternal aflatoxin exposure during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes in Uganda

Publication Type

Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites of Aspergillus molds and are widespread in the food supply, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Both in utero and infant exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) have been linked to poor child growth and development. The objective of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the association between maternal aflatoxin exposure during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, primarily lower birth weight, in a sample of 220 mother‐infant pairs in Mukono district, Uganda.

Risk factors associated with Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) in rural southwestern Uganda

Publication Type

This poster draws links between water quality sanitation, among other factors and EED with data from a cross-sectional, observational birth cohort study in southwestern Uganda. Presented at Friedman Fellows in 2017.