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Civil unrest linked to intrauterine growth restriction in western Kenya

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 August 2014

E. Dybjer ,
J. Linvik  and
P. M. Nilsson
E. Dybjer*
Affiliation:
Research Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
J. Linvik
Affiliation:
Research Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
P. M. Nilsson
Affiliation:
Research Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
*
*Address for correspondence: E. Dybjer, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, IM Nilssons gata 32, S-205 02 Malmo, Sweden. (Email elin.d86@gmail.com)
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Abstract

Risk factors associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have previously been identified, but few studies have described the relationship between IUGR and maternal stress caused by exposure to civil unrest. Here, we investigate this relationship during the Mount Elgon crisis in western Kenya between 2006 and 2008, following a period of violence. Birth weight data were compared between three hospitals in an exposed area, Mount Elgon (n=570), and one hospital in a control area, Kimilili (n=530). In a sub-analysis, the most stress exposed hospital, Bungoma West (n=211), was compared with the control hospital in Kimilili. Adjustments were made for offspring sex, gestational age and parity. The difference in mean birth weight between the most stress-exposed hospital (Bungoma West) and the control hospital (Kimilili) was 91 g after full adjustment (P=0.041). In conclusion, epidemiological data suggest a significant relationship between exposure to civil unrest and IUGR causing lower birth weight.

Keywords

birth weightfetal programmingintrauterine growthKenyastress exposure
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease , Volume 5 , Issue 5 , October 2014 , pp. 370 - 373
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press and the International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease 2014 

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