World Health Organization

About: World Health Organization is a government organization based out in Islamabad, Pakistan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 13330 authors who have published 22232 publications receiving 1322023 citations. The organization is also known as: World Health Organisation & WHO.

Assessment of differences in linear growth among populations in the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study

Abstract: Aim: To assess differences in length/height among populations in the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) and to evaluate the appropriateness of pooling data for the purpose of constructing a single international growth standard. Methods: The MGRS collected growth data and related information from 8440 affluent children from widely differing ethnic backgrounds and cultural settings (Brazil, Ghana, India, Norway, Oman and the USA). Eligibility criteria included breastfeeding, no maternal smoking and environments supportive of unconstrained growth. The study combined longitudinal (birth to 24 mo) and cross-sectional (18–71 mo) components. For the longitudinal component, mother–infant pairs were enrolled at delivery and visited 21 times over the next 2 y. Rigorous methods of data collection and standardized procedures were applied across study sites. We evaluate the total variability of length attributable to sites and individuals, differences in length/height among sites, and the impact of excluding single sites on the percentiles of the remaining pooled sample. Results: Proportions of total variability attributable to sites and individuals within sites were 3% and 70%, respectively. Differences in length and height ranged from −0.33 to +0.49 and −0.41 to +0.46 standard deviation units (SDs), respectively, most values being below 0.2 SDs. Differences in length on exclusion of single sites ranged from −0.10 to +0.07, −0.07 to +0.13, and −0.25 to +0.09 SDs, for the 50th, 3rd and 97th percentiles, respectively. Corresponding values for height ranged from −0.09 to +0.08, −0.12 to +0.13, and −0.15 to +0.07 SDs. Conclusion: The striking similarity in linear growth among children in the six sites justifies pooling the data and constructing a single international standard from birth to 5 y of age.

Causes of stillbirths and early neonatal deaths: data from 7993 pregnancies in six developing countries

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To report stillbirth and early neonatal mortality and to quantify the relative importance of different primary obstetric causes of perinatal mortality in 171 perinatal deaths from 7993 pregnancies that ended after 28 weeks in nulliparous women. METHODS: A review of all stillbirths and early newborn deaths reported in the WHO calcium supplementation trial for the prevention of pre-eclampsia conducted at seven WHO collaborating centres in Argentina, Egypt, India, Peru, South Africa and Viet Nam. We used the Baird-Pattinson system to assign primary obstetric causes of death and classified causes of early neonatal death using the International classification of diseases and related health problems, Tenth revision (ICD-10). FINDINGS: Stillbirth rate was 12.5 per 1000 births and early neonatal mortality rate was 9.0 per 1000 live births. Spontaneous preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders were the most common obstetric events leading to perinatal deaths (28.7% and 23.6%, respectively). Prematurity was the main cause of early neonatal deaths (62%). CONCLUSIONS: Advancements in the care of premature infants and prevention of spontaneous preterm labour and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy could lead to a substantial decrease in perinatal mortality in hospital settings in developing countries.

Systematic review of the effectiveness of mass communication programs to change HIV/AIDS-related behaviors in developing countries

Abstract: This review systematically examined the effectiveness of 24 mass media interventions on changing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. The intervention studies were published from 1990 through 2004, reported data from developing countries and compared outcomes using (i) pre- and post-intervention data, (ii) treatment versus control (comparison) groups or (iii) post-intervention data across levels of exposure. The most frequently reported outcomes were condom use (17 studies) and knowledge of modes of HIV transmission (15), followed by reduction in high-risk sexual behavior (eight), perceived risk of contracting HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (six), interpersonal communication about AIDS or condom use (six), self-efficacy to negotiate condom use (four) and abstaining from sexual relations (three). The results yielded mixed results, and where statistically significant, the effect size was small to moderate (in some cases as low as 1-2% point increase). On two of the seven outcomes, at least half of the studies did show a positive impact of the mass media: knowledge of HIV transmission and reduction in high-risk sexual behavior. Further rigorous evaluation on comprehensive programs is required to provide a more definitive answer to the question of media effects on HIV/AIDS-related behavior in developing countries.

Nonpharmaceutical interventions for pandemic influenza, international measures

Abstract: Since global availability of vaccine and antiviral agents against influenza caused by novel human subtypes is insufficient, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends nonpharmaceutical public health interventions to contain infection, delay spread, and reduce the impact of pandemic disease. Virus transmission characteristics will not be completely known in advance, but difficulties in influenza control typically include peak infectivity early in illness, a short interval between cases, and to a lesser extent, transmission from persons with incubating or asymptomatic infection. Screening and quarantining entering travelers at international borders did not substantially delay virus introduction in past pandemics, except in some island countries, and will likely be even less effective in the modern era. Instead, WHO recommends providing information to international travelers and possibly screening travelers departing countries with transmissible human infection. The principal focus of interventions against pandemic influenza spread should be at national and community levels rather than international borders.