Tag: Global Health

Nutrition and Anemia in Lao Children: Determining Contextual Correlates

Presenter(s): Nathaniel Sichter − Psychology

Faculty Mentor(s): Jeffrey Measelle, Dorianne Wright

Poster 91

Research Area: Global Health/Social Science

Funding: Friends Without A Boarder, Secondary Funder: Clinton Foundation

Laos is the poorest country in the Southeast Asia region (WHO, 2018). In 2017, Lao’s Global Hunger Index (GHI) rating was 27.5, indicating an alarming prevalence of malnourishment (WHO, 2018). Factors like poverty and poorly targeted/delivered nutritional programs influence this rating. Anemia – a condition marked by reduced hemoglobin concentration –can be caused by poor diet and exacerbated by infectious diseases and various social factors (Kotecha, 2011). The present study investigates the association between nutritional intake and anemia among young children, and whether contextual factors (i.e., SES, ethnicity, or access to health services) moderate that association. We hypothesized that malnourished children would show higher rates of anemia, and that this association would be strongest among poor and ethnically marginalized families with poor access to health services. Data were collected in 2014 from 968 children under five years of age in 90 villages across three districts in northern Laos. An adapted version of UNICEF’s Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS v.4) was used to measure a wide range of health indicators, including infant health status, families’ nutritional practices, composition of food basket, and issues of food security. Children’s hemoglobin levels were measured using a HemoCue Hb 201. Our cutoff for determining anemia was any hemoglobin concentration under 11g/dL. Preliminary analyses suggest that children sampled were undernourished with 47% experiencing stunting, 9% wasting, and 31% being underweight. Additionally, 57% were classified as anemic. Analyses are underway to explore the association between nutritional profile and child anemia, as well as to test potential moderators.

Examining Variables Associated With the Underdiagnoses Of Depression in Mexico 

Presenter(s): Aida Goma Petit − Anthropology (Double Concentration In Biological Anthropology And Archaeology)

Faculty Mentor(s): Josh Snodgrass , Alicia DeLouize

Poster 95

Research Area: Anthropology, Global Health, Depression, Global Mental Health

Depression is a leading contributor to disease burden worldwide. Although there are known and effective treatments for depression, far fewer than half of those affected by the disease will receive treatment, in part due to barriers in health care access contributing to underdiagnosis. Using the World Health Organization’s Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 1 dataset, this study examines older adults (50+ years old) in Mexico (n = 1,725) to determine factors that may lead to depression as determined by a symptom-based algorithm, but not self-reported clinical depression diagnosis. We hypothesized that men were more likely to have depression without a self-reported clinical diagnosis. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine the effects of sex, age, education, wealth, marital status, social relationships, and residence location (urban vs. rural) on depression diagnosis. Model 1 showed that females were, in fact, more likely than males to have depression without a self-reported diagnosis (β= 0.60, p = 0.006), but age (β = 0.00, p = 0.71) was not significant.

In model 2, being female was still a significant predictor of depression without a diagnosis (β= 0.62, p = 0.007) despite controlling for lower education (β = -0.03, p = 0.005) and more difficulty with interpersonal relationships (β = 0.45, p < 0.001). Age, wealth, marital status, and residence location (urban/rural) were not associated with undiagnosed depression. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating gender differences, improving education, and ameliorating social barriers to provide proper diagnosis and care for depression.

Postpartum Depression In Argentina’s Public Health Sector 

Presenter(s): Sejal Asher – International Studies

Faculty Mentor(s): William Johnson, Kristin Yaris

Poster 93

Research Area: Global Health

Globally, Argentina has the highest population of psychologists per capita and is succeeding increasing psychiatric social acceptability; yet, the lack of maternal mental health programs and education is questionable and troublesome. The research presented focuses on the treatment and education of postpartum depression in the public healthcare sector of Argentina and why access to care is almost nonexistent in a nation openly invested in mental health care. The primary research was collected over four weeks and methods included formal interviews, informal conversations, and participant observation. A majority of this research was conducted while volunteering in Maternidad Martin, a public maternity clinic in Rosario. During the time in the clinic, the researcher interviewed many staff members, volunteers, and patients about maternal mental health. The conclusion was made that the lack of information and education surrounding maternal mental health is high because of the lack of government enforcement for a set standard of care in the public health system. In provinces further from the capital, the quality of care is progressively lower. This is not due to discrimination but rather to the lack of education amongst medical workers. In addition, the structure of the Argentine family adds to the widening informational gap surrounding the stigma of maternal mental health. Though general mental health is openly discussed, negative mental health issues associated with motherhood are taboo as women fear being labeled as an inadequate mother. This research is critical because it expands upon an issue affecting one in seven women globally. It is imperative to strengthen maternal mental health care because ignoring issues within the topic is not only detrimental to the quality of life for the mother, but also negatively affects the future of the child and stability of the family structure as a whole.