Part 2 - Gastroenteritis and its impact on nutrition in Asian and Caucasian infants in East London

Abstract

This chapter discusses gastroenteritis and its impact on nutrition in Asian and Caucasian infants in east London. In the East End of London many children are still being admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis. The majority of the children are either Asians or Caucasians. A pilot project was undertaken to study the incidence, severity, complications and nutritional status of all infants hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis among Asians and Caucasians born in the East End of London between March 1979 and February 1980, and to assess the impact of acute gastroenteritis on nutritional status as reflected in weight and growth of infants during their stay in hospital. The study shows that there were more underweight babies in Asians, which appeared to predispose them to acute gastroenteritis. A larger proportion of Asians bottle-fed their infants. Ignorance of proper bottle-feeding methods and failure to maintain proper hygiene may be important contributory factors. It is found that sterilization techniques were inadequate in 43% of Asian households of immigrants to Wolverhampton, in which infants were present. Guidance by professionals may be necessary to improve practices among Asians. The incidence of hospitalization of Asian infants with acute gastroenteritis was significantly higher than that of Caucasian infants.