Consequences For Adult Health Research Articles

Are ICSI adolescents at risk for increased adiposity?

Puberty is a critical period for the development of cardio-metabolic disturbances, including a more central body fat distribution. It is still unclear if IVF and more specifically ICSI, can permanently and detrimentally affect body fat accumulation in the human offspring. Therefore, adiposity and body fat distribution in 14-year-old adolescents born after ICSI were investigated. Body composition data, including anthropometry (weight, height and BMI), skinfold thicknesses (peripheral: triceps and biceps skinfolds; central: supra-iliacal and subscapular skinfolds; total: sum of the four skinfolds) and circumferences (waist, mid-upper arm) were compared between 217 ICSI singletons (116 boys, 101 girls) and 223 singletons (115 boys, 108 girls) born after spontaneous conception (SC). ICSI teenagers were part of a previously published ICSI cohort followed since birth; SC controls were recruited from schools in the surroundings. Among all boys, no differences in body composition measurements were found between the ICSI and SC group, taking into account confounding variables. In boys with more advanced pubertal stages, a significantly higher sum of peripheral skinfolds was found in the ICSI group compared with the SC group (difference 3.5 mm, 95% confidence interval 0.3-6.6). In girls, peripheral adiposity assessed by skinfolds and mid-upper arm circumference, and central adiposity assessed by skinfolds and waist circumference as well as total adiposity assessed by BMI, the sum of four skinfold thicknesses and skinfold-derived body fat percentage were significantly higher in the ICSI group compared with the SC group, taking into account confounding variables (all P< 0.05). Neither parental nor early life factors could explain the differences. We found that pubertal ICSI girls were more prone to central, peripheral and total adiposity compared with their SC counterparts. ICSI adolescents with advanced pubertal stages showed more peripheral adiposity. Continued monitoring of body fat patterns in adolescents born after fertility treatment is mandatory in order to assess their risk for developing obesity and its related adverse health effects in adulthood.

Overweight and obesity prevalence and body mass index trends in Indian children

To estimate prevalence of overweight and obesity in apparently healthy children from five zones of India in the age group of 2 to 17 years and to examine trends in body mass index (BMI) during the last two decades with respect to published growth data. A multicentric study was conducted in eleven affluent urban schools from five geographical zones of India. A total of 20 243 children (1 823 - central zone, 2 092 - east zone, 5 526 - north zone, 3 357 - south zone, and 7 445 - west zone) in the age group of 2-17 years were studied. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated (kg/m(2)). WHO Anthro plus was used to calculate Z-scores for height, weight and BMI. A comparison between study population and previously available nationally representative (1989) data was performed for each age-sex group. International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and WHO cut-offs were used to calculate the percentage prevalence of overweight and obesity. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 18.2% by the IOTF classification and 23.9% by the WHO standards. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in boys than girls. Mean BMI values were significantly higher than those reported in the 1989 data from 5-17 years at all ages and for both sexes. The rising trend of BMI in Indian children and adolescents observed in this multicentric study rings alarm bells in terms of associated adverse health consequences in adulthood.

Underweight, overweight and obesity among a Piedmont (Northern Italy) children sample

The aim of the present study is to assess the incidence of under/overweight and obesity in a sample of children 6-11 years old in Turin province and to monitor the secular trend in weight. Our survey shows that about 2% of children are underweight, 17% overweight and 3% obese. Males show a prevalence of overweight and obesity, The comparison of current data with those collected in 1979 by Ente Italiano Moda (E.I.M.) [I] shows a significant increase of weight problems in both sexes: this, in chilhood, is an emergent social problem that can produce adverse health effects in adulthood. It could be prevented encouraging correct eating behaviors and active lifestyle among children.

Childhood Trauma and Chronic Illness in Adulthood: Mental Health and Socioeconomic Status as Explanatory Factors and Buffers

Experiences of traumatic events in childhood have been shown to have long-term consequences for health in adulthood. With data from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey we take a life course perspective of cumulative disadvantage and examine the potential role of mental health and socioeconomic status in adulthood as multiple mediators of the link between childhood trauma and chronic illness in adulthood. Mental health and socioeconomic status are also tested as buffers against the typically adverse consequences of childhood trauma. The results suggest mental health and socioeconomic status partially explain the association of childhood trauma with chronic illness in adulthood, with mental health showing a stronger effect. In addition, an analysis of the interactions suggested higher socioeconomic status is a potential protective factor for those with a history of trauma. Results also suggest cumulative disadvantage following trauma may lead to chronic illness and suggest the need for public health expenditures on resources such as counseling and income supports to prevent or reduce psychological harm and chronic illness resulting from traumatic events.

Long-term impact of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence on morbidity and premature mortality in adulthood: systematic review

The last systematic review on the health consequences of child and adolescent obesity found little evidence on consequences for adult health. The present study aimed to summarize evidence on the long-term impact of child and adolescent obesity for premature mortality and physical morbidity in adulthood. Systematic review with evidence searched from January 2002 to June 2010. Studies were included if they contained a measure of overweight and/or obesity between birth and 18 years (exposure measure) and premature mortality and physical morbidity (outcome) in adulthood. Five eligible studies examined associations between overweight and/or obesity, and premature mortality: 4/5 found significantly increased risk of premature mortality with child and adolescent overweight or obesity. All 11 studies with cardiometabolic morbidity as outcomes reported that overweight and obesity were associated with significantly increased risk of later cardiometabolic morbidity (diabetes, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, and stroke) in adult life, with hazard ratios ranging from 1.1-5.1. Nine studies examined associations of child or adolescent overweight and obesity with other adult morbidity: studies of cancer morbidity were inconsistent; child and adolescent overweight and obesity were associated with significantly increased risk of later disability pension, asthma, and polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms. A relatively large and fairly consistent body of evidence now demonstrates that overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence have adverse consequences on premature mortality and physical morbidity in adulthood.

Childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual health among indigenous Kanak women and non-Kanak women of New Caledonia

Objectives Few studies have addressed the long-term consequences of adverse childhood experiences among women in Oceania, in particular among indigenous women. This paper aims to report prevalences of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and to asses the negative sexual health consequences in adulthood by comparing indigenous Kanak to non-Kanak women in New Caledonia. Methods Data come from a population survey on violence against women and health. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in 2002–2003 with adult women randomly selected from the electoral list. Separate models for Kanak ( n = 329) and non-Kanak women ( n = 426) were performed. Regression models adjusted for relevant socio-demographics factors were conducted to estimate the odds ratios for the associations between childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual health outcomes. Results A non-significant difference between Kanak (11.8%) and non-Kanak women (14.4%) was found for the prevalence of CSA. Among Kanak women, CSA increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections, of non-desired sexual intercourse with an intimate partner and of experience of adult sexual violence. However, use of modern contraception as an adult was more frequent among CSA Kanak victims, as compared to other Kanak women. Among non-Kanak women, only abortion appeared significantly associated with CSA. Conclusions and Practice implications The findings show that in all ethnic communities of New Caledonia, a history of child sexual abuse is not rare among women. They also shed light on the long-term consequences of CSA, suggesting that the effect of CSA may differ according to ethnic membership and subsequent social stratification and gender norms. Efforts to break the silence around violence against girls and establish a stronger foundation are required in New Caledonia. Prevention programs on violence against women and sexual health that take into account the cultural and social heterogeneity are needed.

Family-related adverse childhood experiences as risk factors for psychiatric disorders in Nigeria.

Adverse childhood experiences have been associated with a variety of mental health problems in adult life. To examine whether this reported link between childhood experiences and mental health disorders in adult life applies in a Sub-Saharan African setting where cultural and family attributes may be different. A multistage random sampling was used in the Nigerian Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being (NSMHW) to select respondents for face-to-face interviews. Assessments of family-related adverse childhood experiences and lifetime mental health disorders were conducted with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 3.0). Almost half of the respondents had experienced an adverse childhood experience within the context of the family before they were 16 years of age. Associations between adverse childhood experiences and adult mental health disorders were few and were attenuated when clustering of adverse childhood experience and disorder comorbidities were accounted for. There was an elevated likelihood of adult substance use disorders among individuals who had experienced family violence and neglect or abuse. Parental psychopathology was associated with a significantly increased risk for developing mood disorders. Adverse childhood experiences reflecting violence in the family, parental criminality and parental mental illness and substance misuse were more likely to have significant mental health consequences in adulthood.

Maternal and child undernutrition 2: consequences for adult health and human capital

. Victora C.G., Adair L., Fall C., Hallal P.C., Martorel R., Richter L., Sachdev H.S. and ( 2008 ) , 371 , 340 – 357 . DOI: 10.1016/S0140‐6736(07)61692‐4.

Early parental loss and salivary cortisol in young adulthood: The moderating role of family environment

Early family life adversity has been linked with negative physical and psychological health consequences in adulthood, possibly due to alterations in neuroendocrine activity. Young adults from families characterized by parental loss (N = 45) and control participants (N = 43) completed self-report measures of prior abuse and family conflict, and performed a stressful speech task designed to elicit neuroendocrine responses. Higher reported abuse and conflict were associated with increased cortisol for the loss group, but were unrelated to cortisol in the control group. Results indicate alterations in neuroendocrine functioning associated with early parental loss, which are moderated by the quality of the family environment.

Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Hypopituitarism in Adolescence

Childhood hypopituitarism may be present at birth or may be acquired. Young children and teenagers are particularly susceptible to TBI; in fact TBI is one of the first causes of death and disability in children older than one month of age since the most common cause of TBI is car crashes, including pedestrian-car and bicycle-car encounters, falls, child abuse, violence and sports injuries. Furthermore younger kids are more likely to have TBI due to falls while teenagers have more TBI than any other population from motor vehicle crashes. As reported for the adult patients hypopituitarism in adolescence should be suspected within an appropriate clinical context. In adolescents affected by TBI no experience about this condition has been reported but it is well known that treatment of hypopituitarism, in particular of GH deficiency, has multiple beneficial effects in addition to its promotion of linear growth and in particular in the transition phase. These include maintenance of normal body composition, structure function and metabolism through adult life. Therefore, the onset of TBI-induced GH deficiency in this particular phase of life should be strictly evaluated and corrected for the possible adult health consequences.

Anthropometric Indices of School Children and Familiar Risk Factors

Background. Overweight in adolescence predicts adverse health effects in adulthood. We carried out a primary school health program and assessed children's growth and body composition. Methods. Were screened 869 (448 M, 421 F) primary school children: height, weight, four skinfolds, and four circumferences were measured. A family-reported questionnaire was used to determine family composition, history, and lifestyle. Results. Age was 118 ± 5 months, BMI 18 ± 3 kg/m 2. No difference by gender was observed as for BMI or blood pressure. Girls had higher skinfold thickness at the biceps (BCF), triceps (TCF), subscapular (SSF), and suprailiac (SIF) areas ( P < 0.001), hip and thigh circumferences ( P < 0.01), body fat percentage ( P < 0.001). Boys had higher waist circumference ( P < 0.01), waist/thigh ratio, and conicity index ( P < 0.001). Offspring BMI was correlated with birth weight ( P < 0.05), parental BMI and scholarship level ( P < 0.001), children blood pressure ( P < 0.001), and hours per day spent in television viewing ( P < 0.01). Family history for diabetes was associated with higher BMI, SSF, waist circumference ( P < 0.05), and upper thigh ( P < 0.01). Family history for hypertension was associated with higher SSF/TCF ratio ( P < 0.05). Conclusions. Three of 869 children had BMI >30 kg/m 2 (2 boys and 1 girl), 33 had BMI >25 kg/m 2 (17 boys and 16 girls). The percentages of children who could be considered overweight (BMI ≥95 th percentile of age- and sex-specific NHANES I reference data) were boys, 10.0%, and girls, 9.3%. Anthropometric and anamnestic data on child and family yield more accurate estimates of risk profile: fat distribution seems relevant for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.

A preliminary investigation into the prevalence and trends of overweight and obesity of northern Tasmanian primary school children

Obesity has many serious health consequences for adults and children alike. Despite such knowledge, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Australians is rapidly increasing. This study attempted to conduct initial research into the prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children in Launceston, Tasmania, and to compare the data with that of other Australian youth. Weight and height for body mass index (BMI) calculations were obtained from four randomly selected schools in Launceston, Tasmania, using a portable stadiometer and Sohenle digital bathroom scales. Of 329 participants, 24% were regarded as being overweight and obese on the basis of BMI scores. When compared with BMI data from the 1985 Australian Health and Fitness Survey, six of the eight age and gender subgroups were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Further research, using much larger and randomly selected samples, needs to be conducted so that trends can be monitored, baseline data for Tasmanian schoolchildren established, and both community and school intervention strategies implemented.

The physical activity, fitness and health of children

It is clear that, despite their natural tendencies, children have become less physically active in recent decades, with children today expending approximately 600 kcal· day -1 less than their counterparts 50 years ago. Although the health consequences of a reduced energy expenditure in adults is well documented, there is little direct evidence linking sedentariness with health in children. However, three main benefits arising from adequate childhood physical activity have been postulated. The first is direct improvements in childhood health status; evidence is accumulating that more active children generally display healthier cardiovascular profiles, are leaner and develop higher peak bone masses than their less active counterparts. Secondly, there is a biological carryover effect into adulthood, whereby improved adult health status results from childhood physical activity. In particular, childhood obesity may be a precursor for a range of adverse health effects in adulthood, while higher bone masses in young people reduce the risk of osteoporosis in old age. Finally, there may be a behavioural carryover into adulthood, whereby active children are more likely to become more active (healthy) adults. However, supporting evidence for this assertion is weak. Given this background, recent health guidelines suggesting that children should accumulate 60 min of moderate-intensity physical activity every day - supplemented by regular activities that promote strength flexibility and bone strength - appear to be justified. Future developments should include the implementation of large-scale, longitudinal studies spanning childhood and young adulthood, the further refinement of tools for measuring physical activity accurately in young people, and research into the relative strength of association between fitness - as well as activity - and health in children.