Preventing Childhood Neurodisability
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Preventing Childhood Neurodisability
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Hussain Imam Muhammad Ismail
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Preventing Childhood Neurodisability
Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.2.1
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Globally, approximately 8.4% of children under 5 years old experience neurodevelopmental disabilities, primarily influenced by factors such as infection, inflammation, nutrition, and care quality during pregnancy and the first two years of life. In response to these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) initiated the 1,000 Days initiative in 2014. Despite this effort, recent findings from Malaysia's National Health and Morbidity Surveys indicate alarming trends, including a significant rise in low-birth-weight babies and a doubling of diabetes prevalence among pregnant mothers. These factors contribute to stunting and anaemia in young children, which adversely affect their neurological development and may increase the incidence of developmental disorders.
Impact of Maternal Diabetes on Child Development
Maternal diabetes has complex implications for fetal brain development, leading to long-term cognitive and motor impairments in children. The rising incidence of diabetes among pregnant women in Malaysia has fostered neuroinflammation, which disrupts critical neurochemical pathways essential for healthy brain structure and function. As the baby's brain develops, particularly during the key early stages, any disruption in nutrient transfer or oxygenation can significantly alter neural architecture. Studies indicate that children born to mothers with diabetes are at heightened risk for a range of neurodevelopmental issues, including autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning difficulties. These concerns highlight a pressing need for improved maternal nutrition and healthcare during pregnancy, which could mitigate some of the adverse outcomes associated with neurodisabilities.
Conclusion
To enhance child development outcomes and reduce the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disabilities, it is crucial to address the three main factors: infection and inflammation, nutrition, and quality of care during pregnancy and early childhood. While progress has been made in combating infectious diseases, there is an urgent need to focus on comprehensive antenatal care and nutritional support during the critical first 1,000 days. By tackling issues such as maternal diabetes and promoting better nutrition, we can work towards optimizing developmental potentials for children and minimizing the incidence of lifelong disabilities.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the main factors contributing to childhood neurodisability?
Infection and inflammation, nutrition, and quality of care during pregnancy and early childhood are critical factors contributing to neurodisability in children. These factors significantly influence brain development and can lead to developmental disorders.
What is the significance of the 1,000 days initiative by WHO?
Launched in 2014, the 1,000 days initiative focuses on optimizing pregnancy outcomes and enhancing early child development to reduce the incidence of neurodisabilities. It emphasizes the importance of nutrition and health care during the crucial first two years of life.
What recent trends were observed in Malaysian maternal health data?
Recent Malaysian data indicates that the percentage of pregnant mothers with diabetes surged from 13.5% in 2016 to 27.1% in 2022, alongside increasing rates of low birth weight and stunted growth in children under five.
How does iron deficiency affect child development?
Iron deficiency can impair brain development, particularly during rapid growth periods. It leads to dysregulation in critical gene expression necessary for brain function, which can result in motor, cognitive, and behavioral issues in children.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Preventing Childhood Neurodisability”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Table:
A table presents data systematically in rows and columns, making it easier to comprehend relationships between different variables. In the context of the article, it summarizes statistics on children with special needs, highlighting various disabilities by age. Such clarity is essential for understanding the prevalence and distribution of disabilities in the population.
2) Life:
Life encompasses the biological and developmental processes that occur from birth to adulthood. In the article, it discusses early life stages, particularly how factors during pregnancy and the first two years of life influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. Protecting and enhancing these periods are vital for fulfilling a child's developmental potential.
3) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the systematic research conducted to gain knowledge about a subject. The article incorporates references to studies examining the connections between maternal health conditions, child nutrition, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Such studies are crucial for establishing evidence-based practices aimed at reducing disabilities and promoting healthy child development.
4) Inflammation:
Inflammation describes the body's response to injury or infection that can have detrimental effects on health. In the context of the article, maternal diabetes leads to neuroinflammation during pregnancy, which adversely affects fetal brain development. Understanding its mechanisms is essential for finding interventions to mitigate neurodevelopmental risks.
5) Learning:
Learning is a fundamental process through which individuals acquire knowledge and skills. The article mentions learning difficulties often related to neurodevelopmental conditions. Early intervention in childhood, especially during crucial growth periods, can positively influence learning outcomes and help children attain their educational potential.
6) Birth:
Birth signifies the beginning of life and is a critical period for development. In the article, it highlights the statistics surrounding low birth weight and the risks associated with it. Addressing factors affecting birth outcomes can significantly contribute to a child's future health and developmental trajectory.
7) Pregnant:
Pregnant refers to the state of carrying a developing fetus. The article emphasizes the importance of maternal health during pregnancy, specifically highlighting conditions like gestational diabetes that can impair fetal brain development. Proper care and nutrition during pregnancy are vital for reducing risks of neurodisability in children.
8) Quality:
Quality reflects the standard of care or services provided. The article discusses the quality of care during the critical first 1,000 days of life. High-quality healthcare during this period is essential to optimizing pregnancy outcomes and ensuring healthy neurodevelopment for children, thus minimizing future disabilities.
9) Disease:
Disease denotes health conditions that disrupt normal bodily functions. In the article, it illustrates how maternal diseases, like diabetes, can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. Understanding the relationships between disease and child development is vital for designing preventive measures that enhance child health outcomes.
10) Family:
Family represents the primary unit in which children grow and develop. The article indirectly underscores the role of family in providing care and support during early life stages. Strong family support can enhance a child's nutritional status, overall health, and development, ultimately affecting their future outcomes.
11) Post:
Post refers to the period following a specific event. The article discusses the post-birth period as critical for monitoring child growth and development. It highlights the importance of interventions in the immediate aftermath of birth to address any health issues that might arise, ensuring optimal development.
12) Mental health:
Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The article highlights connections between neurodevelopmental disabilities and mental health challenges, indicating that children with developmental disorders are at heightened risk for mental health issues. Addressing the mental health needs of these children is essential for their overall well-being.
13) Human body:
Human body refers to the collection of biological systems that work together to maintain life. The article focuses on how maternal health impacts the developing human body, especially the brain of the fetus. Understanding these interactions is vital for improving health strategies during pregnancy and early childhood.
14) Collecting:
Collecting involves gathering data or information for analysis. The article mentions the importance of data collection in the context of the Malaysian National Neonatal Registry that monitors neonatal outcomes. Accurate data are essential for research and developing effective public health policies aimed at improving child health.
15) Education:
Education signifies the systematic instruction and training of individuals, crucial for developing skills and knowledge. The article references the likelihood of fewer educational achievements among disabled children. Interventions during early development can support educational outcomes, ensuring all children achieve their potential.
16) Medicine:
Medicine is the science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. The article discusses medical research focusing on maternal health and child neurodevelopment, emphasizing that improving medical care during pregnancy and infancy can prevent disabilities. This highlights the need for evidence-based practices in pediatrics.
17) Language:
Language is a system of communication that is essential for social interaction and cognitive development. The article references language disabilities among children with developmental disorders. Effective communication is vital for learning and socializing, and addressing language development can significantly enhance children's overall outcomes.
18) Relative:
Relative refers to a comparison between two or more elements. The article indirectly suggests that relative statistics, such as the increasing rates of disabilities, highlight the need for immediate attention. Making relative assessments helps to prioritize interventions and allocate resources effectively within public health initiatives.
19) Kanaka:
Kanaka likely refers to one of the contributors mentioned in the article, highlighting collaboration in public health research. In academic and research contexts, collaboration among experts is essential for advancing knowledge and developing effective strategies to address health challenges such as neurodisability.
20) Nature:
Nature refers to inherent qualities or characteristics. The article discusses how many developmental disabilities can be traced back to early life factors. Understanding the natural progression of child development is crucial for recognizing the influence of external factors like nutrition and maternal health on developmental outcomes.
21) Campu:
Campu here likely refers to an educational or research campus involved in the study. Academic campuses are often hubs for research, collaboration, and training in health sciences. Engaging with such institutions is vital for advancing public health initiatives and improving maternal and child health outcomes.
22) Rules:
Rules denote established principles governing conduct. Within the context of public health, rules may refer to guidelines for maternal care during pregnancy and early child-rearing. Adhering to these rules is significant for ensuring the well-being of both mothers and their children.
23) Kubo:
Kubo likely refers to a contributor or researcher mentioned in the article, important for acknowledging collaborative efforts within public health. Recognizing contributions from various individuals is crucial for advancing understanding and creating effective health interventions targeted toward reducing neurodevelopmental disabilities.
24) Pur:
Poor describes inadequate conditions. The article references the adverse outcomes associated with poor maternal health and nutrition, which can negatively affect child development. Identifying and addressing the causes of poor health in mothers and children is essential for improving overall health outcomes.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Preventing Childhood Neurodisability’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Pregnancy, Anaemia, Auditory cortex, Infant nutrition, Low birth weight, Public Health Initiative, Developmental delay, Iron Deficiency, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neuroinflammation, Motor impairment, Gestational diabetes, Brain development, Pregnancy outcome, Early child development, Prefrontal Cortex, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Psychiatric disorder, Child development, Quality of care, Small for gestational age, Neurogenesis, Maternal and child health, Public health implication, Cognitive disability, Low-birth weight babies, National Health and Morbidity Survey, Motor deficit, Developmental disorder, Synaptic plasticity, Learning difficulty, Synaptogenesis, Institute of public health, Maternal diabetes.