Title:
Determinants of Congenital Anomalies in Afghanistan
Authors:
Hashimi, Said Mujahid
Place:
Amsterdam
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2017
PAGE:
xv, 54
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Afghanistan, congenital anomalies, birth defects, risk factors, determinants, causes
Abstract:
Background: As under-five mortality due to communicable disease has declined in Afghanistan over the last 15 years, congenital anomalies are emerging among the main (residual) causes of under-five mortality, and therefore it is time to focus on this hidden public health problem. So far no systematic study has been conducted on the determinants of congenital anomalies in Afghanistan. Main Objective and methodology: Main objective is to explore the burden and social determinants of congenital anomalies in Afghanistan and provide recommendation for policy makers. A literature review of published and unpublished articles related to congenital anomalies was conducted, with searched through databases (VU Amsterdam, and PubMed), and search engines (Google and Google Scholar). Findings: There is scarcity of data about congenital anomalies in Afghanistan; most data are based on modeling and estimations. Prevalence of congenital anomalies in Afghanistan is 74.9/1000 live births. congenital anomalies contribute to 6% of neonatal mortality and is fourth cause of DALYs, annually an average of 2600 children are born with Down syndrome, 835 with congenital rubella syndrome and 2292 with NTDs, and an estimated total of 64,000 children may be born with genetic or partially genetic disorders. Prevalence of consanguinity in Afghanistan is 40- 49% and an estimated 32.9% of congenital anomalies may be attributed to consanguinity; while, advanced maternal age may contribute to 20% of congenital anomalies, followed by high fertility rate, insufficient supplementation of folic acid, congenital infections and insufficient health services. Socio cultural, traditional, socio economic and religious preferences influence these determinants and are the root causes for high consanguineous marriages, underused of ANC, family planning and increased exposure to environmental teratogens. Although some interventions exist in current reproductive and child health programs, there is no explicit strategy for control of congenital anomalies in Afghanistan to address congenital anomalies. Conclusion: Congenital anomalies make an important and relatively increasing contribution to under five mortality. It is necessary to increase awareness about importance of congenital anomalies and the fact that this burden can be reduced through a set of integrated and cost effective interventions, stimulate research and develop a national congenital anomalies control program.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Afghanistan
Region:
South Asia
Training:
Master of Public Health
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2017 Hashimi
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
TS2Y1KeS30_20180415125547346.pdf