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Biomedical subjects

J D Baum

Publications and source records attributed to J D Baum.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Weaning practices and breast-feeding duration in Northern Thailand.

Current infant feeding guidelines recommend exclusive breast-feeding until the infant is about 4 months old to reduce the risks of early termination of breast-feeding, undernutrition and infection. In many societies, however, supplementary foods are given well before 4 months of age. The present paper describes weaning practices, factors associated with early supplementation and the effects of supplementation on duration of breast-feeding in a random sample of sixty northern Thai breast-fed infants studied prospectively from birth to 2 years of age. Composition of supplementary foods, energy and protein intake from supplements and changes in the supplementary diet with increasing infant age are also described. Rice-based foods were given from soon after birth; 81% of the sample had received supplements by 6 weeks of age. Early supplementary feeding was significantly associated with rural residence, large household size, maternal employment in agriculture and maternal age. Girls and infants with lower birth weights tended to be supplemented earlier. Despite early feeding of supplements, breast-feeding was prolonged, with median duration of 12 months. Early introduction of supplements and quantity of supplements consumed in the first 3 months were not associated with duration of breast-feeding. However, mothers who gave infant formula as the first supplementary food stopped breast-feeding slightly earlier, as did younger mothers living in households with more children.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed1992

Hospital admissions of adolescent patients with diabetes.

This study formed part of a psychological survey of young people aged 10-17 years attending three Bristol diabetes clinics. The aim was to examine the characteristics of those who were admitted to hospital with unstable diabetes during the period between two assessments, and analyse how they differed from the rest. Ten young people were admitted to hospital during the study period. These 10 individuals had greater emotional difficulty with diabetes as measured by diabetes specific psychometric scales (median scale score: 19) compared to the 89 adolescents who were not readmitted (median scale score: 14) (p = 0.01). They did not differ in demographic characteristics or glycaemic control. Overall there was no relationship between psychological response to diabetes and glycaemic control as assessed by mean glycated haemoglobin. Five of those admitted presented with hyperglycaemia; they had greater emotional difficulty (median scale score: 31, p = 0.02) and a more negative attitude (median scale score: 22, p = 0.02) to diabetes than those presenting with hypoglycaemia (median scale scores: 16). Only those with hyperglycaemia differed from those who were not readmitted, having greater emotional difficulty (p = 0.002) and a more negative attitude (p = 0.01). The possibility of psychological difficulties with diabetes should be sought following an admission, particularly for hyperglycaemia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Family characteristics and insulin dependent diabetes.

During the calendar year of 1988 a survey of new cases of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in children under the age of 15 years in the British Isles was conducted. After cases had been confirmed and permission obtained to contact the families, postal questionnaires were sent to the parents of children diagnosed in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Children who developed diabetes were significantly more likely to be heavier at birth in comparison with national reference data. The diabetic children were less likely to have been breast fed, and there were more children than expected whose fathers were in nonmanual occupations. Where there was a first degree relative with IDDM there were positive correlations between the age at diagnosis of the index cases and that of their diabetic fathers and their diabetic siblings, but not their diabetic mothers. A higher proportion of children than expected who were diagnosed under the age of 5 years had fathers with IDDM. Characteristics of family members associated with IDDM in children that might provide pointers to the aetiology of the disease include heavier birth weight, method of infant feeding, the age at onset of IDDM in affected fathers and affected siblings, and the family lifestyle as defined by social class of the father.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Newly diagnosed diabetes: a study of parental satisfaction.

A national survey of 509 parents of children with newly diagnosed diabetes elicited a 92% response rate, showing that 96% of children were admitted to hospital, 42% staying in hospital longer than one week and 41% received an intravenous infusion. More than 90% of parents expressed satisfaction with the information given at diagnosis, the preparation they received before discharge home, and the outpatient follow up services. Home visits from a diabetes nurse specialist (DNS) were received by 73% of families and 44% reported that the DNS was the most supportive person in the first year after diagnosis. Readmission during the first 12 months after diagnosis was required by 23% of children, more often in the youngest age group. Poor liaison with schools and the lack of diabetes knowledge in teachers were the sources of greatest dissatisfaction. Children under the care of paediatricians with no specialist interest in diabetes were significantly more likely to be kept in hospital longer at diagnosis and parents were less satisfied with outpatient care and school liaison. The study supports previous recommendations that diabetes nurse specialists are a priority resource in providing support services and that every district should have a paediatrician with a special interest in diabetes and a designated children's diabetic clinic.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Incidence of insulin dependent diabetes in children aged under 15 years in the British Isles during 1988.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the annual incidence rate of insulin dependent diabetes diagnosed in children under the age of 15 years in the British Isles during 1988, and to compare the results with an earlier study carried out in 1973-4. DESIGN: Active monthly reporting of cases by consultant paediatricians, with additional input from diabetologists and all specialist diabetes nurses and health visitors. SETTING: British Isles (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland) with a total population at risk of 11,819,000 children. PATIENTS: All children diagnosed under the age of 15 years with primary insulin dependent diabetes from 1 January to 31 December 1988 and resident in the British Isles at diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: National incidence rate of insulin dependent diabetes; differences in incidence rates between regions and between three age groups: 4 and under, 5-9, and 10-14 year olds. RESULTS: 1600 children (837 boys and 763 girls) had a confirmed diagnosis of insulin dependent diabetes, giving a national incidence rate of 13.5/100,000/year (95% confidence interval 12.9 to 14.2/100,000/year). This was considerably higher than the incidence rate of 7.7/100,000/year in children under the age of 16 years reported in the British Diabetic Association's study of 1973-4. The age-sex adjusted rates varied between regions, ranging from 6.8/100,000/year (Republic of Ireland) to 19.8/100,000/year (Scotland). There were considerable differences in the numbers of cases diagnosed each month, with the 10-14 year age group showing the most seasonal variation. A quarter of the children (404/1600) were under 5 years old. Case ascertainment was estimated as 90%. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin dependent diabetes in the British Isles does not seem to occur uniformly over time or geographical area. Even allowing for differences in ascertainment between the 1973-4 and 1988 studies, there seems to have been an increase in the incidence rate of insulin dependent diabetes in children under the age of 15 years during the 15 year time period. If diabetes is becoming more common in this age group, possibly by developing earlier in susceptible children, this would be a matter of considerable public health concern.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Cornerstone care for families of children with life-threatening illness.

Forty-five families of children with life-threatening illnesses for up to 10 years were interviewed. The children required many medical disciplines, as well as social, educational and material provisions, and parents described the complex and often distressing job of obtaining that help. They were asked whether they regarded anyone as their co-ordinating cornerstone carer and which qualities of care they most valued. Over three-quarters identified one or more professionals as their cornerstone carer, the most common being paediatricians, domiciliary paediatric nurses and social workers. Nearly a quarter of the families reported not having a cornerstone carer. The ingredients of care especially valued by the parents are described. Families may be better helped and services more rationally used where a cornerstone carer gives support and helps to co-ordinate care in a way that leaves families still feeling in control of their own lives. The issue is raised as to whether patient need or cost/service limitation will be the primary determinant of the way this care is delivered in Britain.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1990

Do changes in pattern of breast usage alter the baby's nutrient intake?

Twelve mother/baby pairs took part in a study of the difference in effect of two patterns of breast feeding--either feeding at one breast or at two breasts during a feed. Baseline measures were taken at 4 weeks, and the test patterns of feeding were followed for a week each, in random order. The two patterns of feeding led to differences in milk volume intake and mean feed fat concentration, but not in the baby's net fat intake per 24 h. The results indicate that the breast-fed baby can regulate his fat intake quickly and thus mothers should be encouraged to practice "baby-led" feeding.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed1990

Development of co-ordination of sucking, swallowing and breathing: ultrasound study of term and preterm infants.

Fourteen newborn babies of different gestational ages (33 to 40 weeks) but similar postnatal age (four to 19 days) were studied during bottle-feeding using real-time ultrasonography, combined with respiratory monitoring. Previously undescribed tongue movements and graded changes in the temporal relationships between tongue movements, swallowing and breathing were observed among infants of differing maturity. These were most marked in the least mature infants, but were occasionally seen in term infants. The results suggest that adequate neuromuscular co-ordination is more a function of gestational maturity than of postnatal sucking experience. The pattern of intraoral events for infants of differing maturity described in this study provides a framework for the study of feeding problems of term and preterm infants.

Bottle Feeding↗
PubMed1990

Cerebral oedema complicating diabetic ketoacidosis.

Four children presented with cerebral oedema secondary to diabetic ketoacidosis, each of whom had a different clinical picture and time of onset of neurological deterioration. No single factor emerged as the cause of the cerebral oedema, but disturbances in brain water balance appeared to be already operative at the time of presentation with ketoacidosis. Irregularities in treatment may exacerbate these disturbances, leading to frank cerebral oedema. Diagnosis of this dangerous complication of diabetic ketoacidosis depends on clinical awareness; the diagnosis may be confirmed by CT scan. Management remains empirical.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Imparting the diagnosis of life threatening illness in children.

The parents of children with life threatening or terminal illnesses were interviewed about their experiences of the way in which they were told the diagnosis. The interview was piloted on 25 families and then administered in a semistandardised manner to a further 45 families. Parents were asked how satisfied they were with the initial discussion about the diagnosis: 23 families were satisfied with how much information they were given; 22 with the information concerning prognosis; 20 with the pacing of the information; 33 with who was present; 32 with arrangements for follow up; and 26 were satisfied overall with the initial discussion. Clear patterns emerged about which elements of the discussion parents appreciated or resented. For example, they valued an open, sympathetic, direct, and uninterrupted discussion of the diagnosis in private that allowed sufficient time for them to take the news in and for doctors to repeat and clarify information. They disliked evasive or unsympathetic brief interviews. All parents remembered vividly the manner in which the diagnosis was imparted, and some were still preoccupied with this many years later. Analyses were carried out to test the possibility that reports of satisfaction and dissatisfaction were a function of current depression and anxiety, but no evidence was found for this.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1989

Relationships between nursing patterns, supplementary food intake and breast-milk intake in a rural Thai population.

Relationships between nursing patterns, supplementary food intake and breast-milk intake were examined in a group of 52 Thai babies under 1 year of age. All data were collected over two consecutive days, 24 h/day. Total sucking time (min/day) and supplementary food intake (kcal/day) were significant predictors of breast-milk intake after allowing for the age of the baby: R-squared is 0.32 for sucking time and 0.39 for supplementary food intake. The two variables were themselves correlated (r is -0.47). The number of breastfeeds per day and their mean duration was determined for each case, counting each episode of attachment to the breast as a separate feed. Number and mean duration of breastfeeds were then evaluated as predictor variables. The duration of feeds had no predictive power. Number of feeds was linearly related to milk intake and combined with age was as good a predictor of milk intake as total sucking time (with R-squared 0.34). These results suggest that a simple count of breastfeeds is as valuable as more complex measures of sucking duration in predicting to breast-milk intake.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed1989

Predictors of breast milk intake in rural northern Thailand.

A random sample of 52 mothers and infants from a rural area of Northern Thailand were studied in their homes for 48 h. Infants were breast fed on demand. Daytime feeds were test weighed with electronic averaging balances and nighttime intake estimated using a new method, Indirect Test Weighing. All feeds, both day and night, were timed to the nearest minute. Other variables measured by direct observation were infant weight, and supplementary food and water intake. Mean 24-h breast milk intake was 579 g (range 78-1,011 g) with a median between day coefficient of variation of 8.8%. The proportion of 24-h breast milk intake consumed at night ranged from 8 to 91%, and increased with increasing infant age. Significant positive associations were found between breast milk intake, and sucking time and infant weight. There were significant negative associations between breast milk intake and age, and supplementary food and water intake.

Body Weight↗
PubMed1989

Staff stress and job satisfaction at a children's hospice.

A study of staff stress and job satisfaction was undertaken in a children's hospice. In addition factors were investigated which might be stressful or which helped staff to manage in difficult circumstances. Three quarters were under comparatively little stress and in general showed very few psychological symptoms but a distinct subgroup were under a great deal of stress. A number of factors, notably recent personal bereavement and unresolved grief about a death that had occurred before they came to work at the hospice, distinguished this small group. Job satisfaction was generally high. The main sources of stress were: the sense of impotence staff felt when they were unable to relieve perceived needs or distress; dealing with negative responses in families, and conflicts within the staff group. The most important mitigating factors were: the informal support that staff provided for each other in this small cohesive working unit, the homelike atmosphere of the hospice, and the diversity of professional and personal skills among the staff group. The implications of these findings for reducing stress among staff dealing with dying people are discussed; this includes not only staff on paediatric wards, intensive care and neonatal units, but also community paediatric nurses.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Life threatening illness and hospice care.

A retrospective study was undertaken of 25 families and their 26 ill children attending the first children's hospice in the United Kingdom. The study examined the family's perceptions of the care offered and the impact of chronic and life threatening illness. Eighteen (72%) of the families felt they had been well supported by the hospice and valued the family like atmosphere, perceiving the staff to be friendly, approachable, and helpful. The actual nature of hospice care, in an environment with other terminally ill children, was, however, considered a drawback for a few families. A number of families still had unmet needs, notably appropriate child minding when away from the hospice. The impact of chronic life threatening illness on the families was substantial. The parents (particularly the mothers), the index children, and their siblings all experienced much higher levels of psychological symptomatology than would have been expected from normal samples. While families felt greatly helped over symptom control, a proportion remained very worried about certain symptoms, particularly breathlessness, seizures, and pain. A high proportion of families were experiencing financial and employment difficulties as a result of their children's illnesses.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Circadian variation in fat concentration of breast-milk in a rural northern Thai population.

1. Twenty-five northern Thai mothers, breast-feeding their infants on demand, were studied in their homes for 24 h. All breast-feeds were test-weighed and pre- and post-feed expressed breast-milk samples (0.5 ml) taken at each feed. 2. The fat concentration of milk taken during a feed showed significant circadian variation, with maximum values between 16.00 and 20.00 hours and minimum values between 04.00 and 08.00 hours. Fat concentration at the start and at the end of a feed also varied significantly over 24 h. 3. Multiple regression analysis showed that the most important predictor of fat concentration at a feed was the length of time elapsed since the previous feed--the longer this interval, the lower the subsequent fat concentration. Other significant predictors were the fat concentration at the end of the previous feed, and the milk intake at the previous and at the current feed. 4. Fat concentration declined between feeds in proportion to the length of time between feeds, but the decline was less between sleep feeds than between waking feeds. This would appear to be a reflection of the lower post-feed fat concentration and higher pre-feed fat concentration of sleep feeds compared with waking feeds, when other variables relating to feeding pattern are taken into account. 5. The larger the milk intake at a feed, the greater was the increase in fat concentration from the start to the end of the feed. The change in fat concentration was less in feeds taking place during the sleep period than in daytime feeds.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Estimation of 24 h breast-milk fat concentration and fat intake in rural northern Thailand.

1. The present study assesses the accuracy with which mean 24 h breast-milk composition can be estimated if milk samples can only be collected during the daytime. 2. Twenty-five northern Thai mothers, feeding their infants on demand, were studied in their homes for 24 h. All feeds were test-weighed and 0.5 ml pre- and post-feed expressed milk samples taken at each feed. 3. If daytime sampling was restricted to two breast-feeds, it was found that the best estimate of 24 h fat concentration was given by two randomly chosen daytime feeds, predicting 24 h fat concentration with 95% confidence limits of +/- 7.0 g/l (equivalent to 21% of mean 24 h fat concentration). 4. Alternative sampling methods using the mean fat concentration of the feed after 08.00 hours and after 18.00 hours, or the first two feeds after 12.00 hours, predicted fat concentration with 95% confidence limits of +/- 9.7 g/l and +/- 8.9 g/l (28 and 26% of mean 24 h fat concentration) respectively. 5. If well-tolerated by mothers, it would be preferable to sample all daytime feeds, since this reduces the 95% confidence limits to +/- 3.3 g/l, equivalent to 10% of the mean 24 h fat concentration.

Adult↗