Mental health from childhood to adolescence predicts excessive weight and body composition at 18 years.

Objective: To investigate the association of mental health in childhood and adolescence with four outcomes at 18 years: ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, body mass index (BMI), excessive weight (EW), and body composition, including fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) in kg, FM index (FMI) and FFM index (FFMI) in kg/m.

Methods: Cohort study in which The Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) (6 and 11 years) and the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) (18 years) provided information on internalizing (INT), externalizing (EXT) and any mental disorder (ANY). The exposure was classified in: "never", "at 6 and/or 11 years", "at 18 years only" and "at 6, 11, and 18 years".

A composite index; socioeconomic deprivation and coverage of reproductive and maternal health interventions.

Objective: To examine inequalities in the coverage of reproductive and maternal health interventions in low- and middle-income countries and territories using a composite index of socioeconomic deprivation status.

Methods: We obtained data on education and living standards from national household surveys conducted between 2015 and 2019 to calculate socioeconomic deprivation status. We assessed the coverage of reproductive and maternal health interventions, using three indicators: (i) demand for family planning satisfied with modern methods; (ii) women who received antenatal care in at least four visits; and (iii) the presence of a skilled attendant at delivery.

Accelerometer-based sleep metrics and gut microbiota during adolescence: Association findings from a Brazilian population-based birth cohort.

Background: Sleep and gut microbiota are emerging putative risk factors for several physical, mental, and cognitive conditions. Sleep deprivation has been shown to be linked with unhealthy microbiome environments in animal studies. However, in humans, the results are mixed.

Women's marital status and use of family planning services across male- and female-headed households in low- and middle-income countries.

Background: As more households are being led by women, who are often seen as disadvantaged, more attention is being given to the potential association of female household headship with health. We aimed to assess how demand for family planning satisfied by modern methods (mDFPS) is associated with residence in female or male headed households and how this intersects with marital status and sexual activity.

Methods: We used data from national health surveys carried out in 59 low- and middle-income countries between 2010 and 2020.

Learning from success cases: ecological analysis of potential pathways to universal access to family planning care in low- and middle-income countries.

Background  Universal access to family planning services is a well-recognized human right and several countries and organizations are committed to this goal. Our objective was to identify countries who improved family planning coverage in the last 40 years and investigate which contexts enabled those advances.  Methods  Analyses were based on data from publicly available national health surveys carried out since 1986 in Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Brazil, and Ecuador, selected based on previous evidence.

Prelacteal feeding and its relationship with exclusive breastfeeding and formula consumption among infants in low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Early feeding practices are important determinants of optimal feeding patterns later in life. We aimed to investigate if giving any fluids or foods other than breast milk during the first three days after birth (prelacteal feeds) affects exclusive breastfeeding and consumption of formula among children under six months of age in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from 85 nationally representative Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) in LMICs (2010-2019).

[SDG3-related inequalities in women's, children's and adolescents' health: an SDG monitoring baseline for Latin America and the Caribbean using national cross-sectional surveysDesigualdades relacionadas ao ODS 3 na saúde da mulher, da criança e do adolescente: linha de base para o monitoramento do ODS na América Latina e no Caribe por meio de pesquisas transversais nacionais].

Objectives: Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries have made important progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets related to health (SDG3) at the national level. However, vast within-country health inequalities remain. We present a baseline of health inequalities in the region, against which progress towards the SDGs can be monitored.

Paving the way to understanding female-headed households: Variation in household composition across 103 low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Female-headed households (FHHs) are regarded as disadvantaged. There are multiple social trajectories that can lead to women heading households. It is important to distinguish between these trajectories, as well as societal norms and contextual factors, to understand how and when are FHHs represented as a dimension of gender inequity.

SDG3-related inequalities in women's, children's and adolescents' health: an SDG monitoring baseline for Latin America and the Caribbean using national cross-sectional surveys.

Objectives: Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries have made important progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets related to health (SDG3) at the national level. However, vast within-country health inequalities remain. We present a baseline of health inequalities in the region, against which progress towards the SDGs can be monitored.

Time-dependent decay of detectable antibodies against SARS-CoV-2: A comparison of ELISA with two batches of a lateral-flow test.

Background: Large-scale epidemiological studies of seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 often rely on point-of-care tests that provide immediate results to participants. Yet, little is known on how long rapid tests remain positive after the COVID-19 episode, or how much variability exists across different brands and even among batches of the same test.

Methods: In November 2020, we assessed the sensitivity of three tests applied to 133 individuals with a previous positive PCR result between April and October.

Is women's empowerment associated with coverage of RMNCH interventions in low- and middle-income countries? An analysis using a survey-based empowerment indicator, the SWPER.

Background: Women's empowerment has a strong potential to promote sustainable development. We evaluate the association between women's empowerment and the Composite Coverage Index (CCI), a weighted average of coverage of eight interventions in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH). We also assess whether these effects are modified by wealth.

SWPER Global: A survey-based women's empowerment index expanded from Africa to all low- and middle-income countries.

Unlabelled: B In 2017, a survey-based women's empowerment index (SWPER) was proposed for African countries, including three domains: social independence, decision making and attitude to violence. External validity and predictive value of the SWPER has been demonstrated in terms of coverage of maternal and child interventions and use of modern contraception. To determine its value for global monitoring, we explored the applicability of the SWPER in national health surveys from low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) in other world regions.

Influence of maternal pre-pregnancy nutritional status on offspring anthropometric measurements and body composition in three Brazilian Birth Cohorts.

Objective: We aimed at evaluating the association of maternal pre-pregnancy nutritional status with offspring anthropometry and body composition. We also evaluated whether these associations were modified by gender, diet and physical activity and mediated by birth weight.

Design: Birth cohort study.

The impact of women's empowerment on their children's early development in 26 African countries.

Background: Every year more than 200 million children under-five years fail to achieve their full developmental potential in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although women´s empowerment has been associated with improved child health and development outcomes, this is a topic little studied in LMICs. We investigated the associations between women´s empowerment and early childhood development among a sample population of 84537 children aged 36-59 months from national health surveys of 26 African countries.

Consumption of breast milk, formula and other non-human milk by children aged under 2 years: analysis of eighty-six low- and middle-income countries.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and socio-economic inequalities in breast milk, breast milk substitutes (BMS) and other non-human milk consumption, by children under 2 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Design: We analysed the prevalence of continued breast-feeding at 1 and 2 years and frequency of formula and other non-human milk consumption by age in months. Indicators were estimated through 24-h dietary recall.

Early childhood suspected developmental delay in 63 low- and middle-income countries: Large within- and between-country inequalities documented using national health surveys.

Unlabelled: Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.

Background: The Sustainable Development Goals call for inclusive, equitable and quality learning opportunities for all. This is especially important for children, to ensure they all develop to their full potential.

Time trends in demand for family planning satisfied: analysis of 73 countries using national health surveys over a 24-year period.

Background: Universal access to family planning is key to extend its health and economic benefits worldwide. Our aim was to track progress in demand for family planning satisfied with modern methods (mDFPS) and its inequalities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods: Analyses were based on Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys carried out between 1993 and 2017 in 73 LMICs, using data for married women aged 15-49 years.

Association between availability of children's book and the literacy-numeracy skills of children aged 36 to 59 months: secondary analysis of the UNICEF Multiple-Indicator Cluster Surveys covering 35 countries.

Background: Stimulating home environments that have children's books, pictures and play toys facilitate caregiver-child interactions and enhance children's development. Although this has been demonstrated in small-scale intervention studies, it is important to document whether book ownership is beneficial at large scale in low and middle-income settings.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis using data from the multiple-indicator cluster survey, covering 100 012 children aged 36-59 months, from 35 countries.

Gender bias in careseeking practices in 57 low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Preventive and curative medical interventions can reduce child mortality. It is important to assess whether there is gender bias in access to these interventions, which can lead to preferential treatment of children of a given sex.

Methods: Data from Demographic and Health Surveys carried out in 57 low- and middle-income countries were used.

Summary indices for monitoring universal coverage in maternal and child health care.

Objective: To compare two summary indicators for monitoring universal coverage of reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health care.

Methods: Using our experience of the Countdown to 2015 initiative, we describe the characteristics of the composite coverage index (a weighted average of eight preventive and curative interventions along the continuum of care) and co-coverage index (a cumulative count of eight preventive interventions that should be received by all mothers and children). For in-depth analysis and comparisons, we extracted data from 49 demographic and health surveys.

Inequalities in full immunization coverage: trends in low- and middle-income countries.

Objective: To investigate disparities in full immunization coverage across and within 86 low- and middle-income countries.

Methods: In May 2015, using data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, we investigated inequalities in full immunization coverage - i.e.

Mother-child bed-sharing trajectories and psychiatric disorders at the age of 6 years.

Background: Little is known about the effect of bed-sharing with the mother over the child mental health.

Methods: Population-based birth cohort conducted in Pelotas, Brazil. Children were enrolled at birth (n=4231) and followed-up at 3 months and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 years of age.

Patterns and determinants of antenatal care utilization: analysis of national survey data in seven countdown countries.

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is critical for improving maternal and newborn health. WHO recommends that pregnant women complete at least four ANC visits. Countdown and other global monitoring efforts track the proportions of women who receive one or more visits by a skilled provider (ANC1+) and four or more visits by any provider (ANC4+).