Publications by authors named "K J Arslanian"
Article Synopsis
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are harmful environmental pollutants that have not been extensively studied in low- and middle-income countries like Samoa; this study aimed to investigate their presence in infants' blood.
- The research analyzed blood samples from infants at birth and 4 months old, finding 19 PFAS in cord blood and 12 in dried blood spots, with notable associations to factors like sex, maternal age, and socio-economic status.
- Results indicated that PFAS levels were generally lower than in other reported studies, except for one type (PFHxS), while feeding practices also influenced PFAS concentrations, showing higher levels in formula-fed infants compared to those who were exclusively breastfed.
Article Synopsis
- PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are long-lasting environmental contaminants linked to health risks, but research on their effects in low- and middle-income countries like Samoa is limited.
- A study analyzed 40 PFAS compounds in infant cord blood from 66 newborns and dried blood samples from 50 infants at four months old, finding that 19 PFAS were present in cord blood and 12 in dried blood.
- The study revealed associations between PFAS concentrations and factors like sex, socioeconomic status, and feeding methods, marking the first evidence of PFAS contamination in Samoa and highlighting the need for further research on its health impacts.
The epidemiology of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders is minimally understood. The purpose of this study was to estimate pooled prevalence of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders and to estimate their risk of preterm birth compared to White/European women. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Global Health, and two regional journals in March 2023.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly (BBF) initiative provides countries with an evidence-based toolbox to improve the national breastfeeding environment by assessing and developing a plan to effectively scale up well-coordinated national policies and programs. BBF is carried out by a multi-institutional, intersectoral committee of experts, convening across five committee meetings designed to produce policy recommendations that can be implemented in the country's context. Samoa successfully completed the BBF initiative in 2018, resulting in the institution of breastfeeding policy in hospitals and the establishment of lactation rooms within government ministries.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To better understand the epidemiology of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders in the United States and the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands.
Methods: Systematic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, two nonindexed regional journals, and gray literature were conducted and finalized in September 2021. Observational studies published since January 2010 that documented preterm birth outcomes among Pacific Islanders in the United States and the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands were eligible for inclusion.