Maternal and Child Health News
Can a screening for social determinants of health effectively inform children's health care?
October 7, 2019 A study by students and faculty at the UNC Gillings School explored whether screening tools that examine social determinants of health in children can accurately identify early indicators of risk. Based on the researchers' comprehensive review of existing literature, it remains unclear whether such screenings — which aim to consider risk factors outside traditional medical information — inform better care for children.
Palmquist co-authors breastfeeding brief for UNICEF on family-friendly work policies
September 30, 2019 A Gillings School researcher contributes to a new report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that calls on governments and businesses to invest in family-friendly policies such as paid leave, support for breastfeeding mothers, affordable childcare and the inclusion of child benefits.
FDA approves breakthrough drug to treat Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
September 4, 2019 Recently, the FDA announced its approval of pretomanid, a new drug developed to treat Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB) and treatment intolerant/non-responsive Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) TB. Pretomanid is only the third anti-TB drug approved by the FDA in more than 40 years.
Sharing breast milk is increasingly common, but its impact on infant nutrition is understudied
September 4, 2019 Though many families worldwide turn to various methods of human milk exchange to feed and nourish their infants, researchers have done little to explore the impact of sharing breast milk on infant health outcomes and malnutrition.
Gillings School redoubles efforts on implementation science and HIV in South Africa
August 20, 2019 What connects South Africa, the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, and public health teaching and research? Two words: Implementation science.
Study links racial disparities, maternal substance use with CPS reporting rates in Alaska
August 9, 2019 In 2016, child protective services (CPS) agencies in the United States received an estimated 4.1 million allegations of abuse or neglect. Previous research suggests that a report made to CPS is a marker of child risk and vulnerability — regardless of what the outcome is. A new study delves deeper into this connection from a public health perspective, analyzing the factors associated with different patterns of CPS contact among families in Alaska.
Singh Ongechi awarded Hettleman Prize for supporting mothers and children around the globe
August 9, 2019 "Dr. Singh Ongechi’s innovative work consistently has contributed to the improvement of the health of vulnerable populations who are, at times, invisible," said Dr. Carolyn Halpern.
Packard Foundation to support ‘score card’ intervention for family planning in Kenya
July 3, 2019 Dr. Katherine Tumlinson wants to help women in low-income countries access family planning. "Women must be able to safely achieve their desired family size,” she says, “but health care providers in these countries sometimes discourage family planning use by engaging in negative behaviors."
UNC Gillings researchers translate Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for use in rural Iraq
June 26, 2019 “Mental health is a part of public health,” explained Dr. Dilshad Jaff. “In order to assess mental health properly, we also need to evaluate sleep quality.”
Peterson inducted as Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
June 19, 2019 Dr. Herbert Peterson, William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of maternal and child health at the UNC Gillings School, was inducted June 15 as a Fellow Honoris Causa of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The ceremony took place at the RCOG headquarters in London.
