Melissa Benavente
Academic and research departments
Maternal, Child and Family Health Expert Group, School of Health Sciences.About
My research project
Nutritional, economic, and environmental impacts on anaemia in Indian children from birth to age 18 yearsAnaemia is a major public health concern in developing countries; primarily affecting young children, adolescent females, and pregnant women. Anaemia in childhood and adolescence can affect physical growth and cognitive function, with likely further impacts on reproductive health in women. While many of the causes of anaemia are treatable, especially iron-deficiency which is the commonest cause, in India the anaemia prevention and control programmes have been unable to reduce its prevalence. The reasons for this are unclear, but are likely to involve many health, environmental and sociological aspects. Data-science approaches offer a new opportunity to explore this further, with the potential to reveal previously unrecognised patterns of anaemia over time.
The Pune Maternal Nutrition Study (PMNS) has recruited 800 pregnant women, across six villages around Pune city, Maharashtra, India. Over 650 children born to these women were also recruited, tracked from birth, and followed-up at 6, 12 and 18 years. This PhD will analyse data collected as part of the PMNS. The team will apply methods in epidemiology as well as methods in AI and machine learning, to these data to investigate nutritional, economic, and environmental impacts on anaemia, and both physical and cognitive development in Indian children.
The main objectives of this PhD are:
- Identify nutritional, economic, and environmental impacts on anaemia and development in children.
- Examine micronutrient trends (Iron, Folate and Vitamin B12) during pregnancy and childhood to assess and inform health programmes and policies.
- Apply machine learning and advanced analytics to identify population stratifiers and subgroups that can better direct patient management and improve outcomes.
Supervisors
Anaemia is a major public health concern in developing countries; primarily affecting young children, adolescent females, and pregnant women. Anaemia in childhood and adolescence can affect physical growth and cognitive function, with likely further impacts on reproductive health in women. While many of the causes of anaemia are treatable, especially iron-deficiency which is the commonest cause, in India the anaemia prevention and control programmes have been unable to reduce its prevalence. The reasons for this are unclear, but are likely to involve many health, environmental and sociological aspects. Data-science approaches offer a new opportunity to explore this further, with the potential to reveal previously unrecognised patterns of anaemia over time.
The Pune Maternal Nutrition Study (PMNS) has recruited 800 pregnant women, across six villages around Pune city, Maharashtra, India. Over 650 children born to these women were also recruited, tracked from birth, and followed-up at 6, 12 and 18 years. This PhD will analyse data collected as part of the PMNS. The team will apply methods in epidemiology as well as methods in AI and machine learning, to these data to investigate nutritional, economic, and environmental impacts on anaemia, and both physical and cognitive development in Indian children.
The main objectives of this PhD are:
- Identify nutritional, economic, and environmental impacts on anaemia and development in children.
- Examine micronutrient trends (Iron, Folate and Vitamin B12) during pregnancy and childhood to assess and inform health programmes and policies.
- Apply machine learning and advanced analytics to identify population stratifiers and subgroups that can better direct patient management and improve outcomes.
Publications
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is characterised by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Diagnosis is complex and time-consuming. Medication requires careful selection and dose titration. Technologies for objective measures of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that use motion sensors to measure hyperactivity ('sensor continuous performance tests') may help improve the diagnostic process and medication management when used in addition to clinical assessment.BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder is characterised by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Diagnosis is complex and time-consuming. Medication requires careful selection and dose titration. Technologies for objective measures of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that use motion sensors to measure hyperactivity ('sensor continuous performance tests') may help improve the diagnostic process and medication management when used in addition to clinical assessment.To determine whether sensor continuous performance tests are clinically effective and cost-effective to the National Health Service. Specific objectives were to determine the effectiveness of sensor continuous performance tests for: diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in people referred with suspected attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in people referred with suspected attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for whom current assessment cannot reach a diagnosis during initial dose titration and treatment decisions for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder evaluating treatment effectiveness during long-term treatment monitoring for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.ObjectiveTo determine whether sensor continuous performance tests are clinically effective and cost-effective to the National Health Service. Specific objectives were to determine the effectiveness of sensor continuous performance tests for: diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in people referred with suspected attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in people referred with suspected attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for whom current assessment cannot reach a diagnosis during initial dose titration and treatment decisions for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder evaluating treatment effectiveness during long-term treatment monitoring for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Systematic review and economic model (searches completed 17 November 2023).DesignSystematic review and economic model (searches completed 17 November 2023).Objective 1 [29 studies - 25 QbTest (QbTech Ltd., Stockholm, Sweden), 2 EF Sim (Peili Vision, Oulu, Finland) and 2 Nesplora Kids (Giunti Psychometrics, Florence, Italy)]: most evidence was in children. The AQUA trial was the only study to evaluate the QbTest in combination with clinical assessment and included a comparison with clinical assessment alone. Accuracy was similar and there was no statistical evidence of a difference between groups (p = 0.14), but the study was at high risk of bias. The AQUA trial reported that adding QbTest to the diagnostic process resulted in fewer appointments to reach a diagnosis, reduced consultation time, greater clinician confidence and exclusion of the diagnosis in a more children. Findings were supported by limited data from uncontrolled before-after studies. Qualitative and survey data reported increased clinician confidence in clinical decision-making, reduced time to diagnostic decision and improved communication. Barriers to implementation included staffing, training, technology requirements and length and repetitive content of the test. We found that using QbTest in addition to clinical assessment was likely cost-effective due to the reduced time waiting for assessment, reduced appointments until diagnosis and a higher proportion receiving treatment benefits. Objective 3 (six studies): All evaluated QbTest and most had concerns with risk of bias. Qualitative and survey data suggested that healthcare staff and families valued the QbTest for dose titration, checking medication utility and improving medication adherence. Some data suggested that results may not increase patient understanding and some clinicians highlighted logistical challenges. No studies were identified for objectives 2 and 4.ResultsObjective 1 [29 studies - 25 QbTest (QbTech Ltd., Stockholm, Sweden), 2 EF Sim (Peili Vision, Oulu, Finland) and 2 Nesplora Kids (Giunti Psychometrics, Florence, Italy)]: most evidence was in children. The AQUA trial was the only study to evaluate the QbTest in combination with clinical assessment and included a comparison with clinical assessment alone. Accuracy was similar and there was no statistical evidence of a difference between groups (p = 0.14), but the study was at high risk of bias. The AQUA trial reported that adding QbTest to the diagnostic process resulted in fewer appointments to reach a diagnosis, reduced consultation time, greater clinician confidence and exclusion of the diagnosis in a more children. Findings were supported by limited data from uncontrolled before-after studies. Qualitative and survey data reported increased clinician confidence in clinical decision-making, reduced time to diagnostic decision and improved communication. Barriers to implementation included staffing, training, technology requirements and length and repetitive content of the test. We found that using QbTest in addition to clinical assessment was likely cost-effective due to the reduced time waiting for assessment, reduced appointments until diagnosis and a higher proportion receiving treatment benefits. Objective 3 (six studies): All evaluated QbTest and most had concerns with risk of bias. Qualitative and survey data suggested that healthcare staff and families valued the QbTest for dose titration, checking medication utility and improving medication adherence. Some data suggested that results may not increase patient understanding and some clinicians highlighted logistical challenges. No studies were identified for objectives 2 and 4.Our results suggest that QbTesting as part of the diagnostic workup for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children (age
Purpose The Maharashtra Anaemia Study 3 (MAS 3) aims to (1) Investigate the nutritional, environmental, and economic impacts on haemoglobin concentration/anaemia, (2) Identify the underlying micronutrient causes of anaemia and (3) Investigate the association between anaemia and physical and cognitive development of Indian children during their first 18 years of life. This paper introduces the MAS 3 cohort, which consists of data collected from the participants in the prospective Pune Maternal Nutrition Study from the antenatal period to children at 18 years of age (1996–2014) in the Maharashtra state, India. Participants Recruitment of 2466 married non-pregnant women, and their husbands, took place between June 1994 and April 1996 in six villages, approximately 50 km from Pune city in India. Women were followed up monthly to identify those who became pregnant. A total of 797 pregnant women were followed up for data collection at or near gestational week 18 and 28, with further data collection for women and children occurring within 72 hours of delivery, for both live and stillbirths. Of the 797 women, 710 were included in the MAS 3 cohort, and long-term follow-up of children occurred at 6 years, 12 years and 18 years of age. Findings to date In the MAS 3 cohort, most mothers (73%) were aged between 18 and 25 years at the time of their final prepregnancy visit (baseline), and half (55%) belonged to families of middle-upper socioeconomic status (SES). At the children’s baseline (birth) visit, children had a mean birth weight of 2630 g (SD: 376), with one third (31%) of low birth weight. At the 6-year, 12-year and 18-year follow-up visits, data were available for 706 (99%), 689 (97%) and 694 (98%) children. Future plans MAS 3 will be used to address a number of research objectives, including (1) Trends of haemoglobin and anaemia-related micronutrients from age 6 to 18 years, (2) Micronutrient causes of anaemia during childhood, (3) Prevalence and risk factors for maternal anaemia and childhood anaemia, (4) Impact of maternal anaemia on immediate birth outcomes and (5) Intergenerational risk factors associated with anaemia.
Background Anemia is a global burden, with women and children being most at risk. Moreover, anemia during pregnancy has been reported to be associated with adverse outcomes for both the mother and the offspring. In India, anemia is considered a national health issue and is estimated to have the highest prevalence in the world. Objectives To report on the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women in India, to determine offspring outcomes that have been assessed for an association with maternal anemia in India, and to identify gaps in current knowledge. Methods Four databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science) were searched using a systematic search strategy to identify relevant studies conducted in India. The search was limited to studies published between 1990 and 2023 and written in English. The exposure of interest was maternal anemia. The review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Results A total of 15 studies were included in this review. The reported prevalence of maternal anemia ranged from 21.26% to 90.46%. A total of 37 offspring outcomes were assessed for an association with maternal anemia, and the most widely reported outcomes related to offspring birthweight. Conclusion Maternal anemia during pregnancy appears to adversely affect the physical and cognitive development of Indian children. However, it remains unclear as to whether such adverse effects persist into adolescence and adulthood. Further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of maternal anemia to develop suitable health interventions.
Objectives To explore patient, carer and clinician experiences of the QbTest and its impact on patient outcomes for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and medication management. Design Mixed-methods systematic review. Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP (from inception to September 2024). Study selection Primary studies, of any design, that evaluated any version of the QbTest (QbMini
Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common but heterogenous and is associated with multiple adverse outcomes. The National Unified Renal Translational Research Enterprise (NURTuRE)-CKD cohort was established to investigate risk factors for clinically important outcomes in persons with CKD referred to secondary care. Methods Eligible participants with CKD stages G3-4 or stages G1-2 plus albuminuria >30 mg/mmol were enrolled from 16 nephrology centres in England, Scotland and Wales from 2017 to 2019. Baseline assessment included demographic data, routine laboratory data and research samples. Clinical outcomes are being collected over 15 years by the UK Renal Registry using established data linkage. Baseline data are presented with subgroup analysis by age, sex and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results A total of 2996 participants was enrolled. Median (interquartile range) age was 66 (54-74) years, eGFR 33.8 (24.0-46.6) mL/min/1.73 m(2) and urine albumin to creatinine ratio 209 (33-926) mg/g; 58.5% were male. Of these participants, 1883 (69.1%) were in high-risk CKD categories. Primary renal diagnosis was CKD of unknown cause in 32.3%, glomerular disease in 23.4% and diabetic kidney disease in 11.5%. Older participants and those with lower eGFR had higher systolic blood pressure and were less likely to be treated with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) but were more likely to receive a statin. Female participants were less likely to receive a RASi or statin. Conclusions NURTuRE-CKD is a prospective cohort of persons who are at relatively high risk of adverse outcomes. Long-term follow-up and a large biorepository create opportunities for research to improve risk prediction and to investigate underlying mechanisms to inform new treatment development.
Graphical Abstract
Background. Many non-modifiable factors are associated with poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) experienced by people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We hypothesize that potentially modifiable factors for poor HRQoL can be identified among CKD patients, providing potential targets for intervention. Method. The National Unified Renal Translational Research Enterprise Chronic Kidney Disease (NURTuRE-CKD) cohort study recruited 2996 participants from nephrology centres with all stages of non-dialysis-dependent CKD. Baseline data collection for sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical and clinical information, including Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale renal, Hospital Anxiety and Depression score (HADS) and the 5-level EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D-5L) as HRQoL measure, took place between 2017 and 2019. EQ-5D-5L dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression) were mapped to an EQ-5D-3L value set to derive index value. Multivariable mixed effects regression models, adjusted for known factors affecting HRQoL with recruitment region as a random effect, were fit to assess potentially modifiable factors associated with index value (linear) and within each dimension (logistic). Results. Among the 2958/2996 (98.7%) participants with complete EQ-5D data, 2201 (74.4%) reported problems in at least one EQ-5D-5L dimension. Multivariable linear regression identified independent associations between poorer HRQoL (EQ-5D-3L index value) and obesity (body mass index >= 30.0 kg/m2, beta -0.037, 95% CI -0.058 to -0.016, P = .001), HADS depression score >= 8 (beta -0.159, -0.182 to -0.137, P < .001), anxiety score >= 8 (beta -0.090, -0.110 to -0.069, P < .001), taking >= 10 medications (beta -0.065, -0.085 to -0.046, P < .001), sarcopenia (beta -0.062, -0.080 to -0.043, P < .001) haemoglobin