MINA study - Maternal and child health in Acre: birth cohort in the Western Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

This research line integrates a program of epidemiological surveys on maternal and child health and nutrition in the city of Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre state, Western Brazilian Amazon. This is the first birth cohort study in a malaria endemic area - Materno-Infantil no Acre (MINA Study). The central hypothesis is focused on the relations among socioeconomic, intergenerational, and child nutritional and morbidity exposures and the health profile observed during childhood. It is speculated that such associations encompass a double burden of disease, which may affect the development since early stages of life. The overall objective aims to identify early determinants to promote infant growth and development with prevention of morbidities and nutritional deficiencies, without leading to excessive weight gain and adiposity. The main lines of research are: a) Anemia, nutritional status and micronutrient deficiencies; b) Malaria and other infections; c) Maternal lifestyle (dietary patterns, physical activity, smoking, alcohol and illegal drugs); d) Weight gain, genetic factors and maternal and child metabolic disorders; e) Maternal mental health and child development; and f) Intestinal microbiota and child feeding behavior. The study design will be a population-based birth cohort. Obstetric, prenatal care and morbidity data, socioeconomic characteristics, dietary intake and biochemical indicators of mothers and their babies will be collected during the follow-up period. Findings of the present study will contribute to the current knowledge on mechanisms and impact of biological and psychosocial factors of determinants of maternal and child health, supporting the planning of interventions aimed at reducing the risk associated with morbidity and nutritional disorders and their consequences on maternal and child health. (AU)