Optic Neuropathy among a Prison Population in Papua New Guinea

Tousignant, Benoît; Brian, Garry; Venn, Bernard; Gould, C.A.; McKay, Robert D.; Williams, Sheila

doi:10.3109/09286586.2012.742552

Cited by 11 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…On the other hand, the high prevalence of underweight among the convicts could be due to low rations and quality of food served on top of severe prison related stress [50, 51]. Previous studies have also reported that prisoners faced a wide spectrum of nutritional problems [10–12, 14, 41, 52–54] and diets were not balanced [13, 54]. Nevertheless, it is important to note that our observed burden of underweight among the prisoners could be overestimated due to the fact that our study was based on prisoners who had respiratory/TB infection in which weight loss is a typical feature of such health problems.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

One-fourth of the prisoners are underweight in Northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abera

Adane

2017

BMC Public Health

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BackgroundDespite the fact that prisoners are exposed to different health problems, prison health problems are often overlooked by researchers and no previous study has investigated nutritional problems of prisoners in Ethiopia.MethodsCross-sectional data were collected from 809 prisoners from nine major prison setups in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. A proportional stratified sampling technique was used to select the total number of participants needed from each prison site. The outcome of this study was underweight defined as body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5 kg/m2. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to identify determinants of underweight at a p-value of less than 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of underweight was 25.2% (95% CI; 22.3%- 28.3%). Khat Chewing (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.17, 3.70) and longer duration of incarceration (OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.14) were associated with a significantly increased risk of underweight. Additionally, previous incarceration (OR = 1.54; 95% CI = 0.99, 2.42) was a relevant determinant of underweight with a borderline significance. In contrast, family support (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.43, 0.85) and farmer occupation (OR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.36, 0.98) compared to those who were unemployed were important protective determinants significantly associated with lower risk of underweight.ConclusionIn summary, the burden of underweight was higher among prisoners in Tigray region who had respiratory tract infections. The study has enhanced our understanding of the determinants of underweight in the prison population. We strongly recommend that nutritional support, such as therapeutic feeding programs for severely or moderately underweight prisoners, and environmental health interventions of the prison setups should be urgently implemented to correct the uncovered nutritional problem and its associated factors for improving the health status of prisoners.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

One-fourth of the prisoners are underweight in Northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abera

Adane

2017

BMC Public Health

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“…Xerophthalmia in the prisoners was found to be associated with a low intake of vitamin A [8] and optic neuropathy with low folate status [7]. The extremely low folate concentrations found would render the prisoners at high risk of megaloblastic anaemia [30].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In response to the report, and in order to provide evidence-based advice to prison authorities, an ophthalmic and nutritional survey was undertaken to identify the prevalence of optic neuropathy and to investigate potential nutritional and toxic correlates of the disease. As a result of this investigation, optic neuropathy with a prevalence estimate of 10.4% among prisoners was found to be associated with length of incarceration, age, and low blood folate concentrations [7]. Some prisoners exhibited xerophthalmia associated with vitamin A deficiency [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cross-sectional dietary deficiencies among a prison population in Papua New Guinea

Gould

Tousignant

Brian

et al. 2013

BMC Int Health Hum Rights

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BackgroundTo investigate the dietary adequacy of prisoners of Beon Prison, Madang, Papua New Guinea in response to a report of possible nutritional deficiency.MethodsWe undertook an observational, cross-sectional study. All 254 male inmates (May 2010) were eligible to answer a validated interview-based questionnaire; to have a comprehensive dietary assessment; and to provide blood for biochemical analysis (α-tocopherol, β-carotene, lutein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, homocysteine, zinc, ferritin, and vitamins A, B12 and C). Prison guards were invited to participate as a comparison group.Results148 male prisoners (58.3%) and 13 male prison guards participated. Prison rations consisted of white rice fortified with thiamin, niacin, and iron, tinned tuna, tinned corned beef, water crackers, and black tea, with occasional intakes of fruit and vegetables. Some prisoners received supplementary food from weekend visitors. From assessment of the prisoners dietary data, median intakes of calcium (137 mg), potassium (677 mg), magnesium (182 mg), riboflavin (0.308 mg), vitamin A (54.1 μg), vitamin E (1.68 mg), vitamin C (5.7 mg) and folate (76.4 μg) were found to be below estimated average requirements (EAR).Following are the prisoners median (P25, P75) concentration of circulating nutrients and the percentage of prisoners with levels below normal reference ranges or recognized cut-off values: serum retinol 0.73 (0.40, 1.21) μmol/L, 46% below 0.7 μmol/L; plasma folate 2.0 (1.4, 2.6) nmol/L, 98% below 6.8 nmol/L; plasma vitamin C 6.3 (1.0, 19.3) μmol/L, 64% below 11.4 μmol/L; serum zinc 9.9 (8.8, 11.1) μmol/L, 66% below 10.7 μmol/L. Guards had diets with a higher dietary diversity that were associated with greater intakes of nutrients and biomarker concentrations.ConclusionsThe prisoners diets are likely lacking in several micronutrients and recommendations for dietary change have been made to the prison authorities. Ongoing vigilance is required in prisons to ensure the basic human right of access to a nutritionally adequate diet is being observed.

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“…With folate replacement therapy, their vision improved within 4-12 weeks of symptom onset. A recent report of optic neuropathy among prisoners in Papua New Guinea was also linked to isolated folate defi ciency [ 33 ].…”

Section: Folic Acid Defi Ciency Optic Neuropathymentioning

confidence: 98%

Nutritional and Toxic Optic Neuropathies

Wang

Sadun

Chan

2014

Optic Nerve Disorders

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Optic Neuropathy among a Prison Population in Papua New Guinea

Abstract: A cluster of ON associated with folate deficiency has been identified. Recommendations for dietary change and micronutrient supplementation have been made.

Cited by 11 publications

References 36 publications

One-fourth of the prisoners are underweight in Northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

One-fourth of the prisoners are underweight in Northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Cross-sectional dietary deficiencies among a prison population in Papua New Guinea

Nutritional and Toxic Optic Neuropathies

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