Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of infant mortality worldwide. Changes in PTB rates, ranging from −90% to +30%, were reported in many countries following early COVID-19 pandemic response measures (‘lockdowns’). It is unclear whether this variation reflects real differences in lockdown impacts, or perhaps differences in stillbirth rates and/or study designs. Here we present interrupted time series and meta-analyses using harmonized data from 52 million births in 26 countries, 18 of which had representative population-based data, with overall PTB rates ranging from 6% to 12% and stillbirth ranging from 2.5 to 10.5 per 1,000 births. We show small reductions in PTB in the first (odds ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.95–0.98, P value <0.0001), second (0.96, 0.92–0.99, 0.03) and third (0.97, 0.94–1.00, 0.09) months of lockdown, but not in the fourth month of lockdown (0.99, 0.96–1.01, 0.34), although there were some between-country differences after the first month. For high-income countries in this study, we did not observe an association between lockdown and stillbirths in the second (1.00, 0.88–1.14, 0.98), third (0.99, 0.88–1.12, 0.89) and fourth (1.01, 0.87–1.18, 0.86) months of lockdown, although we have imprecise estimates due to stillbirths being a relatively rare event. We did, however, find evidence of increased risk of stillbirth in the first month of lockdown in high-income countries (1.14, 1.02–1.29, 0.02) and, in Brazil, we found evidence for an association between lockdown and stillbirth in the second (1.09, 1.03–1.15, 0.002), third (1.10, 1.03–1.17, 0.003) and fourth (1.12, 1.05–1.19, <0.001) months of lockdown. With an estimated 14.8 million PTB annually worldwide, the modest reductions observed during early pandemic lockdowns translate into large numbers of PTB averted globally and warrant further research into causal pathways.

Excessive central fat in children and adolescents is a risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. This study aimed to compare the body fat distribution patterns of children and adolescents in Abeokuta, Nigeria with international reference standards. Five hundred seventy children aged 5 to 19 years were selected from seven schools using multistage random sampling. Weight, height, triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness (TSF, SSF), and circumference at the waist and hips (WC, HC) were measured. Body mass index (BMI), subscapular:triceps skinfold ratio (STR), waist:hip circumference ratio (WHR), and waist: height ratio (WHtR) were derived. Females had higher mean BMI, TSF, SSF, WC, HC, WHR, and WHtR, while males had significantly higher STR. The mean BMI, WC, TSF, and SSF values were lower for our subjects than for African-American subjects at all ages. On the other hand, in both sexes, STR was higher among Nigerian than African-American subjects up to 12 years old. Thereafter the values were similar. The mean WC was similar to those reported for African-American males up to 8 years, and females up to 7 years of age; thereafter, African-American had higher values. The prevalence of central obesity using WC and WHtR measures was 4.4% and 5.8%, respectively. There is a need to validate each index against serum lipid profiles and other cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors.

The members of the writing committee assume responsibility for the overall content and integrity of this article. The full names, academic degrees, and affiliations of the members of the writing committee are listed in the Appendix.

Skin fold thickness (SFT) measurement is a reliable, cheap, simple, noninvasive method of body fat estimation at all ages including the neonatal period. Objective. To determine reference values of biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfold thickness measurements in term Nigerian newborns. Method. A prospective cross-sectional study over a six-month period (Dec 2010–May 2011) was carried out on term and healthy neonates delivered between 37 and 41 weeks. The anthropometric measurements were taken within the first 48 hours of life including the skinfold thickness. The skinfold thickness measurements were taken at four sites, namely, triceps, biceps, subscapular, and suprailiac, using Harpenden skinfold calipers. The mean of two readings was recorded. Result. A total of one thousand one hundred and sixty-eight neonates were studied. The birth weight ranged between 2000 g and 5000 g with a mean birth weight of the neonates at 3259 ± 470 g. The mean birth weight of the males (3339 ± 0.45) was significantly higher than that of females (3200 ± 0.44) (p < 0.0001). Female neonates had higher mean values of triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfold thickness (p < 0.001, resp.) while male neonates had higher mean value of biceps skinfold thickness (p = 0.008). Females also had higher mean values of the sum of skinfold thicknesses at all four sites and the sum at the two truncal sites at every stratified gestational age. Conclusions. The sex specific percentile chart developed for skinfold thickness measurements can be used to detect deviation from the reference population such that infants who are at risk of nutritional or health problems are identified early, and intervention is instituted promptly.

In Nigeria, the predictors of quality of life among children exposed to sexual abuse are unknown. Addressing this gap may strengthen the capacity of the health system to care for this population. Thus, this cross-sectional study selected 545 (mean age = 14.4 ± 1.4 years) Nigerian children exposed to sexual abuse. Results show that self-compassion, resilience, and meaning in life jointly predicted quality of life and explained 39% variance. The independent prediction of each predictor variable shows that self-compassion, resilience, and meaning in life have significant independent predictions, with self-compassion showing the greatest independent prediction, followed by resilience and meaning in life. Sex, age, and how long ago respondents were exposed to sexual abuse jointly predicted quality of life and explained 6% variance. However, how long ago respondents were exposed to sexual abuse shows a significant independent prediction. Results offer clinical implications that may strengthen the capacity of the health system to care for this population.

volunteers, and consists of passionate clinical fellows, trainees and consultants volunteering their time to the project.Deliverables which specifically address MWRES action points and indicators:1. IMGs induction Workshop: As indicated in areas for action in MWRES 2020 report, Soft Landing team has established a twice yearly National RCPCH endorsed IMG induction workshop. Currently held virtually, It attracts IMGs joining paediatrics including clinical fellows post-PLAB and MTI trainees. The workshop was a huge success, over 150 attendees to date, and overwhelmingly positive feedback.2. ARCP webinar: MWRES indicator 4 suggests BME doctors are more likely to fail the revalidation process. SL is running annual ARCP webinars for IMGs, to improve their portfolio skills.3. Recruitment Practice interviews-GMC published data on differential attainment (DA) in postgraduate and graduate level recruitment in 2018. SL team has been a platform for virtual interview practice for IMGs applying for ST1/2/3/4 and Subspecialties in paediatrics, a little step forward to combat DA in paediatrics.4. Research and Academic training: MWRES indicator 1C has shown under-representation, with only 16% of doctors at professor level of BME origin. SL virtual events on 'Introduction to Research and Academic Training' and 'Journal Clubs made easy' aim to guide interested IMGs to the path of academic career. Results Soft Landing Team offers educational support to IMG doctors, as well as raising awareness of the needs of IMG. The team itself promotes diverse IMG involvement in advocacy for paediatric IMGs. The project is widely acknowledged in England, Scotland and Wales and supported by RCPCH. We believe its success represents a desire for greater representation by IMGs in the EDI agenda, and directly addresses specific MWRES indicators. Conclusion Differential Attainment needs addressing at two levels: candidates and Organisations. At the level of candidates, SL has started facilitating social and professional integration of IMGs into life in the NHS and in the UK.More work is needed at both levels and more data specific to Paediatrics will be a better guide to create further action plan to improve assessment and addressing of, DA in MWRES 11 indicators.

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