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Neural tube defects in Jamaica following Hurricane Gilbert

Author

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  • Duff, E.M.W.
  • Cooper, E.S.

Abstract

An increased incidence of obvious live-birth neural tube defects (i.e., spina bifida cystica and encephalocele) occurred in Jamaica 11 to 18 months after Hurricane Gilbert. The conceptions of the affected babies coincided with a rise in megaloblastic change in sickle cell patients, suggesting a wide-spread drop in dietary folate intake. A detailed history was taken from each of the 17 affected mothers (case subjects) and 51 unaffected mothers (matched control subjects). The case subjects reported a significantly lower mean intake of dietary folate in the periconceptional period (154 μg/day) than did the control subjects (254 μg/day). The temporary increase in neural tube defects was associated with a diet comparatively low in folate in the periconceptional period, suggesting the dietary level of folate that fails to protect against neural tube defects under natural conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Duff, E.M.W. & Cooper, E.S., 1994. "Neural tube defects in Jamaica following Hurricane Gilbert," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 84(3), pages 473-476.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1994:84:3:473-476_9
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    Cited by:

    1. Patrick Webb & Andrew Thorne-Lyman, 2005. "Micronutrients in Emergencies," Working Papers in Food Policy and Nutrition 32, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.
    2. Patrick Webb & Andrew Thorne-Lyman, 2006. "Entitlement Failure from a Food Quality Perspective: The Life and Death Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Humanitarian Crises," WIDER Working Paper Series RP2006-140, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).

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