Impact of Food Deprivation on Heart Disease in Channel Islanders
Author Information
Author(s): Rosemary F Head, Mark S Gilthorpe, Allyson Byrom, George TH Ellison
Primary Institution: St George's, University of London
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between food deprivation during early life and cardiovascular disease in later life?
Conclusion
Postnatal undernutrition during the 1940–45 occupation of the Channel Islands is a more significant factor for cardiovascular disease than prenatal undernutrition.
Supporting Evidence
- Those exposed to the occupation had more than twice the hazard ratio for CVD hospital admissions.
- No significant relationship was found between birth weight and CVD.
- The study included 873 Guernsey islanders with complete birth data.
Takeaway
Kids who didn't get enough food during the German occupation of the Channel Islands are more likely to have heart problems when they grow up.
Methodology
Cox regression models were used to analyze the relationship between birth weight, postnatal exposure to the occupation, and cardiovascular disease.
Potential Biases
Potential residual confounding due to sociodemographic differences between those exposed and unexposed to the occupation.
Limitations
The cohort may not be representative of all births in Guernsey, and there was substantial loss to follow-up.
Participant Demographics
Cohort comprised Guernsey islanders born between 1923 and 1937, with some exposed to food deprivation during the occupation.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.54 – 4.13
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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