Epidemiological studies on environmental factors affecting maternal and child health
Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences ,Health Research Course,Human and Environmental Science Professor
KORIYAMA Chihaya
Background and objectives of activities
In recent years, emerging economies that are experiencing rapid industrialization and economic development have laws and systems in place to regulate exhaust emissions and environmental pollutants, but they have yet to catch up substantially, and Indonesia is no exception. Even in rural areas, there are many issues that need to be resolved, such as the increased concentration of suspended particulate matter due to traditional burning in the fields and the increased use of agricultural chemicals, resulting in air, water, and soil pollution and other environmental burdens. In particular, pregnant women, fetuses, and children are greatly affected by environmental factors, and there are concerns about the impact on their health.
Summary of Activities
Since 2018, the project has been conducting an epidemiological survey of pregnant women in Semarang and Jepara, Indonesia, in collaboration with a research team from the Faculty of Medicine of Diponegoro University (which has an academic exchange agreement with Kagoshima University) in the country. The subjects are being asked to cooperate in the collection of biological samples such as blood and hair samples, in addition to a questionnaire survey that includes lifestyle, medical history, and childbirth experience. The team plans to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals, including mercury, in the biological samples, and to study the effects on the children (birth weight, length, number of weeks, etc.) and the relationship with their subsequent growth and development. Dr. Bakri from Diponegoro University is currently in Japan as a government-sponsored international student, and is conducting mercury analysis and data analysis in cooperation with the National Minamata Disease Research Center.
Expected Benefits
In addition to returning the results of this epidemiological study to society, we aim to provide information on food, environment, and health to pregnant women and mothers. We also hope that it will help them understand the importance of protecting their own health and that of their children's and their children's health, and to develop a zest for life, which will lead them to take action.