title: Relation of nitrate contamination of groundwater with methaemoglobin level among infants in Gaza.
abstract: A descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out in 3 areas of the Gaza Strip, Palestine, in 2002, to determine the factors associated with high methaemoglobin (Met-Hb) levels in infants and the relationship with nitrate concentration in drinking water wells. Drinking water sources were likely to be the main factor for high levels of Met-Hb. Out of 338 infants attending for vaccination, having supplemental feeding, use of boiled water and age 3-6 months were associated with high Met-Hb levels. The highest mean Met-Hb level was in Khan-Younis, where the highest mean nitrate concentration was recorded in drinking water. The results emphasize the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for infants < 6 months old, and the choice of a suitable source of water for these infants.
authors.affiliation: Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine. Ahmadabonaser@hotmail.com
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Abu Naser
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ghbn
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Khoudary
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D001903:Bottle Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007228:Infant Nutrition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008877:Middle East / Q000453:epidemiology; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009566:Nitrates / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D009566:Nitrates; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical