Nandita Chattopadhyay
Malnutrition and impaired early childhood development continue to exist as two giant childhood health problems, particularly in the developing world. Both conditions often co-exist and exert effect on each other, aggravating the problems. Here we have studied the impact of malnutrition on early childhood development in different age groups, in a marginalized rural community in India, to identify the most vulnerable age group.
Method: We screened 837 children aged 0-3 years and 540 aged 3-6 years. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height and mid-arm circumference) were recorded and nutritional status determined by deriving the Z-score for weight for length. Developmental delay was assessed by Denver Development Screening Test II, TDSC scale and Amiel-Tyson method of tone assessment.
Result Occurrence of malnutrition was similar in both age groups (33-35%), with minimum incidence among 0-1 year olds. Incidence of developmental delay was 6.5% and 3.1% in 0-3 year and 3-6 year age groups respectively. In 0-3 years age group Incidence of developmental delay was significantly higher among children with malnutrition (p value <0.05); no such correlation was seen among the older children.
Conclusion: Malnutrition during 1st three years of life, is a major risk factor for poor neuro-developmental outcome. A multi-pronged approach to provide proper nutrition to mother and child, improve health and hygiene and adequate psychomotor stimulation will improve developmental outcome in children.
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