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Risk of linear growth retardation during the first two years of life: a new approach

D L Lei1, S P Chaves, A T Paes

  • 1Division of Nutrition Research, Institute of Health, São Paulo, Brazil. doris@isaude.sp.gov.br

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|July 14, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Children in households with existing growth stunting face a higher risk of linear growth retardation during their first two years. This study highlights the impact of family social vulnerability on early childhood development and stunting.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Child Development

Background:

  • Linear growth retardation, or stunting, is a significant global child health issue.
  • Household social vulnerability can exacerbate health disparities in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the risk of linear growth retardation in infants up to two years old.
  • To assess the influence of household social vulnerability, indicated by sibling stunting, on infant growth.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 431 infants and their families in São Paulo, Brazil, participating in a supplementary feeding program.
  • Families were categorized into 'stunted' or 'non-stunted' based on sibling growth status.
  • Growth patterns, stunting/recovery probabilities, and relative risk ratios (RR) were analyzed over 24 months.

Main Results:

  • Infants from 'stunted families' showed significantly higher prevalence of stunting at 12 and 24 months (P < 0.001).
  • Differences in stunting probability emerged by the fourth month, with higher risks in 'stunted families'.
  • Recovery probability for stunted infants was lower in 'stunted families' after 12 months, with RR > 1.5 from the third month.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of stunting in siblings indicates a higher risk of growth failure for infants within the first two years.
  • Family context and existing child stunting are critical factors influencing infant linear growth.
  • Early identification and intervention in vulnerable households are crucial for preventing childhood stunting.
Abstract

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