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Interrelationship between growth and development in low and middle income countries
Reynaldo Martorell1, Phuong Nguyen
1Hubert Department of Global Health and Nutrition and Health Sciences Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Nestle Nutrition Workshop Series. Paediatric Programme
|February 9, 2010
Summary
Early childhood growth failure, including low birthweight and stunting, significantly impacts cognitive development and school success. Growth in the first two years is crucial for long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Global Health
Background:
- Early childhood growth failure is a major public health concern in developing nations.
- Low birthweight and stunting are common indicators of impaired early growth.
- These growth issues are linked to adverse developmental and educational outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between low birthweight, stunting, and child development.
- To assess the relative importance of prenatal versus postnatal growth for later life outcomes.
- To understand the long-term consequences of early growth failure.
Main Methods:
- The study examined existing data on birthweight and linear growth (stunting) in children.
- Developmental outcomes included cognitive abilities, motor skills, and educational achievement.
- Statistical analyses were employed to determine the significance of growth periods.
Main Results:
- Low birthweight is associated with significantly poorer cognitive and schooling outcomes.
- Stunting, primarily occurring before age two, correlates with impaired mental, motor, and behavioral development.
- Growth during the first two years of life is a stronger predictor of later cognitive and educational success than prenatal growth.
Conclusions:
- Early childhood growth failure, particularly before age two, has profound and lasting negative effects on cognitive development and educational attainment.
- Children experiencing growth failure in early life have diminished potential for academic success and societal contribution.
- Interventions targeting early growth are critical for improving long-term child development in impoverished settings.
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