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Association between nutritional status and positive childhood disability screening using the ten questions plus tool
1Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, USA.
Insights
Malnutrition in children, particularly stunting, is linked to developmental delays. This study found that malnourished children were more likely to experience delays in motor skills and learning.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Child Development
- Public Health
Background:
- Child malnutrition and disability are significant global health concerns.
- Caregiver-reported data is crucial for understanding child health in resource-limited settings.
- Understanding the link between malnutrition and disability is vital for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between malnutrition indicators and childhood disability in rural Nepal.
- To determine if stunting and other malnutrition signs correlate with developmental delays.
- To assess the prevalence of self-reported disability among children.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1,902 children aged 1-9 years in rural Nepal.
- Caregiver interviews using the Ten Questions Plus questionnaire.
- Objective measurements of children's height and weight to assess stunting.
Main Results:
- Over a quarter of children (27%) screened positive for disability.
- Moderate and severe stunting were significantly associated with delays in motor milestones (sitting, standing, walking).
- Severe stunting correlated with delayed learning compared to non-stunted peers.
Conclusions:
- Chronic malnutrition, especially severe stunting, is linked to delayed motor and mental development in children.
- Parental reports of disability are common and highlight the need for nutritional support.
- Early identification and intervention for malnutrition are critical for improving child development outcomes.
Abstract:
The study was conducted to examine the association between the indicators of malnutrition and disability of children as reported by caregivers. The Ten Questions Plus questionnaire was administered to caregivers of 1,902 children aged 1-9 years, during August 2007-March 2008, in rural Nepal. Height and weight of children were also measured. The main outcome was a positive response to one or more questions. In total, 514 (27%) children had a positive response to at least one question. Moderate stunting [odds ratio (OR)=1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-2.12) and severe (OR=2.39, 95% CI 1.60-3.57) stunting were independently associated with reported delay in sitting, standing, or walking. Severe stunting was also associated with report of delayed learning compared to other children of similar age (OR=2.01, 95% CI 1.27-3.20). Parental report of disability was quite prevalent in this setting, with over a quarter of the sample screening positive. Chronic malnutrition may be associated with delayed motor and mental development.
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