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Incidence and correlates of "growth faltering" among 0-6 y children: a panel study from rural Wardha

Rakesh Kumar1, Pradeep R Deshmukh, Bishan S Garg

  • 1Dr Sushila Nayar School of Public Health, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sewagram, 442102 Wardha, Maharashtra, India.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|October 21, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Growth faltering is common in young children, affecting 930 per 1,000 annually. Anemia, illness, and poor ventilation significantly increase this risk, necessitating early detection and intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Child Development

Background:

  • Growth faltering is a critical indicator of child health and development.
  • Understanding its prevalence and predictors is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and identify key factors contributing to growth faltering in children aged 0-6 years.
  • To inform public health strategies for early detection and management.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study followed 305 children under six for one year.
  • Data collected included monthly anthropometric measurements, immunization status, morbidity, diet, and feeding practices.
  • Growth faltering defined as weight stagnation or loss over three consecutive months.

Main Results:

  • The cumulative incidence of growth faltering was 930 per 1,000 children per year.
  • Children experienced an average of 3.1 episodes of growth faltering annually.
  • Anemia, illness, and inadequate household ventilation were significant predictors.

Conclusions:

  • Early detection and timely correction of growth faltering are crucial.
  • Interventions should focus on addressing identified predictors like anemia and improving living conditions.
Abstract

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