Factors associated with growth patterns from birth to 18 months in a Beninese cohort of children

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Child growth and development are critical indicators of population health.
• Understanding factors influencing early childhood growth is essential for effective public health strategies.
• Malnutrition and adverse birth outcomes pose significant challenges to child development globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze factors influencing child growth patterns from birth to 18 months in Southern Benin.
• To identify key determinants of growth impairment and wasting in early childhood.
• To examine the relationship between infant feeding practices, malarial morbidity, and child growth.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal prospective study involving 520 children followed from birth to 18 months.
• Calculation of height-for-age and weight-for-height Z-scores using anthropometric measurements.
• Assessment of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and malarial morbidity.
• Determination of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) using established reference curves.
• Statistical analysis using a linear mixed model to identify significant associations.

Main Results:

• Low birth weight (LBW) and IUGR were significantly associated with growth impairment.
• Maternal short stature and low weight status were also linked to impaired child growth.
• LBW and maternal low weight status were associated with wasting.
• Good IYCF scores positively correlated with weight gain but paradoxically with length.
• Malarial morbidity showed no significant association with child growth.

Conclusions:

• LBW, IUGR, and maternal malnutrition are critical determinants of child growth and wasting.
• Interventions targeting IUGR and LBW are crucial to prevent intergenerational malnutrition.
• Optimizing infant feeding practices is vital for promoting healthy child development.