Growth decelerations among under-5-year-old children in Kasongo (Zaire). II. Relationship with subsequent risk of dying, and operational consequences. Kasongo Project Team

The relationship between growth decelerations (in terms of various anthropometric parameters) and death occurring during the subsequent 100 days was studied among under-5-year-old children in Kasongo, Zaire. A significant association, more pronounced for large decelerations, was demonstrated for some anthropometric parameters. The observations provide support for the hypothesis that the frequency of stress due to malnutrition and infection party explains the high mortality. Although the association with mortality is significant, the observation of growth decelerations remains a screening instrument of limited predictive power.