Risk factors associated with underweight in children aged one to two years: a longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Child Nutrition

Background:

• Underweight is a significant public health concern in children.
• This study addresses the critical 1-2 year age group, often underrepresented in research.
• A longitudinal approach offers unique insights into weight changes over time, unlike cross-sectional designs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with underweight in children aged 1-2 years in Hamadan city.
• To utilize a longitudinal design to understand weight dynamics in this age group.
• To provide data for targeted interventions to combat childhood underweight.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study involving 414 mothers and their 1-2 year old children in Hamadan.
• Data collected from the SIB comprehensive electronic system.
• A two-level longitudinal ordinal model analyzed weight-for-age criteria (underweight, normal, overweight).

Main Results:

• Low maternal education, maternal unemployment, and lack of health insurance were significant risk factors for underweight.
• Maternal height, child's birth weight, and specific child age ranges (12-15 months) were also associated with underweight.
• Gestational age under 24 weeks was identified as a risk factor.

Conclusions:

• Maternal characteristics are strongly linked to childhood underweight.
• Interventions focusing on maternal well-being and socioeconomic factors may help mitigate childhood underweight.
• This research highlights the importance of a mother-centric approach in pediatric nutrition strategies.