Abstract:
Objectives This study aims to compare the
developmental profile of severe acute malnourished
(SAM) and normal under- five children and to find
sociodemographic determinants accountable for their
developmental disabilities.
Setting We conducted a multi- centre cross- sectional
study in three basic health units and one rural health
centre in Pakistan.
Participants 200 children (SAM and healthy) aged
6–59 months.
Primary and secondary measures We screened for
nutritional status and clinical complications. Children
underwent for developmental assessment by Denver
Development Screening Tool II. A pretested structured
questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics
and nutrition was used for collecting data about
determinants of developmental delay.
Results We observed statistically significant
differences in anthropometric measurements among
SAM compared with normal nourished in weight, height,
mid- upper arm circumference and weight- for- height
z- scores. SAM serves as a significant risk factors
(p<0.001) for delayed personal or social development
(69% vs 11%; OR (95% CI)=18.01 (8.45 to 38.37)),
delayed fine motor development (39% vs 8%; OR
(95% CI)=7.35 (3.22 to 16.81)), delayed language
development (32% vs 8%; OR (95% CI)=5.41 (2.35 to
12.48)), delayed gross motor development (34% vs
10%; OR (95% CI)=4.64 (2.14 to 10.05)) and delayed
global development (66% vs 20%; OR (95% CI)=7.77
(4.09 to 14.74)). Applying logistic regression, personal
or social development (p<0.001) and language
development (p<0.05), under- five siblings was a risk
factor, while among gross motor development, mother’s
educational status (p<0.05) was a significant risk factor
for developmental delay.
Conclusions Our analysis indicates that children with
malnutrition have a high frequency of developmental
delays. Missing maternal education and a higher number
of under- five siblings are also potential risk factors for
developmental delay.
