Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
<mark>Journal publication date</mark> | 09/2008 |
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<mark>Journal</mark> | Early Human Development |
Issue number | 9 |
Volume | 84 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Pages (from-to) | 613-621 |
Publication Status | Published |
<mark>Original language</mark> | English |
BACKGROUND: Sub-optimal physical growth has been suggested as a key pathway between the effect of environmental risk and developmental outcome.
AIM: To determine if anthropometric status mediates the relation between socioeconomic status and psychomotor development of young children in resource-limited settings.
STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study design was used.
SUBJECTS: A total of 204 (105 girls) children from two resource-limited communities in the Coast Province, Kenya. The mean age of these children was 29 months (SD = 3.43; range: 24-35 months).
OUTCOME MEASURE: Psychomotor functioning was assessed using a locally developed and validated measure, the Kilifi Developmental Inventory.
RESULTS: A significant association was found between anthropometric status (as measured by weight-for-age, height-for-age, mid-upper arm circumference, and head circumference) and psychomotor functioning and also between socioeconomic status and anthropometric status; no direct effects were found between socioeconomic status and developmental outcome. The models showed that weight, height and to a lesser extent mid-upper arm circumference mediate the relation between socioeconomic status and developmental outcome, while head circumference did not show the same effect.
CONCLUSION: Among children under 3 years living in poverty, anthropometric status shows a clear association with psychomotor development while socioeconomic status may only have an indirect association.