Developmental and behavioural problems in children with severe acute malnutrition in Malawi: A cross-sectional study.

• DOI: 10.7189/jogh.07.020416
• Publication Date: 2017-12-01
• Authors: Meta van den Heuvel; Wieger Voskuijl; Kate Chidzalo; Marko Kerac; Sijmen A. Reijneveld; Robert Bandsma; Melissa Gladstone
• Keywords: Marasmus; Gross motor skill; Cross-sectional study; Child Development; Severe Acute Malnutrition

Early childhood development provides an important foundation for the of human capital. Although there is a clear relation between stunting and child outcomes, less information available about developmental behavioural outcomes children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Particularly research gap exists in Sub-Saharan Africa where high prevalence SAM rate co-occurring HIV (human immune deficiency virus) infection. Our first objective was to assess severity disorders on cohort admitted inpatient nutritional rehabilitation centre Malawi. second compare profiles two main phenotypes SAM: kwashiorkor marasmus.This cross-sectional observational study including all hospitalized complicated Blantyre, Malawi over 8-month period from February October 2015. At discharge, were assessed well-validated Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT) gross motor, fine language social development. In ≥24 months, emotional problems measured using Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).150 (55% boys) recruited; mean age 27.2 months (standard deviation 17.9), 27 (18%) had pre-existing neurodisabilities (ND) 34 (23%) virus (HIV) All experienced profound delays domains. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that scored 0.75 standard deviations lower (95% confidence interval -1.43 -0.07) MDAT domain than marasmus when adjusted covariates. The prosocial behaviour score SDQ low SAM, indicating lack sensitive interactions.Children have after hospital admission. results indicate might be significant difference attainment marasmus. Future studies exploring longer-term testing possible intervention strategies are urgently needed.