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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.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2008.02.003

Type

Journal article

Journal

Early Hum Dev

Publication Date

09/2008

Volume

84

Pages

613 - 621

Keywords

Anthropometry, Body Height, Child, Child Development, Child, Preschool, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Growth Disorders, Humans, Kenya, Male, Nutritional Status, Poverty, Psychomotor Disorders, Social Class