WHO: Stunted growth - Chapter 2: What causes it?

Summary

The main causes of stunting are linked to poor maternal health, inadequate breastfeeding, infection, and household poverty. Poor nutrition during pregnancy leads to low birth weight and neonatal health risks. Factors like maternal infections, adolescent pregnancies, closely-spaced births, and inadequate nutrition contribute to stunting. The introduction of complementary foods at six months is crucial for growth, yet poor feeding practices and unsafe food conditions hinder development. Infectious diseases, such as diarrhea and pneumonia, exacerbate stunting. Breastfeeding and hygiene play essential roles in preventing stunting and promoting child health.

Takeaways

• 🏠 **Household Factors**: Stunting is primarily caused by factors within the household, such as poor maternal nutrition and health.
• 🤱 **Breastfeeding**: Inadequate breastfeeding contributes to limited growth, emphasizing the importance of proper maternal nutrition during pregnancy.
• 👶 **First 1000 Days**: The risk of stunting is closely linked to the mother's health during the first 1000 days of the child's life.
• 🤰 **Maternal Health**: Maternal infections like malaria, intestinal worms, or HIV/AIDS can increase the risk of stunting.
• 👧 **Intergenerational Cycle**: Girls who are undernourished can perpetuate the cycle by giving birth to low-weight babies and struggling with breastfeeding.
• 🍚 **Complementary Foods**: After six months, infants require more nutrients than breast milk alone, necessitating the introduction of complementary foods.
• 💰 **Household Poverty**: Poverty often leads to inadequate or low-quality diets, impacting a child's growth and development.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 **Caregiver Neglect**: Neglect or absence of caregivers can result in inadequate feeding and limited opportunities for play and learning.
• 🚿 **Hygiene Practices**: Poor household hygiene and sanitation can lead to infections that hinder growth.
• 🍽️ **Proper Feeding**: WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and continued breastfeeding up to 2 years or more.
• 🦠 **Infectious Diseases**: Infectious diseases like diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria can lead to stunting by causing malnutrition and poor nutrient absorption.

Q & A

What is stunting and what causes it?

Stunting refers to impaired growth and development in children, typically measured by low height for age. It is caused by factors such as poor maternal nutrition and health, inadequate breastfeeding, infection, and household poverty.

How does a mother's nutrition impact fetal growth?

Poor maternal nutrition limits the growth of the fetus, which in turn increases the risk of neonatal death and sets the stage for stunting.

What is the significance of the first 1,000 days in a child's life?

The first 1,000 days, from conception to two years of age, are critical for a child's growth and development. Maternal health during this period greatly influences the risk of stunting.

How can infections during pregnancy affect a child's growth?

Infections such as malaria, intestinal worms, or HIV/AIDS in the mother can increase the risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery, which are associated with stunting.

What is the intergenerational cycle of poor health mentioned in the script?

The intergenerational cycle of poor health refers to the pattern where undernourished girls become mothers who are unable to provide adequate nutrition to their children, perpetuating the cycle of stunting.

Why is breastfeeding crucial for an infant's growth?

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and growth stimulators, and it improves a baby's immunity against infections, reducing the risk of illness and supporting growth.

What is the recommended breastfeeding practice according to WHO?

WHO recommends initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusively breastfeeding infants until they are 6 months old, and continuing breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.

How does inadequate complementary feeding affect a child's growth?

Inadequate complementary feeding, such as not providing enough energy and nutrients beyond breast milk after six months, can lead to poor growth and development.

What role do household poverty and food quality play in stunting?

Household poverty often results in children not receiving enough or the right types of food, leading to low-quality diets that lack essential nutrients necessary for growth.

How can poor hygiene and sanitation contribute to stunting?

Poor hygiene and sanitation can lead to infections like diarrhea, which hinder growth. Additionally, contaminated food and water can cause illnesses that impede a child's growth.

What is the impact of infectious diseases on child growth?

Infectious diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria can lead to wasting and inflammation, impairing a child's ability to absorb nutrients effectively and thus adversely affecting growth.