Intergenerational change in childhood anthropometry and its relation to grandmothers age at child birth

Abstract

Comparison of national surveys and regional cross sectional studies suggest that there has been secular improvement in stunting and underweight, but these designs do not permit a robust interpretation and quantification. An intergenerational cohort design can provide a more valid estimate, partially controlling for genetic variations while comparing anthropometry of children with their parents at similar ages. Also, early marriage and child bearing may be an important determinant of persisting undernutrition and higher offspring mortality, as this is still an unresolved social issue in many states of India, especially in rural areas. Available cross-sectional analyses are prone to bias and residual confounding, which can be minimized by a longitudinal cohort design with adequate confounders adjustment including socioeconomic status. We utilized the intergenerational data from the New Delhi Birth Cohort to provide relevant input for the aforementioned public health nutrition issues of importance in India. newlineChildren of young (lt19 years) mothers are at higher risk for stunting (2 to 5 years) and underweight (birth to 2 years) but not wasting. Offspring of young mothers also had an increased risk of mortality from the perinatal period up to five years of age, primarily after the early neonatal period. Apparently similar disadvantages in old (gt35 years) mothers are a reflection of their adverse socio-economic profile. Measures to prevent young motherhood should therefore receive greater prominence and investments in the child health and survival agenda. newline