Mixed-longitudinal growth of breastfeeding children in Moroto District, Uganda (Karamoja subregion). A loss of biological resiliency?

Abstract

This study examines the pattern of growth, underlying growth velocity and nutritional status in a sample of thirty breastfeeding Karimojong children, aged from birth to three years. A mixed-longitudinal structure was adopted for the study, which was carried out between August and December, 2004, in two communities in Moroto District, Uganda. Monthly anthropometric and health examinations were administered to mothers and children during this interval. Children in the study were small at birth but grew relatively rapidly for their first six months. Thereafter they experienced falling off of growth in weight, length, and head circumference. Loss of growth velocity and deterioration in nutritional status after six months was a result of physiologic stress arising from high parasite loads, introduction of inappropriate weaning foods, and psychosocial stress associated with patterns of maternal behavior. Environmental and maternal effects on child growth were exacerbated by widespread armed violence and related subsistence change in these communities. Growth of these children reflects loss of growth plasticity resulting from worsening environmental and social conditions in Moroto in 2004.