Child Growth and Related Factors in a Rural Community in St. Vincent

Abstract

A study was undertaken in the rural district of Belair St. Vincent West Indies in order to fill some of the existing gaps in knowledge of the growth of infants in the first 3 years of life from longitudinally collected data. The attempt was also made to elucidate the epidemiological aspects of infant and childhood malnutrition in St. Vincent by collecting and analyzing data on infant feeding practices and food habits and on some associated ecological factors. A total of 300 children were enrolled and the periods of follow-up ranged from a minimum of 1-1/2 years to a maximum of 3-3/4 years. Of the 300 children enrolled 21 died 25 left the district but 2 returned after a long absence and 24 defaulted. Malnutrition was reported as the primary cause of death in 8 cases gastroenteritis in 4 and respiratory infection in 5. Growth retardation most marked in the 6-18 months age group was of a similar pattern to that observed in other tropical developing countries. The duration of breastfeeding was the most important of the nutritional factors influencing growth. Children who were breastfed for longer than 9 months were heavier and grew better than those breastfed for shorter periods. Overcrowding among children under age 5 and a history of sibling deaths were significantly related to growth. Low maternal age and high birth rank revealed some relationship to poor growth. Civil status and educational level of mothers and the nuclear family size failed to influence growth significantly.