Nutrition Status and the Risk of Mortality in Children 6–36 Months Old in Tanzania

Abstract

Anthropometric measurements were taken on 2,452 children between 6 and 36 months of age at baseline and at two-month intervals thereafter in rural Tanzania. The children were followed for one year. All deaths occurring in this group were recorded using a village registration system introduced as part of a village nutrition status monitoring system. The relationship between the anthropometric indicators (weight for age, height for age, and weight for height, as well as weight increment) and subsequent mortality was assessed. The results indicate that over the one-year period, nutrition status was a significant predictor of mortality, with the probability of survival lower in children of low nutrition status. Low weight for age (<60% of the standard) was associated with a nine-fold increase in risk compared to weight for age above 80%; low weight for height (<80%) earned an almost fourfold increase in risk compared to weight for height>90%; and low height for age had a twofold increase in risk compared to the normal categories. An overall linear relationship was found between nutrition status and mortality, suggesting a gradual increase in mortality as nutrition status deteriorates. Incremental weight appears to be a good short-term predicator of mortality.