INTRODUCTION:

Global studies reveal that neuro-developmental challenges and malnutrition, two major childhood health problems in the developing world are inter-related. Though preventable, unheeded, both have life-long implications.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze relationship between nutritional status and neuro-development of children 0-6 years.

METHOD:

Cross-sectional study conducted with 1536 rural children, 0-6 years. They were screened for malnutrition & developmental challenges by anthropometric measurements and developmental screening using validated tools (Amyl-Tison method, DDST II and extended TDSC). Relevant perinatal factors were noted.

RESULTS:

In the study population 33% were malnourished (15.8% had severe-acute-malnutrition) and 6.5% had some developmental challenge.

Developmental delay was significantly higher among VLBW ( 15.3 %), LBW (8.1  %) and preterm babies (16.6%)

Malnutrition was minimum in the 1^st year (28.4%), with a gradual rise to 33.8% beyond 1 year. Initial adequate breast feeding, followed by improper complementary feeds may be responsible for this.

100 children were detected with developmental delay with following distribution:

Condition

Number

Cerebral Palsy

31

Cognitive Delay

19

Speech Delay

31

Mild Delay in

acquiring milestones

22

Autism Spectrum Disorder

1

Hearing Impairment

2

Visual Impairment

2

In the 1^st year mild delay and tone abnormalities were more evident. In 2^nd & 3^rd years cerebral palsy increased, with the advent of early speech delay, while 3-6 year olds presented with established cerebral palsy, cognitive and speech delay.

CONCLUSION:

Improvement of nutritional status and perinatal care may help bring down the burden of developmental challenges.