Behavior of infants with iron-deficiency anemia.
This study tested the hypothesis that infants with iron-deficiency anemia show behaviors, such as increased proximity to caregivers, increased wariness or hesitance, and decreased activity, that could contribute to "functional isolation." The behavior of 52 Costa Rican 12- to 23-month-old infants with iron-deficiency anemia was contrasted with that of 139 comparison group infants with better iron status during free play and mental and motor testing and in the home. Infants with iron-deficiency anemia maintained closer contact with caregivers; showed less pleasure and delight; were more wary, hesitant, and easily tired; made fewer attempts at test items; were less attentive to instructions and demonstrations; and were less playful. Adult behavior also differed. The results indicate that iron-deficiency anemia in infancy is associated with alterations in affect and activity, suggesting that functional isolation is a useful framework for understanding poorer developmental outcome in iron-deficiency anemia, the world's most common single nutrient deficiency.
Lozoff
B
B
Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0406, USA. blozoff@umich.edu
Klein
N K
NK
Nelson
E C
EC
McClish
D K
DK
Manuel
M
M
Chacon
M E
ME
D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000523:psychology*; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018730:Infant Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology