Continuation of linear growth failure and its association with cognitive ability are not dependent on initial length-for-age: a longitudinal study from 6 months to 11 years of age.
OBJECTIVE
To examine linear growth and its association with cognitive ability at age 11 years among full-term singletons with varying degree of stunting or without stunting at age 6 months.


METHODS
A total of 1516 Filipino term-born singletons were followed bimonthly from age 6 to 24 months and took cognitive and academic achievement tests at 11 years. The tests were factor-analysed to give a summary cognitive ability score. Linear regression was used to examine associations and adjust for covariates.


RESULTS
Mean height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) was -1.0 at age 6 months and -2.4 at 24 months. HAZ at 6 months, change in HAZ from 6 to 24 months and change in HAZ from 24 months to 11 years were positively associated with cognitive ability at 11 years (each p < 0.001). The association was seen in all categories of HAZ at 6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
In this setting where linear growth retardation was common, association between linear growth after age 6 months and cognitive ability in adolescence was not dependent on initial HAZ. Prevention of growth stunting may benefit all children regardless of their initial HAZ.
Cheung
Y B
YB
Scientiﬁc Development Division, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Biopolis, Singapore. yinbun.cheung@scri.edu.sg
Ashorn
P
P
D001827:Body Height; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D004522:Educational Status; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016014:Linear Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D047929:Term Birth