Influence of Birth Weight and Stunting on Selected Cognitive Functions of Young Children in Low Socioeconomic Areas of Mumbai City

By : Mitravinda S. Savanur , Mrinalini Purandare , Padmini Ghugre

Page No: 295-303

Abstract
The first 1000 days of life are critical for human brain growth. We therefore, examined if birth weight and stunting influence the cognitive functions of young children. Children aged 3 to 4 years (n = 122) residing in low socioeconomic areas of Mumbai were selected in four groups - normal birth weight non-stunted (NBWNS), normal birth weight stunted (NBWS), low birth weight stunted (LBWS) and low birth weight non-stunted (LBWNS). Birth weight was collected from records. Height was measured and height-for-age Z scores (HAZ) were computed. For measuring cognitive functions - Segiun Form Board test, Porteus Maze test, Hanfmann Kasanin Concept Formation test, Recognition, and Recall were administered. The NBWS and LBWS performed poorly than NBWNS and LBWNS, though differences were non-significant. Poverty and lesser exposure to formal schooling may have also influenced the performance of the stunted children. The study thus suggests that stunting may influence the cognitive functions.

Authors :
Mitravinda S. Savanur : Ph.D Scholar, University Department of Food Science and Nutrition, S.N.D.T. Women’s University, Sir Vithaldas Vihar, Juhu Road, Mumbai - 400049, Maharashtra, India.
Mrinalini Purandare : Associate Professor—Department of Psychology, S.N.D.T. Women’s University, 1 Nathibai Thackersey Road, New Marine Lines, Mumbai - 400020, Maharashtra, India.
Padmini Ghugre : Associate Professor—University Department of Food Science and Nutrition, S.N.D.T. Women’s University, Sir Vithaldas Vihar, Juhu Road, Mumbai - 400049, Maharashtra, India.