Jessica M. Perkins|Rockli Kim|Aditi Krishna|Mark E. McGovern|Víctor M. Aguayo|S. V. Subramanian
Understanding the association between stunting and child development in low- and middle-income countries: Next steps for research and intervention
Vanderbilt University Medical Center|Vanderbilt University|Harvard University|United Kingdom Clinical Research Collaboration|Queen's University Belfast|United Nations Children's Fund|Harvard University
stunting caused experiences chronic nutritional deprivation affects approximately 25 children age five globally ie 156 million children review evidence relationship stunting child development low middleincome countries summarized issues research discussed focus studies measured low heightforage among children less 5 years old exposure grossfine motor skills psychosocial competencies cognitive abilities schooling learning milestones outcomes review highlights three key findings first variability child development tools metrics used among studies differences timing frequency assessments complicate comparisons across study findings second considerable evidence across many countries supports association stunting poor child development despite methodological differences heterogeneity magnitude associations effect sizes differ developmental domain greater associations shown cognitiveschooling outcomes stunting influences child development domains child development affected various domains child development influence one another require experimental research test causal pathways finally mixed evidence additive effect nutrition stimulation interventions child development however understanding best methods improving child developmental outcomes either nutrition programs integrated nutrition psychosocial stimulation programs nutrition program interventions key area inquiry given nearly 40 children age five suffer loss developmental potential stunting likely one key risk factors reductions stunting could tremendous implications child development human capital formation particularly low middleincome countries