The association between nutritional status and motor developmentin children under five years old
ABSTRACT: Severe malnutrition
in children is closely related to delayed physical growth and mental
development. Very few reports mention the effects of mild to moderate
malnutrition on motor development.
Objective The objective of this study was to determine the relationship
between nutritional status and motor development in early childhood.
Methods In this cross-sectional study, we examined body weight of
children under 5 years of age, the ability to sit or walk without support, and
parachute sign in those under 2 years of age who came to community child health
surveillance posts in Tuminting Subdistrict, Manado, Indonesia.
Results Among 359 under-five children, 296 were well-nourished and 63 had
mild to moderate malnutrition. The ability to sit without support in malnourished
children was significantly delayed compared to that in well-nourished ones
(P=0.03). The ability to walk without support and parachute sign were not
significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion The ability to sit
without support in children with mild to moderate malnutrition is delayed
compared to that in well-nourished ones.
Author: Nurhayati Masloman,
MD; Stefanus Gunawan, MD
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg050071
