Factors Influencing Child Growth
On this site, whenever we refer to Child Growth, we are talking in terms of nutrition/malnutrition. So, as we discuss about the factors that influence child growth, we are simultaneously discussing about the factors that result in malnutrition.
It has been observed by health experts, biostatisticians, demographers and economists that malnutrition in any given country or community is both a result and a cause of itself in a very radical sense. A malnourished child (e.g. a malnourished girl) grows up into a malnourished woman who moves on to become a malnourished mother and eventually gives birth to another malnourished child.
As economists would say that poverty is a viscous cycle, where poverty is the cause of poverty and poverty is also the effect of poverty, we can also say that malnutrition is a viscous cycle, where malnutrition is the cause of malnutrition and malnutrition is the effect of malnutrition. While putting together the contents of this site, I was confused if its called a "vicious" or "viscous". After checking on the meanings of the two words, I came to the conclusion that there's no harm in using either. "Vicious" means cruel, brutal,ferocious, fierce, inhuman, etc., which poverty or malnutrition are indeed. And "Viscous" means sticky, gummy, gluey, etc., which also apply to poverty and malnutrition as it is not easy to get rid of it.
Child growth is primarily influenced by the nutritional status of the child concerned. Lack of nutrition not only affects the physical growth in terms of weight and height, but it also inhibits the process of the formation of the brain, thereby affecting the intellectual dimension of the child. Much of the damage caused by malnutrition is done before the age of 24 months and the damage becomes mostly irreparable by the age of 60 months.
A low birth-weight is also a point to be taken seriously. It has been observed that a child who is born with a greater weight lives an overall healthier life than a child who had a low birth-weight.
Sicknesses or suffering from diseases causes a setback in the process of a child’s growth. The growth, strength, etc that are gained through food nutrition is largely lost during the occurrence of a disease. Body fats are also consumed during a period of sickness. Some tissues like muscles, nerves, blood and bones, and even vital organs are affected to various extents depending upon the nature, severity and the duration of illness. These in the longer run also, affect the growth and development of the child and her capabilities
Immunization status of a child also affects the growth of the child in an indirect manner. Complete immunization means more comprehensive protection from diseases. Better protection means that the child falls sick less often. And hence, the nutritional status of the child is better retained as compared to a child who falls sick more often.
It has been observed by health experts, biostatisticians, demographers and economists that malnutrition in any given country or community is both a result and a cause of itself in a very radical sense. A malnourished child (e.g. a malnourished girl) grows up into a malnourished woman who moves on to become a malnourished mother and eventually gives birth to another malnourished child.
As economists would say that poverty is a viscous cycle, where poverty is the cause of poverty and poverty is also the effect of poverty, we can also say that malnutrition is a viscous cycle, where malnutrition is the cause of malnutrition and malnutrition is the effect of malnutrition. While putting together the contents of this site, I was confused if its called a "vicious" or "viscous". After checking on the meanings of the two words, I came to the conclusion that there's no harm in using either. "Vicious" means cruel, brutal,ferocious, fierce, inhuman, etc., which poverty or malnutrition are indeed. And "Viscous" means sticky, gummy, gluey, etc., which also apply to poverty and malnutrition as it is not easy to get rid of it.
Child growth is primarily influenced by the nutritional status of the child concerned. Lack of nutrition not only affects the physical growth in terms of weight and height, but it also inhibits the process of the formation of the brain, thereby affecting the intellectual dimension of the child. Much of the damage caused by malnutrition is done before the age of 24 months and the damage becomes mostly irreparable by the age of 60 months.
A low birth-weight is also a point to be taken seriously. It has been observed that a child who is born with a greater weight lives an overall healthier life than a child who had a low birth-weight.
Sicknesses or suffering from diseases causes a setback in the process of a child’s growth. The growth, strength, etc that are gained through food nutrition is largely lost during the occurrence of a disease. Body fats are also consumed during a period of sickness. Some tissues like muscles, nerves, blood and bones, and even vital organs are affected to various extents depending upon the nature, severity and the duration of illness. These in the longer run also, affect the growth and development of the child and her capabilities
Immunization status of a child also affects the growth of the child in an indirect manner. Complete immunization means more comprehensive protection from diseases. Better protection means that the child falls sick less often. And hence, the nutritional status of the child is better retained as compared to a child who falls sick more often.
