Household food insecurity associated with child cognitive development in a rural Kenyan community on Lake Victoria (378.6)

Household food insecurity around Kenya’s Lake Victoria is widespread. The goal of this study was to examine the associations between food insecurity, child anthropometry and child development in 300 children 0-2 years old living in a rural lakeside community in Kenya. Outcome measures obtained included anthropometric measurements (length and weight) and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire [ASQ] (Gross Motor, Personal-Social, and Communication sub-scales). Household food insecurity was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale [HFIAS], and a scale of household food security was created using standard techniques. Results indicate that household food insecurity was associated with scores on the ASQ. In sub-scale analyses, performance on the Gross Motor sub-scale was most strongly associated with food insecurity (p=0.008). Stunting is significantly associated with gross motor scores (β=-0.012, 95%CI:-0.022 to -0.0029, p=0.01) and personal-social scores (β=-0.021, 95%CI:-0.042 to -0.00079, p=0.04...