Factors associated with unconstrained growth among affluent Ghanaian children

Aim: To identify socio-economic factors associated with unconstrained growth among children living in well-off neighbourhoods of Accra Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving the assessment of the anthropometric status of preschool children. Children (n=309) between the ages of 12 and 23 mo who live in affluent communities in Accra Ghana were recruited for the study. Weight length and mid-upper arm circumference were taken. Information was collected on household demographics and socio-economics status including parental education and household income. Associations between these variables and attained growth were analysed to established cut-offs for screening children with unconstrained growth. Results: The mean weight-for-age (WA) length-for-age (LA) and weight-for-length (WL) Z-scores of the sub-sample selected on the basis of high socio-economic criteria were -0.18 -0.18 -0.40 and 0.16 respectively. Among these well-off children 0% were underweight 3.0% were stunted and 0% were wasted (Z-scores ¢1000 000 (US$435) or university education and income >¢200 000. Conclusions: The children experiencing unconstrained growth belonged to a sub-population of affluent households characterized by high paternal education and household income. This sub-population was targeted for screening for the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study in Ghana. (authors)