Exploring the Impact of Malnutrition on Motor Development in Pakistani Children

Malnutrition and Motor Development in Pakistani Children

Authors

  • Iram Nazir University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Javaria Lecturer, University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
  • Tanzeela Nawaz University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Amna Mustafa University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Mahnoor Fatima University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Anosha Mariya Majeed University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1724

Keywords:

Malnutrition, Motor Development, Weight-for-Age Z-Score, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference, Child Development, Pakistan.

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition remains a significant public health concern in Pakistan, affecting physical and cognitive development in children. Motor development, a critical marker of early growth, is particularly vulnerable to nutritional deficits, with stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies contributing to delays.
Objective: To assess the impact of malnutrition on motor development in Pakistani children aged 4 to 6 years.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 116 children aged 4–6 years from the slum areas of Lahore. Nutritional status was assessed using Weight-for-Age Z-scores (WAZ) and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) based on WHO standards. Motor development was evaluated using the Motor-Proficiency-Test for children (MOT 4-6), focusing on gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and body coordination. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with chi-square tests applied to assess associations (p<0.05).
Results: The mean age was 48.26 ± 7.42 months, with 42.2% male and 57.8% female participants. Among them, 44.0% were underweight (WAZ < -2) and 55.2% had moderate acute malnutrition (MUAC 115–124 mm). Motor development was delayed in 24.1% and borderline in 37.1%. A significant association was observed between WAZ and MUAC scores with motor development (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Malnutrition significantly impairs motor development, emphasizing the need for targeted nutritional interventions and developmental screening to improve outcomes in resource-limited settings.

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Published

2024-09-27

How to Cite

Iram Nazir, Javaria, Tanzeela Nawaz, Amna Mustafa, Mahnoor Fatima, & Anosha Mariya Majeed. (2024). Exploring the Impact of Malnutrition on Motor Development in Pakistani Children: Malnutrition and Motor Development in Pakistani Children. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(3), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1724

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): Volume 4, Issue 3 - July to September 2024

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2024 Iram Nazir, Tanzeela Nawaz, Amna Mustafa, Mahnoor Fatima, Anosha Mariya Majeed, Javaria

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