Growth and cognitive development among impoverished small children in rural Uganda
Stunting (short height for age) remains a problem affecting about 1/3 of children in Southern Africa. This condition increases the risk of future morbidity, poor education and unemployment. It also reduces cognitive performance during childhood and adolescence.
About the project
In this randomized controlled trial we test the effect of an education package on anthropometry and milestone development of small children in Southern Uganda. This intervention, lasting ½ year, is composed of nutrition-, hygiene- (including oral aspects) and sanitation education delivered to mothers of 6-8 months old children. In addition to anthropometry we will assess milestone development using the Bayley’s Developmental Scale-III and the Ages & Stages Questionnaire.
Objectives
The primary endpoint is change in length for age among the children at the age of 20-24 months. Secondary outcomes include other anthropometric measures as well as developmental scores.
We will also examine:
- Oral health
- Oral and gut microbiome
- Urinary metabolomics
- If possible extend the study period as the children grow older (e.g. after 3 and 6 years)
Publications
- Muhoozi et al. Nutritional and developmental status among 6- to 8-month-old children in southwestern Uganda: a cross-sectional study. Food Nutr Res 2016;60:30270
Financing
- The University of Oslo
- The Throne Holst Foundation
Cooperation
- Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- TNO Institute, The Netherlands
- Pittsburgh University, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute of Clinical Odontology, University of Oslo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital
- Kristiania University College, Oslo
Start - finish
2011 - 2017