Predictors of growth from 1 to 18 months among breast-fed Ghanaian infants

Objective: To examine factors associated with the physical growth of breast -fed Ghanaian infants during the first 18 months of life. Design: A community-based longitudinal study. Setting: The study was carried out in Techiman, a district capital and majo r food trading center in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. Subjects: One-month old infants (n = 216) with birth weight greater than or equal to 2.5 kg were recruited from Maternal and Child Health Centers. Method: From 6 to 12 months, infants were provided with one of four types o f nutritionally enhanced complementary foods. Anthropometric assessments we re completed monthly from 1 to 12 months and every other month from 12 to 1 8 months. Information was collected on household characteristics, morbidity from common infections and dietary intakes. Blood samples were collected a t 6 and 12 months to assess iron, zinc, riboflavin and vitamin A status. Mu ltiple regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with grow th during the age intervals of 1-6, 4-6, 6-12 and 12-18 months as well as s ize attained at 12 and 18 months. Results: Prevalence of diarrhea and fever were negatively associated with g rowth during the first year of life. No significant relationship was found between respiratory illness (defined as cough or purulent nasal discharge) and growth. With the exception of dietary zinc intake, dietary variables we re generally not significantly associated with growth. Maternal education w as positively associated with growth during most of the age intervals. Conclusion: These findings suggest that interventions to reduce morbidity a nd improve the education of girls may benefit children's growth in this pop ulation.