Psychomotor development in malnourished children

The study examines the influence of protein-energy malnutrition on the psychomotor development of children under 5 years of age. A sample of 219 children from the health district of Bondoukou, including 117 children with acute malnutrition and 102 children with normal nutritional status. This sample consisted of 111 girls and 108 boys aged 6 to 59 months. An analytical and cross-sectional survey allowed us to measure weight, height and brachial perimeter using specific instruments such as the bathroom scale, the statural toise, the Shakir strip (MUAC). In addition, psychomotor development was measured using a standardized test, namely the ASQ 3 questionnaire. The results show that children with severe acute malnutrition and especially those with a complication have a different psychomotor development from moderate acute malnourished children and their peers with normal nutritional status. Children with normal status have a better psychomotor development than those with global acute malnutrition. There is no relationship between gender, age and psychomotor development.