High risk of childhood stunting is associated with hilly terrain, according to an Indian research

Research published on Friday suggests that children under the age of five who live at higher altitudes in India—more than 2,000 meters above sea level—may be at a 40% increased risk of stunted development.

The research, which was published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, demonstrated that chronic malnutrition-related childhood stunting, which affects more than one-third of five-year-olds in India, continues to be a significant public health concern despite a number of interventions.

According to Professor Sumantra Ray, Executive Director of the think tank NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, “public health interventions in India have effectively tackled previously prevalent nutritional problems, such as iodine deficiency, which are associated with living at higher altitudes in recent decades.”

“However, this research emphasizes the intricacies of undernourishment in hilly areas, where more investigation is necessary to clarify the respective roles played by genetics, surroundings, way of life, and financial circumstances,” Ray said.

The researchers used information from the 2015–16 National Family Health Survey, which included 1,67,555 children under the age of five, to conduct further study. Between 1,000 and 1,999 meters above sea level, 1.4% of children resided, while 0.2% of children lived at or above 2,000 meters.

Stunting was seen in 36% of the children overall, with a greater frequency among the 18-59 month age group (41%) than the under-18 month age group (27%).

Additionally, it was shown that children of third or higher birth order had a greater prevalence of stunting (44%) compared to firstborns (30%).

The percentage of stunted children that were tiny or extremely small at birth (45%) was significantly greater.

The researchers noted that since the study is “observational,” “altitude as a cause of stunting” cannot be confirmed.

They claim that development is stunted because of long-term exposure to high elevations, which may decrease hunger, limit oxygen transport to tissues, and limit nutritional absorption.

“Higher elevations, with their harsher climate and lower crop yields, also tend to have higher rates of food insecurity.” In a similar vein, they said that access to the delivery of health care, particularly the implementation of dietary programs, are likewise more difficult.

The mother’s education, appropriate prenatal care—such as clinic visits, tetanus shots, and iron and folic acid supplements—as well as being close to medical facilities were shown to be protective factors against stunting.