Body Composition during Early Infancy and Mental Health Outcomes at 5 Years of Age: A Prospective Cohort Study of Ethiopian Children

Mubarek Abera*, Markos Tesfaye, Charlotte Hanlon, Bitiya Admassu, Tsinuel Girma, Jonathan C. Wells, Pernille Kæstel, Christian Ritz, Rasmus Wibaek, Kim F. Michaelsen, Henrik Friis, Gregers S. Andersen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between body composition—specifically fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM)—in early infancy, and mental health outcomes in early childhood.Study designIn the Infant Anthropometry and Body Composition birth cohort study from Ethiopia, body composition was measured at birth and 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, and 6 months of age. Mental health was assessed at 5 years of age using the approved Amharic version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a parent report scale covering 4 different domains providing a total difficulties score. The associations of FM or FFM at birth as well as during early infancy, with SDQ score at 5 years of age were examined using multiple linear regression analyses.ResultsAt 5 years of age, the mean ± SD for SDQ score was 10.4 ± 5.8. FM at birth was positively and FFM negatively associated with SDQ score. For each kg increase in FM at birth, the SDQ score at 5 years was 5.7 points higher (β = 5.7; 95% CI, 1.4-10.0). In contrast, for each kilogram increase in FFM at birth, the SDQ score was 3.9 points lower (β = -3.9; 95% CI, -7.0 to -0.8). Neither FM nor FFM accretion rate during early infancy were associated with SDQ score at 5 years of age.ConclusionsFetal rather than infant body composition was associated with SDQ score at 5 years of age. Greater FFM accretion during fetal life may have contributed to more optimal neurobehavioral development during early life. However, the potential mechanisms underlying the observed associations need further investigation.
Original languageEnglish
Article number225-231
JournalJournal of Pediatrics
Volume200
Early online date27 Jul 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2018

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • body composition
  • fat mass
  • fat-free mass
  • mental health outcome
  • child mental health

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