Stunting
Stunting
Stunting (/ˈstʌntɪŋ/), also known as chronic malnutrition, is a condition that arises from long-term undernutrition. It is characterized by low height for age in children under five years old.
Etymology
The term "stunting" originates from the English word "stunt", which means to prevent from growing or developing properly. It was first used in the context of malnutrition in the late 20th century.
Definition
Stunting is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a height-for-age measurement that is more than two standard deviations below the WHO Child Growth Standards median. It is a sign of chronic undernutrition during the most critical periods of growth and development in early life.
Causes
Stunting is primarily caused by inadequate nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Other factors that contribute to stunting include poor maternal health and nutrition, inadequate infant and young child feeding practices, and poor sanitation and hygiene.
Effects
Stunting has long-term effects on individuals and societies, including poor cognition and educational performance, low adult wages, lost productivity, and when multiplied at scale, can lead to a reduced economic development of nations.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Stunting
- Wikipedia's article - Stunting
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