Associations between Linear Growth and Language Development in Ghana, Malawi, and Burkina Faso

Stunted growth and brain development are linked, though the strength of the association varies between contexts and few studies have examined moderating factors. Our objectives were 1) to examine the strength of the association between linear growth and language development in the iLiNS Project in Ghana (n=909), Burkina Faso (n=1116), and two cohorts in Malawi (n=1124 and 569) and 2) to examine the relative strength of the association during different periods of development. Participants were randomized to receive various formulations of lipid‐based nutrient supplements (LNS) during pregnancy and infancy or infancy alone, or to control groups. We examined the association between 18‐mo language scores and a) 18‐mo length‐for‐age z‐score (LAZ), b) LAZ at age 6 or 9 mo and c) the change in LAZ between infancy (6 or 9 mo) and 18 mo. The coefficients for the associations of language with concurrent LAZ were significant and similar across cohorts (B=0.10‐0.21), and the coefficients were similar for the periods before and after 6 or 9 mo (B=0.09‐0.30), except when maternal LNS was provided. Maternal LNS eliminated the association between language and 6‐mo LAZ (B=0.00‐0.03), but the association with change in LAZ from 6‐18 mo remained significant whether or not infant LNS was provided (B=0.09‐0.30). Linear growth faltering both before and after 6‐9 mo is linked with poorer language development, but the link for the early interval is attenuated by maternal LNS. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation