Child Growth During the First 1000 Days of Life in Lebanon: Sex of the Child Matters
Abstract Objectives The study examines the relation between sociodemographic, maternal, and child characteristics and sex-specific anthropometric status of children using a hierarchical conceptual framework. Methods A cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample of mothers and children aged ≤5 years was conducted in Lebanon. This analysis focuses on children aged 4 months-2 years (n=406) stratified by child's sex. Multiple linear regression models were fitted for length-for-age (LAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) applying a hierarchical conceptual framework with variables at distal, intermediate and proximal levels. Results Overall, means ± SD for LAZ, WAZ and WLZ were: −0.24 ± 1.4, 0.46 ± 1.1 and 0.75 ± 1.2 among boys and −0.08 ± 1.2, 0.41 ± 0.96 and 0.63 ± 1.0 among girls, respectively. At the distal level, maternal and paternal attainment of university degrees were respectively associated with higher LAZ (B: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.1, 1.5) and lower WLZ (B: −0.62, 95% CI: −1.2, −0.09) among boys. On the other hand, higher crowding index was associated with lower LAZ (B: −0.64, 95% CI: −1.14, −0.13) while maternal employment was associated with higher WAZ (B: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.67) among girls. At the intermediate level, higher maternal BMI was associated with lower LAZ (B: −0.03, 95% CI: −0.06, −0.00) and higher WLZ (B: 0.03, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.06) among girls. Taller mothers were more likely to have boys and girls with higher LAZ (B: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.09 for both) and girls with higher WAZ (B: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.05). Among the proximal factors, longer boys and girls at birth had higher WAZ (B: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.12 and B: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.005, 0.092, respectively). Breastfeeding for 4 months or more was associated with lower WAZ (B: −0.54, 95% CI: −0.83, −0.24) and WLZ (B: −0.33, 95% CI: −0.62, −0.03) among girls. Conclusions Differentdistal, intermediate, and proximal factors were associated with sex-specific anthropometric indicators in Lebanon. Future research should account for sex differences using similar frameworks to inform interventions to improve child growth. Funding Sources This research was funded by the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research and the American University of Beirut Research Board.