Determinants of failure to thrive (FTT) among infants aged 6-24 months: A case-control study

Failure to thrive (FTT) in children is one of the
most important health issues around the world, especially in
developing countries. Lack of success in identifying and controlling
this health problem may lead to dangerous health consequences
for children. The aim of this research was to explore the
risk factors for this health problem in infants under two years of
age in Urmia, Northwest of Iran.
Methods. This case-control study was carried out on 445 infants
of 6 to 24 months (180 as cases, and 265 as controls) in Urmia,
Northwest of Iran, during 2013. The study samples were selected
from six health centers, using the purposeful sampling method.
To collect data, a questionnaire including items regarding sociodemographics
of the children’s families, and demographic and
nutrition-related variables of infants was utilized. To analysis
data and determine the real effect of the aforementioned factors
on growth status of infants, a chi-square test and logistic regression
analysis were applied.
Results. The regression analysis revealed that education level of
infants’ mothers [AOR = 1.421, 95% CI (1.172, 1.724)], duration
of breastfeeding [AOR = 1.859, 95% CI (1.212, 2.852)], birth
weight of infants [AOR = 2.777, 95% CI (1.276, 7.166)], family’s
monthly income [AOR = 1.492, 95% CI (1.117, 2.230)] were
correlated with FTT as significant risk factors (P < 0.05). Birth
order of infants [AOR = .741, 95% CI ( .573- .958)], however,
appeared to be a protective factor for child growth (P < 0.05).
Discussion. The findings of the study may help health care providers
in designing and implementing appropriate interventions for improving
children’s health. In addition, taking into account the importance
of healthy growth of children, educating mothers/caretakers would
seem beneficial in preventing dangerous diseases in children.