The Nash-wo-Numa (Childhood Growth & Development) Study

The Nash-wo-Numa (Childhood Growth & Development) Study : Factors That Impact Linear Growth and Mental Health in Children 9-15 Years of Age in Matiari, Pakistan

The proposed study will be a cross-sectional study in the District of Matiari, Pakistan. Children ages 9-15 years will be identified from a Matiari District household census scheduled being conducted from December 2016- to May 2017 by the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University. Anthropometric measures, Tanner Stage, Hemoglobin concentration, blood draw as well as questionnaires will be assessed in all participants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All girls between 9.0-14.9 years of age and boys between 10.0-15.9 years of age at the time of enrollment who are permanent residents of Matiari are eligible to participate in the Nash-wo-Numa Study.
• The participant's birth mother must also be available to participate in the study and be cognitively able to answer questions since they will be able to provide more accurate information about the birth characteristics of the participant as well as household information like dietary intake

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children not meeting the age criteria will not be invited to participate in the study. Female participants who are pregnant or have been pregnant will be excluded from the study.
• Participants must not be participating in any other nutrition trials. Participants with known chronic or genetic diseases that impact growth will be excluded.
• An illustrative list of conditions include: congenital heart disease, metabolic disorders (e.g. diabetes), cancer, genetic disorders (Down's syndrome, Turner's syndrome), blood disorders (symptomatic thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia), chronic disorders (kidney i.e. nephrotic syndrome, gastrointestinal i.e. Crohn's, bone dysplasia, immunodeficiency disorders).