Risk factors for failure to thrive among infants at a hospital in North India: a case–control study

Failure to thrive (FTT) is a commonly used term in pediatric clinical practice, referring to a significant deviation from normal growth patterns. It can have multiple adverse effects on a child, including developmental delays, intellectual deficits, and insecure attachment. Inadequate nutritional intake is the most frequent underlying cause. This study aims to identify the risk factors contributing to FTT in infants in a rural North Indian setting. A case-control study was conducted on infants aged 2-12 months admitted to the pediatric ward of Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, India. Detailed histories, clinical examinations, and relevant laboratory investigations were performed for all enrolled patients. Among the 456 study participants, 152 infants (33.33%) were diagnosed with FTT. The majority of cases (92.1%) were from rural areas. Multivariate regression analysis identified key independent risk factors for FTT, including rural residence, incomplete or lack of immunization, absence of exclusive breastfeeding, and lack of timely complementary feeding. This study underscores the significant role of rural residency, inadequate immunization, absence of exclusive breastfeeding, and delayed complementary feeding in increasing the risk of FTT among infants aged 2-12 months in rural North India. Early identification of these risk factors, timely diagnosis, and appropriate interventions are crucial for improving child health outcomes. It will also help in the efficient allocation of healthcare resources.