A Review on Childhood Malnutrition and Its Consequences Towards Global Developmental Delay

Malnutrition is a pervasive global issue that extends beyond physical growth impediments, significantly affecting the neurological development of children. Nutritional deficits, especially during crucial developmental stages, stunt physical growth and disrupt developmental trajectories. The objective of the study is to investigate the association between malnutrition and global developmental delay (GDD) by considering the research that focus on children diagnosed with various categories of malnutrition according to WHO Z -score such as stunting-low height-for-age (HAZ), wasting-low weight-for-height (WAZ), severe acute malnutrition (SAM), and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). The literature review has been performed based on diagnostic criteria and definitions to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the study objective. The study perspective is to showcase the determinants of malnutrition, GDD, the extent of developmental delay exhibited by malnourished children, and analyze how the severity of malnutrition correlates with the developmental aspects. Evidence from recent studies consistently demonstrates a strong link between malnutrition and developmental delay, both as independent phenomena and in conjunction with other confounding factors such as socioeconomic status, maternal health, maternal education, and environmental conditions. This article highlights the necessity of incorporating maternal physical and mental health, child parenting and feeding practices, and child physiological parameters. Furthermore, applying the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework into studies on malnutrition-triggered developmental delay, which can offer a comprehensive approach to dealing with malnutrition and its enduring consequences. This can set the stage for future investigations that allow for the creation of focused interventions and policies that enhance developmental outcomes and child wellbeing.