Continuation of linear growth failure and its association with cognitive ability are not dependent on initial length‐for‐age: a longitudinal study from 6 months to 11 years of age

AIM: To examine linear growth and its association with cognitive ability at age 11 years among full-term singletons with varying degree of stunting or without stunting at age 6 months. METHODS: A total of 1516 Filipino term-born singletons were followed bimonthly from age 6 to 24 months and took cognitive and academic achievement tests at 11 years. The tests were factor-analysed to give a summary cognitive ability score. Linear regression was used to examine associations and adjust for covariates. RESULTS: Mean height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) was -1.0 at age 6 months and -2.4 at 24 months. HAZ at 6 months, change in HAZ from 6 to 24 months and change in HAZ from 24 months to 11 years were positively associated with cognitive ability at 11 years (each p < 0.001). The association was seen in all categories of HAZ at 6 months. CONCLUSION: In this setting where linear growth retardation was common, association between linear growth after age 6 months and cognitive ability in adolescence was not dependent on initial HAZ. Prevention of growth stunting may benefit all children regardless of their initial HAZ.