Underweight and early childhood caries among young children in rural Cambodia: a pilot study

Objectives: To investigate the association between underweight and early childhood caries (ECC) among 1–3-year-old children in rural Cambodia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 200 children aged 1–3 years from villages in Kampong Cham province was conducted. Underweight was classified using WHO weight-for-age Z-scores (moderately-underweight <−2SD; severely-underweight <−3SD). Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) <12.5 cm indicated malnutrition. ECC was recorded per WHO guidelines. Caregiver interviews collected associated factors. Results: 33.5% were moderately-underweight and 7.0% severely-underweight; ECC prevalence was 61.5%. ECC was significantly associated with moderate underweight (P < 0.05) and was more prevalent among severely-underweight children (P = 0.054). Logistic regression showed low birth weight (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.03–6.40) and malnutrition (MUAC <12.5 cm) (OR 4.71; 95% CI 1.08–20.62) predicted moderate/severe underweight; ECC was associated but not statistically significant (OR 2.21; 95% CI 0.97–5.00). Severe underweight was associated with low birth weight (OR 10.68; 95% CI 2.95–38.65) and ECC (OR 6.67; 95% CI 1.02–43.61). Conclusion: Low birth weight, malnutrition, and ECC were associated with underweight in this population.

Yu Kubota, Nhep San Pech, Callum Durward, Hiroshi Ogawa