Childhood malnutrition is endemic in Pakistan. However, the agro-pastoral communities of Pakistan are at particularly high risk of childhood malnutrition due to low socioeconomic status, hard-to-reach geographic locations, harsh weather, and frequent natural disasters due to rapid climate change. Furthermore, distinct dietary habits and cultures may also influence child nutritional status and health and development in these communities. The present study aims to assess the dietary intake/patterns, nutritional status, and their association with the growth and development of children from remote, agro-pastoral communities of District Swat, Pakistan.
In this prospective cohort study from Pakistan, infants and young children (n=416) aged ≤ 2 years and residing in agro-pastoral communities of District Swat will be recruited and followed every 12 months for 5 years. An age and gender-matched comparison group of children (n=416) will also be recruited from the more urban areas of District Swat. Data on household socio-economic status, Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) of Mothers, Infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF), Complimentary Feeding and Eating practices, and growth and development of the children will be assessed from baseline and every 12 months till the child is 5 years old. Anthropometric assessment including height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and BMI will also be performed at each time point.
