Rearing, nutrition and child development in children from Sonora and State of Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the child-rearing practices (CRP) and its association with infant psychomotor and mental development in children with different nutritional status from two states in Mexico: Sonora (S) and State of Mexico (SM). A total of 24 pairs caregiver-child, 12 from S and 12 from SM (8 girls and 16 boys) with an age range of 6 to 19 months (M = 10.2, SD = 3.1) were evaluated using the Bayley Development Scales. Caregivers offer sociodemographic data and child's health history, in addition they answered the Questionnaire of Responsible Practice and Stimulation. The results showed a relationship between the state of nutrition (SN) and birth order, as well as the age and schooling of parents; between child development and CRPs, as well as the child's age and birth order. Of the CRPs assessed, only the breastfeeding duration was associated with SN. According to the origin of the participants, differences were identified in the CRP and in the variables associated to them. The results suggest interesting relationships that should be confirmed on the approach of models tested in future studies.