An increased risk of stunting among newborns in poorer rural settings: A cross-sectional pilot study among pregnant women at selected sites in rural Cambodia

Abstract

We conducted an observational study of 194 pregnant women from two different studysites in rural Cambodia. Socioeconomic and anthropometric data was obtained from the womenand their newborns. In addition, we collected blood and urine samples from the women for furtheranalyses in planned papers. There were significant differences between the two study groups forclinical outcomes. The mothers from the poorer area were shorter and weighed less at the time ofinclusion. Their babies had significantly smaller head circumferences and a lower ponderal index.Conclusion: There are significant anthropometric differences between women and their newbornsfrom two separate study sites in Cambodia. Possible associations between stunting and exposure toPersistent Toxic Substances (PTS) as organochlorines and toxic trace elements will be investigated infuture studies.