Seasonality and child morbidity in rural Bangladesh.

This study examined seasonal variation in the impact of infection on child nutritional status. Maternal reports of child illness were examined in relation to monthly changes in weight, weight-for-age, and midupper arm circumference (MUAC) of children aged 2-6 years of age. The greatest deterioration in short-term nutritional status was associated with episodes of fever, followed by episodes of diarrhea and respiratory infections. The monsoon season was associated with the highest prevalence of fever, respiratory infection, and diarrheal diseases. Irrespective of the prevalence of infection, the relationship between infection and nutritional status varied across seasons. Weight loss and decreases in MUAC associated with infection in the dry and monsoon seasons were statistically significantly greater than those in the winter months. The observed seasonal variation in morbidity is an important consideration for studies of infection and malnutrition in children. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.