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Category: Project

Description: School-age health, growth and development is poorly characterised during the ‘missing middle’ of childhood. We developed the School-Age Health, Activity, Resilience, Anthropometry and Neurocognitive (SAHARAN) toolbox to holistically characterise school-age growth, body composition, cognitive and physical function in rural Zimbabwe. The SAHARAN toolbox was developed using a stepwise approach, then evaluated in 80 children aged 7-8 years. Growth was assessed by anthropometry. Body composition was assessed using bio-impedance analysis and skinfold thicknesses. Physical function was assessed using grip strength, broad jump and the 20m shuttle run test. Cognition was assessed using the Kaufmann Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-2), the school achievement test and fine motor function, measured by shorter time to perform sequential finger tapping. Decreasing socioemotional function was measured by the primary caregiver Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). A child socioemotional questionnaire was also asked direct to the child. The primary caregiver was also asked a detailed questionnaire including socioeconomic status, food and water insecurity, mental health, child-caregiver relationship and discipline.