Community diagnosis of physical growth of infants based on monitoring in a routine preventive service.

Abstract

SUMMARYThe physical growth pattern of infants aged from one month to two years was studied in a lower middle class community in Jerusalem. Weight and length were measured at one month and at three, six, 12, and 24 months. In each age and sex group there were at least 200 children. At one month and 24 months the percentage of children below the 10th percentile for weight and also for length was higher than expected, although severely impaired linear growth was observed in only 0 5% of males and 1 3% of females at 24 months. The percentage of overweight infants was highest at three months (6.2% of males and 5*2% females). In the light of these findings, we discuss the feasibility of accurate monitoring of physical growth in maternal and child health clinics; the possibility of an association between maternal stature and the high percentage of children below the 10th percentile for length; and the association between food intake and growth pattern.

Birth weight and weight, stature, and body mass index at ages 6 and 14 years

“…Birth weight is correlated with growth status during childhood. Palti et al (1979) found a n association between birth weight and growth in the two first years of life among children living in the same area as our study population. Similar findings among children through 5 years of age and 7 years of age (Garn, 1985) were also reported, with low birth weight babies tending to remain lighter and shorter than heavier babies.…”

Estudo antropométrico-nutricional de pré-escolares de áreas de baixa renda do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

“…Por outro lado, as médias de peso e altura alcançadas pelo conjunto das crianças de uma determinada região indicariam fidedignamente as condições gerais de saúde e nutrição ali vigentes 3 . Demonstrações destes reconhecimentos podem ser vistas na incorporação da vigilância do crescimento aos programas de controle da saúde infantil 21,22 e na utilização de inquéritos antropométricos para monítorização do desenvolvimento social de países 16 .…”