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Comparisons of Yupik infant growth measurements with NCHS/CDC reference data
1Maternal and Child Nutrition Branch, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, K-25, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30341-3724, USA.
Insights
Yupik infants show distinct growth patterns compared to the standard reference. This study highlights differences in weight-for-age and head circumference-for-age in Yupik infants, impacting growth monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Growth Monitoring
- Anthropometry
- Public Health
Background:
- The National Center for Health Statistics/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NCHS/CDC) growth reference is widely used.
- Yupik populations are ethnically distinct from the NCHS/CDC reference population.
- Accurate interpretation of Yupik infant growth data is crucial for clinical practice and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare Yupik infant growth measurements with the NCHS/CDC growth reference.
- To clarify the interpretation of Yupik infant growth data.
- To inform clinical practice and public health assessments for Yupik infants.
Main Methods:
- A convenience survey of 555 Yupik infants was conducted between 1990-1992.
- Data collected from pediatric clinics in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta region of Alaska.
- Analysis involved Z-score distributions of height-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-height, and head circumference-for-age percentiles.
Main Results:
- Yupik neonates exhibited significantly greater height-for-age and weight-for-age compared to the NCHS/CDC reference at birth.
- Between 1 and 12 months, Yupik infants showed significantly greater weight-for-age, weight-for-height, and head circumference-for-age than the reference.
- These findings indicate ethnic-specific growth variations in Yupik infants.
Conclusions:
- The NCHS/CDC growth reference may not fully represent Yupik infant growth patterns.
- Adjustments or alternative references may be needed for accurate assessment of Yupik infant growth.
- Understanding these differences is vital for effective pediatric care and public health strategies in the Yupik population.
Abstract:
The National Center for Health Statistics/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth reference is routinely used to monitor Yupik infant growth although Yupiks are ethnically different from the population from which the reference was developed. To clarify interpretation of Yupik infant growth data for clinical practice and public health assessment, Yupik infant growth measurements were compared with this reference. From 1990 through 1992 a convenience survey of 555 Yupik infants was completed in pediatric clinics in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta region of Alaska. Data was analyzed using Z-score distributions of height-for-age, weight-for-age, and weight-for-height and head circumference-for-age percentiles based on the growth reference. At birth, Yupik neonates had significantly greater height-for-age and weight-for-age than the National Center for Health Statistics/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reference. Between 1 and 12 months, Yupik infants had significantly greater weight-for-age, weight-for-height, and head circumference-for-age than the growth reference.