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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Longitudinal growth patterns of Pakistani infants in a clinic based growth promotion program
Shamim A Qazi1, Mushtaq A Khan, Talat Rizvi
1Children Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, G-8/3, Islamabad, Pakistan. qazis@who.int
Insights
Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) clinics effectively improve child growth, especially for those at risk of undernutrition. Early identification and family-health worker interaction are key to positive weight gain outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Childhood undernutrition remains a significant global health challenge.
- Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) programs are vital for early detection and intervention.
- Longitudinal growth patterns provide critical insights into child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the operational model of a Growth Monitoring and Promotion (GMP) clinic.
- To analyze the longitudinal growth trajectories of infants within a GMP program.
- To assess the impact of GMP interventions on infant weight gain.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational and interventional study design.
- Infants under six months enrolled in a GMP clinic and followed for up to two years.
- Mothers received education on infant nutrition and growth; weight change was the primary outcome measure.
Main Results:
- A cohort of 553 infants was enrolled; 207 were underweight at baseline, with 153 from low-income families.
- Infants from lower-income families showed regular weight gain, though less than higher-income groups.
- 433 out of 553 infants either maintained or improved their weight gain by the final follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Early identification of children at risk of undernutrition is crucial for effective intervention.
- Collaborative efforts between healthcare workers and families significantly enhance child growth.
- GMP programs offer substantial benefits, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, when implemented comprehensively.
Objective:
To describe the operation of growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) clinic and longitudinal growth patterns of children.
Design:
Prospective observation and intervention.
Setting:
Outpatient department of a teaching hospital.
Methods:
Less than 6 months old infants were registered at GMP clinic and followed for up to two years of age. Mothers were provided information, education and counselling about healthy growth of their infants. The outcome measure was change in weight after follow-up.
Results:
We enrolled a cohort of 553 children in the first 6 months of life, of which 318 were males. Mean follow up period was 15.7 (SD+/-6.4) months. At enrollment 207 were underweight [weight-for-age Z score (WAZ<-2], of which 153 were from low-income families. The children from poorer families also gained weight regularly, although it was less than the higher income families. Of 346 infants with normal weight at registration, 305 maintained their weight gain by last follow-up visit. Of 207 underweight infants at enrollment 128 improved their weight gain by the last follow-up visit. Overall 433 infants followed-up at our GMP clinic either maintained or improved their weight gain.
Conclusions:
Children at risk of undernutrition should be identified at an early age and through effective interaction between health workers and the family, their growth can be improved. Children of poor families can also benefit from this activity, provided a comprehensive approach is made available.
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