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Growth of preschool coloured children in Cape Town
C D Molteno1, J Hollingshead, A D Moodie
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town.
Insights
Child growth in Cape Town showed initial small size at birth, followed by rapid weight gain, then slower growth compared to references. Parental genetics influenced early growth, but socioeconomic factors became significant after 12 months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Human Growth and Development
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood growth patterns are influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
- Understanding these influences is crucial for identifying potential health and developmental disparities.
- Previous studies have highlighted the importance of socioeconomic status (SES) on child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal growth patterns of children from birth to five years in Cape Town.
- To determine the relative contributions of genetic and socioeconomic factors to child growth.
- To compare growth trajectories with established reference values.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study tracking a random sample of children from birth to five years.
- Assessment of anthropometric measurements including length, weight, and head circumference.
- Analysis of parental growth data to infer genetic influences.
- Evaluation of socioeconomic factors impacting child growth.
Main Results:
- Children were smaller at birth, correlating with social class.
- A transient period of relative overweight occurred between 3-6 months due to rapid postnatal weight gain.
- From 12 months, children were lighter and shorter than NCHS reference values.
- Genetic factors predicted weight and head circumference more than length.
- Socioeconomic factors significantly impacted growth from 12 months onwards, independent of genetics.
Conclusions:
- Early childhood growth in this Cape Town cohort is characterized by initial small size, a rapid early weight gain, and subsequent slower growth relative to standards.
- While parental genetics play a role, socioeconomic status emerges as a critical determinant of growth trajectories after the first year of life.
- These findings underscore the need for interventions addressing both genetic predispositions and socioeconomic disadvantages to optimize child development.
Abstract:
The growth of a random sample of coloured children in Cape Town was studied from birth until 5 years. At birth they were relatively light and short for gestational age. Size at birth correlated with social class. A rapid postnatal weight gain rendered them relatively overweight between 3 and 6 months. Thereafter they became lighter and shorter than the NCHS reference values and this persisted throughout the preschool period. Genetic factors, reflected by parental growth, were found to predict growth during childhood, but they were more predictive of weight and head circumference than of length. From 12 months onwards, socio-economic factors played a significant role in determining growth even after the effects of the genetic factors had been taken into account.