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Growth curves for school children from Kuching, Sarawak: a methodological development
Yii Bonn Bong1, Asma Ahmad Shariff2, Abdul Majid Mohamed1
1University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
|June 2, 2012
Summary
This study presents height and weight reference curves for school children aged 6.5 to 17 in Kuching, Sarawak. Findings reveal distinct growth patterns and ethnic variations in height and weight among students.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Growth Standards
- Anthropometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Establishing accurate growth references is crucial for monitoring child development.
- Existing growth charts may not accurately represent diverse populations like those in Sarawak.
- Understanding regional variations in child growth is essential for targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present reference curves for height and weight for school children in Kuching, Sarawak.
- To provide age- and sex-specific percentile data for anthropometric measurements.
- To identify potential differences in growth patterns based on gender and ethnicity.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 3081 school children (6.5–17 years old) in Kuching, Sarawak.
- Collection of anthropometric measurements (height, weight) and demographic data.
- Statistical analysis to generate fitted line plots and percentiles (3rd to 97th).
Main Results:
- Reference curves for height and weight were established for boys and girls aged 6.5–17 years.
- Boys showed continued height and weight increases into adolescence, while girls' growth stabilized around 16–17 years.
- Significant height differences emerged during adolescence, with boys becoming taller than girls.
- Chinese school children exhibited greater height and weight compared to other ethnic groups.
Conclusions:
- The study provides valuable, localized growth reference curves for Kuching school children.
- Findings highlight sex-specific growth trajectories and ethnic variations impacting child development in the region.
- These references can aid in the early detection of growth abnormalities and inform public health strategies.
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