Related Experiment Videos
Identification of factors affecting infant growth in developing countries
M P Eccles1, T J Cole, R G Whitehead
1Medical Research Council Dunn Nutrition Unit, Keneba.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Infant growth tracking revealed that infections like diarrhea and pneumonia significantly reduced growth velocity. Multimeasurement standard deviation (SD) score graphs effectively illustrated these impacts on infant anthropometric measurements.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Infant Growth Monitoring
Background:
- Tracking infant anthropometric measurements is crucial for assessing growth and development.
- Understanding the impact of infections and energy intake on infant growth is essential for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To monitor the anthropometric progress of infants during their first year of life.
- To identify and illustrate the effects of infection and energy intake on infant growth velocity.
Main Methods:
- Followed anthropometric progress of seven infants over their first year.
- Measured weight, length, mid-upper arm circumference, and skinfold thicknesses.
- Utilized standard deviation (SD) score graphs and regression analysis to assess growth.
Main Results:
- Infections such as diarrhea and vomiting, pneumonia, and diarrhea alone caused significant reductions in growth velocity (30 g/day).
- Multimeasurement SD score graphs effectively showed the impact of all illnesses.
- Simultaneous comparison of anthropometric measurements was enabled by multimeasurement SD score graphs.
Conclusions:
- Infections significantly impede infant growth velocity.
- Multimeasurement SD score graphs provide a comprehensive tool for visualizing the effects of illness on infant anthropometry.