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Predictors of height in Romanian infants 6-23 months old: findings from a national representative sample

Ecaterina Stativa1, Adrian V Rus2, Wesley C Lee2

  • 1The National Institute for Mother and Child Health 'Alessandrescu-Rusescu', Bucharest, Romania.

Journal of Public Health (Oxford, England)
|September 23, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This study identified key factors affecting infant height in Romania. Rural living, preterm birth, and anemia were linked to lower height-for-age z-scores (HAZ), while higher socioeconomic status and older maternal age were associated with better outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Growth Monitoring

Background:

  • Lack of data on infant height and associated factors in Romania.
  • Focus on a critical developmental period (6-23 months).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate associations between infant height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) and demographic/socioeconomic factors in Romania.
  • Identify risk factors for suboptimal infant growth.

Main Methods:

  • Nationally representative sample of 1532 infants (6-23 months).
  • Utilized family physicians database and World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards.
  • Multiple regression analysis to assess predictors of HAZ.

Main Results:

  • Lower HAZ linked to rural residence, preterm birth, older infant age (18-23 months), unmarried mothers, anemia, and insufficient dietary diversity (MDD).
  • Higher HAZ associated with medium/high maternal socioeconomic status (SES) and older maternal age.
  • Birth order (third or later) also predicted lower HAZ.

Conclusions:

  • Significant predictors of infant height identified, highlighting Romania's specific challenges.
  • Interventions targeting identified risk factors are crucial for improving growth outcomes in vulnerable Romanian infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
Romanian infantsheight (height-for-age z-scores)public health

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