Related Experiment Videos
Growth of Hong Kong infants during the first two years of life
Insights
Hong Kong children born in the 1960s-70s showed growth faltering between 6-12 months, deviating from international standards. This pattern suggests potential genetic influences on physical development during early childhood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Human Growth and Development
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Infant and early childhood growth are critical indicators of health and development.
- International reference standards are commonly used to assess child growth.
- Previous studies have linked growth faltering to nutritional deficiencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the physical growth of Hong Kong children (born 1960s-1970s) with international standards.
- To investigate the pattern of growth faltering in this cohort.
- To explore potential contributing factors to observed growth deviations.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal anthropometric measurements (weight, length, head circumference) were collected.
- Data from Hong Kong children were compared to the National Center for Health Statistics reference standard.
- Growth curves were analyzed for deviations during the first two years of life.
Main Results:
- Mean growth curves closely followed the international reference from 3-6 months.
- A distinct downward deviation in growth was observed between 6-12 months.
- Growth trajectories paralleled the reference standard again from 18 months onwards.
Conclusions:
- Observed 'faltering' in physical growth among Hong Kong children suggests a unique developmental pattern.
- While nutrition is a common factor, the timing and context point towards other influences.
- Genetic factors may play a significant role in the observed growth faltering, warranting further investigation.
Abstract:
Physical growth in weight, length and head circumference during infancy and early childhood (the first two years) of Hong Kong children born in the 1960's and 1970's have been compared with a widely used international reference standard (National Center for Health Statistics). During the first 3-6 months the mean growth curves closely follow the reference mean. Over the following 6-12 months however, there is a distinct downward deviation. From about 18 months onwards the growth trajectories once again closely parallel the reference. This 'faltering' of physical growth, which shows some similarities with that described by young children in poor parts of the world has been attributed by some to less than adequate nutrition during the weaning period. Yet over the past 20 years or so Hong Kong has very much become part of the developed world. This apparent paradox leads us to speculate that genetic influences might play an important role in the faltering of growth.