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Weight, height and weight for height in 6-7-year-old children. I. Relationship with demographic variables
Insights
Childhood growth is linked to birthweight. However, factors like birth order and family size significantly influence body mass index (BMI) in 6-7 year olds, not height or weight alone.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Growth and Development
- Anthropometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Understanding factors influencing child growth is crucial for public health initiatives.
- Previous research has explored links between anthropometric measures and various demographic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate relationships between anthropometric measures (weight, height, BMI) at 6-7 years and demographic variables.
- To assess the suitability of American and Australian growth reference standards for Australian children.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from Infant Welfare Centre and school medical records for 6-7 year old children.
- Analyzed correlations between height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) with demographic factors.
- Compared anthropometric data with established American and Australian growth references.
Main Results:
- Height and weight were significantly associated with birthweight in both sexes.
- Body mass index (BMI) showed significant differences based on birth order, family size, and parents' country of birth.
- No significant associations were found between height/weight and paternal occupation, maternal age, or number of younger siblings.
- Neither American nor Australian reference standards were found to be definitively more appropriate for assessing Australian children's growth.
Conclusions:
- Birthweight is a key determinant of early childhood anthropometry.
- Demographic factors beyond birthweight, such as birth order and family structure, influence BMI.
- Current international growth references may require careful consideration for use in Australian pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Relationships between weight, height and weight for height at 6-7 years of age and a number of demographic variables have been studied in data from Infant Welfare Centre and school medical records. In both boys and girls height and weight were significantly related to birthweight. After allowing for birthweight and age no significant relationships were found in either boys or girls between height and any of the demographic variables. However, body mass index differed significantly according to birth order, the number of children in the family and the parents country of birth. No associations were observed between anthropometric measures at 6-7 years and paternal occupational status, maternal age and the number of younger siblings. Comparison of the study group with reference values from America and Australia provided no support for the view that one of these reference standards is more appropriate than the other for assessment of growth in Australian children.