Growth Curves of Alexandrian Infants | ||
| Journal of High Institute of Public Health | ||
| Article 4, Volume 39, Issue 1, January 2009, Pages 56-70 PDF (431.97 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/jhiph.2009.20734 | ||
| Author | ||
| Hanan M Abd El Aziz* | ||
| Department of Family Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Objective: The objective of this article is to construct infants growth curves of weight-for-age and length-for-age for Alexandria infants, (0-2 years) and to compare the WHO Child Growth Standards (2006) and the current constructed curves. Methods: The study was carried out through a cross sectional approach, at maternal and child health centers (MCH) in Alexandria (Egypt), it included sample of infants aged less than two years (1-24 months). Data was presented graphically by Z-scores and percentiles. Results: The results showed that, the mean weight for age of infants included in the WHO standards was below the present median during early months of infancy. Based on the -2SD cut-off point, the prevalence of underweight was higher during the twenty four months for both girls and boys based on the present curves. The average length of infants included in the present study was above the WHO standards median during the first half of infancy. Moreover, for all age groups, stunting rates (i.e., <-2SD) were higher when based on the present sample curves, especially after one year of age. Infants of the first year of life in the present curve were taller than those in the WHO standard (> +2SD). Conclusion and Recommendations: A reference based on healthy breastfed infants is required if the growth patterns of infants following international feeding recommendations are to be correctly assessed. So, the WHO 2006 curves for age 0 to 24 months, based on longitudinal data, are the best choice. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Growth Charts; WHO Standards; Infancy; Stunting; Over Weight; Under Weight; Percentiles; Z-score; Weight For Age; Height For Age | ||
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