A COMPARISON OF THE GROWTH-PATTERNS OF CHINESE INFANTS IN CHENGDU ANDHONG-KONG - 0-2 YEARS

Factors affecting geographical differences in the growth of Chinese in fants were examined by comparing data obtained from longitudinal growt h studies on growth and feeding practices performed in two Chinese pop ulations: Chengdu and Hong Kong infants from birth to 2 years.Their me an growth curves were fitted by the Reed model for the first year and the Count model for the second year. Chengdu mothers were significantl y taller than Hong Kong mothers. Chengdu infants grew more rapidly tha n the Hong Kong infants during the first 6 months; it is likely that t his is related to genetic differences in growth potential and earlier introduction of solids in Chengdu infants.