FACTORS INFLUENCING LINEAR GROWTH IN SAUDI-ARABIAN CHILDREN AGED 6-24MONTHS

This study was carried out to identify possible factors influencing th e growth pattern of Saudi children in the first 2 years of life. The b ody length and weight of 400 healthy babies attending the well-baby ca re clinic of King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, we re measured at various determined ages in a cross-sectional study desi gn. Nutritional indicators were calculated and the proportions with lo w height-for-age, low weight-for-height and low weight-for-age were co mpared with the reference population. The results showed a prevalence of 2 per cent of wasted children and 18 per cent of children with stun ted growth. A univariate and multivariate analysis of personal and nut ritional variables with the standard nutritional indicators identified age, sex, bottle feeding, and type of solid foods as significant risk factors for stunted growth. Stunting increases with age and males hav e poorer growth pattern than females. Genetic factors and poor feeding practices of the children are suggested reasons for the observed falt ering growth between 6 and 24 months of age. A public health education programme for good nutrition is highly recommended.