Growth patterns of children under 5 years old in rural area northern of Abha, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.

IntroductionMeasuring and monitoring physical growth is a key element in assessing children's health. The physical and mental development of a growing child are indicators of good health and nutrition. This study aimed to explore the patterns of growth parameters among children under 5 years old attending primary health care centres (PHCCs) in rural northern Abha. Feeding habits during the first 2 years of life were also assessed.MethodThis study was conducted on 1-5 April 2022 in all (PHCCs) in Billasamr and Ballahmar, two neighbourhoods of northern Abha. The investigator designed a form for collecting each child's age (months), weight (kilograms), gender, birth order, number of family members, type of feeding (exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive bottle feeding, or mixed feeding), and duration of exclusive breastfeeding.ResultsGender affected the body weight of Saudi infants, as boys weighed significantly more than age-matched girls. Birth order also affected body weight. During the first and third years of life, Saudi children's body weight was not significantly affected by feeding type. During the second and fifth years of life, formula-fed children weighed more than breastfed or combination-fed children. However, during the fourth year of life, body weight was highest in combination-fed children.ConclusionGrowth patterns over time, established from multiple data points, must be used in conjunction with other medical and family history to evaluate appropriate growth. Recording and tracking body size, especially recumbent length and weight, as part of well-baby care is critical for any assessment of child wellbeing and health status

Age and gender-wise distribution of children according to birth order.

Age and gender-wise distribution of children according to birth order.</p

Factor affecting growth of Saudi infants during the fourth year of age.

Factor affecting growth of Saudi infants during the fourth year of age.</p

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IntroductionMeasuring and monitoring physical growth is a key element in assessing children’s health. The physical and mental development of a growing child are indicators of good health and nutrition. This study aimed to explore the patterns of growth parameters among children under 5 years old attending primary health care centres (PHCCs) in rural northern Abha. Feeding habits during the first 2 years of life were also assessed.MethodThis study was conducted on 1–5 April 2022 in all (PHCCs) in Billasamr and Ballahmar, two neighbourhoods of northern Abha. The investigator designed a form for collecting each child’s age (months), weight (kilograms), gender, birth order, number of family members, type of feeding (exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive bottle feeding, or mixed feeding), and duration of exclusive breastfeeding.ResultsGender affected the body weight of Saudi infants, as boys weighed significantly more than age-matched girls. Birth order also affected body weight. During the first and third years of life, Saudi children’s body weight was not significantly affected by feeding type. During the second and fifth years of life, formula-fed children weighed more than breastfed or combination-fed children. However, during the fourth year of life, body weight was highest in combination-fed children.ConclusionGrowth patterns over time, established from multiple data points, must be used in conjunction with other medical and family history to evaluate appropriate growth. Recording and tracking body size, especially recumbent length and weight, as part of well-baby care is critical for any assessment of child wellbeing and health status.</div

Age and gender-wise distribution of children according to type of feeding.

Age and gender-wise distribution of children according to type of feeding.</p

Factor affecting growth of Saudi infants during the second year of age.

Factor affecting growth of Saudi infants during the second year of age.</p

Fig 1 -

Fourteen Billasamr and Ballahmar PHCs: 1-Sabah 2-Mawin 3-bahwan 4-Slahlh 5-Ebil 6-Shada 7-Abalah 8-Bihan 9-Billasmar 10-Alhussin 11-Hawra 12-Kharif 13-Sadwan 14-Almdfah. (Reference: https://www.google.com.sa/maps/@18.6301018,42.5326289,101076m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en&entry=ttu last accessed 01 Dec 2023).</p

The dependency of body weight (Kg) up to the fifth year of age on the duration of breast feed (months).

The dependency of body weight (Kg) up to the fifth year of age on the duration of breast feed (months).</p

Factor affecting growth of Saudi infants during the first year of age.

Factor affecting growth of Saudi infants during the first year of age.</p

Factor affecting growth of Saudi infants during the fifth year of age.

Factor affecting growth of Saudi infants during the fifth year of age.</p