EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CONTEMPORARY PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Objective: To study the current epidemiological trends related to PD in children Methods: In 2015-2016, a cross-sectional one-stage study was conducted to examine the PD of children. The body height and weight were determined during the examination program using standardized equipment and accepted methodology. The Body Mass Index (BMI, Quetelet's index) was expressed in kg/m2 , along with SD values (standard deviation) for both height and BMI. We utilized BMI-for-age percentile growth charts. Results: : 9,662 children between the ages of 1 and 17 were assessed, with 49.7% boys and 50.3% girls. The sample was split equally between urban and rural areas, with 50.0% residing in each. The age distribution of the participants was divided into five age groups: 1-2 y/o (14.5%), 3-6 y/o (19.6%), 7-11 y/o (30.7%), 12-14 y/o (19.1%), and 15-17 y/o (16.1%). Of those surveyed, 65.8% had an average height, 19.0% were below average or short, and 15.2% were above average and tall. The height 2SD below and above the mean height for age and gender was found in 3.7% and 2.7% of children, respectively. Most below-average and low height values were found in early and preschool ages. In boys, gender characteristics were associated with more significant variations in heights towards low and high values. Research shows that children residing in urban areas tend to have better physical development than those in rural areas. Conclusion: Data have been gathered on the current PD of children, focusing on age, gender, and geographical factors.

Keywords

• physical development
• children
• growth retardation
• tall stature
• obesity
• underweight.