ANALYSIS OF GROWTH INDEXES IN CHILDREN ATTENDING NURSERIES

Abstract

Purpose: By means of comparative analysis of the growth indexes (height and weight) in children in their early childhood, attending nurseries, an assessment to be made of the health care taken of them. Materials and Methods: Observation – Conduct of a disclosed observation in a natural environment of newly admitted children to the located on the territory of Pleven Municipality, Bulgaria. Object of observation are the indexes evidencing the physical development of the children. By tracing the changes in the indexes, it is possible to make an assessment in dynamics with regard to the care taken of the children during their stay in the nurseries. Subject of observation are the children attending the nurseries and the groups in the unified children’s establishments in the municipality of Pleven, Bulgaria. Ninety children have been observed, with the informed written consent given by the parents. Results:Comparing the results with the criteria of WHO it can be said that upon commencement of the observation, the height of all children depending on their age and sex, is normal. There are certain deviations above the norm with regard to their weight. With the increase in the children’s age, the curve of the height is displaced to the right by around 5 cm. The average annual growth is 5.3 cm, with a rate of 8 cm indicated by WHO. Conclusion:The results obtained in terms of height and weight completely correspond to the norms for physical development for the relevant age, proposed by the experts of the World Health Organization.

Keywords

• Health care
• children
• nurseries