Growth patterns and nutritional status of small for gestational age infants in Malaysia during the first year of life

Child Health Nursing Research

Azmi Mohd Tamil¹  Rosnah Sutan¹  Norain Ahmad²  Noriah Hajib³ 

[1]Associate Professor, Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

[2]Medical Doctor, Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

[3]Public Health Physician, Cheras Health District, Kuala Lumpur Health Department Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

关键词: growth chart;    nutritional status;    gestation;    low birth weight;    child development;   

DOI  :  10.4094/chnr.2021.27.4.317

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Purpose This study aimed to identify small for gestational age (SGA) infants' growth patterns, nutritional status, and associated factors. Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted at primary-care child health clinics in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The sample consisted of infants who fulfilled the criteria and were born in 2019. The anthropometric data of infants were assessed at birth and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results A total of 328 infants were analysed. In total, 27.7%(n=91) of the subjects were SGA infants, and 237 of them were not. Significant differences in the median weight-for-age and length-for-age z-scores were observed between SGA and non-SGA infants at birth, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. There was a significant difference between the growth patterns of SGA and non-SGA infants. Birth weight and sex significantly predicted the nutritional status(stunting and underweight) of SGA infants during their first year of life. Conclusion SGA infants can catch up to achieve normal growth during their first year of life. Even though the nutritional status of SGA infants trends worse than non-SGA infants, adequate infant birth weight monitoring and an emphasis on nutritional advice are crucial for maintaining well-being.

【 授权许可】

Unknown