Analysis on influencing factors for stunting and underweight among children aged 3-6 years in 15 counties of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces / 中华流行病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the influencing factors for stunting and underweight among children aged 3-6 years in 15 counties of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces so as to provide reference for enhancing growth level among preschool children. Methods Data was from the 183 295 records of Children Follow-up Study Project carried out by the Institute of Reproductive and Child Heath of Peking University and the records of related perinatal health care surveillance system in rural areas of 15 counties/cities of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. WHO-NCHS standard was used to assess the childhood physical level of growth. Data of children's birth and their mothers' perinatal health were correlated to determine influencing factors for childhood stunting and underweight. Results The average stunting rate was 7.95% and underweight rate was 1.55%. Sex, birth weight, preterm birth as well as maternal height, maternal BMI at the first prenatal visit, maternal education and occupation were significantly related to childhood stunting and underweight. Birth weight was the most important influencing factor for childhood underweight. For the groups whose birth weights were ＜2500 g and ≥2500 g, the rates of underweight were 7.77% and 1.46% respectively. Children with low birth weight were at higher risk for underweight (OR=3.68,95% CI 3.11-4.37). Maternal height was the most important influencing factor for childhood stunting. For the groups whose mothers' heights were ＜155 cm, 155-160 cm, 160-165 cm and ≥165 cm, the stunting rates were 13.01%, 8.76%,6.21% and 4.14% respectively. Compared with the ≥165 cm group, the ＜155 cm group was at higher risk for stunting (OR=3.08, 95% CI 2.82-3.37). Conclusion Birth weight and maternal height were key factors influencing the growth of children. Perinatal health care and the nutrition starus of pregnant mothers should be improved to promote the growth level of preschool children.