J Korean Acad Child Health Nurs.  2010 Apr;16(2):164-174.

Evaluation of Physical Growth and Developmental Status of Infants and Children of Married Immigrant Women in Rural Areas

• Kim TI
• Kim MJ
• Kwon YJ
• Jun MK

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical growth and developmental status of infants and children of married immigrant women.
METHODS
The participants were 92 infants and children aged from birth to 6 yr whose mothers were married immigrant women living in one rural area. Physical growth and developmental status were evaluated by using anthropometric assessment, and Korean Denver II developmental screening test.
RESULTS
Of the participants, 10.8% were below the 3rd percentile for weight, 13.0% for length, 5.4% for head circumference, and from 69.6% to 79.3% were distributed below the 50th percentile on growth charts. Further, 18.5% were classified as having questionable development. Factors related to low physical growth in infants and children were mother's weight and mother's level in Korean language classes.
CONCLUSION
The physical growth and developmental status of children is vulnerable and serious. The study results suggest a need for regular growth and developmental evaluations. Political support is important for these mothers. In addition, there also is a need to develop early intervention strategies to promote growth and development of the infants and children of these married immigrant women.

Keyword

Infants; Children; Married immigrant women; Physical growth; Development

MeSH Terms

Aged
Child
Early Intervention (Education)
Emigrants and Immigrants
Female
Growth and Development
Growth Charts
Head
Humans
Infant
Mass Screening
Mothers
Parturition
Child Health