Child Health Nurs Res.  2021 Oct;27(4):317-327. 10.4094/chnr.2021.27.4.317.

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

Affiliations
  • 1Medical Doctor, Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 2Associate Professor, Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 3Public Health Physician, Cheras Health District, Kuala Lumpur Health Department Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract

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.

Keyword

Growth chart; Nutritional status; Gestation; Low birth weight; Child development
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