Comparative investigation of indicators of growth and behavioral disorders in children with normal, low, and very low birth weight at pre-school age in Isfahan during 2015

Abstract

Introduction:Birth weight is one of the most important indicators of infant's health and could predict their health condition in future. This study was conducted to determine and compare indicators of growth [weight, height, and body mass index (BMI)] and behavioral disorders in children with normal, low, and very low birth weight at pre-school age.Materials and Methods:In this descriptive analytical study, 236 children (126 with normal weight, 100 with low birth weight, and 10 with very low birth weight) at pre-school age were investigated in three groups. Data collection tools were a two-part questionnaire including the Rutter Children Behavior Questionnaire for parents, and parents’ and children's demographic characteristics questionnaire, scale, and stadiometer. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, variance analysis, Chi square, and Kruskal–Wallis tests.Results:The mean of weight, height, and BMI at pre-school age in three groups had a significant difference (P = 0.009) and it was lower in the group with very low birth weight than the other two groups; however, the difference between the group with normal birth weight and the group with low birth weight was not significant (P = 0.10). The mean score of behavioral disorder had no significant difference between groups (P = 0.49).Conclusions:Results showed that children with very low birth weight grew less than the other two groups. Therefore, this group needs special attention and long-term follow-up for taking care of them to ensure better growth. It is recommended to conduct more extended studies to evaluate behavioral disorders in these children.

Comparison of Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants with And Without Experienced Target Weight Gain on The Administration of Human Milk Fortifier

“…19 This study's results, however, are not in accordance with the study conducted by Ehsanpour S et al, which found that a slower growth rate is observed in babies with lower birth weight. 20 Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to a decrease in hemoglobin levels ≥ 5 g/dL which indicates a decrease in blood oxygen supply to the tissue. 21 This study found that the incidence of cyanosis was more common in the group of very low birth weight preterm infants who experience weight gain not according to the target, although it was not statistically significant.…”