Child Development and Growth

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Questions and Answers

What aspect of human growth is often mistaken for development?

Changes in shape, form, or structure that led to enhanced functioning

Gain in size, height, weight, and length (correct)

A gradual process that leads to maturity

Qualitative improvements that lead to maturity

What is a significant difference between growth and development?

Growth is a qualitative improvement, while development is a quantitative improvement

Growth can be measured, while development leads to qualitative changes that are difficult to assess (correct)

Growth is a gradual process, while development is a rapid process

Growth is a constant process, while development comes to an end

What is the critical period in a child's life when growth and development are particularly sensitive to environmental factors?

First twenty years of life

First five years of life (correct)

First year after birth

First ten years of life

What is a risk factor for developmental abnormalities, according to a study by Amir et al. (2019)?

Poor nutrition and stunting Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between growth and development, according to the text?

Growth and development are correlated and interdependent Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of WHO growth charts?

To provide a growth norm for children from birth to five years Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range defined by the Z score in the WHO growth chart?

Between -2.0 and +2.0 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using Fenton growth charts?

To track the growth of preterm newborns Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula to calculate the corrected postnatal age for preterm children?

Actual age in weeks - (40 weeks - gestational age at birth in weeks) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate way for clinicians to determine nutritional status in children?

Through anthropometric measurements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of collecting weight, length, height, and other measurements from children?

To assess growth and nutritional status Signup and view all the answers

What feature should a scale used for weighing children have to ensure accurate measurements?

Accuracy to 0.1 kg (100g) Signup and view all the answers

Why is a hospital-grade platform scale recommended for measuring infants under 2 years old?

Because it provides more accurate measurements Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability to reset a scale to zero while the person being weighed remains on it?

Tared weighing Signup and view all the answers

When should the scale be placed in the 'zero' position before weighing a child?

Before placing the child on the scale Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Growth and Development

Growth refers to the increase in size and weight of a baby/child's organs and limbs, and is a critical indicator of children's health.
Optimal growth occurs only when a child is healthy, well-nourished, and emotionally secured.

Characteristics of Growth

Growth is characterized by increased body mass, morphological remodeling, and functional maturation, which distinguishes children from adults.
Growth follows a top-to-bottom (cephalocaudal) and proximodistal (center-to-outside) pattern.

Influencing Factors

Genetic adaptations can influence growth, but environmental factors can also significantly impact growth, such as eating habits, diseases, and personal care, as well as housing and sanitation conditions.

Physical Development

The physical domain encompasses changes in the size, shape, and qualities of the body.
Physical growth and development entail distinct physiological processes that follow parallel trajectories yet have common meaning.

Growth Monitoring and Promotion

Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) systems have been deployed for decades, involving monthly weighing of children under 5 years old at health facilities or communities, along with group or individual counselling and teaching on healthy eating choices.
The child growth monitoring program aims to identify children with growth abnormalities early, allowing for rapid evaluation and treatment.

Measuring Growth

Monitoring a child's growth, including weight, height, and head circumference, is crucial for recognizing growth abnormalities and ensuring enough nutrition of the child.

Distinction between Growth and Development

Growth refers to a gain in size, height, weight, and length that can be measured, whereas development refers to changes in shape, form, or structure that lead to enhanced functioning.
Improved functioning indicates qualitative improvements that lead to maturity.

Importance of Growth and Development

Living organisms rely heavily on their growth and development.
Development is a gradual process that leads to maturity, and optimal growth leads to optimal development.
The first five years of life are commonly referred to as the "golden age" due to their sensitivity to the environment, rapid development, and irreversible nature.
Efforts to promote growth and development are crucial at that time, as poor growth and development can lead to developmental abnormalities and other risk factors.

Growth Charts

WHO growth curve for the 21st century is a new international growth reference for children from birth to five years of age.
The curves reflect the growth of children living in healthy environments who are fed following guidelines that promote optimal growth in infancy and early childhood.
The normal range is defined as a Z score between -2.0 and +2.0, which corresponds to the 2nd and 98th percentiles.
Z-scores indicate the number of standard deviations from the mean.

WHO Growth Charts vs. CDC Growth Charts

WHO growth charts indicate a growth norm, whereas the CDC growth charts serve as a growth reference.

Children's Anthropometric Standards

Children's Anthropometric Standards in Indonesia refer to WHO Child Growth Standards for children aged 0-5 years and The WHO Reference 2007 for children 5 to 18 years.
These standards are used to assess or determine the nutritional status of children.
Assessment of children's nutritional status is carried out by comparing the results of body weight and length/height with Children's Anthropometric Standards.

Preterm Growth Charts

Preterm growth charts, such as Fenton growth charts, are used for preterm infants, especially less than 37 weeks gestational age.
Fenton charts can be used from 22 weeks gestation to 10 weeks post-term.
WHO charts are important for tracking the growth of preterm newborns discharged less than 37 weeks.
Corrected postnatal age is valid for up to two years.
Corrected age for preterm children is computed as actual age in weeks - (40 weeks - gestational age at birth in weeks).

Anthropometric Measurements

Anthropometry is the most accurate way for clinicians to determine nutritional status.
Weight, length, weight for length, and head circumference are the most common anthropometric measures for children under the age of two.
Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and head circumference are the most common measures taken on children over the age of two.
Measurements should be collected and documented anytime a newborn or kid encounters a healthcare practitioner, such as for immunizations, well-baby visits, or disease treatment.

Measurements for Assessing Growth and Nutritional Status

Weight, length, height, head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold, and subscapular skinfold are the measurements taken for assessing growth and nutritional status of children.

Weight Measurement

The scale used for weighing children should have solid construction and durability, electronic (digital readout), and be capable of measuring up to 150 kg.
The scale should be accurate to 0.1 kg (100g) and allow for tared weighing.
When measuring infants under 2 years old in a recumbent position, a hospital-grade platform scale should be used.
The scale should be calibrated on a routine basis, and the following steps should be followed: • Remove shoes, clothing, and diapers from the infant. • Place the scale in the “zero” position before you place the infant on the scale. • Make sure the child is on the center of the platform. • Record the measurement to the nearest decimal fraction. • Remove the child from the scale.
Tared weighing is used for children under the age of two or unable to stand.
The scale should be placed on a hard horizontal surface so that the display is clearly visible.
When weighing a child older than 24 months, a parent/caregiver or trained assistant should help position the child in the middle of the scale and help keep the child standing still.

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Description

Understanding growth and development in children, including factors that affect optimal growth and health.