A STUDY ON VARIOUS FACTORS AFFECTING GROWTH DURING THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF LIFE

Abstract

Growth is a dominant biological activity during the first two decades or so of human life, including, of course nine months of prenatal life. Growth is an increase in the size of the body as a whole or the size attained by specific parts of the body. It is a fundamental characteristic of all living organisms. The integrated nature of growth and maturation is largely maintained by a constant interaction of genes, hormones, nutrients and other factors. These factors also influence physical performance. Healthy growth and development in early life have a profound effect on health across the life span. Research studies over the past decade demonstrated the link between early life events and adult chronic diseases and found that babies born at lower birth weights have an increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure in later life. Infants with poor birth outcomes begin life with multiple risk factors that may prevent them from reaching their full health and development potential. For the present study 194 infants were studied for a period of two years. The results reveal that gender as such had no significant impact on the growth of children. Also, children exclusively breast fed had better weight and crown heal length(CHL) as compared to those who were on mixed feed. Literacy status of mother and socio economic status were found to play a significant role. Children belonging to families where both parents were working were healthy as compared to families where mothers were housewives.