GROWTH OF CHILDREN IN LARGE FAMILIES

Abstract

Data were collected retrospectively from 1,811 children, 6-12 years of age, in a rural area with predominantly large families. Data were analyzed as percentiles (%) for the respective ages. The mean heights of boys and of girls in the study cohort were 41.9% and 43.3%, respectively. Height of boys in families of 2-3 children was 47.1% (n=46), compared to 41.8% in families of 4-5 (n=179), 37.6% in families of 6-7 (n=116) and 33.7% in families of 8-14 children (n=151). Girls' mean heights were 48.6%, 42.3%, 41.5% and 42.6% in families of 2-3, 4-5, 6-7 and 8-14 children, respectively. Weight did not differ between children of large and small families. Birth order had no significant effect on height or weight. In boys, a short preceding birth interval of <2 years was associated with smaller mean heights of 37.8%, compared to 41.8% and 43.2% when birth intervals were 2-3 years and >3 years, respectively. Growth of girls and weight gain of boys and girls were not affected by birth intervals. Conclusions: 1) Family structure has a profound effect on growth. 2) Growth correlates with size of family and birth interval, but not with birth order. 3) Boys are affected more than girls. 4) Height is affected more than weight, excluding nutritional factors. 5) This growth deficit is viewed as partial psychosocial dwarfism.