Predictors of growth in children based on 2007 Korean national growth charts

Abstract

Postnatal growth patterns in children are associated with various factors within the birth and infancy periods. The aim of the present study was to examine the correlation between growth patterns and parameters including gestational age (GA), birthweight (BW), sex, and feeding method in the records of 61,631 children aged 6-72 months. The data were obtained from the 2007 Korean National Growth Charts provided by the Korean Centers for Disease Control. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression. BW and sex were highly correlated with weight and height by 72 months (P < 0.01), with BW being the primary predictor (P < 0.001). Sex was the second predictor of weight and height in children by 66 months (P < 0.01). Feeding method was the predictor of weight in children aged 12-48 months and 60 months (P < 0.05), and was also influential in the height of children by 48 months (P < 0.05). GA was the predictor of weight at 12 months and from 30 to 42 months (P < 0.05). GA, BW, sex and feeding method were the predictors of weight and height among children at different times. Therefore, the present population-based study strengthens the consideration of these factors for routine monitoring of growth patterns in Korean children.