Summits - SBCC and C4D
Gathering in person to advance informed and engaged societies
Summits - SBCC and C4D
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
Time to read
less than
1 minute
Print
a- a+
Published 13 years ago
Last updated 2 years ago
Read so far

Longitudinal Growth Patterns of Pakistani Infants in a Clinic Based Growth Promotion Program

0 comments

Qazi, S. A., M. A. Khan, et al. (2003). "Longitudinal Growth Patterns of Pakistani Infants in a Clinic Based Growth Promotion Program." Indian Pediatrics 40(11): 1043-1053.

Objective: To describe the operation of growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) clinic and longitudinal growth patterns of children.

Design: Prospective observation and intervention.

Setting: Outpatient department of a teaching hospital.

Methods: Less than 6 months old infants were registered at GMP clinic and followed for up to two years of age. Mothers were provided information, education and counselling about healthy growth of their infants. The outcome measure was change in weight after follow-up.

Results: We enrolled a cohort of 553 children in the first 6 months of life, of which 318 (57.5%) were males. Mean follow up period was 15.7 (SD ± 6.4) months. At enrollment 207 (37.4%) were underweight [weight-for-age Z score (WAZ) < -2], of which 153 (73.9%) were from low-income families. The children from poorer families also gained weight regularly, although it was less than the higher income families. Of 346 infants with normal weight at registration, 305 (87.6%) maintained their weight gain by last follow-up visit. Of 207 underweight infants at enrollment 128 (62.4%) improved their weight gain by the last follow-up visit. Overall 433(81.0%) infants followed-up at our GMP clinic either maintained or improved their weight gain.

Conclusions: Children at risk of undernutrition should be identified at an early age and through effective interaction between health workers and the family, their growth can be improved. Children of poor families can also benefit from this activity, provided a comprehensive approach is made available.