Role of Health Management in Evaluation of Programs Monitoring the Growth of Children Aged 0-5 in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the children's growth monitoring program in the southern part of Tehran-Iran. This descriptive cross-sectional study was done on 1219 children aged 0-5 in health facilities in the southern part of Tehran. The data was collected through existing data in the children's growth monitoring system, anthropometric indicators and also gathering demographic variables through observation, interview and questionnaire. The data was statistically analyzed using SPSS software and Z and X² tests. Findings indicate that out of 1219 children in the study, 618 (50.7%) were girls and 601 (49.3%) boys. Considering weight, 46.35% of the children 0-12 months old were between the 50th and 97th standard percentile. With the increase of age, the figure increased to 48.49%, 53.85% and 55.41%, at the age of 13-24 months, 25-36 months and 49-60 months respectively. But at the age of 37-48 months it decreased to 52.15%. Statistical analysis based on X² tests indicates that there is a significant statistical relationship between sex and weight (p = 0.000), but no significant relationship is found between sex and height (P = 0/05170). The results indicate low weight in children in the study, considering NCHS standard. With regard to the mean difference of weight and height percentage between the children in the study and their peers in other countries, international standard NCHS can be a suitable indicator for monitoring children's physical growth.