The First 5 Years Characteristics of Growth and Development of Children Residing in the Regions of Uzbekistan

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional issues in children are associated with a complex of factors. Early assistance to the
child is feasible with the on time detection of developing deviations in the health, growth and development.
The actual tasks were to determine the level of growth and development of children in the regions of the
Republic of Uzbekistan, assess the effectiveness of programs implemented in the country to improve
nutrition and prevent micronutrient deficiency based on the application of new standards for the growth and
development of children, as well as develop relevant proposals and recommendations.
Materials and Method: 3969 children under 5 years old living in 6 regions of Uzbekistan were observed.
In order to monitor the growth and development of children, anthropometric measurements were carried out
in the following periods: the first measurements - at birth, the second and third - at the age of 15 days and
1 month, then monthly until the expiration of 12 months, 1 time in 3 months - between 12 and 36 months,
every 6 months - between 36 and 60 months and then annually. An immunological study was conducted as
well for children with malnutrition.
Results: The percentage of BF in the city of Tashkent was 78.6%, Tashkent region - 66.4%, Khorezm region
- 67.3%, Fergana region - 85.7%, Bukhara region - 72.2% and the Republic of Karakalpakstan - 89.0 %
Based on those results, it can be stated that in the region where the percentage of IHV was lower (Tashkent
and Khorezm regions), the percentage of children with low body weight is greater. By the end of 2012 and
the beginning of 2013, the percentage of children of the first 6 months of life with reduced weight decreased
in all regions. The dynamics of reduced weight by the end of 2012 among children aged 6-12 months was
positive
Conclusion: Anthropometric indicators in children of the first 5 years of life, regardless of gender, in
almost all studied regions in terms of body weight and body length/height in most cases were same level. In
children under 5 years old, low body weight relative to age prevailed among the forms of impaired physical
development and nutrition in all regions.