Suchergebnisse

Physical status of children born in 1990 in Vilnius city and region from birth up to the end of puberty, the variety of individual growth tracks, ethnic and socio-economic growth factors, the epochal changes in growth and growth patterns of the "generation of independence" were investigated. This study was one of the first to establish the variety of individual growth tracks from birth to the age of eighteen years. In this longitudinal study of children born in 1990 (the year Lithuania restored its independence) the personal health records' analysis was used and its benefits and drawbacks were investigated. The age of children, the place of residence (urban or rural), the distance to the outpatient clinic and the ordinal number of a child in a family were associated with the regularity of visiting the outpatient clinic. Children's growth indices in personal health records were rather accurate and suitable for auxological analysis. The results of this study confirmed that children normally changed their growth tracks for height and body mass index during the growth process. These changes were associated with their age and sex. Retardation in growth of children was related to the political and socioeconomic changes in Lithuania after 1990. Nevertheless, this retardation was reversible. Ethnic and socioeconomic differences in physical status of both boys and girls were established. The main body size indices (height, weight and body mass index) of children remained almost unchanged during last two decades, that meant the acceleration process had stabilized. Though the tendency towards higher body mass index was observed at the end of puberty for children of both sexes, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Lithuania remained low.

Physical status of children born in 1990 in Vilnius city and region from birth up to the end of puberty, the variety of individual growth tracks, ethnic and socio-economic growth factors, the epochal changes in growth and growth patterns of the "generation of independence" were investigated. This study was one of the first to establish the variety of individual growth tracks from birth to the age of eighteen years. In this longitudinal study of children born in 1990 (the year Lithuania restored its independence) the personal health records' analysis was used and its benefits and drawbacks were investigated. The age of children, the place of residence (urban or rural), the distance to the outpatient clinic and the ordinal number of a child in a family were associated with the regularity of visiting the outpatient clinic. Children's growth indices in personal health records were rather accurate and suitable for auxological analysis. The results of this study confirmed that children normally changed their growth tracks for height and body mass index during the growth process. These changes were associated with their age and sex. Retardation in growth of children was related to the political and socioeconomic changes in Lithuania after 1990. Nevertheless, this retardation was reversible. Ethnic and socioeconomic differences in physical status of both boys and girls were established. The main body size indices (height, weight and body mass index) of children remained almost unchanged during last two decades, that meant the acceleration process had stabilized. Though the tendency towards higher body mass index was observed at the end of puberty for children of both sexes, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Lithuania remained low.

Physical status of children born in 1990 in Vilnius city and region from birth up to the end of puberty, the variety of individual growth tracks, ethnic and socio-economic growth factors, the epochal changes in growth and growth patterns of the "generation of independence" were investigated. This study was one of the first to establish the variety of individual growth tracks from birth to the age of eighteen years. In this longitudinal study of children born in 1990 (the year Lithuania restored its independence) the personal health records' analysis was used and its benefits and drawbacks were investigated. The age of children, the place of residence (urban or rural), the distance to the outpatient clinic and the ordinal number of a child in a family were associated with the regularity of visiting the outpatient clinic. Children's growth indices in personal health records were rather accurate and suitable for auxological analysis. The results of this study confirmed that children normally changed their growth tracks for height and body mass index during the growth process. These changes were associated with their age and sex. Retardation in growth of children was related to the political and socioeconomic changes in Lithuania after 1990. Nevertheless, this retardation was reversible. Ethnic and socioeconomic differences in physical status of both boys and girls were established. The main body size indices (height, weight and body mass index) of children remained almost unchanged during last two decades, that meant the acceleration process had stabilized. Though the tendency towards higher body mass index was observed at the end of puberty for children of both sexes, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Lithuania remained low.

Physical status of children born in 1990 in Vilnius city and region from birth up to the end of puberty, the variety of individual growth tracks, ethnic and socio-economic growth factors, the epochal changes in growth and growth patterns of the "generation of independence" were investigated. This study was one of the first to establish the variety of individual growth tracks from birth to the age of eighteen years. In this longitudinal study of children born in 1990 (the year Lithuania restored its independence) the personal health records' analysis was used and its benefits and drawbacks were investigated. The age of children, the place of residence (urban or rural), the distance to the outpatient clinic and the ordinal number of a child in a family were associated with the regularity of visiting the outpatient clinic. Children's growth indices in personal health records were rather accurate and suitable for auxological analysis. The results of this study confirmed that children normally changed their growth tracks for height and body mass index during the growth process. These changes were associated with their age and sex. Retardation in growth of children was related to the political and socioeconomic changes in Lithuania after 1990. Nevertheless, this retardation was reversible. Ethnic and socioeconomic differences in physical status of both boys and girls were established. The main body size indices (height, weight and body mass index) of children remained almost unchanged during last two decades, that meant the acceleration process had stabilized. Though the tendency towards higher body mass index was observed at the end of puberty for children of both sexes, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Lithuania remained low.

Physical status of children born in 1990 in Vilnius city and region from birth up to the end of puberty, the variety of individual growth tracks, ethnic and socio-economic growth factors, the epochal changes in growth and growth patterns of the "generation of independence" were investigated. This study was one of the first to establish the variety of individual growth tracks from birth to the age of eighteen years. In this longitudinal study of children born in 1990 (the year Lithuania restored its independence) the personal health records' analysis was used and its benefits and drawbacks were investigated. The age of children, the place of residence (urban or rural), the distance to the outpatient clinic and the ordinal number of a child in a family were associated with the regularity of visiting the outpatient clinic. Children's growth indices in personal health records were rather accurate and suitable for auxological analysis. The results of this study confirmed that children normally changed their growth tracks for height and body mass index during the growth process. These changes were associated with their age and sex. Retardation in growth of children was related to the political and socioeconomic changes in Lithuania after 1990. Nevertheless, this retardation was reversible. Ethnic and socioeconomic differences in physical status of both boys and girls were established. The main body size indices (height, weight and body mass index) of children remained almost unchanged during last two decades, that meant the acceleration process had stabilized. Though the tendency towards higher body mass index was observed at the end of puberty for children of both sexes, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Lithuania remained low.

Physical status of children born in 1990 in Vilnius city and region from birth up to the end of puberty, the variety of individual growth tracks, ethnic and socio-economic growth factors, the epochal changes in growth and growth patterns of the "generation of independence" were investigated. This study was one of the first to establish the variety of individual growth tracks from birth to the age of eighteen years. In this longitudinal study of children born in 1990 (the year Lithuania restored its independence) the personal health records' analysis was used and its benefits and drawbacks were investigated. The age of children, the place of residence (urban or rural), the distance to the outpatient clinic and the ordinal number of a child in a family were associated with the regularity of visiting the outpatient clinic. Children's growth indices in personal health records were rather accurate and suitable for auxological analysis. The results of this study confirmed that children normally changed their growth tracks for height and body mass index during the growth process. These changes were associated with their age and sex. Retardation in growth of children was related to the political and socioeconomic changes in Lithuania after 1990. Nevertheless, this retardation was reversible. Ethnic and socioeconomic differences in physical status of both boys and girls were established. The main body size indices (height, weight and body mass index) of children remained almost unchanged during last two decades, that meant the acceleration process had stabilized. Though the tendency towards higher body mass index was observed at the end of puberty for children of both sexes, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Lithuania remained low.

Physical status of children born in 1990 in Vilnius city and region from birth up to the end of puberty, the variety of individual growth tracks, ethnic and socio-economic growth factors, the epochal changes in growth and growth patterns of the "generation of independence" were investigated. This study was one of the first to establish the variety of individual growth tracks from birth to the age of eighteen years. In this longitudinal study of children born in 1990 (the year Lithuania restored its independence) the personal health records' analysis was used and its benefits and drawbacks were investigated. The age of children, the place of residence (urban or rural), the distance to the outpatient clinic and the ordinal number of a child in a family were associated with the regularity of visiting the outpatient clinic. Children's growth indices in personal health records were rather accurate and suitable for auxological analysis. The results of this study confirmed that children normally changed their growth tracks for height and body mass index during the growth process. These changes were associated with their age and sex. Retardation in growth of children was related to the political and socioeconomic changes in Lithuania after 1990. Nevertheless, this retardation was reversible. Ethnic and socioeconomic differences in physical status of both boys and girls were established. The main body size indices (height, weight and body mass index) of children remained almost unchanged during last two decades, that meant the acceleration process had stabilized. Though the tendency towards higher body mass index was observed at the end of puberty for children of both sexes, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Lithuania remained low.

Physical status of children born in 1990 in Vilnius city and region from birth up to the end of puberty, the variety of individual growth tracks, ethnic and socio-economic growth factors, the epochal changes in growth and growth patterns of the "generation of independence" were investigated. This study was one of the first to establish the variety of individual growth tracks from birth to the age of eighteen years. In this longitudinal study of children born in 1990 (the year Lithuania restored its independence) the personal health records' analysis was used and its benefits and drawbacks were investigated. The age of children, the place of residence (urban or rural), the distance to the outpatient clinic and the ordinal number of a child in a family were associated with the regularity of visiting the outpatient clinic. Children's growth indices in personal health records were rather accurate and suitable for auxological analysis. The results of this study confirmed that children normally changed their growth tracks for height and body mass index during the growth process. These changes were associated with their age and sex. Retardation in growth of children was related to the political and socioeconomic changes in Lithuania after 1990. Nevertheless, this retardation was reversible. Ethnic and socioeconomic differences in physical status of both boys and girls were established. The main body size indices (height, weight and body mass index) of children remained almost unchanged during last two decades, that meant the acceleration process had stabilized. Though the tendency towards higher body mass index was observed at the end of puberty for children of both sexes, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Lithuania remained low.

SummaryThe aim of the study was to reveal the ethnic and socioeconomic factors associated with height and body mass index (BMI) of children during the period of political and social transition in Lithuania in 1990–2008. Data were derived from the personal health records of 1491 children (762 boys and 729 girls) born in 1990 in Vilnius city and region. Height and BMI from birth up to the age of 18 years were investigated. Children were divided into groups according to their ethnicity, place of residence, father's and mother's occupation and birth order. Height and BMI were compared between the groups; a Bonferroni correction was applied. A multiple linear regression model was used to measure the effects of the independent variables on height and BMI. Girls living in Vilnius city were significantly taller in later life at the ages of 8 and 11 years. Sons of mothers employed as office workers appeared to be significantly taller at the ages of 7, 12, 14 and 15 years compared with the sons of labourers. First-born girls were taller at the age of 7 years than later-born girls of the same age (124.48±5.11 cm and 122.92±5.14 cm, respectively,p<0.001). Later-born children of both sexes had higher BMIs at birth compared with first-borns; however, first-born girls had higher BMIs at the age of 11 years compared with their later-born peers (17.78±2.87 kg/m² and 16.79±2.14 kg/m² respectively,p<0.001). In the multiple linear regression model, the five tested independent variables explained only up to 18% of total variability. Boys were more sensitive to ethnic and socioeconomic factors: ethnicity appeared to be a significant predictor of boys' height at the age of 5 years (p<0.001), while birth order (p<0.001) predicted boys' BMI at birth. In general, ethnicity, place of residence, father's and mother's occupation and birth order were not associated with children's height and BMI in most age groups.

Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate the physical status of children born in 1990 in Vilnius City and Region from birth up to the end of puberty, and to investigate the epochal changes and tendencies of their growth. Materials and methods. 1 535 personal health records of children born in 1990 in Vilnius City and Region were analyzed. The main growth indices (height and weight) were recorded from birth up to the age of 18 years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children was found using the cut-off points for body mass index recommended by the International Obesity Task Force (Cole et al., 2000). The results of the present study were compared with the results of Lithuanian growth studies, as well as with the growth standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). Results. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children born in 1990 in Vilnius City and Region was low: 13.60% and 2.40% in the 18-year-old boys and 9.51% and 1.90% in the 18-year-old girls, respectively. The retardation of growth was observed during the first years of independence. The main growth indices have changed in girls more than in boys: both their height (from 166.5 ± 7.0 cm to 167.9 ± 6.2 cm, during the two past decades) and their BMI (from 20.37 ± 2.27 kg/m2 to 21.28 ± 3.33 kg/m2, over the past ten years) increased. Conclusions. Certain retardation in growth of the children born in 1990 was related with the great political, social and economic transition in Lithuania. However, the retardation process was reversible. The main indices of the physical status (height, weight and body mass index) of children did not change much during the two past decades (the acceleration had stabilized). The growth patterns of the "generation of independence" by the end of adolescence showed the tendency towards a higher body weight, though the prevalence of overweight and obesity remained low.

Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate the physical status of children born in 1990 in Vilnius City and Region from birth up to the end of puberty, and to investigate the epochal changes and tendencies of their growth. Materials and methods. 1 535 personal health records of children born in 1990 in Vilnius City and Region were analyzed. The main growth indices (height and weight) were recorded from birth up to the age of 18 years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children was found using the cut-off points for body mass index recommended by the International Obesity Task Force (Cole et al., 2000). The results of the present study were compared with the results of Lithuanian growth studies, as well as with the growth standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). Results. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children born in 1990 in Vilnius City and Region was low: 13.60% and 2.40% in the 18-year-old boys and 9.51% and 1.90% in the 18-year-old girls, respectively. The retardation of growth was observed during the first years of independence. The main growth indices have changed in girls more than in boys: both their height (from 166.5 ± 7.0 cm to 167.9 ± 6.2 cm, during the two past decades) and their BMI (from 20.37 ± 2.27 kg/m2 to 21.28 ± 3.33 kg/m2, over the past ten years) increased. Conclusions. Certain retardation in growth of the children born in 1990 was related with the great political, social and economic transition in Lithuania. However, the retardation process was reversible. The main indices of the physical status (height, weight and body mass index) of children did not change much during the two past decades (the acceleration had stabilized). The growth patterns of the "generation of independence" by the end of adolescence showed the tendency towards a higher body weight, though the prevalence of overweight and obesity remained low.

Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate the physical status of children born in 1990 in Vilnius City and Region from birth up to the end of puberty, and to investigate the epochal changes and tendencies of their growth. Materials and methods. 1 535 personal health records of children born in 1990 in Vilnius City and Region were analyzed. The main growth indices (height and weight) were recorded from birth up to the age of 18 years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children was found using the cut-off points for body mass index recommended by the International Obesity Task Force (Cole et al., 2000). The results of the present study were compared with the results of Lithuanian growth studies, as well as with the growth standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). Results. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children born in 1990 in Vilnius City and Region was low: 13.60% and 2.40% in the 18-year-old boys and 9.51% and 1.90% in the 18-year-old girls, respectively. The retardation of growth was observed during the first years of independence. The main growth indices have changed in girls more than in boys: both their height (from 166.5 ± 7.0 cm to 167.9 ± 6.2 cm, during the two past decades) and their BMI (from 20.37 ± 2.27 kg/m2 to 21.28 ± 3.33 kg/m2, over the past ten years) increased. Conclusions. Certain retardation in growth of the children born in 1990 was related with the great political, social and economic transition in Lithuania. However, the retardation process was reversible. The main indices of the physical status (height, weight and body mass index) of children did not change much during the two past decades (the acceleration had stabilized). The growth patterns of the "generation of independence" by the end of adolescence showed the tendency towards a higher body weight, though the prevalence of overweight and obesity remained low.