Growth of infants and children in China
Sit, C.S.; Yeung, D.L.
Indian Pediatrics 36(5): 464-475
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 10728036 Document Number: 499915
Growth of China s infants and children has improved since the introduction of economic reforms. After 1979, secular increases in both weight and length have been observed. In certain industrial centers, infant lengths have caught up to international standards. Overall prevalence of underweight and stunting have declined. However, the health benefits from economic growth have not been shared equally among the Chinese population. There remain large disparities in the standard of health delivered to different sectors of the Chinese population. Rural children and children of minority nationalities continue to suffer from malnutrition and thus lower growth as compared to urban children. Economic reform has also changed the Chinese diet. Infant and child obesity is rising. Therefore, although economic reform has stimulated improvements in the growth of China s children, continued development and attention is needed in disadvantaged areas and populations. Public education is also necessary for China s children to avoid the diet-related diseases frequently seen in the west.