Stunted, normal weight, and overweight children: What changes occur in their environments across time?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences that exist between children from the same population who are growth-stunted, normal in weight and height, or overweight. The differences were categorized into individual, home/family, and community level variables and the variables were examined for changes across time.

Background: The conceptual framework of the study was the Ecological Model of Growth that uses human ecology and the epidemiological triangle as its organizing principles. This study examined the factors common in the environment of children who obtain services from a large, metropolitan WIC Program to determine if differences in environmental factors can be found in children who differ in weight, height, and BMI, and if the differences change across 6 months.

Method: The sample consisted of 300 Mexican American children ages 2 to 3, who were stunted (height for age<5th%), normal (BMI for age <85th%) or overweight (BMI for age > 95th%). The variables examined were children's weight and height, diet, TV watching; parents' BMI, acculturation status, employment and leisure activities; maternal-child relationship and home environmental stimulation. The variables were measured six months apart during WIC certifications.

Results: Differences between individual and family variables exist between children and parents from the same population who utilize WIC services. Variables can be analyzed by ecological level. Parents' leisure activities, diet, cultural backgrounds, and relationship with their children all impact their children's sizes.

Implications: Ways to promote healthy growth in children include retention of traditional Mexican diet, encouraging breastfeeding and discouraging bottle use after the age of 1, promoting outdoors activities, and promoting maternal-child interactions that are play-based and not food-based.