The parameters of physical growth in 5-6 years old children in Tbilisi.

The aim of the study was to assess nutritional status and anthropometric parameters in children aged 5-6 and to identify possible factors influencing the growth pattern of Georgian children. The cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 754 children boys and girls aged 5-6 attending preschool facilities and their main caregivers in the study sites. The study covered children population from 16 kindergartens of 2 regions (Gldani-Nadzaladevi, and Vake-Saburtalo) of Tbilisi, with different social-economical status. The following anthropometric parameters were studied--body weight, height, head and mid arm circumferences and body mass index (BMI). Physical parameters were assessed using WHO/NIH standardized growth charts (percentile and Z scores). Collected data was analyzed using the computer program EPI INFO. High weight and height (> 95 percentile/2 Z score) was found more frequently than low (< 5 percentile/-2 Z score) parameters. Most children's weight according to their stature was in normal 5-95 percentile range. At the same time in girls was often met low weigh for their stature then in boys. The imbalance between the weight and height is more evident than between weight and age or height and age. The results showed that the abnormal Z scores more or below +/-2 scores were in less percents of children then high and low weight and height by the age in percentiles. The results showed a prevalence of children having normal indices of BMI between 5 and 85 percentiles, approximately 13%of children have low weight (less than 5 percentile), approximately 18% have risk of overweight and 16% have obesity. A multivariate analysis of personal and nutritional variables with the standard nutritional indicators identified age, sex, bottle feeding, and type of solid foods as significant risk factors for stunted growth. Stunting increases with age and males have poorer growth pattern than females. The results of the study emphasize that in Tbilisi 5-6 years old child population more frequent is problem of overweight and obesity than underweight.