P-31 Prevalence, Determinants and Characteristics of Growth Faltering in Children Under 6 Years, at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, from April to June 2024
Author(s):
F Permansingh, M Persaud, G Alphonso, K Floyd
Year of Presentation:
2025
Objective: To determine the sociodemographic characteristics and prevalence of growth faltering in children under
6 years seen at the Georgetown Public Hospital corporation
over a 3-month period.
Methods: This cross - sectional study was conducted during the period April to June 2024. This study included all patients under 6 years of age with a diagnosis of growth faltering defined by weight, height and weight for height below the 3rd to 5th percentile for age and sex and in cases of genetic syndromes. Administered questionnaires were used to collect data after obtaining informed consent from participants. SPSS was used for data analysis. All differences found between the categories were considered significant at P < 0.05. Following data analysis, the results of the study were presented in the form of relevant tables and charts.
Results: The prevalence of growth faltering seen over a 3-month period was 8.6%. There was equal distribution in terms of sex. The largest age group encountered was 3- 6 years (43.4%). Most families in this study fell into the middle-income category (n=26; 54.7%). 86.6% of the participants had an underlying condition. The ratio of past medical history to no past medical history is 7:1. Low birthweight was found in more than half of the patients with growth faltering (52.8%). A large proportion of patients with growth faltering presented with sequelae of developmental delay (58.5%).
Conclusion: A large proportion of patients had an underlying condition, making organic causes of growth faltering more prevalent in this population. Developmental delay was a significant finding amongst these patients with growth faltering.