A Growth Chart for International Use in Maternal and Child Health Care

Book excerpt: The measurement and interpretation of growth in childhood is the most widespread assessment instrument for individual and community health and nutrition status. Current use of growth charts were assessed on an international basis in 1972. Chart requirements were defined; a prototype chart was developed, tested, and evaluated for international use. The resulting growth chart is a simple, inexpensive, and easy-to-use means of monitoring child health and nutrition in local health services. Basic health data is organized and presented for use in 1) assessing current health status; 2) projecting growth trends; 3) defining levels of care. The visual character of the chart provides the health worker with a useful, educational instrument to understand growth and development and the consequences of inadequate diet and infectious diseases. It allows greater maternal responsibilities for child care. The guide to the use of growth charts presents a model chart which can be easily adapted to lacal needs.