1Department of Nursing, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Korea. ktim56@dju.kr 2Okcheon Multi-cultural Family Support Center, Okcheon, Korea.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical growth and developmental status of infants and children of married immigrant women.
METHODS: The participants were 92 infants and children aged from birth to 6 yr whose mothers were married immigrant women living in one rural area. Physical growth and developmental status were evaluated by using anthropometric assessment, and Korean Denver II developmental screening test.
RESULTS: Of the participants, 10.8% were below the 3rd percentile for weight, 13.0% for length, 5.4% for head circumference, and from 69.6% to 79.3% were distributed below the 50th percentile on growth charts. Further, 18.5% were classified as having questionable development. Factors related to low physical growth in infants and children were mother's weight and mother's level in Korean language classes.
CONCLUSION: The physical growth and developmental status of children is vulnerable and serious. The study results suggest a need for regular growth and developmental evaluations. Political support is important for these mothers. In addition, there also is a need to develop early intervention strategies to promote growth and development of the infants and children of these married immigrant women.
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