Children′s growth pattern and mothers′ education and socio-economic status in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: An important indication of a child′s well-being is evidence of having a normal growth pattern. A child′s growth pattern is influenced by multiple factors, genetic and/or environmental. From an environmental point of view, the socio-economic status of the mother plays an important role in a child′s growth during the early stages of childhood. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the association between mothers′ educational and socio-economic status on their children′s growth in Riyadh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight hospitals in Riyadh. The target population was children aged between 1 month and 7 years and their mothers visiting the vaccination clinics. The mother′s data were collected using a structured interview, and the child′s weight and height were measured and plotted on growth charts. Results: A total of 744 mothers and children were screened (392 males, 352 females). The proportion of children with weight and height under the 25 th percentile was 40% and 29%, respectively. In terms of education, the height of a higher proportion of children (33%) was under the 25 th percentile if the mother had a high school education compared with 25% when the mother had a college education (P = 0.02). Private sector-employed mothers had a lower proportion of children (26%) with weight below the 25 th percentile compared to mothers who were government-employed or unemployed (both 41%). Mothers living in an apartment had a significantly lower proportion of children (24%) with height under the 25 th percentile compared to mothers living in a house (33%) (P = 0.04). In addition, mothers living in a rented residence had a significantly lower proportion (40%) of children with weight under the 25 th percentile than mothers living in owned ones (42%) (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Underweight and short stature among children are associated with less educated and unemployed mothers and with mothers who live in a house. The mother′s socio-economic background provides various indicators that could be further researched to identify children who are at risk.