Growth, Learning and Development Study: Summary of Research, Findings and Recommendations

Abstract

The Growth, Learning and Development (GLAD) study aimed to examine how a broad range of factors influence child weight during the first year of life. Assessments were undertaken within a multidisciplinary team framework. The sample was drawn from the community and data collection was undertaken in the four Greater Belfast Trusts. Twohundred and thirty-four families took part, each receiving a total of five home visits during which physical growth, oral-motor skills and development were assessed. Psychosocial evaluation examined parent-child interaction, feeding and other parental and child characteristics using quantitative and observational techniques. This paper outlines the main findings and recommendations from the GLAD study.

Acknowledgements

The Growth, Learning and Development (GLAD) study was undertaken at Queen's Univeristy, Belfast as part of the Recognised Research Group (RRG) into Child & Maternal Health & Welfare funded by the R&D Office.

Notes

1. The major centile lines are the 0.4th, 2nd, 9th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 91st, 98th, and 99.6th. An extreme measurement on a growth chart (e.g. 0.4th centile for weight) indicates size well below average for the child's age. Marked downward centile crossing (usually two major centiles) over time indicates failure to gain weight as expected.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Moira C. Stewart

Moira C. Stewart is with the Department of Child Health, Queen's University, Belfast

Dorota Iwaniec

Dorota Iwaniec is with the Institute of Child Care Research, Queen's University, Belfast

Helga Sneddon

Helga Sneddon is with the Institute of Child Care Research, Queen's University, Belfast

Laura Dunne

Laura Dunne is with the Institute of Child Care Research, Queen's University, Belfast

Seaneen Sloan

Seaneen Sloan is with the Institute of Child Care Research, Queen's University, Belfast

Aideen Gildea

Aideen Gildea is with the Institute of Child Care Research, Queen's University, Belfast

Sarah J. Allen

Sarah J. Allen is with the NFER, School of Education, Queen's University, Belfast

Lorrainne McErlean

Lorrainne McErlean is with the Institute of Child Care Research, Queen's University, Belfast