Objective: To analyze the impact of implementation on health management programs among the community-based 0-36-month-olds regarding their growth and development.
Methods: 18 Monitoring Bodies in 8 pilot areas were selected to enroll this study, using a multistage stratified cluster sampling method. All the children aged 0 to 36 months were followed, according to the health management specification, and their health archives were collected.
Results: A total of 13 464 children were involved in the specified management program with a total of 59 648 person-time under follow-up, with 54.26% of them were boys. Results from the multi-layer linear model indicated that the average height of children in the specified management group was higher than that in the non-standardized management group. Children in the specification management group, their weight gain had also been more effectively controlled. At the same time, with the increasing number of follow-ups according to the specification, the prevalence rates of under weight, stunt, emaciation and overweight were all significantly decreased (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The implementation of the community-based programs on 0-36-month-olds regarding their health management specification had improved children's growth and development.