Unraveling Growth: Analyzing the Key Factors Influencing Growth Rate of Children Under Two Years

Introduction: According to the significance of children in the culture, economy, and human resources for the country's future, their growth in the first 2 years and its influencing factors are crucial for the country's progress. The study investigates and identifies the factors influencing growth rates through the transitional and marginal longitudinal models. Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluates the determinants that impact children's growth in their first two years. We used longitudinal models (transmission-random-marginal) and SPSS software version 26. the Corrected Quasi Likelihood under the Independence Model Criterion (QICC) was used to evaluate the models, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean weight was 3257 ± 491 grams at birth and 12105 ± 1633 grams at two years old. The mean height was 50.4 ± 2.6 cm at birth and 87.6 ± 0.3 cm at two years old. Factors such as the child's gender, place of residence, mother's education, type of breastfeeding, gestational age, singleton births, and mother's weight all significantly affect children's growth. Evaluating these factors using a marginal model was also meaningful. The results from the transfer model indicate that when controlling for the child's previous weight, factors such as the child's gender, mother's age, and exclusive breastfeeding with breast milk impact weight growth in children. Similarly, when controlling for the child's previous height, the child's gender, mother's age, and level of education significantly influence children's height. A comparison between the transfer and marginal models revealed that the transfer model provides a better fit. Conclusion: A comparison between the transfer and marginal models revealed that the transfer model provides a better fit. According to the results of this study, adequate training on factors affecting children's growth should be provided to both mothers and health workers, which may reduce the risk of developing disorders.