The relationship between birth season and early childhood development: Evidence from northwest rural China.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine the correlation between birth season and early childhood development.

Background

Almost all previous studies that examine the effect of birth season on early childhood development were conducted in developed countries with a limited sample size. The present study was conducted in poor, rural areas of western China, a developing region with a continental monsoon climate.

Method

We administered a hemoglobin test to 650 infants (52% boys), aged 8-10 months, using a Hemocue Hb 201+ finger prick system, and assessed the cognitive and psychomotor development of sample infants using Bayley Scales of Infant Development.

Results

Infants born in winter have higher Hb concentrations (t = 3.63, p < 0.001) compared to infants born in summer. Similarly,

SUBMITTER: Bai Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6181351 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature