Analysis on nutrition and health status of infants and young children and urban-rural gap in China

Objective To understand the change of the nutrition and health status of infants and young children in China,to discover the difference between urban and rural areas.Methods Data source was from the National Nutrition Census in 1982,1992,and 2002.Others were from literatures released by authorities and scholars in China.Results The mortality rate of newborn significantly decreased from 1992 to 2002.The weight and length of newborn infants and young children apparently increased.The growth tardy rate and the low weight rate dramatically decreased while the anemia prevalence significantly increased during the past decade.Due to nutrition deficiency,the difference of newborn status and infants and young children health between rural areas and urban areas was broadened at present.Conclusion The health status of infants and young children was apparently improved,but the nutrient deficiency in China was still prevalent,especially in rural areas.