Evaluation of growth chart use among clinicians in Saudi Arabia: Is there a need for change?

Objective: To identify types of growth charts and practices employed by clinicians to assess pediatric patients in Saudi Arabia; To assess clinicians' interpretation and comprehension of growth charts. Methods: This is a Cross-sectional study including 105 pediatricians and dietitians residing in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed an online questionnaire which assessed: region of residence, work facility, typical practices in pediatric patient assessment, and ability to correctly interpret and comprehend growth chart data. Data were analyzed using descriptive and chi-square statistics. Results: Majority of respondents (70.5%) reported typically using either the CDC or WHO growth charts. Only 52.4% reported always using growth charts and discussing weight status of pediatric patients during annual/regular visits, and 54.3% reported discussing the patient's weight status with his/her caregiver(s) under all circumstances. Only 23.8% correctly answered the interpretation question, while 50.5% correctly answered the comprehension question. A higher percentage of clinicians residing in the Southern, Central, and Western regions reported that they always or often discuss the patient's weight status with his/her caregiver(s) (100%, 89.2% and 81.4%, respectively) (P value = 0.004). Clinicians who worked in private hospitals only, and who typically used the Saudi growth charts were least likely to report that they always or often discuss the patient's weight status with his/her caregiver(s) (50% and 61.5%, respectively) (All Ps < 0.05). Conclusion: Growth chart utilization among clinicians in Saudi Arabia needs further evaluation. Clinicians residing in the Northern and Eastern regions, who worked in private hospitals only, and who typically used the Saudi growth charts showed poorer practices with regards to growth chart utilization. Keywords: Growth charts, Pediatricians, Clinical dietitians, Assessment, Weight statu