Anthropometric indices of children (5--15 years) of a privileged community
Rath, B.; Ghosh, S.; Mohan, M.; Ramanujacharyulu, T.K.
Indian Pediatrics 15(8): 653-665
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 312765 Document Number: 132579
A cross-sectional study was made on 1294 healthy Indian boys and girls of high socioeconomic group between 5 and 15 years old. Weights, standing and sitting heights, mid-arm circumferences and head circumferences were recorded. Girls were heavier than boys between 9 and 13 years and taller between 10 and 12 years old. At other ages boys were heavier and taller. The head circumference of girls remained lower than boys throughout. All 5 measurements were less for both sexes at all ages in Indian children than in American children, the differences being significant at all points except between 7 and 10 years. Adolescent growth spurt appeared at 10 and 9 years in boys and girls, respectively. The growth curve showed a tendency to slow down after 14 years in boys and 13 years in girls. This could be attributed to genetic or racial factors or a combination of both.