Nutritional status of urban and rural preschool children in Western Rajasthan (in and around Bikaner City) : I--Anthropometric study
Gupta, M.; Jain, A.; Singh, R.N.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics 45(367): 247-254
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5456 PMID: 730287 Document Number: 135022
1. The study was made to help to establish regional growth standards for Indian children. Anthropometric measurements were taken on 1235 preschool children in their homes in Bikaner city and its surrounding area in Western Rajasthan. Of the children 33.9% were from urban areas and 66.1% from rural areas; 663 were boys and 572 girls, reflecting the general population ratio of the area. Of the children 85.6% were from Hindu families and 14.4% Muslim, again reflecting the general population ratio of the area; 66.8% were in the socioeconomic grades IV and V, 28.0% in grade III, 3.5% in grade II and 1.6% in grade I. Heights, weights, head and chest circumference, midarm circumference and triceps skinfold thicknesses were recorded for the children, grouped into 6-month age groups between 12 months and 5 years. Little difference was observed between urban and rural children, and the girls had generally lower values than the boys. For the urban boys, average weight at 12 to 18 months was 7.10 kg rising to 14.90 kg at 54 to 60 months. The corresponding range for the urban girls was 7.00 to 14.50 kg. For the rural boys at 12 to 18 months average weight was 6.60 kg rising to 13.49 kg at 54 to 60 months. For the rural girls, average weight rose from 6.20 kg to 13.13 kg at 54 to 60 months.