Research question: What are the anthropometric measurements of adolescents of Karad?
Objectives:
1. To study anthropometric characteristics (height, weight and BMI) of study population.
2. To validate study findings with national (ICMR) and international NCHS, WHO 2007 reference.
3. To study the correlates of weight with age, height, BMI.
Methods:
Study design: Cross sectional, school based study.
Sample size: 451 adolescents (259boys and 192 girls), aged 10yrs and above attending selected school.
Statistical analysis: Unpaired t test, correlation coefficient(r) and coefficient of determination (r2).
Results and Conclusion: Compared to NCHS standard- For boys- at 10, 12 & 15 yrs the 50th percentile values for height of present study are greater. In case of girls the 50th percentile value for height are higher; at 10, 11 &13 yrs and is almost equal to NCHS values; at 14. When compared to WHO 2007 reference 10- The 50th percentile for the boys in the present study was higher at the age of 10, 12, 15 yrs. The data of ICMR for boys and girls is lower compared to present study for height and weight. In the present study at all ages’ 50th Percentile value of BMI is lower than that of WHO 2007 reference and 85th percentile values are higher than the same. Coefficient of determination calculated for weight and height shows the extent to which the variation in these variables could be explained by the studiedvariables. With the increased nutritional status and standard of living it is necessary that regional standards are to be developed and revised regularly.