Body Mass Index In Boys Research Articles

The association of anthropometric indices in adolescence with the occurrence of the metabolic syndrome in early adulthood: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS)

Little is known about the predictive ability of anthropometric indices in adolescence for prediction of early adulthood metabolic syndrome (MetS). There are controversies about the predictive power of body mass index (BMI) vs. waist circumference (WC) for prediction of MetS in late adolescence; some of the studies did not support the need to measure WC in mid-adolescence, in addition to BMI; on the other hand, some other studies proposed either similar predictability or superiority of WC to identify MetS in late adolescence. This is the first study to evaluate the adolescent anthropometric indices in relation to early adulthood MetS incidence one decade later in the Middle East region. There is an important sex difference regarding the incidence of MetS in Tehranian adolescents. It is interesting to know that all anthropometric indices in the pubertal age group (11-14 years) had better predictive ability compared to late-pubertal (15-18 years) adolescents. In addition, adolescent abdominal obesity surrogates, including WC and waist-to-height ratio, predicted adulthood MetS better than BMI in boys. It seems that WC had an independent role beyond BMI in identification of adulthood MetS in Tehranian boys (11-18 years old). Little is known about the predictive ability of anthropometric indices in adolescence for prediction of early adulthood metabolic syndrome (MetS). Our purpose was to explore incidence of MetS and the optimal anthropometric indicator to predict early adulthood MetS in Tehranian adolescents. Using data from the population-based, prospective, Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, the utility of four anthropometric indices of adolescents in predicting early adulthood MetS (2009 Joint Scientific Statement definition) was examined among 1100 participants, aged 11-18 years, who were free of MetS at baseline, during a mean of 10.2 years of follow-up. The cumulative incidence of MetS was 25.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.8-29.2%) for young men and 1.8% (95% CI: 0.6-3%) for young women. In boys, waist circumference (WC) had the highest odds ratio (OR) for the MetS risk, followed by waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Adjusting body mass index (BMI) in addition to WC did not change the results in the 11-14-year age group (OR for WC: 2.28 [1.64-3.16] without BMI adjustment vs. 1.98 [1.05-3.73] with BMI adjustment), suggesting that WC may predict MetS risk beyond BMI. None of the anthropometric indices were found to have significant associations with subsequent MetS risk in girls. Measures of abdominal obesity including WHtR and WC predicted early adulthood MetS better than BMI in Tehranian male adolescents (11-18 years old).

Assessment of Growth in Pharmacological Treatment-Naïve Polish Boys with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The objective of this study was to estimate the growth of pharmacological treatment-naïve polish boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The sample included 135 boys (mean age: 11.67 years) with ADHD. The level of subjects' height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) was compared to the reference growth charts. Full estimation of measurement accuracy was provided. Regression analysis was used to estimate the biological and social factors contributing to the growth determination in the examined group. There were no statistically significant differences between mean body height of boys with ADHD and standards of growth of Polish children. Separate analyses for body height of the examined boys aged 6-10, 11-15, and 16-18 years also gave no statistically significant results. Mean body weight (z=0.28) and BMI (z=0.25) in the total cohort were statistically higher than the norm. After categorization of the boys according to age, statistically significant differences were demonstrated only for weight in the age range of 6-10 years (z=0.31) and for BMI in the age range of 11-15y (z=0.42). The regression analysis showed the strongest relation between the subjects' growth and the parents' body size, newborn's condition (birth, body weight, and APGAR score), factors connected with lifestyle, and socio-economic status of the family. The study revealed that the height of drug-naïve boys with ADHD was not significantly different from the norm. The investigation also showed a tendency for greater body weight and BMI in boys with ADHD in comparison with the growth charts, which may be manifested also in greater risk of overweight and obesity in this group. The results of research suggest the necessity to control for such variables as genetic, perinatal, socioeconomic, and psychosocial factors, which may affect children's development, in future research on the growth of children with ADHD.

EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN PHYSIQUE AND LIFESTYLE ON BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN THE EARLY TEENS

1) Abstract The purpose of this longitudinal study was to reveal the effects of physique, body composition, and lifestyles on bone mineral density (BMD) in the early teens. Subjects of the current study were 73 boys and 73 girls. Osteo-sono assessment index (OSI) , body mass index (BMI) , body fat percentage and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were measures. All subjects were measured at two points; 5th grade and 8th grade. The association between changes in these values and the OSI at 8th grade were evaluated with multiple regression analysis. Positive correlations were observed between the OSI and exercise time/FFMI in both sexes. Furthermore, this trend was also observed between the OSI and BMI in boys. The results suggested that an increase in exercise time and FFMI are factors that may enhance BMD in both sexes. However, the increase in BMI was found to increase BMD only in boys. Such gender difference was suggested to be the result of what BMI represents for each group. For boys, increased BMI reflects the increasing amount of muscle mass, whereas for girls, it mainly reflects an increase in body fat. Therefore, muscle mass needs to be increased by long periods of exercise in order to increase BMD, especially in girls.

Effects of Sleep-Disordered Breathing on Physical Traits, School Performance, and Behavior of Korean Elementary School Students in the Upper Grade Levels

We investigated the physical traits, school performance, and behavior of Korean children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). We recruited 679 students from an elementary school in Seoul, Korea. We used a survey to collect information on the absence or presence of SDB at both the child's preschool age and his or her current age and on the degree of behavioral disturbance. Physical traits and examination scores were also analyzed. We divided the children into 4 groups: non-SDB group, past SDB group, recent SDB group, and continuous SDB group. Comparisons between these four groups were conducted. Sixty-one students were excluded because of incomplete information. The current body mass index was significantly higher in the past (19.7 +/- 3.6), recent (21.2 +/- 3.6), and continuous SDB groups (20.7 +/- 3.9) than in the non-SDB group (18.8 +/- 3.2), but only for male students (p < 0.001). The examination scores were not different among the four groups, but the behavioral disturbance scores were much higher in the past, recent, and continuous SDB groups than in the non-SDB group for both genders. Among these Korean elementary school students in the upper grade levels, the presence of current or past SDB appeared to influence the current body mass index in boys and the presence of behavioral disturbances in both genders. However, SDB was not associated with school performance.

Taste Perception and Food Choices

The extent to which variation in taste perception influences food preferences is, to date, controversial. Bitterness in food triggers an innate aversion that is responsible for dietary restriction in children. We investigated the association among genetic variations in bitter receptor TAS2R38 and food choices in healthy children in the Mediterranean area, to develop appropriate tools to evaluate the relation among genetic predisposition, dietary habits, and feeding disorders. The aims of the study were to get a first baseline picture of taste sensitivity in healthy adults and their children and to explore taste sensitivity in a preliminary sample of obese children and in samples affected by functional gastrointestinal diseases. Individuals (98 children, 87 parents, 120 adults) were recruited from the general population in southern Italy. Bitterness sensitivity was assessed by means of a suprathreshold method with 6-propyl-2-thiouracil. Genomic DNA from saliva was used to genotype individuals for 3 polymorphisms of TAS2R38 receptor, A49P, A262 V, and V296I. Food intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Children's taste sensation differed from that of adults: we observed a higher frequency of supertasters among children even in the mother-child dyads with the same diplotypes. Among adults, supertaster status was related with proline-alanine-valine (taster allele) homozygous haplotype, whereas supertaster children were mainly heterozygous. Regarding the food choices, we found that a higher percentage of taster children avoided bitter vegetables or greens altogether compared with taster adults. Taster status was also associated with body mass index in boys. Greater sensitivity to 6-propyl-2-thiouracil predicts lower preferences for vegetables in children, showing an appreciable effect of the genetic predisposition on food choices. None of the obese boys was a supertaster.

Can a school based programme in a natural environment reduce BMI in overweight adolescents?

Current levels of obesity amongst adolescents may be largely attributed to changes in environmental exposures that place vulnerable youth at risk, yet few studies have incorporated environmental approaches to normalising Body Mass Index (BMI). Our hypothesis is that a live-in school based programme in a natural environment can reduce the BMI of overweight children. The pilot study therefore explores the effects of such a programme on the BMI of adolescents in rural Victoria, Australia. Year 9 students (15year olds, N=1021) at a rural school with a physically demanding, 10-month, live-in outdoor programme had their BMIs measured at the beginning and end of the programme. Their observed BMI at the end of the programme was compared to expected BMI (based on adjustment of their initial BMI to account for normal growth using international standards). Participation in the programme reduced the BMI of boys who were in the normal to obese range (χ2=8.57, p=0.014), but not in girls. For the overweight and obese boys BMI decreased by up to 2.5kg/m2. These results suggests that school based environmental interventions may be effective in reducing obesity in adolescents, supporting our hypothesis. Our study is limited by its opportunistic observational nature, but it nevertheless suggests that such a live-in school programme in a natural environment may provide a valuable addition to the list of interventions available to combat the obesity epidemic. Although the programme reduced BMI in boys, the equivocal data for girls means that even an intensive programme such as this struggles to achieve a significant change in BMI across all obese adolescents. Our study nevertheless supports the need for further investigation of the possible contribution of school based programmes in natural environments to interventions to fight the obesity epidemic – because there is no magic bullet.

Relationship between physical fitness, physical activity and body mass index of adolescents

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between physical fitness (PF), physical activity (PA), and body mass index (BMI) among adolescents who attended secondary school. A total...

Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en función de la categoría ponderal en la infancia

ObjectiveTo analyze differences in health-related quality of life across weight categories based on body mass index in boys and girls aged 8 to 12 years old. MethodsA cross-sectional study with 678 schoolchildren aged between 8 and 12 years from the province of Alicante (Spain) was conducted. The scores on the dimensions of health-related quality of life, assessed by the Spanish version of the Child Health and Illness Profile-Child Edition, across the weight categories (according to the World Health Organization Child Growth Standards) and sex, were compared. ResultsOverweight or obesity was found in 28.2% and 15.3% of the sample, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) across the weight categories on the distinct dimensions of health-related quality of life. ConclusionsChildren are unaware of the impact of obesity on quality of life. Interventions to increase knowledge of this issue are required.

Adiposity, fitness and metabolic risk in children: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study

To better understand the early development of cardiovascular disease, we examined the association of adiposity measures and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with baseline values and changes in low-grade chronic inflammation and insulin resistance (IR) in school children. Eighty-three 1(st) and 5(th) grade children from a randomly selected control group of a physical activity intervention study (KISS) were prospectively studied during one academic year. Outcome variables included highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and homeostasis assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). Adiposity measures included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and the sum of skinfold thickness at four sites. CRF was assessed by the 20 m shuttle run test. All models were adjusted for age group, sex and pubertal group and included children who had a complete valid dataset for all variables. Baseline metabolic markers correlated positively with measures of adiposity and inversely with CRF (all p ≤ 0.02). On average, longitudinal changes in hs-CRP concentration increased with high baseline BMI in boys and skinfold thickness in both genders (both p < 0.01). Increases in adiposity had an additional effect on these changes (adjusted R(2) of the models including baseline and change in adiposity 0.49-0.53, p < 0.001). On the other hand, longitudinal changes in HOMA-IR were positively related to changes in BMI and waist circumference (p ≤ 0.03). Increases in HOMA-IR, but not in hs-CRP concentrations, were associated with low baseline CRF (p = 0.01). The relationship of baseline adiposity and CRF with increases in metabolic risk markers may have relevant implications for long-term cardiovascular risk. International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): isrctn.org 15360785.

Crescimento físico e estado nutricional de escolares: estudo comparativo (1997 e 2009). DOI: 10.5007/1980-0037.2011v13n3p216

Physical growth and nutritional status are excellent health indicators since they permit the establishment of growth monitoring charts, especially for schoolchildren. The objective of this study was to compare the growth profile and nutritional status of schoolchildren between two samples (1997 and 2009). The data of physical growth and nutritional status obtained for the present sample of 645 schoolchildren (270 boys and 375 girls). The children were classified according to the body mass index (BMI)-for-age reference values of the WHO child growth standards. Although no significant differences in height or body weight were observed between the children studied, these variables tended to increase from the first to the second sample and in the two genders. With respect to the adequacy of BMI in boys, there was an increase in the percentage of children with low BMI-for-age, doubling of the percentage of obese children, and a reduction in the percentage of children with overweight. An increase in the number of subjects with low body weight, overweight and obesity and a decrease in the number of subjects with adequate BMI-for-age were noted among girls. In conclusion, there were no significant changes in the physical growth indicators (weight, height and BMI) over the period comprising the two samples (1997 and 2009). However, height, body weight and the number of subjects with risk of obesity and obesity tended to increase, especially among girls.

Growth and obesity in 7-year-old Croatian children: secular changes from 1991 to 2008

The study analyses secular changes in body weight, height and body mass index (BMI) in children in the Splitsko-dalmatinska County, Croatia, in the period from 1991 to 2008. The overweight/obesity trends from 1991 to 1999 and from 2000 to 2008 are assessed. The study included three cohorts of healthy 7-year-old children, measured during their regular medical examination before enrolment at school: 1991 (n = 514), 1999 (n = 428) and 2008 (n = 452), in a total of 1,394 children, 686 (49.21%) of whom were girls. Overweight/obesity was defined according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria. From 1991 to 2008, there was a statistically significant rise in body weight and BMI in boys and girls (1.47 vs 1.50 kg; 0.55 vs 0.75 kg) and height in boys (1.4 cm). In 2008, the girls were 0.14 kg heavier and 0.39 cm taller than the girls of the same age measured in 1999, but their BMI was lower by 0.02 units. The frequency of obesity rose from 1991 to 2008 by 1.4 times in boys and 1.7 times in girls. The prevalence of obesity in girls rose from 1991 to 1999 (from 4.3% to 8.6%), but in 2008, it fell (7.1%). The prevalence of obesity in boys fell in 1999 (from 4.3% to 3.9%) but rose in 2008 (6.2%). The values of body weight, height and BMI in the observed population moved from 1991 to 2008 towards higher WHO standard values, which is descriptive of the problem of obesity and supports the need to consider the choice of cut-off points for obesity/overweight in local and national studies. In conclusion, the slowdown noticed in secular changes in body weight and BMI is encouraging and shows the importance of continuous paediatric health care for children, combined with an altered attitude in society towards obesity in children.

Prenatal Exposure to the Major DDT Metabolite DDE and Longitudinal Measures of Body Mass Index in Boys from Southern Mexico

ISEE-0160 Background and Objectives: Recent data suggest that in utero exposure to DDE may reduce height and increase body mass index (BMI) in childhood, thus potentially raising the risk of adult health problems. The association between prenatal DDE exposure and growth was evaluated in 786 boys from Chiapas, a highly exposed area of Mexico. (Due to an initial study hypothesis regarding effects on other outcomes mediated by androgen-blocking, no girls were enrolled.) Median DDE levels in maternal serum at birth were 2.7 μg/g lipids. Methods: 2,629 measurements of recumbent length (cm) and weight (kg) were obtained in 2004–2005. Length and BMI (kg/m2) were age-standardized and reported as standard deviation scores (SDS). Multivariate random-effect models for longitudinal data with an unstructured covariance matrix were fitted. Models included child's age at measurement and interaction terms between age and each variable to estimate the association with rate of change (Singer & Willett, 2003. Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis, p.664). Results: Median age during follow-up was 18 months (range: 5–38); median number of measurements per subject was 3, taken 3.2 months apart (median). After adjusting for child, maternal and socioeconomic variables, and using DDE ≤ 3 μg/g as the reference, those with >9 μg/g had an increase of 0.009 SDS (standard error, SE = 0.008) in length per month (equivalent to 0.29 mm at 18 mo); the corresponding coefficient for BMI was − 0.002 (SE = 0.01) (−0.003 kg/m2 at 18 mo). Conclusion: Our results do not support the prior findings of an association of childhood length or BMI with DDE exposure.

Agreement Between Body Mass Index and Percent Body Fat In Determining Clinical Cutpoints For Youth

PURPOSE: A major uncertainty in clinical and epidemiological research relates to the level of uniformity between the clinical cutpoints used in conjunction with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and percent body fat (%BF). The purpose of this study was to examine the diagnostic performance of BMI and WC in relation to an estimate of %BF in children and adolescents. METHODS: Clinical data on youth (5-18 years old) were obtained from 3 cross-sectional waves (1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2003-2004) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 8,228). Percent fat was derived from the skinfold thicknesses, stature and body mass were used to calculate BMI, and WC was also measured. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to determine optimal cutpoints between the various adiposity indices using previously recommended BMI, WC, and %BF cutoff values. Sex- and ethnicity-specific %BF percentiles were also created and used to explore diagnostic agreement among the aforementioned indices. RESULTS: The optimal %BF values associated with an overweight BMI in boys ranged from 14%-23% across the age range in all ethnicities. The corresponding values for girls were slightly higher and covered a larger range (16%-33%). For both sexes, the 85th BMI percentile corresponded with slightly lower %BF values for black youth. However, at the 95th BMI percentile, the values for boys were almost identical ranging from 17%-28% fat. In girls, the %BF values were lower for blacks than for white or Mexican American girls. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that a single-value %BF cutoff (such as the 25% or 30% thresholds currently used in FITNESSGRAM) is not appropriate for use across the pediatric age range. Instead, using %BF percentiles may improve diagnostic agreement with the current BMI thresholds of overweight and obesity, especially for females. Further, the results indicate that BMI and %BF association is modified by ethnicity. The optimal cutoffs are provided for each adiposity index, based on the sum of sensitivity and specificity.

Semen quality and reproductive hormones according to birthweight and body mass index in childhood and adult life: two decades of follow-up

To investigate the association between childhood body mass index (BMI), birth weight, and adulthood BMI, and adult semen quality and level of reproductive hormones. Follow-up study. From a pregnancy cohort established in 1984-1987. 347 out of 5,109 sons were selected for a study conducted 2005 to 2006. Semen and blood samples were related to information on BMI in boys (5-8 years), birth weight, and adult BMI. Semen characteristics and reproductive hormones. Neither childhood BMI, birth weight, nor adulthood BMI were significantly associated with semen quality. Men with the 33% highest childhood BMI had 15% lower sex hormone binding globulin, 8% lower testosterone, and 16% lower FSH than men with the 33% lowest childhood BMI. Men with high adulthood BMI had 14% lower testosterone, 9% lower inhibin B, 31% lower sex hormone binding globulin, and 20% higher estradiol than men with low adulthood BMI. The results do not indicate an effect of childhood BMI, birth weight, or adult BMI on semen quality, but the exposure contrast in our study was limited. The hormonal status was affected by adult BMI.

Association between white blood cell count and components of metabolic syndrome

Components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) were found to be associated with several inflammatory factors including white blood cell count (WBCC), which is an easily available test in clinical practice. In the present study, the relationships between WBCC and MetS components were investigated in children. A total of 288 Taiwanese children, under 10 years old, with normal WBCC, were enrolled in the study. They were divided into quartiles according to WBCC (lowest, WBCC1; highest, WBCC4). The mean values of each MetS component for every group were compared in boys and girls separately. Multivariate linear regression between the WBCC and the MetS components after adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI) were also evaluated. In group comparison, only the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was found to be significantly lower in WBCC4 in boys. Other components were not different. After multivariate linear regression, WBCC was negatively correlated to HDL-C and positively to BMI in boys. Although not significant, similar relationships were also observed in girls. Interestingly, borderline positive correlation was noted between triglyceride (TG) and WBCC in girls. BMI was positively and HDL-C was negatively related to WBCC in boys. A similar trend could also be observed in girls but without significance. Borderline significant correlation between TG and WBCC was noted in girls. These findings suggest that cardiovascular risks might commence even in childhood. Early detection of children with these abnormalities may help to prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes in adolescence or even adulthood.

Acylation stimulating protein but not complement C3 associates with metabolic syndrome components in Chinese children and adolescents

Childhood obesity is increasing worldwide and is increasingly associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Our aim was to examine acylation stimulating protein (ASP) and its precursor complement C3, in normal, overweight, and obese Chinese children and adolescents, and the relationships with body size, blood parameters, pubertal development, family environment, and MetS. Children and adolescents (n=1603) from 6 to 18 years, boys (n=873) and girls (n=730), including normal weight (n=603), overweight (n=291) and obese (n=709) were assessed for body size parameters, pubertal development, blood lipids, glucose, insulin, ASP, and C3. ASP levels were increased in overweight and obese versus normal weight (P<0.001), while C3 showed little variation. This effect of overweight/obesity remained throughout early stages when boys and girls were separated by pubertal development or age, although age and pubertal status itself had no effect. Separation based on ASP quintiles demonstrated significant associations with blood cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-Chol), glucose, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance in boys, and LDL-Chol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose in girls. A positive correlation with mother's body mass index in boys and girls (P=0.002 and P=0.014 respectively) as well as birth weight (P<0.001) was noted. MetS was strongly associated with increased ASP, the presence of a single MetS factor (especially hypertension, central obesity, or hyperglycemia) was associated with increased ASP. Changes in the plasma adipokine ASP in early obesity are associated with blood lipid and glucose modifications, family environment, and distinct MetS risk factors.

Overweight and Obesity Among School Children in Jordan: Prevalence and Associated Factors

To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and determine their associated factors among school children aged 6-12 years in the north of Jordan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among school children in the north of Jordan in the period between March 2006 and May 2006. A total of 2,131 children (1,052 boys and 1,079 girls) were selected at random using multistage cluster sampling method. The first part of the questionnaire was completed by pupils in schools and the second part was completed by their parents at home. The researchers measured height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and mid upper arm circumference of each student in the class. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the international cut-off points of body mass index for boys and girls between 2 and 18 years of age. Of the total 2,131 children, 19.4% were overweight (18.8% of boys and 19.9% of girls) and 5.6% were obese (5.6% of boys and 5.5% of girls). Watching television >2 h/day, daily pocket money >20 piasters (1 piaster = 1.42 cents), having overweight or obese mother/father were significantly associated with increased odds of both overweight and obesity. Age > or = 10 years, female gender, and family size of < or =4 were significantly associated with being overweight and total monthly family income >300 Jordanian Dinars (JDs), (1 JD = $1.42) was associated with obesity. While the prevalence of overweight was high among Jordanian children compared with that in the neighboring countries, the prevalence of obesity was lower.

Nutritional status, body composition and health conditions of the Karen hill tribe children aged 1-6 years in Northern Thailand.

In Thailand, according to the national nutrition survey of the Thai population who live in the cities by the Ministry of Public Health, about 12% of preschool children aged 1-6 years were malnourished. The rate of malnutrition is much higher among mountain minority ('hill tribe') children than city children. This paper reports a study of malnutrition, body composition and health conditions of Karen hill tribe children aged 1-6 years in Thailand. All children aged 1-6 years (N = 158; 83 boys, 75 girls) from the three Karen villages (Mae Hae Tai, Mae Yot, Mae Raek) of Mae Chaem district in the north of Thailand were studied. Anthropometric measurements of all children were obtained and body composition data were derived. All children were examined by a qualified medical doctor. A stool sample and blood smear for malaria from all children were examined by a well qualified medical technologist. All families of the study boys and girls had incomes lower than the Thailand poverty line (US $ 1,000/year). There were no significant differences in weight, height or body mass index of boys and girls from each of the three villages. Malnutrition in children were found 85.5% by using weight-for-age, 73% by height-for-age (stunting) and 48.4% by weight-for-height (wasting). Boys had more total body fat mass than girls. However, all of them had low lean body mass and fat mass. Nearly all children (98%) suffered from either upper respiratory tract infection, skin infection, scabies and/or diarrhoea. Also, nearly all of them (97%) had scaly and dry skin over their chest walls and legs. About 10% of children had either angular stomatitis (5%) or bleeding per gums (3%) or bow legs (1%) or frontal bossing (1%) with their implications for micronutrient deficiency. None of the children from the three villages were infested with the malarial parasite. On average, 54% of children from Mae Hae Tai village and 85% of children from Mae Yot village but only 4% of the children from Mae Raek village were infested with parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common infestation in all children from three villages. The prevalence of malnutrition was high among the Karen hill tribe children aged 1-6 years, Thailand. Most of the children suffered from upper respiratory tract infection, skin infection, scabiasis and/or diarrhrea. Nearly all of them had scaly and dry skin over their chest walls and legs which indicated essential fatty acid deficiencies. However, only 10% of them had vitamin deficiencies such as B2, C, and D.

Age and sex variation of body mass index and waist circumference among the Santal children of Jharkhand, India

Central body fat (CBF) as measured by waist circumference (WC) etc. has now been considered as risk factor for chronic disease, disability, and death. It has been assumed that one's characteristic level of body fat, as measured by body mass index (BMI), and CBF unfolds during the normal course of growth and development. However, studies of the development of CBF show relatively weak consistency in comparison to body fat. But to the best of our knowledge, no study in this aspect has been undertaken on any Indian population to study the effect of age and sex on body fat and CBF during development. In view of the above consideration, the present work has been undertaken among 179 Santal (a tribal population) children (Boys = 107, Girls = 72) of the Galudih area in East Singbhum, Jharkhand, India. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, and circumference of waist were taken from each subject using standard procedure. The mean ages of boys and girls were 10.94 years and 9.48 years, respectively. The mean BMI for boys and girls were 14.48 kg/m2 and 13.78 kg/m2 Percent of variance explained by age was much greater for BMI (> 50%) as compared to WC (7-10%) in both sexes. Two way ANOVA showed that BMI had a significant (p < 0.05) effect of age and not of sex, whereas age-sex interaction had a significant impact on WC. The results of the present cross-sectional study indicated that during growth and development unfolding of CBF and BMI is independent of one another. Different set(s) of gene(s), onset of growth hormones during the normal development or their interaction could have been considered for this differentiation.

Child And Parental Characteristics Associated With Youth Television Viewing In A National Sample Of Girls And Boys

Several studies have reported an association between television (TV) viewing and childhood overweight. However, few studies have examined the association of child and parental factors with youth TV viewing. PURPOSE Among 519 boys and 517 girls aged 10–18 years who completed mail panel surveys in 2002, the purpose of this analysis was to examine child and parental characteristics associated with TV viewing. METHODS The ConsumerStyles survey was sent to 10,000 households who were part of a consumer mail panel (response rate = 61%, n=6065). Of these households, 6027 received a HealthStyles survey to be completed by an adult, and 2444 also received a YouthStyles survey to be completed by a household child, yielding response rates of 73% (Healthstyles) and 62% (Youthstyles). Children were asked, “After school, on a typical weekday (Monday to Friday) during the school year, how many hours a day do you spend watching TV?” and “On an average weekend (both Saturday and Sunday) during the school year, how many hours do you spend watching TV?” Child and parent measures were placed into the following 4 variable groupings: demographic characteristics (parent age, sex, race, and marital status, household income, and household size); parent and child body mass index (BMI); parental imposition of rules to limit time spent viewing TV or playing video games; and parental TV viewing. Associations between the variable groupings and youth TV viewing were analyzed using hierarchal multiple linear regression. Weighted R2-values (R2) are reported. RESULTS Age- and sex-specific regression models accounted for 16–21% of the variance in TV viewing in boys and 9–21% in girls. However all models failed to reach significance among 13–15 year old girls. Among children 10–12 years, most of the variance in TV viewing was accounted for by parent and child BMI in boys (R2 = 0.07) and parental rules about TV viewing in girls (R2 = 0.10) and in 13–15 year old boys (R2 = 0.07). Demographic characteristics explained the most variance in TV viewing in 16–18 year old boys (R2 = 0.07), and girls' (R2 = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS Depending on the age and sex of the child, different child and parental characteristics were associated with youth TV viewing. Parental rules about TV viewing is a modifiable characteristic found to be correlated with youth TV viewing. These findings may be useful to facilitate design of TV reduction efforts for youth.