Growth Of School Children Research Articles

Association between geohelminth infections and physical growth in schoolchildren

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the association between geohelminth infections and the physical growth of schoolchildren. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with the participation of 1861 children aging from 7 to 14 years who live in a municipality in the Southern region (Recôncavo) of the State of Bahia. The participants were submitted to anthropometric assessment and stool tests. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used as the statistical means to determine the association of interest. RESULTS: The risks of stunting were greater among boys with Ascaris lumbricoides (Odds ratio=1.79; confidence interval 95%: 1.07-3.01), Trichuris trichiura (Odds ratio=2.26; confidence interval 95%: 1.33-3.84) and ancylostomiasis (Odds ratio=2.18; confidence interval 95%: 1.28-3.73) when compared with non-infected children. These results remained unchanged after adjustments for the location of the school, children's ages and other geohelminth infections. CONCLUSION: These infections did not compromise girls´ growth. These results emphasize the association between geohelminth infection and linear physical growth, indicating the need to implement preventive and curative measures that allow the quality of life of the children to improve since the repercussion that these parasites have on the nutritional status and health of this population is severe.

Study of Zinc Supplementation on Growth of Schoolchildren in Yasuj, Southwest of Iran

Zinc is an important nutrient which is critical for normal immune function and physical growth. Zinc deficiency seems to be common in developing countries and that makes children in those countries prone to infectious diseases. In countries where zinc deficiency is common; zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce the rates of diarrhea and to enhance the physical growth of children at risk of stunting. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of zinc supplementation on growth of school children in a relatively deprived setting, Yasuj city, in Southwest of Iran. This is a randomized placebo controlled trial in which eight hundred and four schoolchildren aged 8-11 years, from primary schools (year 1 to 5) in Yasuj city, Southwest of Iran were the subjects of this study. Children were randomly assigned to zinc or placebo group to receive daily supplementation of zinc (2.2 g/lit) or placebo, in an identical form (syrup) and identical pre-coded containers, 6 days per week, for 7 months. Anthropometric assessment (weight and length) was performed at the time of enrolment and monthly afterward. Significant increase in weight (mean 1.9 kg) and length (mean 3.25 P<0.0001) growth was found in Zn group in compare with placebo group. Zinc supplementation improves children's growth and step should be taken to supply this nutrient to the children, in particula r where zinc deficiency is common.

Rises in schoolchildren's anthropometry: what do they signify in developed and developing populations?

Recent reports indicate continuing rises in the height and weight of schoolchildren in both developed and developing populations. Also indicated are increases in the body mass index of children, and of adults, despite all public health warnings to the contrary, as well as personal desires of huge proportions of children, and of adults, to be slim. A little researched question concerns which level of schoolchildren's growth is consistent in later life with least occurrence of degenerative diseases. In developing populations, lack of knowledge prevails regarding the current and future health of the large proportions, and huge numbers, of schoolchildren who, judging from Western anthropometric standards, are categorized as suffering from mild to moderate malnutrition. It is questioned whether greater growth is essentially better. As to the future, in Western and in urban developing populations, attempts to control greater attainment of weight for height in schoolchildren, as well as adults, are unlikely to be rewarding, due to unpopularity of a 'prudent' diet on the one hand, and the still diminishing physical activity on the other. Notwithstanding, educational and other efforts to improve the composition of diets and encourage greater physical activity must be energetically pursued.

Myopia Development in Childhood

The Orinda Longitudinal Study of Myopia is a 12-year project examining predictive factors for the onset of myopia, the underlying etiologies of myopia, and normal eye growth in school children. This paper reports on all measurements made of the ocular components (cycloplegic refractive error, corneal curvature, crystalline lens power, and axial ocular dimensions), parental history of myopia, and near work activity in children participating in the Orinda Longitudinal Study of Myopia between 1989 and 1993. An analysis of the interaction between parental history of myopia and children's near work is conducted on the cross-sectional study data from 1993. The cross-sectional and longitudinal data show a gradual decrease in refractive error from low hyperopia toward emmetropia, no shift in corneal curvature, a gradual decrease in crystalline lens power, thinning of the crystalline lens, and elongation of the eye between the ages of 6 and 14 years. Parental history is more contributory to a statistical model predicting myopia than is near work, but near work is a significant factor as well. We can find no evidence of statistical interaction between parental history and near work in explaining the presence or absence of myopia. The emmetropization process is evident in the gradual decrease in refractive error toward emmetropia, the axial elongation of the eye, and the compensating decrease in crystalline lens power. Both nature and nurture play a role in the etiology of myopia, although the predominant role appears to belong to a positive parental history of myopia. This role does not appear to be through an interaction between parental myopia status and children's near work activity.

CONTROLLED STUDY OF LINEAR GROWTH IN ASTHMATIC CHILDREN DURING TREATMENT WITH INHALED GLUCOCORTICOSTEROIDS

Purpose of the Study. To determine the impact of short term inhaled budesonide on linear growth in school children with mild asthma. Study Population. Forty-three school children with mild asthma. Methods. A randomized double blind parallel group study with three dose groups of 200, 400, and 800 µg of budesonide per day administered with a 750-mL spacer (Nebuhaler). Each group received budesonide for 8 consecutive weeks. Placebo was given 4 weeks before or after budesonide. Findings. Compared with placebo, children treated with 800 µg of budesonide had a statistically significant lower leg growth velocity by 0.26 mm/week (P &amp;lt; .0012; t = 5.0; df = 11; 95% confidence interval, 0.14 to 0.37 mm/week). There was no statistically significant difference in the growth velocity between 200 or 400 µg of budesonide treatments and placebo. Reviewer's Comments. This study was conducted with knemometry, a method utilized in measuring the length of the lower leg with apparent high reproducibility and accuracy. Unfortunately, the correlation between growth of the lower leg and chronic growth is undear. Several steroid studies in the past have indicated that budesonide up to levels of 800 µg does not interfere with long term growth. Thus, the impact of the study is unclear at present. Clearly, a longer term study is necessary to determine the outcome of these children. Additionally, it would be important to see the impact of budesonide in chronic asthma with greater severity, which itself may interfere with growth.

Growth of School Children in Akita Prefecture

Growth of School Children in Akita Prefecture

Identification of factors associated with the growth of schoolchildren in southern Iran.

The effects of socio-economic/cultural factors on the growth of school children in the city of Shiraz (Southern Iran) are examined by using univariate and multivariate analysis (ANOVA and MANOVA). Districts of residence and fathers' level of education are identified as the factors affecting the growth of children after adjusting for the effects of family size (number of children in a family) and the parent sizes. Z-scores of the children's sizes (Growth Indices) derived from polynomial growth modelling were taken as response variable(s) which analysed the data effectively. ANOVA shed the light on the effects of the factors on growth indices and MANOVA is shown to be an efficient tool to study the joint effect on the height, weight, and arm circumference indices. In order to explore the complex interrelated pattern of other factors influencing the growth of children and infants in Iran a further longitudinal study is suggested.

Growth patterns of school-children in Bahrain.

The aim of this study is to assess physical growth of school children in Bahrain. Cross-sectional data on 1593 children (818 boys and 775 girls), aged 6.5 to 18.5 years were collected in 1986. Anthropometric measures included height, weight, mid-arm circumference, triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfold thickness. At all ages median (P50) heights and weights of Bahraini boys and girls are below the 50th percentiles of the North American reference standard (NCHS). Median heights of both Bahraini sexes falls between the 25th and 5th percentiles of the reference data. As for weight, the median of boys fluctuates between the 25th and 5th percentiles, while that of girls fluctuates between the 50th and 10th percentiles of the standard. When compared to the American standard, median triceps skinfold of Bahraini boys and girls falls between the 50th and 25th percentiles. The median arm circumference of both sexes is close to the 5th percentiles. In general, the skinfold measurements indicate a high subcutaneous fat store, suggesting a lack of muscle development. Health, genetic and other factors associated with growth patterns of Bahraini children are discussed.

児童生徒の発育と血液性状に関する研究 ＩＩ 身体発育と血色素量

児童生徒の発育と血液性状に関する研究 ＩＩ 身体発育と血色素量

Growth of school children with polychlorinated biphenyl poisoning or Yusho

In 1968, a mass poisoning due to polychlorinated biphenyls or Yusho occurred in Japan. It was reported that poor growth in school children with Yusho was observed 1 year after the poisoning. This study was intended to ascertain whether or not the unfavorable effect of the polychlorinated biphenyl poisoning on growth among the school children with Yusho is still appreciable. Data from the physical examinations made in 1970 and 1971 were collected and analyzed. The result obtained was that growth in Yusho cases was suppressed temporarily and thereafter increments tended to be close to the average value in the control group.

Growth of schoolchildren with early, average and late ages of peak height velocity.

A sample of Swedish urban schoolchildren (357 girls, 373 boys) born in 1954/55 followed from 10 to 18 years were grouped according to peak height velocity age (PHV age) into early, average and late maturers. Mean heights differed between the maturity groups at ages from 10.0 to 14.0 years for girls and 10.5 to 17.0 years for boys. Mean weights differed between the maturity groups at all ages up to 16.0 years for girls and up to 18.0 years for boys. The earlier the maturity process, the heavier for given height. The time differences between peak weight velocity (PWV) and PHV significantly differed between early, average and late maturers amounting to 0.9, 0.5 and 0.2 years respectively for girls and 0.6, 0.3 and -0.1 years respectively for boys. The time difference between menarche and PWV did not differ between the maturity groups and amounted to about 0.6 +/- 0.05 years (SD = 0.9). For boys a similar lack of difference between maturity groups was obtained concerning the time difference between secondary sex characteristics; stage 4 (SSC IV) and PWV. Mean height and weight for girls and boys differed between the maturity groups at PHV but not at PWV, menarche or SCC IV.

Dietary and nutritional study on aborigines in taiwan.

A dietary and nutritional survey of Taiwan aborigines, Atayals and Paiwans, as a follow-up study, and as a new survey on Yamis who live on an off-shore island, has been carried out recently. Great improvements in the nutritional status of the first two tribes during the last 15 years were observed. They may be attributed to a series of socio-economic reforms including education, sanitation, agriculture, and employment. The nutrient intake of the Atayals and the Paiwans appeared to be sufficient, except for riboflavin and niacin. This was indicated by a better physical growth in school children than ever before particularly at ages 11 and 12 for boys and girls alike. Their average heights and weights were all within the range of 91-95 and 78-87 % of the Iowa Standard, respectively. The nutritional status of Paiwans was better than that of Atayals. Though they are still living in a rather primitive life, Yamis showed a better supply in various nutrients than the other two tribes as a result of a high fish intake. There was almost no difference in physical growth of Yami children in comparison with the other tribes. Traditionally, Yami adults accept no other vegetables than taro and sweet potatoes. Raw fish livers and eyeballs are consumed in fair amounts as delicacies. Because of the topographic limitation of the small island and the traditional way of living of the Yamis, the authors have commented on the interrelationship between population growth and local food supply in the foreseeable future. The effects of the various programs implemented on the nutritional status of these people are discussed.

Longitudinal studies on growth of school children. (Application of principal components analysis)

A multivariate statistical method called “principal components analysis” can allow us to combine serveral variables into a small number of other variables which can provide almost all the information of the original variables. Since the process of growth, for example increasing height of a person from childhood to adulthood is practically expressed as a record of heights of the person measured at different times, it is expected that the principal components analysis can be a useful method to grasp the characteristics of the process of growth.Using records of heights of 731 boys and 811 girls from 6 to 17 years of age who were in the third year of senior high school in 1971, correlation coefficients among heights at each age were calculated and the correlation matrix was submitted to a principal components analysis. It was found in both boys and girls that about 95% of the total variance of the twelve variables (heights at each age) was accounted for by three components. Furthermore, from the inspection of eigenvectors corresponding to these three principal components, it was supposed that the first principal component represents the average height from 6 to 17 years old, the second principal component represents a slope of a straight line fitted to a process of growth, and the third principal component represents the curvature of the growth curve or indicates the time of the growth spurt.Because the principal component analysis was found to be useful in delineating the characteristics of the process of growth, this method was used to compare characteristics of growth of heights of children among several prefectures in Japan and between urban and rural districts. The data used were records of growth of height of 3, 018 boys and 3, 016 girls from 6 to 14 years of age who were in the third year of junior high school in 1971. The records of boys were gathered from 21 prefectures and those of girls from 22 prefectures.About 95% of the total variance of the 9 variables (heights at each age) was accounted for by two principal components in boys and by three principal components in girls. It was also recognized that each of the three principal components represents the same aspect of process of growth as in the case of senior high school students. The lack of the meaningful third principal component in boys is probably due to the fact that their growth spurt during puberty is not yet complete at 14 years of age.Mean heights at every age were significantly different among prefectures and between urban and rural districts, and means of scores of the first principal component were also significantly different among prefectures and between urban and rural districts in both boys and girls. The means of scores of the third principal components in girls were also significantly different among prefectures, and between urban and rural districts, indicating that the time of the growth spurt is not necessarily the same in every prefecture and differs between urban and rural districts.In both boys and girls, the means of scores of the second principal component were significantly different among prefectures, but a difference between urban and rural districts was not noticeable.The above findings seem to suggest that factors which affect the average height and time of growth spurt during the growth period are different from factors which affect the slope of a straight line fitted to a process of growth. At least, it must be kept in mind that the so-called causeeffect relation between environmental factors and process of growth of children is by no means simple.

Urinary urea-creatinine and plasma amino acid ratios and patterns of growth in school children in Iran.

Urinary urea-creatinine and plasma amino acid ratios and patterns of growth in school children in Iran.

Skeletal growth in school children: maturation and bone mass.

AbstractSkeletal growth and development was evaluated in 322 white children (age 6 to 14) using three different methods: (1) 125I photon absorptiometry, (2) compact bone measures on radiographs, and (3) Greulich‐Pyle skeletal age from hand‐wrist radiographs. Bone mineral content, measured by photon absorptiometry, increased at an incremental rate of about 8.5% each year. Skeletal age was a poor predictor of skeletal status, i.e., bone mineral content (14% error), and did not decrease the predictive error substantially more than did chronological age. Gross morphology (height and weight) was in fact a better predictor of bone mineral content than were skeletal age, chronological age, and radiographic morphometry. Skeletal age deviations were correlated with deviations in body size. A bone mineral index was devised which was independent of body size and this index was also independent of skeletal age. Skeletal age is imprecise (3 to 6 months error) and the range of variation in normal children (13 months) overlaps the maturational delay of the malnourished and diseased. The difficulties in using skeletal maturation are discussed and it is suggested that particular maturational indices be used which better indicate skeletal growth than does a composite skeletal age.

The Study of Relative Overgrowth of Children at School Sge and its Future Prospect

Studies on physical growth have been carried out from various angles so far so as to predict the physical standard of the nation. Most of the reports on these studies are based on a mean value of growth over a particular period. The author has observed for five years the growth of school children who have shown a greater value of growth, and come to the conclusion that we may be able to predict the physical standard of the future nation with reference to the above-mentioned reports if there are no particular characteristics in the growth process in this group of children and their physical form. In 38 year of showa (1963), we selectel about 2, 500 boys and girls from the sixth grade in 23 ku's (wards) of Tokyo who were more than +2 above the national mean value in both height and weight, and have compaved their growth processes and physical form, etc., with the mean values of standard children in Tokyo and the rest of the country. By this investigation we have obtained the following results. 1) The group of children who are generally called overgrown children does not indicate an abnormal process of growth, nor are the exceptions. 2) The body of Japanese people in the future will probably develop both in weight and in length of legs. 3) The growth value of the investigated children is considered to be the mean value of children between the year 1990 and 2000, if the present environment does not regress but progresses to a certain extent.

Heights and Weights of Barbadian School Children

The size of school children is a valuable index of the wellbeing of a community. The effects on the general level of health of different environments, of long-term changes in standards of living, and of other features of sections of a community are often reflected in the growth of children. Thus a knowledge of heights and weights may aid an assessment of effects of infectious disease, diet, and race. No comprehensive anthropometric data for Barbadian school children have previously been published, although Standard (1964) gave mean heights and weights for children under 7 years of age. The figures here reported cannot, therefore, be used to evaluate past changes but, particularly since this survey coincided with the introduction of a school meals programme, they may be useful in providing a baseline for future studies of secular change in the growth of school children. They also make possible comparisons with other Caribbean Islands for which data have recently been published (Ashcroft and Lovell 1966a; Ashcroft, Buchanan, and Lovell 1965).

The Nutritional Status of the Low-Income Families (Report 1)

It is reported that in Japan there are presumably 11.5 million households of widows with children who are living on the very low-income or live on government subsidy.To survey about their nutritional status is of an important significance for welfare as well as for their better nutrition.This report is about the results of a nutrition survey on mothers and children of such low-income in a certain institution in Tokyo.1) The nutrient intake: On an average, their nutrient intakes are poor, especially protein is inferior to that of all-Japan average both in quantity and in quality. The ratio of animal protein to total protein is low, and protein score is 72.Of all the nutrients calculated, calcium and vitamins are less than one half of the allowances.Since most of mothers are working out, they have little time for cooking, in their daily recipes cooked-foods sold at the shop are very often seen. Consequently the animal foods, especially meat, egg and milk are seldom used, and vegetables and legumes are also not enough ingested.2) Body measurements: Generally speaking, the mothers belong to the “lean type”, and the growth of school children is rather inferior. Especially their body circumferences (upper arm and chest) are of low values.3) Biochemical observations: Blood gravity and hemoglobin values are averagely low, and about 60% of the mother and 50% of the middle school pupils are under the normal range. The concentration of vitamins in blood and in urine (A, C, B1, B2, and N′-methyl-nicotinamide) are also remarkably low, and more than half of the mothers and about 30% of the boys and girls are in vitamin low level and deficiency.4) Clinical observations: Beriberi-like symptoms are remarkable, more than half of the mothers having such symptom, and about 73% are of malnutritional disease.5) As to their economical status, it was very difficult to obtain the exact information, but evaluating their expenditure on foods from the market price, it was 103.9 yen per adult per day. It is lower than all-Japan average. So-called Engel's coefficient was as-high as 88%, though it was evaluated from the presumed incomes.

Milk Consumption and the Growth of School Children. Report on an Investigation in Lanarkshire Schools.

Milk Consumption and the Growth of School Children. Report on an Investigation in Lanarkshire Schools.

The Inconstancy of the IQ as Measured by Repeated Group Tests

The study of the growth of school children which is being conducted at the Psycho-Educational Clinic at Harvard University, under the direction of Professor Walter F. Dearborn, has completed its sixth year. During this time a large number of children have been given two or three intelligence tests each year. The material that has been compiled from the results of these tests gives an excellent opportunity for the study of the constancy, or inconstancy, of the intelligence quotient as measured by the same and different group tests. The variation of the IQ was discussed in this journal,1 where it was claimed that inconstancy necessarily resulted from the technique of its calculation whenever the quotient was more than a few points above or below 100, and that this error might be avoided by the use of a scale based on standard deviations. The present paper begins with a study of the gains in IQ at the median and quartile points of groups when the same test is repeated at yearly intervals, and closes with a compari son of the results obtained by the IQ technique and those that would result from the sigma index technique suggested by the above authors. The subjects were selected from a larger group which included all the children from an average community, a suburb of Boston, who were in the first or second grade in 1922-23. This selection included all the children, of North European descent, for whom a record of an Otis test was available for four successive years, a Dearborn test for five or six. years, and who were either six or seven years of age when they took the first test.2