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Anthropometric survey of children in rural Khartoum, Sudan
Insights
Sudanese children exhibit lower height, weight, and subcutaneous fat compared to British children. Despite economic improvements, anthropometric measurements show little change over seven years, indicating persistent nutritional challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Anthropometry
- Global Health
Background:
- Anthropometric data is crucial for assessing child health and nutritional status.
- Sudanese children's growth patterns require detailed investigation.
- Previous surveys provide a baseline for comparison.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a cross-sectional anthropometric survey of Sudanese children.
- To compare Sudanese children's growth parameters with British and other African populations.
- To assess changes in growth over time despite socioeconomic shifts.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional anthropometric survey.
- Measurements included height, weight, mid-arm, head, and chest circumference.
- Skinfold thickness measured at multiple sites for children over 30 months.
Main Results:
- Sudanese children were shorter, lighter, and had less subcutaneous fat than British children.
- Weight-for-height was lower compared to British and other African populations.
- Despite economic improvements, heights and weights showed minimal change from a previous survey.
Conclusions:
- Sudanese children's anthropometric status lags behind British standards.
- Growth stagnation persists despite socioeconomic development, suggesting underlying nutritional or health issues.
- Further research is needed to address the nutritional challenges faced by Sudanese children.
Abstract:
The results of a cross-sectional anthropometric survey of Sudanese children up to the age of thirteen years and six months is reported. Children in whom a quick clinical examination revealed pathology were excluded, as were children who did not have a true birth certificate. Height, weight and mid-arm circumference were measured in all children, head and chest circumference were measured in children up to the age of 5 years and 6 months. Skinfold thickness at biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac sites were measured in children above the age of 30 months. The children were found to be shorter and lighter, and to have less subcutaneous fat than British children. The findings are also compared with those from other African populations. Comparison with a survey performed in the same village seven years earlier reveals that the heights and weights of the children have hardly changed despite a considerable improvement in economic status. The children have a lower weight for height than British and other African populations.