Height and weight growth standards for Nigerian children

A mixed longitudinal growth study of two groups of Nigerian Yoruba children was begun in 1962 at the Institute of Child Health, University of Ibadan, in order to establish height and weight growth standards in Nigeria. One group was drawn from "elite" families, the other from "poor" families living in a traditional environment. Four hundred and twenty-one "elites" and 475 "poor" "normal" children of one month to 3 1/2 years of age, with known dates of birth were recruited from 1962 to 1971. They were measured every three or six months from four weeks to ten years. Results for males only are presented in this paper. Third, 50th and 97th centiles of height and weight over the age range one month to ten years were calculated and the curves, smoothed using the cubic spline technique, are illustrated. Charts for clinical use in Nigeria are also presented. Comparison of the "elite" Nigerian data with U.S.A. figures showed them to be very similar. The Nigerian "poor" heights and weights compared well with the "elite" up to three months, after which time they lagged behind progressively until ten years. "Elite" Nigerians are taller and heavier than many other indigenous African groups, being very similar to American Blacks. The "poor" Nigerians are among the shortest and lightest of the African groups. It is concluded that the U.S.A. data may be used as an international reference population for Africans, but the "elite" Nigerian data would be more appropriate for Nigerian target standards. These may have to be modified for clinical use in some areas and in the light of studies of other African groups.