The status of physical growth in Chinese children

This paper reports the physical growth status of about a half million Chinese children covering 28 nationalities in 1985. There are 4 items (height, weight, sitting-height, and chest circumference) that have been analyzed. Results are as follows: Han children display comparatively high physical growth levels. A growth difference emerges between Han Children who live in different social and geographical environments. The growth of urban children is better than that of rural children; the growth of children living in north China is better than that of children in south China. Differences between administrative regions are rather large. Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Shandong, Liaoning and Heilongjiang display high-level growth; Guizhou, Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan, Fujian provinces and Guangxi autonomous region display low-level growth. The growth differences between minority nationalities are noticeable. Uighur, Kazak, Khalkhas, Hui, Mongol, and Korean, nationalities demonstrate relatively high growth level; Lahu, Wa, Yao, Tong, Miao, Puyi and She nationalities appear to maintain a low growth level. The probable reasons for the differences are discussed.