Physical Growth and Nutritional Status using Anthropometric measures among Children (5 – 15 years): A Comparative Study between the Apatani and the Nyishi Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: Physical growth pattern and nutritional status using anthropometric measures are the key inputs to understand general health condition of the population even in micro level communities like tribal communities in India. In order to find out the present condition of physical growth pattern and nutritional status in such communities in a tribal dominated state with increasing impact of globalization and modernization, this present cross-sectional study was conceptualized to assess the physical growth patterns and nutritional status by using anthropometric measures among the Apatani and the Nyishi tribal children in Arunachal Pradesh, India through a comparative way. Methods: A total of 442 children (240 boys and 202 girls) aged 5 to 15 years living in rural areas of Lower Subarnasiri (the Apatani tribe) and Kamle (the Nyishi tribe) districts of Arunachal Pradesh, India were considered for the present analysis. The international standards were used to collect height and weight and other anthropometric data to understand physical growth patterns. BMI for age percentiles were calculated and used for nutritional status categorization. Results: The results revealed that the height (cm), weight (kg), Waist Circumference (cm), Hip Circumference (cm) and Mid Upper Arm Circumference (cm) showed a gradual increase over the age in both Apatani and Nyishi children. The maximum increase of anthropometric measures was observed between 10 and 13 years of age in both the groups but Apatani children were slightly taller and heavier than the Nyishi children. Apatani children had higher percentage of overweight and obesity compared to Nyishi children i.e. 12.6% and 9.5%, respectively. It may be due to the modification of traditional dietary pattern and regular consumption of fast food. Conclusions: Therefore, the Apatani tribal children were heavier and taller compared to Nyishi counterparts. Besides, both the undernutrition as well as overnutrition problem were observed among studied children, perhaps correlated with rapid alternation from traditional food consumption towards fast food and less physical activities in their early age.

Keywords

• bmi for age
• children
• height
• weight
• nutritional status
• tribe
• arunachal pradesh
• india