Abstract

Linear growth and development of individual can be measured by their nutritional status. Inspite of socioeconomic improvement, malnourishment was very common in rural West Bengal (WB), India. Anthropometric measurements like height and weight are simple and non-invasive ways to measure one’s nutritional status. This study aims to determine the nutritional status and growth in the students of age group of 8-16 years using simple indicators like height, weight and body mass index (BMI). Survey was done on the students of four primary and secondary schools of southern West Bengal of Eastern India for the cross sectional investigation on subject’s linear growth and weight. 551 students (283 boys and 268 girls) from lower to middle socio-economic class were selected by random sampling. Height (cm) and weight (kg.) of the students were measured and Body Mass Index [wt (kg.)/ht(sq m.)] was derived. One way ANOVA was done to find out significant gender-wise differences of growth in each age group. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v.16.Values compared to Height for age (HAZ), BMI for age (BMIZ); for 8-16 years and Weight for age (WAZ; for 8, 9 and 10 years) maintaining international standard cut-offs (WHO, 2007). Significant differences in linear growth and development between boys and girls at the age of 9, 11 (late-childhood and early adolescence) and 14 onwards (late teenage) were found. 22.1% of students were found stunted, 15.4% were underweight and 11.7% were suffering from thinness. Tendency to be obese seemed less (7.3%). Students exhibited a lesser rate of malnutrition which is hopefully lower than other developing countries and less than earlier Indian studies. Age specific nutritional trends are found rather becoming region specific.