Short Stature and Low Weight in Schoolchildren

Abstract

Aim: Evaluated the frequency of short stature and low weight between two primary school children aged 6-16 years of children in Mardin province in 2010 and 2011. Material and Method: Two elementary school children', heights and body weights were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated with the formula; body weight (kg)/body height (m2). Short stature and low weight were statistically analyzed. Results: There were 834 (51%) boys and 804 (49%) girls. The mean body height, weight, BMI and age was 143.21 +/- 13.58. 38.38 +/- 13.06, 17.86 +/- 3.56 and 11.07 +/- 2.00, respectively. Boys mean body height. weight were 142.58 +/- 13.92, 37.87 +/- 12.83, respectively. Girls mean body height, weight were 143.86 +/- 13.19, 38.90 +/- 13.29, respectively. Height and weight difference was so significantly between gender (p<0.05), there was no difference between BMI(p>0.05). >= 85p. presence of children was statistically significant among the children with short stature (p<0.00) There was no one of the children tall in short stature children' (p<0.00). There were no difference between growth speed (p>0.05). Between schools' in the children BMI (p<0.00), height (p<0.05) and weight (p<0.00) were statistically different with each other. Discussion: Evaluate of growth and development status for children anthropometry is widely known as a very useful instrument. In school health working children' and family education should be handled together and teachers cooperation should be provide. Growth references lower and upper percentiles. should given to the teachers low or high measurement values should be advise to send the physician control.