ANTHROPOMETRIC COMPARISON OF CHILDREN OF ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL WITH CIVILIANS

Dr Rajendra Pal Singh; Dr (Col) BS Deswal; Dr Alok Gupta; Dr Deepali Tripathi

Volume : V, Issue : IV, April - 2016

ANTHROPOMETRIC COMPARISON OF CHILDREN OF ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL WITH CIVILIANS

Dr Rajendra Pal Singh, Dr Col Bs Deswal, Dr Alok Gupta, Dr Deepali Tripathi

Abstract :

Background: Anthropometric assessment provides an estimate of prevalence of malnutrition. Growth monitoring through anthropometric measurement is an important indicator of health during childhood and adolescence. Objective: This study was undertaken at one of the Armed Forces schools with the objective of assessing and comp� the anthropometric status of children from defence (Army/Navy/Air Force) with children of civilian background, and increasing awareness of students, teachers and parents about the importance of balanced food and physical activity. We hypothesized that children of armed forces personnel have better anthropometric indices than children of civilians. Metodology: All school children studying from first standard to tenth standard, both boys and girls were anthropometrically examined in the month of September to December 2014 . A total of 703 students were examined. Results: Analysis was performed on 678 students (371 from defence background and 307 from civil background). Approximately 37% of students were females. There was no significant difference observed between mean heights for age of children of defence and civil background. Mean weight of boys of both background increased gradually with age. However, no significant difference was observed between weights of boys as well as girls of both background for any age. . BMI for age increased consistently for boys of defence background However, overweight and obesity was observed in children of both backgrounds.