Percentilos de referencia de la circunferencia y de las áreas muscular y grasa del brazo para la población infantojuvenil argentina (4-14 años) / Reference percentiles for mid-upper arm circumference, upper arm muscle and fat areas in the Argentine child and adolescent population (4-14 years old)

Introducción: La circunferencia del brazo (CB) se reconoce como buen indicador del estado nutricional. Objetivo: Estimar los percentilos de referencia para la CB y las áreas muscular (AM) y grasa (AG) del brazo en la población infantojuvenil argentina mediante el empleo del método LMS (lambda, mu, sigma, en inglés). Materiales y métodos: La muestra estuvo constituida por escolares de 4,0 a 13,9 años residentes en Jujuy, Catamarca, Misiones, Buenos Aires, Mendoza y Chubut. Las mediciones antropométricas de la CB y del pliegue tricipital se realizaron entre 2003 y 2008 siguiendo protocolos estandarizados. Se estimaron las AM, AG, se calcularon los percentilos por edad y sexo, y se compararon mediante el análisis de la varianza. Resultados: Se incluyeron 22 736 escolares (11 397 varones y 11 339 mujeres). Los valores correspondientes al percentilo 50 fueron superiores, en las mujeres, para CB y AG, y, en los varones, para AM. Las curvas de CB presentaron incrementos más marcados a partir de los 7 años en todos los percentilos, para ambos sexos. Un patrón similar se observó para AM, con valores superiores en los varones. Por último, el AG mostró aumento constante en las mujeres y estabilización en los varones a partir de los 11 años. Se observaron diferencias para la edad. Conclusiones: Los valores de percentilos, tabulados y graficados, de la CB y de las AM y AG del brazo pueden constituir una referencia local para estudios epidemiológicos y antropológicos.

Introduction: Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is widely recognized as an adequate indicator of nutritional status. Objective: To estimate the reference percentiles for MUAC, upper arm muscle area (UAMA), and upper arm fat area (UAFA) in the Argentine child and adolescent population using the LMS method (lambda, mu, sigma) Materials and methods: The sample was made up of schoolchildren aged 4.0-13.9 years living in Jujuy, Catamarca, Misiones, Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Chubut. MUAC and tricipital skinfold anthropometric measurements were obtained between 2003 and 2008 as per standardized protocols. UAMA and UAFA were calculated, and percentiles by age and sex were estimated and compared using an analysis of variance. Results: A total of 22 736 schoolchildren (11 397 boys and 11 339 girls) were included. The 50th percentile was higher for the MUAC and UAFA among girls and for the UAMA among boys. The MUAC curves showed sharper increases as of 7 years old in all percentiles among both boys and girls. A similar pattern was observed for the UAMA, with higher values among boys. Lastly, the UAFA showed a constant increase among girls and a stabilization among boys as of 11 years old. Differences for age were observed. Conclusions: The tabulated and plotted percentiles and the MUAC, UAMA, and UAFA may be used as local references for epidemiological and anthropological studies.

Reference percentiles for mid-upper arm circumference, upper arm muscle and fat areas in the Argentine child and adolescent population (4-14 years old). / Percentilos de referencia de la circunferencia y de las áreas muscular y grasa del brazo para la población infantojuvenil argentina (4-14 años).

INTRODUCTION: Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is widely recognized as an adequate indicator of nutritional status. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the reference percentiles for MUAC, upper arm muscle area (UAMA), and upper arm fat area (UAFA) in the Argentine child and adolescent population using the LMS method (lambda, mu, sigma). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample was made up of schoolchildren aged 4.0-13.9 years living in Jujuy, Catamarca, Misiones, Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Chubut. MUAC and tricipital skinfold anthropometric measurements were obtained between 2003 and 2008 as per standardized protocols. UAMA and UAFA were calculated, and percentiles by age and sex were estimated and compared using an analysis of variance. RESULTS: A total of 22 736 schoolchildren (11 397 boys and 11 339 girls) were included. The 50th percentile was higher for the MUAC and UAFA among girls and for the UAMA among boys. The MUAC curves showed sharper increases as of 7 years old in all percentiles among both boys and girls. A similar pattern was observed for the UAMA, with higher values among boys. Lastly, the UAFA showed a constant increase among girls and a stabilization among boys as of 11 years old. Differences for age were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The tabulated and plotted percentiles and the MUAC, UAMA, and UAFA may be used as local references for epidemiological and anthropological studies.

Introducción: La circunferencia del brazo (CB) se reconoce como buen indicador del estado nutricional. Objetivo: Estimar los percentilos de referencia para la CB y las áreas muscular (AM) y grasa (AG) del brazo en la población infantojuvenil argentina mediante el empleo del método LMS (lambda, mu, sigma, en inglés). Materiales y métodos: La muestra estuvo constituida por escolares de 4,0 a 13,9 años residentes en Jujuy, Catamarca, Misiones, Buenos Aires, Mendoza y Chubut. Las mediciones antropométricas de la CB y del pliegue tricipital se realizaron entre 2003 y 2008 siguiendo protocolos estandarizados. Se estimaron las AM, AG, se calcularon los percentilos por edad y sexo, y se compararon mediante el análisis de la varianza. Resultados: Se incluyeron 22 736 escolares (11 397 varones y 11 339 mujeres). Los valores correspondientes al percentilo 50 fueron superiores, en las mujeres, para CB y AG, y, en los varones, para AM. Las curvas de CB presentaron incrementos más marcados a partir de los 7 años en todos los percentilos, para ambos sexos. Un patrón similar se observó para AM, con valores superiores en los varones. Por último, el AG mostró aumento constante en las mujeres y estabilización en los varones a partir de los 11 años. Se observaron diferencias para la edad. Conclusiones: Los valores de percentilos, tabulados y graficados, de la CB y de las AM y AG del brazo pueden constituir una referencia local para estudios epidemiológicos y antropológicos.

Comparative study of mid-upper arm circumference, arm muscle area and arm fat area percentiles in Argentinean and US children aged 4-14 years / Estudio comparativo de los percentiles de circunferencia, área muscular y área grasa del brazo en niños argentinos y estadounidenses de 4-14 años

Background: mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), subcutaneous fat and muscle measurements are an alternative method to diagnose overweight and evaluate growth as well as protein and energy reserves. Aim: to compare MUAC, arm muscle area (AMA) and arm fat area (AFA) measurements of Argentinean boys and girls (Sa) with reference curves for US boys and girls (R). Subjects and methods: data from 22,736 school-children aged 4-14 years from six Argentinean provinces were collected. MUAC and triceps skinfold thickness were measured and the derived AMA and AFA measures were calculated. Analyses were performed with GAMLß using the R software. Differences in mean values of Sa and R were compared in percentiles 3, 50 and 97. Results: mean values of MUAC and AMA in boys and girls were higher in R than in Sa at all ages; conversely, AFA values were lower. Conclusions: our results confirm differences in upper arm anthropometry of Argentinean school-children with respect to the US reference. The higher adipose tissue and lower skeletal muscle mass observed in Argentinean children could be partly associated with the different ethnic origin of both populations. However, differences should be interpreted in the context of an obesogenic environment, which has favored a calorie-protein imbalance

Antecedentes: la medición de la circunferencia del brazo (MUAC), así como la estimación de la grasa subcutánea y muscular constituyen un método alternativo para diagnosticar el sobrepeso y evaluar el crecimiento y las reservas proteicas y energéticas. Objetivo: comparar las mediciones de MUAC, área muscular (AMA) y área grasa (AFA) del brazo de niños y niñas argentinos (Sa) con curvas de referencia para niños y niñas de Estados Unidos (R). Sujetos y métodos: se recopilaron datos de 22,736 escolares de 4 a 14 años de edad de seis provincias argentinas. Se obtuvieron medidas de MUAC y pliegue subcutáneo tricipital y se calcularon AMA y AFA. Los análisis se realizaron con GAMLß utilizando el software R. Las diferencias en los valores medios de Sa y R se compararon para los percentiles 3, 50 y 97. Resultados: a todas las edades los valores medios de MUAC y AMA en niños y niñas fueron más altos en R que en Sa; por el contrario, los valores de AFA fueron más bajos. Conclusiones: nuestros resultados confirman la existencia de diferencias en la antropometría mesobraquial de los niños argentinos con respecto a los de la referencia. La mayor cantidad de tejido adiposo y menor de tejido muscular observada en los niños argentinos de ambos sexos puede ser parcialmente asociada con el diferente origen étnico de ambas poblaciones. Sin embargo, las diferencias podrían interpretarse en el contexto de un ambiente obesogénico, el cual habría favorecido el desbalance proteico-calórico

Weight and height percentiles calculated by the LMS method in Argentinean schoolchildren. A comparative references study.

BACKGROUND: The Argentinean population is characterized by ethnic, cultural and socio-economic diversity. AIM: To calculate the percentiles of weight-for-age (W/A) and height-for-age (H/A) of schoolchildren from Argentina employing the LMS method; and to compare the obtained percentiles with those of the international and national references. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Anthropometric data of 18 698 students (8672 girls and 10 026 boys) of 3-13 years old were collected (2003-2008) from Buenos Aires, Catamarca, Chubut, Jujuy, La Pampa and Mendoza. Percentiles of W/A and H/A were obtained with the LMS method. Statistical and graphical comparisons were established with the WHO (international reference) and with that published by the Argentinean Paediatric Society (national reference). RESULTS: Differences in W/A and H/A, regarding the references, were negative and greater at the highest percentiles and in most of the age groups. On average, the differences were greater for boys than girls and for national than international references. CONCLUSION: The distribution of weight and height of schoolchildren, coming from most regions of the country, differs from those of national and international references. It should be advisable to establish a new national reference based on internationally recognized methodological criteria that adequately reflect the biological and cultural diversity of the Argentinean populations.

[Prevalence of malnutrition in institutionalized intellectually disabled patients]. / Prevalencia de malnutricion en pacientes con discapacidad intelectual institucionalizados.

As patients with intellectual and developmental disability (ID) may be more exposed to unfavorable factors, they are at higher risk of suffering nutritional alterations. Our objective was to determine prevalence of malnutrition in institutionalized patients with ID. An evaluation of the nutritional status through determination of transversal anthropometric parameters of weight (kg) and height (cm) was made on 614 individuals (352 men and 262 women) institutionalized at Colonia Nacional Montes de Oca, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Body mass index and prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity cases by sex and ID type: mild, moderate and severe intellectual disability were determined. Regardless of sex, prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity were of 2.9%, 30% and 27.7%, respectively. Regardless of degree of ID, greater prevalence of obesity (41.2%) was found amongst women, while overweight (34.7%) was more frequent amongst men. Taking the degree of ID and regardless of sex, greater prevalence of underweight was observed in severe ID, and overweight and obesity amongst mild ID. No any of the patients with mild ID presented underweight. Taking into account sex and ID, higher prevalence of underweight and overweight were observed amongst men with mild ID, (7% and 38.4%, respectively) and of obesity in women with moderate ID (44%). Results obtained would indicate the importance of caloric intake and energy consumption control in adults with ID, paying particular attention to life conditions and alimentary disorders in terms of the degree of ID and their multiple associated disabilities.

Prevalencia de malnutrición en pacientes con discapacidad intelectual institucionalizados / Prevalence of malnutrition in institutionalized intellectually disabled patients

Los pacientes con discapacidad intelectual (DI) pueden presentar un riesgo elevado de padecer alteraciones nutricionales. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia de malnutrición en pacientes institucionalizados con DI, en la Colonia Nacional Montes de Oca, provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se realizó valoración antropométrica transversal mediante peso (kg) y talla (cm) en 614 individuos (352 varones y 262 mujeres). Se determinó IMC y la prevalencia de bajo peso, sobrepeso y obesidad por sexo y tipo de DI: leve, moderada y grave. Independientemente del sexo, las prevalencias de bajo peso, sobrepeso y obesidad fueron del 2.9%, 30% y 27.7% respectivamente. Sin considerar el grupo de DI, en mujeres se observó mayor prevalencia de obesidad (41.2%) y en varones de sobrepeso (34.7%). Teniendo en cuenta el grado de DI e independientemente del sexo se observó mayor prevalencia de bajo peso en DI grave y de sobrepeso y obesidad en DI leve. Ninguno de los pacientes con DI leve presentó bajo peso. Teniendo en cuenta el sexo y el grupo de DI las mayores prevalencias de bajo peso y sobrepeso se hallaron en varones con DI leve, (7% y 38.4% respectivamente) y de obesidad en mujeres con DI moderada (44%). Los resultados obtenidos indicarían la importancia del control del ingreso calórico y gasto energético de adultos con DI, prestando especial atención a las condiciones de vida y a los desordenes alimentarios en relación al grado de DI y a sus múltiples discapacidades asociadas.

As patients with intellectual and developmental disability (ID) may be more exposed to unfavorable factors, they are at higher risk of suffering nutritional alterations. Our objective was to determine prevalence of malnutrition in institutionalized patients with ID. An evaluation of the nutritional status through determination of transversal anthropometric parameters of weight (kg) and height (cm) was made on 614 individuals (352 men and 262 women) institutionalized at Colonia Nacional Montes de Oca, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Body mass index and prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity cases by sex and ID type: mild, moderate and severe intellectual disability were determined. Regardless of sex, prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity were of 2.9%, 30% and 27.7%, respectively. Regardless of degree of ID, greater prevalence of obesity (41.2%) was found amongst women, while overweight (34.7%) was more frequent amongst men. Taking the degree of ID and regardless of sex, greater prevalence of underweight was observed in severe ID, and overweight and obesity amongst mild ID. No any of the patients with mild ID presented underweight. Taking into account sex and ID, higher prevalence of underweight and overweight were observed amongst men with mild ID, (7% and 38.4%, respectively) and of obesity in women with moderate ID (44%). Results obtained would indicate the importance of caloric intake and energy consumption control in adults with ID, paying particular attention to life conditions and alimentary disorders in terms of the degree of ID and their multiple associated disabilities.

Geographic altitude, surnames, and height variation of Jujuy (Argentina) conscripts.

The height records of 48,589 conscripts born in Jujuy between 1870 and 1960 were examined in order to study the variation in adult male height (AMH) in terms of geographical altitude and surnames. Data were clustered by origin of surnames (divided into native and foreign names), decades, and according to the four Jujenean geographical regions distributed along an altitudinal gradient (Puna, Quebrada, Valle, and Ramal). The variation of surnames, geographical altitude, and time on human height were examined by analysis of variance. Regardless of the drafting year, individuals in the four regions bearing foreign surnames proved significantly taller (P < 0.001) than those who had a native surname. Average height, regardless of ethnic group, presented a reverse relationship to geographical altitude. A higher AMH was found in individuals bearing foreign surnames in Jujuy and lower ones in the population located in the highlands and bearing native surnames. Interregional and intergroup AMH variations would be affected by the complex interaction between geographical altitude and factors associated to it and by the ethnic characteristics of these population as well.

[Hematocrit values and prevalence of anemia in schoolchildren of Jujuy]. / Valores del hematocrito y prevalencia de anemia en escolares jujeños.

The hematocrit (Ht), as an indicator of anemia in individuals and populations, shows variations in relation to mesologic and genetic factors. Anemia is an endemic disease with insufficiently known prevalence in Argentina, in different age and risk groups and particularly in schoolchildren. The aim of this work was to study the variation of schoolchildren Ht in San Salvador of Jujuy city located at 1,200 m.a.s.l. in order to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and to relate these variations to the socio-economic characteristics of the population. The Ht data proceed from 17,580 schoolchildren of private and public schools. They were grouped by age, sex and socio-economic level. Were considered as anemic the children whose Ht was found: a) under a minimal value accepted for the 1200 m level; b) below 2 standard deviations. For the statistical analysis, ANOVA, chi 2 and correlation coefficient were employed. Independently of age, sex and socio-economic level, the average Ht values agree with those adjusted for the altitude. We observed: a) statistically significant intersex differences, males showing higher values than females; b) a trend to the Ht augmentation in relationship to the increase of the socio-economic level. Independently of the criterion used the prevalence of anemia was low in both sexes, age groups and in all socio-economic levels. Ht values: a) are representative of a schoolchildren population located at a moderate altitude; b) in spite of a trend to decrease in the low socio-economic level, this did not surpass, in most cases, the critical anemia level; c) are not indicative of malnutrition in the schoolchildren examined.

Valores del hematocrito y prevalencia de anemia en escolares jujenos / Hematocrit values and prevalence of anemia in schoolchildren of Jujuy

The hematocrit (Ht), as an indicator of anemia in individuals and populations, shows variations in relation to mesologic and genetic factors. Anemia is an endemic disease with insufficiently known prevalence in Argentina, in different age and risk groups and particularly in schoolchildren. The aim of this work was to study the variation of schoolchildren Ht in San Salvador of Jujuy city located at 1,200 m.a.s.l. in order to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and to relate these variations to the socio-economic characteristics of the population. The Ht data proceed from 17,580 schoolchildren of private and public schools. They were grouped by age, sex and socio-economic level. Were considered as anemic the children whose Ht was found: a) under a minimal value accepted for the 1200 m level; b) below 2 standard deviations. For the statistical analysis, ANOVA, chi 2 and correlation coefficient were employed. Independently of age, sex and socio-economic level, the average Ht values agree with those adjusted for the altitude. We observed: a) statistically significant intersex differences, males showing higher values than females; b) a trend to the Ht augmentation in relationship to the increase of the socio-economic level. Independently of the criterion used the prevalence of anemia was low in both sexes, age groups and in all socio-economic levels. Ht values: a) are representative of a schoolchildren population located at a moderate altitude; b) in spite of a trend to decrease in the low socio-economic level, this did not surpass, in most cases, the critical anemia level; c) are not indicative of malnutrition in the schoolchildren examined

Valores del hematocrito y prevalencia de anemia en escolares jujeños. / [Hematocrit values and prevalence of anemia in schoolchildren of Jujuy]

The hematocrit (Ht), as an indicator of anemia in individuals and populations, shows variations in relation to mesologic and genetic factors. Anemia is an endemic disease with insufficiently known prevalence in Argentina, in different age and risk groups and particularly in schoolchildren. The aim of this work was to study the variation of schoolchildren Ht in San Salvador of Jujuy city located at 1,200 m.a.s.l. in order to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and to relate these variations to the socio-economic characteristics of the population. The Ht data proceed from 17,580 schoolchildren of private and public schools. They were grouped by age, sex and socio-economic level. Were considered as anemic the children whose Ht was found: a) under a minimal value accepted for the 1200 m level; b) below 2 standard deviations. For the statistical analysis, ANOVA, chi 2 and correlation coefficient were employed. Independently of age, sex and socio-economic level, the average Ht values agree with those adjusted for the altitude. We observed: a) statistically significant intersex differences, males showing higher values than females; b) a trend to the Ht augmentation in relationship to the increase of the socio-economic level. Independently of the criterion used the prevalence of anemia was low in both sexes, age groups and in all socio-economic levels. Ht values: a) are representative of a schoolchildren population located at a moderate altitude; b) in spite of a trend to decrease in the low socio-economic level, this did not surpass, in most cases, the critical anemia level; c) are not indicative of malnutrition in the schoolchildren examined.

Valores del hematocrito y prevalencia de anemia en escolares jujenos / Hematocrit values and prevalence of anemia in schoolchildren of Jujuy

The hematocrit (Ht), as an indicator of anemia in individuals and populations, shows variations in relation to mesologic and genetic factors. Anemia is an endemic disease with insufficiently known prevalence in Argentina, in different age and risk groups and particularly in schoolchildren. The aim of this work was to study the variation of schoolchildren Ht in San Salvador of Jujuy city located at 1,200 m.a.s.l. in order to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and to relate these variations to the socio-economic characteristics of the population. The Ht data proceed from 17,580 schoolchildren of private and public schools. They were grouped by age, sex and socio-economic level. Were considered as anemic the children whose Ht was found: a) under a minimal value accepted for the 1200 m level; b) below 2 standard deviations. For the statistical analysis, ANOVA, chi 2 and correlation coefficient were employed. Independently of age, sex and socio-economic level, the average Ht values agree with those adjusted for the altitude. We observed: a) statistically significant intersex differences, males showing higher values than females; b) a trend to the Ht augmentation in relationship to the increase of the socio-economic level. Independently of the criterion used the prevalence of anemia was low in both sexes, age groups and in all socio-economic levels. Ht values: a) are representative of a schoolchildren population located at a moderate altitude; b) in spite of a trend to decrease in the low socio-economic level, this did not surpass, in most cases, the critical anemia level; c) are not indicative of malnutrition in the schoolchildren examined (AU)

Sobrepeso y obesidad en el personal de enfermería / Overweight and obesity in nursing staff

A partir de una metodología cuali-cuantitativa, se detectó en un hospital público de la ciudad de San Salvador de Jujuy, un considerable número de enfermeros que presentaban sobrepeso y obesidad. Entre las muchas causas que determinan ésta problemática aparecieron como las más significativas el estrés y los cambios en los hábitos alimentarios. Se sugiere trabajar en la concientización del personal de enfermería y de las autoridades de salud sobre la gravedad de ésta problemática a partir de un enfoque preventivo, de manera tal que aquellos que no sean obesos traten de evitarlo y, para los que lo son, busquen la ayuda necesaria para revertir la situación

Sobrepeso y obesidad en el personal de enfermería / Overweight and obesity in nursing staff

A partir de una metodología cuali-cuantitativa, se detectó en un hospital público de la ciudad de San Salvador de Jujuy, un considerable número de enfermeros que presentaban sobrepeso y obesidad. Entre las muchas causas que determinan ésta problemática aparecieron como las más significativas el estrés y los cambios en los hábitos alimentarios. Se sugiere trabajar en la concientización del personal de enfermería y de las autoridades de salud sobre la gravedad de ésta problemática a partir de un enfoque preventivo, de manera tal que aquellos que no sean obesos traten de evitarlo y, para los que lo son, busquen la ayuda necesaria para revertir la situación (AU)

Variación de la talla en escolares de 6 a 9 años de edad en la provincia de Jujuy / Height variation in school-aged children from 6 to 9 years in Jujuy province

Introducción: Entre los parámetros auxológicos la talla es la que mejor resume la interacción de los factores genéticos y ambientales. Entre estos últimos la altura geográfica representa un factor de acción continua e inevitable sobre el crecimiento y desarrollo de las poblaciones que permite desagregar a las mismas de acuerdo a su localización sobre el nivel del mar. Este trabajo se propone evaluar la variación de la talla en la población escolar de 6 a 9 años de edad de la provincia de Jujuy residente en distintos niveles altitudinales y compararla con los estándares nacionales. Material y métodos: Los datos procedieron del Censo de Talla de Escolares de Primer Grado (1993) en el que fueron evaluados 16.644 niños residentes en las 4 regiones provinciales situadas a distintos niveles de altitud (Puna = 3.500 m.s.n.m.; Quebrada = 2.500 m.s.n.m.; Valle = 2.500 m.s.n.m.; Ramal = 500 m.s.n.m.) Se determinaron los siguientes parámetros estadísticos: media, percentilo, desvío estándar, valor mínimo y máximo. El análisis de varianza para muestras desiguales y la prueba de Scheffé fueron utilizados para establecer las diferencias de talla entre las regiones y la prueba Z para comparar las poblaciones locales con los estándares nacionales. Resultados: En la población estudiada los niños de las tierras altas (Puna y Quebrada) fueron significativamente más bajos que los del Valle y Ramal en ambos sexos y en todos los grupos etarios considerados. La compararción con las poblaciones de referencia demostró que la talla promedio de los niños jujeños de cualquier sexo difiere de éstas permitiendo inferir que se trata de poblaciones distintas. Discusión: Estos hallazgos plantean la necesidad de contar con estándares provinciales o al menos regionales, basados en criterios metodológicos precisos, actualizados y controlados periódicamente que reflejen con mayor precisión las características biológicas de sus poblaciones y las del medio ambiente en el que éstas se desarrollan

Variación de la talla en escolares de 6 a 9 años de edad en la provincia de Jujuy / Height variation in school-aged children from 6 to 9 years in Jujuy province

Introducción: Entre los parámetros auxológicos la talla es la que mejor resume la interacción de los factores genéticos y ambientales. Entre estos últimos la altura geográfica representa un factor de acción continua e inevitable sobre el crecimiento y desarrollo de las poblaciones que permite desagregar a las mismas de acuerdo a su localización sobre el nivel del mar. Este trabajo se propone evaluar la variación de la talla en la población escolar de 6 a 9 años de edad de la provincia de Jujuy residente en distintos niveles altitudinales y compararla con los estándares nacionales. Material y métodos: Los datos procedieron del Censo de Talla de Escolares de Primer Grado (1993) en el que fueron evaluados 16.644 niños residentes en las 4 regiones provinciales situadas a distintos niveles de altitud (Puna = 3.500 m.s.n.m.; Quebrada = 2.500 m.s.n.m.; Valle = 2.500 m.s.n.m.; Ramal = 500 m.s.n.m.) Se determinaron los siguientes parámetros estadísticos: media, percentilo, desvío estándar, valor mínimo y máximo. El análisis de varianza para muestras desiguales y la prueba de Scheffé fueron utilizados para establecer las diferencias de talla entre las regiones y la prueba Z para comparar las poblaciones locales con los estándares nacionales. Resultados: En la población estudiada los niños de las tierras altas (Puna y Quebrada) fueron significativamente más bajos que los del Valle y Ramal en ambos sexos y en todos los grupos etarios considerados. La compararción con las poblaciones de referencia demostró que la talla promedio de los niños jujeños de cualquier sexo difiere de éstas permitiendo inferir que se trata de poblaciones distintas. Discusión: Estos hallazgos plantean la necesidad de contar con estándares provinciales o al menos regionales, basados en criterios metodológicos precisos, actualizados y controlados periódicamente que reflejen con mayor precisión las características biológicas de sus poblaciones y las del medio ambiente en el que éstas se desarrollan (AU)