Height growth of Mexican boys by geographic region: an evaluation based on nationally representative data of ENSANUT 2012 and 2018.

Existing research on human growth in Mexico is regionally focused, creating a gap in the understanding of growth patterns of children and adolescents at national level and regional variation. The objective of the present study was to characterize the height growth curve of the Mexican population by geographic area and to cluster the states of the Mexican Republic according to their somatic maturation characteristics, based on a national representative sample of boys. Data on age, height, socioeconomic level, and geographic area of 18,219 boys were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (ENSANUT) and ENSANUT 2018, carried out in 32 Mexican states. Both surveys had representative samples. Preece-Baines 1 model was applied to fit height growth curves. Biological parameters were estimated; principal component analysis and cluster analysis were performed to group Mexican states based on these biological parameters. The estimated age at peak height velocity (PHV) was 12.3 years in the sample. Significant regional differences in the timing and tempo of PHV among Mexican boys were observed. Boys in the northern region experienced PHV at an earlier age and had a shorter duration of growth compared with boys in the central and southern regions. Boys in the central region had a longer duration of growth and a later age of PHV compared with the boys in the southern region. The cluster that included the southern states of the country showed estimated lower adult height and earlier somatic maturation. A lower height was found in the low and low-middle socioeconomic levels compared with the medium-high and high socioeconomic levels. Future research in Mexico should focus on longitudinal studies to analyse the timing and tempo of growth and maturation, considering the impacts of environmental and genetic factors. Public health strategies should account for geographic variations.

Growth in height and its association with overweight and obesity in Mexican children: an evaluation based on a nationally representative sample (ENSANUT 2018).

The present study aimed to estimate the height growth curve for Mexican boys and girls based on their body mass index (BMI) status (normal and overweight/obese) and to develop a height Lambda, Mu, and Sigma (LMS) growth reference for Mexican children aged 2 to 18 years. Methods: Chronological age and height records (7,097 boys and 6,167 girls) were obtained from the Mexican National Survey of Health and Nutrition database. Height growth curves were fitted using the Preece-Baines 1 (PB1) model and the LMS method. Results: Age at peak height velocity (APHV) was 12.4 and 12.7 years for overweight-obese and normal-weight boys, respectively, and was 9.6 and 10.4 years for overweight-obese and normal-weight girls, respectively. Growth velocity was higher at the age of take-off (TO) in overweight-obese children than in normal-weight children (5.2 cm/year vs. 5 cm/year in boys and 6.1 cm/year vs. 5.6 cm/year in girls); nevertheless, the growth velocity at APHV was higher for normal-weight children than for overweight-obese children (7.4 cm/year vs. 6.6 cm/year in boys and 6.8 cm/year vs. 6.6 cm/year in girls, respectively). Distance curves developed in the present study and by the World Health Organization (WHO) using LMS showed similar values for L and S parameters and a higher M value compared with the WHO reference values. Conclusion: This study concluded that overweight-obese children had earlier APHV and lower PHV than normal-weight children. Furthermore, Mexican children and adolescents were shorter than the WHO growth reference by age and sex.

Submandibular Skinfold Thickness Cut-off Values in Relation to Body Mass Index and Percentage Body Fat Among Chilean Adolescents.

The present study evaluates submandibular skinfold (SMS) cutoff values to estimate excess weight for BMI and percentage body fat (%BF) among Chilean adolescents. The results show an optimal area under the cutoff curve value of 83% among girls and 91% in boys to estimate SMS concerning %BF and BMI. The SMS cutoff value estimating obesity by %BF was 10 mm among girls and 9 mm among boys, 10 mm among girls, and 7 mm among boys by BMI. Our results showed that SMS is significantly associated with anthropometric parameters for obesity.

Inter-relationships between percentage body fat, relative subischial leg length and body mass index among adolescents and adults from the Limbu community of Darjeeling, West Bengal.

Leg length in humans is considered to be an indicator of the long-term impact of quality of childhood living conditions and nutritional status. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of association of percentage body fat (PBF) with relative subischial leg length (RSLL), adjusting for age, sex and body mass index (BMI), among adolescents and adults in a population of poor socioeconomic background in India. Data were taken from a cross-sectional study conducted in 2010-2014 among the Limbu community of Darjeeling, West Bengal - an indigenous community with poor socioeconomic background, low literacy rate, low income and inadequate living conditions. The study villages were located in the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions of Darjeeling. The present study sample comprised 97 adolescents aged 16-19 years (47 boys, 50 girls) and 260 adults aged 20-39 years (135 men, 125 women). Anthropometric measurements of stature/height (cm), weight (kg), sitting height (cm) and skinfold thicknesses (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac) (mm) were recorded. Derived variables were BMI (kg/m2), subischial leg length (SLL) (cm), RSLL (%), sum of four skinfolds (mm) and PBF (%). Significant sex differences at p<0.05 were observed for all anthropometric characteristics, except for body weight among adolescents and RSLL, subscapular and sum of four skinfolds in adults. The linear regression models adjusting for age and sex showed that RSLL had a negative relationship with PBF (p<0.05) among adolescents and adults. Higher body fat, independent of BMI, was correlated with lower RSLL among both adolescents and adults from the Limbu community, indicating a possible association with poor quality living conditions in childhood. However, this may also have been due to the allometry of total body fat with body proportions - a relatively larger trunk results in more body fat.

Maternal mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico: a preliminary analysis during the first year.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico, the COVID-19 pandemic led to preventative measures such as confinement and social interaction limitations that paradoxically may have aggravated healthcare access disparities for pregnant women and accentuated health system weaknesses addressing high-risk patients' pregnancies. Our objective is to estimate the maternal mortality ratio in 1 year and analyze the clinical course of pregnant women hospitalized due to acute respiratory distress syndrome and COVID-19. METHODS: A retrospective surveillance study of the national maternal mortality was performed from February 2020-February 2021 in Mexico related to COVID-19 cases in pregnant women, including their outcomes. Comparisons were made between patients who died and those who survived to identify prognostic factors and underlying health conditions distribution. RESULTS: Maternal Mortality Ratio increased by 56.8% in the studied period, confirmed COVID-19 was the cause of 22.93% of cases. Additionally, unconfirmed cases represented 4.5% of all maternal deaths. Among hospitalized pregnant women with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome consistent with COVID-19, smoking and cardiovascular diseases were more common among patients who faced a fatal outcome. They were also more common in the age group of < 19 or > 38. In addition, pneumonia was associated with asthma and immune impairment, while diabetes and increased BMI increased the odds for death (Odds Ratio 2.30 and 1.70, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal Mortality Ratio in Mexico increased over 60% in 1 year during the pandemic; COVID-19 was linked to 25.4% of maternal deaths in the studied period. Lethality among pregnant women with a diagnosis of COVID-19 was 2.8%, and while asthma and immune impairment increased propensity for developing pneumonia, obesity and diabetes increased the odds for in-hospital death. Measures are needed to improve access to coordinated well-organized healthcare to reduce maternal deaths related to COVID-19 and pandemic collateral effects.

Evaluation of Anthropometric Indices and Lipid Parameters to Predict Metabolic Syndrome Among Adults in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is related to genetic background, dietary habits, and lifestyle. Anthropometric indices and lipid parameters have been shown to be simple and useful tools in clinical practice for predicting MetS. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the differential magnitudes of anthropometric characteristics (waist circumference and body mass index [BMI]) and lipid parameters, namely, lipid accumulation product (LAP), cardiometabolic index (CMI), and Castelli Risk Index (CRI-I), to estimate MetS, usingappropriate cut-off values, among adults from a public hospital in Yucatan, Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 250 adults (77 men, 173 women) was carried out in the Regional High Speciality Hospital of the Yucatan Peninsula (HRAEPY) in Merida, Yucatan. MetS was diagnosed using standard criteria (central obesity, arterial hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia), and derived parameters (LAP, CMI, and CRI-I) were calculated. Binary logistic regression analysis-based receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to predict MetS. RESULTS: Of the 250 participants, 48% had MetS. High prevalences of overweight (35.2%) and obesity (48.8%) were found in the sample. The CMI and LAP were found to be the best parameters in the prediction of MetS in men and women. The optimal cut-off values of the parameters were higher in men and decreased with advancing age. CONCLUSION: The CMI and LAP were shown to be the most effective indicators to diagnose MetS among adults from Yucatan, Mexico.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Mexico: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely linked with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases. The T2DM is one of the major causes of mortality and public health concern in Mexico. Some studies reported MetS prevalence in different regions from Mexico. However, a systematic report or meta-analysis on MetS prevalence is not available. The aim of this study was to estimate the pooled prevalence of MetS among apparently healthy Mexican adults. METHODS: A systematic review was done of scientific articles published and available from different sources, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and SCIELO. The overall prevalence of MetS and prevalence based on different diagnostic criteria [National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI), and World Health Organization (WHO)] were pooled using a random-effects model, and the results were presented in a forest plot. The study was performed based on the criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). RESULTS: Altogether, 15 studies were included in the systematic meta-analysis. The estimated prevalence of MetS, based on different criteria, was as follows: IDF 54% (95% CI 0.44-0.63), AHA/NHLBI 48% (95% CI 0.34-0.62), ATP III 36% (95% CI 0.30-0.42), and WHO 31% (95% CI 0.04-0.81). According to the Der Simonian-Laird random-effects model, a pooled prevalence of MetS in Mexico was 41% (95% CI 0.34-0.47). CONCLUSIONS: This study reported a high prevalence of MetS among healthy Mexican adults, in comparison with reports from other countries, including United States and Latin America. An urgent need to control and prevent MetS and its consequent health complications in Mexican populations is recommended.

Living conditions and change in age of menarche in adult Maya mothers and daughters from Yucatan, Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze whether living conditions, experienced by mothers and adult daughters during their childhood, are associated with age at menarche (AAM) in daughters. METHODS: From September, 2011, to January, 2014, AAM and childhood living conditions were collected from a sample of 246 dyads of Maya mothers (mean age = 59.60 years, SD = 8.64) and their adult daughters (mean age = 33.03 years, SD = 5.57) from the cities of Merida and Motul in Yucatan, Mexico. Indicators of childhood living conditions were number of siblings and quality of house construction materials in both generations, and father's absence among daughters in their pre-menarcheal years. Multiple regression models were used to assess the association between childhood conditions in mother-daughter dyads and daughter's AAM. RESULTS: The recalled mean AAM of adult Maya daughters was 12.05 years (SD = 1.53). After adjusting for the influence of mothers' AAM, number of siblings in both the mothers' and daughters' families directly predicted daughters' AAM (more siblings was associated with a later AAM); and a higher (better) index of household conditions in mothers' childhood was associated with earlier AAM in daughters. The household conditions index during the childhood of daughters and father's absence were not associated with their AAM. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that better living conditions experienced by the mothers and daughters during their childhood may lower mean AAM in daughters in the context of populations that show important intergenerational changes in their social and economic conditions.

Maternal height and its relationship to offspring birth weight and adiposity in 6- to 10-year-old Maya children from poor neighborhoods in Merida, Yucatan.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between maternal height, offspring birth weight, and adiposity at 6-10 years of age in a sample of 197 mother-child dyads from Merida, Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 2008-2009 and 2011-2013, measurements were taken of maternal height and weight; and height, waist circumference (WC), and skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac) of their children. Participant body composition was estimated using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. A questionnaire was applied to document household socioeconomic conditions. Multiple linear regression models were used to study the association between maternal height, offspring birth weight and fat mass index (FMI), WC, and sum of skinfolds (SumSkfZ) in boys and girls, separately. RESULTS: After adjusting for child age and household socioeconomic conditions, maternal height was identified to be significantly associated (p < .05) with FMI, WC, and SumSkf only in boys. In all models, child adiposity was inversely related to maternal height. Offspring birth weight was not associated with any adiposity parameter. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that maternal nutritional history as reflected in short maternal stature is associated with higher body fat in children, and that male offspring are more vulnerable to intergenerational influences.

Maternal maya ancestry and birth weight in Yucatan, Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between maternal Maya ancestry and the birth weight of infants born in Yucatan, Mexico, during 2013. METHODS: A total of 30,435 singletons born at term (≥37 weeks) in Yucatan during 2013 were analyzed. Birth weights, gestational ages, and maternal socioeconomic data were provided by the Ministry of Health of Yucatan. Maternal Maya ancestry was defined by the presence of Maya surnames in: (1) non-Maya surnames (NM-NM), (2) one Maya surname (NM-M), and (3) two Maya surnames (M-M). Biological and socioeconomic parameters were compared between the categories of ancestry through one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a multiple regression model was used to analyze the association between ancestry and infants' birth weight controlling for influence of covariates. RESULTS: Mean birth weight was 3,114 g (SD = 406) (NM-NM: 3,150 g [SD = 404], NM-M: 3,106 g [SD = 402], M-M: 3,088 g [SD = 408]). With the biological and socioeconomic variables statistically adjusted for, the presence of one and two maternal Maya surnames was associated with decreases in birth weight of 42 g and 63 g, respectively. None of the interactions between ancestry and other predictors was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The lower mean birth weights of Maya infants are consistent with studies reporting poor growth and nutritional status of Maya children from Yucatan. Historically adverse socioeconomic conditions experienced by the Maya population are probably linked to the relatively lower birth weights of their infants. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:436-439, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Waist circumference cut-off in relation to body mass index and percentage of body fat in adult women from Merida, Mexico.

Waist circumference (WC) as an index of central obesity is related to body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (PBF). Waist circumference data were analyzed to identify a WC cut-off for adult women with respect to BMI-based obesity (≥ 30 kg/m²) and PBF. The sample was 138 women aged 22 to 41 years with Maya ancestry (based on surnames) in Merida, Yucatan, measured during 2011 - 2013. Anthropometric parameters included height, body weight (BW), and BMI. The PBF was estimated by bioelectrical impedance. Estimated cut-offs per centimeter WC (80 - 99 cm) were predicted by BMI for obesity (≥ 30 kg m⁻²; binomial: Yes = 1, No = 0) and PBF (continuous variable) using binary logistic regression analyses. Mean age was 32 years, mean BMI was 29 kg m(-2) and mean WC was 89 cm. The sample exhibited high PBF (44 %), and high rates of overweight (44%) and obesity (40%). The threshold WC (≥ 93 cm) had high sensitivity (80%), specificity (82%), Youden Index value (0.62), and correct classification rate (82%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 88 %. The WC ≥ 93 cm cut-off had corresponding values for mean BMI (34 kg m⁻²) and PBF (47%). The optimal WC cut-off at 93 cm significantly identified central obesity for BMI ≥ 30 kg m⁻² and PBF for this sample.

Height Growth and Percentage of Body Fat in Relation to Early Menarche in Girls from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

Early menarche (EM) (i.e., age at menarche [AAM] <12 years of age) is related to short height and higher body fatness. In a mixed-longitudinal study done in Merida, Yucatan, height, body mass index (BMI), and percentage of body fat (BF%) were recorded at a one-year interval among 258 postmenarcheal (EM = 94) girls. Anthropometric measurements were recorded of the age cohorts in 2008-09 when participants were 13-17 years of age (baseline), and in the one-year follow-up study (± 6 days) the girls were 14-18 years of age. The BF% was estimated through bioelectrical impedance analysis. Mean AAM was 10.59 years in EM girls and 12.54 years in not early menarche (NEM) girls. Height growth (cm/year) was greater in NEM girls. Mean values of BMI, BF%, and frequencies of stunting (low height-for-age) and excess weight (overweight + obesity) were higher in EM girls than in their NEM age peers.

Intergenerational changes in knee height among Maya mothers and their adult daughters from Merida, Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze differences in knee height (KH) between adult Maya mothers and daughters in Merida City, Mexico, and determine if these differences are associated with their childhood socioeconomic conditions. METHODS: From September 2011 to January 2014, we measured KH and collected data on childhood conditions (place of birth, type of drinking water, family size, and fathers' occupation) from a sample of 180 Maya mother-daughter dyads. Mean KH intergenerational difference was calculated and compared for each category of socioeconomic variables and a multiple regression model was used to assess the association between childhood conditions and KH difference. RESULTS: A relative increase of 1.05 cm (SD = 2.3 cm) or 0.45 standard deviations (effect size of difference) was observed in KH between generations. Place of birth was significantly associated with KH. With three other variables statistically adjusted for, the intergenerational KH difference was 1.5 cm greater when mothers were born outside Merida but daughters were born in the city. Piped water consumption by mother-daughter dyads was associated with 1.5 cm of increase in KH difference compared with dyads who consumed well water (P = 0.058). CONCLUSIONS: The relative increase in KH between mothers and daughters represents a portion of the expected change in growth in a group that has experienced few substantial improvements in their living conditions. Some improvements in childhood living conditions resulting from the intergenerational transition from rural to urban environments seem to be linked to a modest, but statistically significant intergenerational increase in KH among Maya women in Merida.

Body mass index and body adiposity index in relation to percent body fat: a study in adult men of three endogamous groups of South Bengal.

Body adiposity index (BAI), based on height and hip circumference data from Mexican-Americans and African-Americans established its relation to body fat (BF). The aim of our study was to compare body mass index (BMI) and BAI in relation to BF%. Participants were adult men of three endogamous social groups (Brahmin, Muslim and Namasudra) in a village of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, India. Height, weight and hip circumference of 952 individuals (370 Brahmins, 307 Muslims and 275 Namasudras) were recorded. The BMI-based nutritional status and bioelectrical impedance-based BF% were evaluated. Namasudras (33.8%) and Muslims (33.6%) had high frequency undernutrition compared to Brahmins (7.3%). High prevalence (46.22%) of excess weight (overweight+obesity) was recorded only among Brahmins. There was significant social group difference in rates of nutritional status (χ(2) = 93.10, p < 0.0001). The BF% had higher correlation with BMI than BAI. A cut-off value of BAI (22%) was determined by binomial logistic regression analysis (BLRA). The value had best estimated relation to BF% and also coincided with WHO standard mean BF (22%) for overweight adults at BMI (≥ 25 kg/m(2)). However, greater area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, higher correct prediction rate, and other results of BLRA for the cut-off value of BMI-based overweight (≥ 25 kg/m(2)) showed its better relation to BF% than that observed for BAI cut-off at 22%. The BMI was observed to be a better indicator of adiposity compared to BAI in relation with body fat (%).

Body mass index and blood pressure among men of three ethnic groups of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.

This study was undertaken from 2009-2011 to understand the association between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) (systolic or SBP and diastolic or DBP) among randomly chosen men, aged 30 to 59 years, of three endogamous communities in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India: Dhimal (n = 88), Mech (n = 71), and Rajbanshi (n = 83). Analysis of variance was applied. Remarkable rates of BMI-based undernutrition (chronic energy deficiency or CED) were recorded among Dhimals (31%) and Rajbanshis (18%). Notable prevalence of overweight (20%) was recorded among men of Mech community. None were found to be obese in three samples. Mean SBP and DBP were found to rise consistently at levels of BMI (undernutrition, normal, and overweight). BMI was observed to rise consistently at levels of blood pressures (normotensive, prehypertensive, and hypertensive). Among Mech, this pattern was found to be more conspicuous. DBP was found to be more sensitive with changes of BMI in men.

Body fatness in relation to physical activity and selected socioeconomic parameters of adolescents aged 15-17 years in Merida, Yucatan.

BACKGROUND: Increasing rates of overweight and obesity in adolescents are major concerns in many countries, including Mexico. OBJECTIVES: To study anthropometric and body composition characteristics (BCC) and their relations with socioeconomic status (SES), biological history and physical activity (PA) of school-going adolescent boys and girls in the city of Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 321 adolescents (156 boys and 165 girls) aged 15-17 years from public and private schools in Merida, was taken from a study carried out in 2008-2009. RESULTS: Body mass index had significant correlations to BCC (fat mass and fat-free mass). The rate of stunting was higher in girls (18.20%) than in boys (7.69%). Stunted adolescents had higher body fat (%) than normally growing peers. High rates of overweight (boys 26.28%, girls 24.24%) and obesity (boys 10.26%, girls 6.06%) were recorded. SES (parents' age, education and occupation; crowding index in the family; household food expenditure), participants' biological history and PA are related with height and BCC by age and sex. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with excess weight (overweight + obesity) reported being less physically active. SES and PA were strongly related to growth and body fatness in the studied adolescents.

The effect of socioeconomic indicators and macronutrient intake rate on body composition in adolescents 12 to 16 years old in Merida, Yucatan.

Intake pattern of macronutrients (protein, lipid, carbohydrate) and socioeconomic status (SES) are major causes of high child and adolescent overweight and obesity prevalences in Mexico. An evaluation was done of the relationship between body mass index (BMI)-based nutritional status and body composition (BC), macronutrient intake rates (MIR) and SES indicators in 127 boys and 156 girls aged 12 to 16 years attending schools in Merida, Mexico. Anthropometric variables included height, weight, and BMI. The BC (body fat mass, fat-free mass, dry lean mass) was estimated by bioelectrical impedance (Bodystat 1500 MDD). The MIR were estimated following FAO/WHO/UNO standard (1985). Proxy socioeconomic indicators included parents' age (as a maturity indicator) and education, fathers' occupation, school type and monthly household food expenditure per capita. Excess weight (overweight + obesity) assessed by BMI, was higher in boys (40.16 %) than in girls (33.97 %). Boys had higher BMI, less fat mass and higher fat-free mass than girls. The MIR did not vary significantly in response to age, sex, BC or SES. Participants with higher SES were taller and heavier, had higher fat-free mass and lower fat mass. In the studied adolescents, anthropometric and BC values, and overweight and obesity rates were more associated with SES than MIR.

Food intake and nutrition in children 1-4 years of age in Yucatan, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The National Health and Nutrition Survey 2006 (ENSANUT in Spanish) reported high rates of under-nutrition in children of Yucatan. Is food intake the main cause of under-nutrition in children of the state of Yucatan, Mexico? AIM: Identify the primary causes of under-nutrition in pre-school children in Yucatan. SUBJECTS: A sample of 111 children (59 girls and 52 boys) aged 1-4 years representing Yucatan was taken from a database of ENSANUT 2006 and another national survey, a federal poverty mitigation programme for the state of Yucatan, Mexico entitled "Oportunidades". METHODS: A human ecology approach together with life history theory was used to analyse anthropometric indices and food intake data from the ENSANUT 2006 and "Oportunidades". RESULTS: Height and weight were significantly correlated to age and total food intake. No correlations were found between age and anthropometric indices or food intake rates. The children in the sample had adequate protein intake but deficient energy intake. No correlation was identified between nutritional status and food intake rates. Pre-schoolers with higher weight-for-height values achieved greater height-for-age. These relationships can be explained by life history theory in that energy intake was used either for maintenance (combating and recovering from infections) or growth. CONCLUSION: The poor relationship between food intake rates and nutritional status is probably explained by the interaction between high disease incidence and insufficient energy intake. These conditions are endemic in Yucatan due to widespread poor housing, water and sanitation conditions.

Estimation of stature from upper arm length in children aged 4.0 to 6.92 y in Merida, Yucatan.

OBJECTIVE: To understand age-sex variation of stature and upper arm length (UAL) and to estimate stature from UAL through prediction equations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 2006-2007 among 458 children (218 boys and 240 girls) aged 4.0 to 6.92 y of south Merida in Yucatan, Mexico. RESULTS: The results show significant age variation (p < 0.001) of stature and upper arm length (UAL) in children. Boys show significantly higher mean stature and UAL compared to the girls. Relative proportion of upper arm length to stature is greater in boys. Interrelationship between stature and upper arm length exhibits significant association with respect to age and sex of children. Reconstruction of stature from upper arm length through regression analysis also gives good prediction models for separate and combined samples of both sexes with age. Regression coefficients for UAL predicting stature account for 0.90 or greater variance in the dependent variable (stature). The difference between reconstructed stature and the actual measurement is less than ±2.00 cm. CONCLUSIONS: UAL appears to be a reliable indicator to estimate stature in children aged 4.0 to 6.92 y old.

Arm span as a proxy measure for height and estimation of nutritional status: a study among Dhimals of Darjeeling in West Bengal India.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to understand the interrelationship between height and arm span and also to estimate nutritional status from arm span. METHODS: In an anthropometric survey conducted among the Dhimals (227 males and 223 females, total = 450) of Naxalbari in West Bengal, India, measurements were recorded in age groups ranging between 10-59 years. RESULTS: Males were taller and had longer arm spans than females. The height-arm span ratio was 0.98-0.99, indicating height to be slightly less than arm span in both sexes. High correlation between these two dimensions was also observed. Regression equations provided a good model for estimating height from arm span (predictor). In all age groups of both sexes, values of standardized coefficient beta exhibited high significance (p ( 0.001). Residuals showed no pattern and were random. No significant difference between height-based body mass index or BMI (body weight/height(2)) and estimated arm span-based BMI (body weight/arm span(2)) was observed in any age group. CONCLUSION: Arm span was found to be an effective surrogate measure for BMI.