Browsing by Subject "Sitting height"

Introduction: The characteristics of sitting height ratio (SHR) in an undernourished population, and particularly in different ages, are still unclear. The aims of this study were to describe the characteristics of SHR in different ages in a population where undernutrition is prevalent and to investigate associations between SHR and other anthropometric variables. Methods: Anthropometrics of 1838 individuals were measured cross-sectionally in rural Malawi. SHR growth curves and SHR as a function of the study variables were plotted. The study variables were pubertal stage and z-scores of weight-for-height (WHZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and socioeconomic status. Linear regression models of SHR as a function of WHZ and HAZ were made. Results: The growth curves had a similar pattern as elsewhere in the world. Puberty affected sitting height growth and leg length growth differently. SHR was inversely proportional to HAZ and directly proportional to WHZ. Conclusions: Changes in SHR and its components throughout childhood in an undernourished population are described. There is an inverse association between SHR and HAZ, and a direct association between SHR and WHZ. Children in an undernourished population have higher SHRs throughout childhood compared to healthy growing children.