Endocrine Abstracts

Height and weight measurement is an important data source in affairs related to growth and development, puberty and nutritional status of children and adolescents. In clinical setting NCHS charts are used in Iran. Although there were significant differences among provinces, between urban and rural children and all the percentiles of growth charts from the data of national health survey in Tehran, in 1990-1992, were substantially below but similar to those of the NCHS charts. In 1997, anthropometric evaluation of 6-18 year old male students was conducted in Isfahan, a centrally located city in Iran. The goal of the study was to establish the normograms of heights and weights in Isfahan in order to use in clinical settings.

By a random cluster sample survey 4364 out of 200000 male students 6-18 year old were selected in all areas of the city. Their heights (cm) and weights (kg) were measured by trained health staff and all the percentiles were determined. To compare the results with similar studies which were done in other parts of Iran like Isfahan city (1975), rural areas in Isfahan (1988), Rasht (1989) and east of Tehran (1983, 1994), statistical analysis student t - test was used. P- Values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Findings show that growth percentiles of 6-18 year Isfahani male students in 1997 lay approximately on those of NCHS charts. These students were taller and heavier than their fellow citizens 22 years earlier, their compatriots in rural areas of Isfahan (1988) and Rasht (1989). They are also taller than those who were living in Tehran (1994).

Perhaps the improvement in the status of living such as health and nutrition may increase the growth parameters in Isfahan city and also the use of NCHS charts in clinical setting is logic in Isfahan.