Puberty in modernizing Kazakhstan: a comparison of rural and urban children

BacKGROUND: Data on puberty development are available for several countries but not for Central Asia. AIM: Using data collected during the Kazakhstan Health and Nutrition Survey (KHA-ES), we evaluated the relationship between the living environment (rural vs. urban), ethnicity (Russians vs. Kazakhs) and pubertal status in children living in Kazakhstan. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Genital (G1-G5), breast (B1-B5) and pubic hair (PH1-PH5) development were evaluated in a sample of 2389 boys and 2416 girls using Tanner's criteria. Age at menarche was evaluated using the 'status quo' and 'recall' methods. RESULTS: Rural children were older than urban children at stages > or =G2 for males and > or =B2 for females, and this difference was more evident for Russian males. Differences levelled out at later stages of development in Kazakh males and in the pooled girls. The living environment was slightly but significantly associated with median age at menarche (12.89 years for urban Kazakhs to 13.43 years for rural Kazakhs). Male and female Kazakhs were older than Russians at stages 4 and 5, especially in the urban area. CONCLUSION: A relationship between pubertal status and the living environment was present in a rapidly modernizing country such as Kazakhstan.     

Spirometric reference values for children and adolescents from Kazakhstan

BACKGROUND: Spirometric parameters are influenced by several factors and many reference data are available in the literature. However, no spirometric data are available for children and adolescents from Central Asia. AIM: The study aimed to calculate spirometric reference curves on the basis of anthropometry, ethnicity (Kazakh vs. Russian) and living environment (urban vs. rural). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Spirometry (FEV1, FVC and FEF25-75%) was performed and anthropometric measurements taken for 1926 male and 1967 female Kazakh children aged 7-18 years. RESULTS: Height explained almost all the variance of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) for both sexes, while age and inspiratory circumference contributed slightly to the prediction. Moreover, FVC and FEV1 were greater in Russians than in Kazakhs and ethnicity did enter the prediction model for these parameters. The living environment had a marginal effect on spirometry. In fact, forced expiratory flow 25-75% (FEF25-75%) was slightly higher in urban than in rural females, FVC was slightly higher in rural than in urban males, while FEV1 was not affected. Finally, among several spirometric equations available in the literature, those performing better in our children were obtained in developed countries. CONCLUSION: Anthropometry was the most important predictor of spirometry. Age and ethnicity were also predictors, while the contribution of the living environment was more limited.     

Rural urban differences of cardiovascular disease risk factors in adult Asian Indians

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in “People of Indian Origin” (PIO) is exceedingly high and strong relationships among elevated blood pressure, increased levels of lipoproteins, visceral obesity, physical inactivity and subsequent high occurrence of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus etc., were evident in many studies. Increasing urbanization with effective changes in lifestyles could be attributed to explain this exaggerated rate. The present community based cross‐sectional investigation was aimed to identify rural‐urban differences in prevalence of risk factors of CVD in the adult Asian Indians. A total of 350 adult (30 years and above) individuals (184 males and 166 females) belong to urban (n = 193, males = 104, and females = 89) and rural (n = 157, males = 80, and females = 77) areas participated in the study. Anthropometric measures, lipids profiles, fasting blood glucose and blood pressure measures were obtained from participants. The mean body mass index (kg/m²) for male and female was 22.37 ± 4.09 and 23.20 ± 4.37, respectively. There existed significant differences for anthropometric, metabolic, and blood pressure variables between rural and urban areas. Habitat (rural vs. urban) had significant impact on central adiposity, lipids, lipoproteins, and blood pressure measures even after adjusted for age and sex. Overall, 84.3% of females had lower HDL level compared with only 20.1% in males. It was also observed that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 56.2% in urban females compared with 36.4% in rural females. Effective urbanization and or modernization seem to influence CVD risk factors and warrants intervention as early as adulthood to check this menace. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Spirometric reference values for children and adolescents from Kazakhstan

Background: Spirometric parameters are influenced by several factors and many reference data are available in the literature. However, no spirometric data are available for children and adolescents from Central Asia.

Aim: The study aimed to calculate spirometric reference curves on the basis of anthropometry, ethnicity (Kazakh vs. Russian) and living environment (urban vs. rural).

Subjects and methods: Spirometry (FEV1, FVC and FEF25–75%) was performed and anthropometric measurements taken for 1926 male and 1967 female Kazakh children aged 7–18 years.

Results: Height explained almost all the variance of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1?s (FEV1) for both sexes, while age and inspiratory circumference contributed slightly to the prediction. Moreover, FVC and FEV1 were greater in Russians than in Kazakhs and ethnicity did enter the prediction model for these parameters. The living environment had a marginal effect on spirometry. In fact, forced expiratory flow 25–75% (FEF25–75%) was slightly higher in urban than in rural females, FVC was slightly higher in rural than in urban males, while FEV1 was not affected. Finally, among several spirometric equations available in the literature, those performing better in our children were obtained in developed countries.

Conclusion: Anthropometry was the most important predictor of spirometry. Age and ethnicity were also predictors, while the contribution of the living environment was more limited.     

东营市城乡40～79岁人群高血压前期患者的现患率及相关危险因素

目的:观察东营市40～79岁人群高血压前期患者的城乡现患率差异.比较及合并不同心血管危险因素时高血压前期患者的城乡分布情况.方法:采取整群随机抽样方法,2015年至2016年对东营市2个社区和2个农村的40～79岁人群进行问卷调查,并测量身高、体重、体重指数、血压,采集清晨空腹静脉血检测空腹血糖、总胆固醇、三酰甘油、低密度脂蛋白、高密度脂蛋白、血同型半胱氨酸.结果:所有完成研究的4 109人中,高血压前期患者1 287人,现患率为31.32％,男性患者582人(31.34％),女性705人(31.31％),性别间差异无统计学意义(x2=0.0006,P＞0.05).城市高血压前期现患率为41.63％,农村为20.32％,差异有统计学意义(x2=216.620,P＜0.001).高血压前期人群合并高同型半胱氨酸血症的现患率最高,为76.38％,城市现患率低于农村(74.41％vs.80.69％),差异有统计学意义(x2=6.0739,P＜0.05),城市男性与农村男性、城市女性与农村女性之间现患率差异均无统计学意义.高血压前期人群中,城市吸烟率高于农村(36.24％ vs.27.97％),差异有统计学意义(x2=8.491,P＜0.05);城市女性吸烟率为农村女性的2.35倍(21.76％vs.9.25％),差异有统计学意义(x2=16.5028,P＜0.05).城市高血压前期合并肥胖人群高于农村(23.67％ vs.17.57％),差异有统计学意义(x2=6.0491,P＜0.05),且城市男性高于农村男性(24.44％vs.12.99％),差异有统计学意义(x2=9.7466,P＜0.05).高血压前期合并血脂异常、糖代谢异常时,城乡之间差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论:高同型半胱氨酸血症和血脂异常是高血压前期人群最主要合并的危险因素.应重点干预农村高血压前期合并高同型半胱氨酸血症的居民.高血压前期现患率与日常生活习惯密切相连,因此高血压前期的防治应结合城镇及农村高血压前期的危险因素的流行特征,有针对性的制定防治策略和措施.     

北京市城乡中年人高血压流行情况及危险因素分析

 目的 对比研究北京城市和农村高血压的流行情况及其危险因素。方法 于2005年采用整群抽样的方法,在北京市城市和农村的40～65岁人群中对3268人中进行问卷和体检。诊断标准依据2005年中国高血压防治指南。多因素分析采用Logistic回归方法。结果 农村高血压的患病率为55.58%,显著高于城市的42.91%(P<0.05)。城市男性和女性高血压的患病率为49.54%和38.52%,显著低于农村男性和女性的57.68%和54.17% (P值均小于0.05)。不同性别多因素分析显示,年龄、BMI、腰围、空腹血糖、文化程度为男性的危险因素,年龄、BMI、腰围、职业、甘油三酯为女性的危险因素。结论 农村人群高血压患病率快速上升。主要危险因素有体质指数和腰围。     

Cardiovascular risk: initial estimation in the study cohort "CDC of the Canary Islands in Venezuela"

In Venezuela as in the Canary Islands (Spain), cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this research is to estimate the cardiovascular risk in the Canary Islands migrants living in Venezuela and participating in the study cohort "CDC of the Canary Islands in Venezuela". 452 individuals, aged 18 to 93 years (54.9% women), were enrolled between June 2008 and August 2009. A data survey was performed and their weight, height, abdomen and hip circumferences, and blood pressure were measured. After a 12-hour fasting period, a blood sample was obtained for glucose and lipid profile determinations. 40.5% of the subjects were over 65 years of age and 8% corresponded to the younger group (18-30 years). In men, the average age was 57.69 +/- 18.17 years and the body mass index 29.39 +/- 5.71 kg/m2, whereas women were 56.50 +/- 16.91 years and 28.20 +/- 5.57 kg/m2, respectively. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 49.1%, overweight and obesity together 75,2%, abdominal obesity 85.4%, diabetes 17.4%, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) 12.2%, elevated blood pressure 52.9%, low HDL-cholesterol 53,8% and elevated serum triglycerides 31%. Among subjects without diabetes or IFG, a third showed a high triglycerides/HDL-cholesterol ratio, indicating insulin resistance. We conclude that the Canarian-Venezuelan community suffers high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes). In relation to the current population of the Canary Islands, they show a lower frequency of IFG and a higher frequency of low HDL-cholesterol. In comparison to the Venezuelan population (Zulia), they showed to have lower prevalence of IFG, low HDL cholesterol and elevated triglycerides.     

Overweight and obesity in a rural Amerindian population in Oaxaca, Southern Mexico, 1968-2000.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate secular change in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a rural Zapotec Indian community in southern Mexico between 1968 and 2000. Cross-sectional surveys of children 6-13 years, adolescents 13-17 years, and adults 19 years of age and older resident in a rural community in Oaxaca were conducted in 1968/1971, 1978, and 2000. Individuals present in the 1968, 1978, and 2000 surveys provided a small longitudinal component. Height and weight were measured; the BMI was calculated. International criteria for overweight and obesity were used. Overweight and obesity were virtually absent in school children 6-13 years in 1968 and 1978 and in adolescents in 1978. Small proportions of children (boys, 5%; girls, 8%) and adolescents (boys, 3%; girls, 15%) were overweight in 2000; two children (1%) and no adolescents were obese. Among adults, 7% of males and 19% of females were overweight and <1% of males and 4% of females were obese in 1971/1978, but 46% of males and 47% of females were overweight; and 5% of males and 14% of females were obese in 2000. The trends for children, adolescents, and adults were confirmed in the longitudinal subsamples. In conclusion, overweight and obesity are not presently a major problem in children and adolescents in this rural Zapotec community. Overweight, in particular, and to a lesser extent obesity have increased in prevalence among adults since the late 1970s. The results suggest adulthood as a critical period for onset of overweight and obesity in this sample.     

Prevalence of allergy, patterns of allergic sensitization and allergy risk factors in rural and urban children

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the prevalence of allergic diseases and sensitization in children living in urban and rural areas and to identify potential risk/protection factors associated with allergy. METHODS: School children 12-16 years old, from urban community (n = 201) and rural area (n = 203) were recruited. The data obtained by questionnaire were referred to doctors' diagnosis, skin prick tests (SPTs), and serum specific and total IgE assessment. RESULTS: The prevalence of allergic diseases in urban children was significantly higher as compared with rural children [asthma 16.42%vs 1.97% (P < 0.001) allergic rhinitis 38.81%vs 10.84% (P < 0.001)]. Positive SPTs to at least one allergen was found in 63.7% of urban and 22.7% rural children (P < 0.001). Significantly higher percentage of allergic rural than urban children were monosensitized or sensitized to 2-4 allergens, but almost a fourfold higher percentage of allergic urban children was found to be sensitized to five or more allergens (P < 0.0001). The history of frequent upper respiratory factor (URT) infections, antibiotic therapy, tonsiltectomy/adenoidectomy were positively associated with development of atopy and sensitization. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that residence of rural area is associated with a significant lower prevalence of allergic sensitization and symptoms in school children. Several risk and protective factors related to environment and style of life could be identified in both environments.     

Dual burden of body weight among Iranian children and adolescents in 2003 and 2010: the CASPIAN-III study

Introduction

Our aim was to compare changes of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) curves of Iranian children by comparing the results of two national surveys of a surveillance program, i.e. CASPIAN-I (2003–2004) and CASPIAN-III (2009–2010). The second objective was to evaluate the prevalence of obesity, overweight and underweight among 10–18-year-old Iranian children and adolescents.

Material and methods

This study was performed among students who were selected by multistage random cluster sampling from urban and rural areas of 27 provinces of Iran, as part of a national survey of school student high risk behavior entitled CASPIAN-III, conducted in 2009–2010.

Results

We evaluated 5088 school students (50.2% boys). In rural areas, underweight was more common in boys and overweight and obesity in girls. In urban areas underweight and obesity were more common in boys, whereas overweight was more common in girls. The highest prevalence of underweight (23.5%) was seen in students aged 13 years and the lowest (11.4%) in those aged 18 years. Underweight was significantly more common in rural than in urban areas (22.1% vs. 15.8%, respectively, p < 0.0001) and overweight/obesity was more common in urban than in rural areas. Compared with the findings in 2003–2004, the overall prevalence of elevated body mass index (16.6%) including obesity (9.1%) and overweight (7.5%) as well as underweight (17.5%) increased from 2003 to 2010.

Conclusions

In recent years, the double burden of nutritional disorders has increased among Iranian children and adolescents, especially in rural areas. This change may be related to epidemiologic transition, notably in terms of nutrition transition and rapid changes in lifestyle habits. This finding is an important issue for policy-makers for interventional preventive programs.     

云南姚安县心血管疾病流行病学及传统相关危险因素

目的:探讨云南省姚安县人群心血管病流行病学及危险因素水平,为心血管疾病的综合防治提供科学依据.方法:采用多阶段抽样方法,抽取姚安县辖区4个乡镇、8个村委会和4个社区卫生服务中心,18岁及以上常住居民1 450人进行心血管疾病危险因素随机抽样调查.结果:人群吸烟率26.3％,其中男性居民吸烟率为52.2％;超重者占9.1％;空腹血糖受损者占8.7％,糖尿病患病率16.9％;高血压患病率为44.5％,人群高血压知晓率为43.0％.结论:姚安县高血压及传统心血管危险因素水平相当突出,采取社区综合防治措施,进行有效控制已刻不容缓.     

Prevalence of overweight and hypertension in Tanzania: special emphasis on resting energy expenditure and leptin

1. In the present study we investigated the difference in the distribution of selected cardiovascular disease risk factors among three middle-aged Tanzanian populations with different lifestyles. 2. The prevalence of hypertension and overweight was higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Plasma leptin concentration was also highest in urban areas. Based on these results, we speculated that overweight in the urban population may be partly due to adiposity. 3. Resting energy expenditure was lower in urban areas than in other areas for both genders. These findings suggest that the high prevalence of overweight in the urban population may be partly due to low physical activity levels.     

Prevalence of overweight among adolescent females in the United Arab Emirates

The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of overweight in adolescent females in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 898 females, ages 11–18 years, were recruited from five of the seven Emirates with the highest resident Emirati population. Height, weight, triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), and mid‐upper‐arm circumference were measured in each subject. Reference data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) were used for comparison. At risk for overweight or overweight were defined as a body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) ≥85–95th percentile and ≥95th percentile, respectively. Mean values for BMI and TSF at all ages were higher than the 50th percentile (median) of the NHANES reference data. Using the BMI classification, 14% and 9% of all subjects were classified as at risk for overweight or overweight, respectively. The proportion of subjects at risk for overweight ranged between 7–19% and the prevalence of overweight ranged between 6–15%. The proportion of subjects with a BMI ≥85 percentile ranged from 15% at age 17 years to 33% at age 11 years. Furthermore, 27% and 28% of subjects ages 11 and 12 years, respectively, were above the TSF 90th percentile. These two age groups also showed a high prevalence of overweight using the BMI classification. In conclusion, the findings from our study suggest that a high proportion of adolescent females in the UAE are overweight or at risk for overweight. The consequences of this are a serious concern for public health and need to be addressed. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:758–764, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Type 2 diabetes in urban and rural districts in Korea: factors associated with prevalence difference

The purpose of this study was to examine the urban-rural differences in the prevalence and associated factors with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Korean adults. A total of 1,060 adults >30 yr of age from urban (189 males and 331 females) and rural districts (219 males and 321 females) were recruited. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and fasting and 2-hr after 75-g oral glucose load blood glucose were obtained. The crude- and age-standardized prevalence of T2DM was 15.4% and 14.5%, and 11.7% and 8.6% in urban and rural districts, respectively. Diabetic subjects were older and obese, and had a higher triglyceride level, and systolic blood pressure compared to non-diabetes in both population. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that older age, high triglyceride levels, central obesity, and hypertension were significantly associated with T2DM in both areas. Low monthly incomes were significantly associated with T2DM in urban population, while a family history of T2DM was significantly associated with T2DM in rural area. T2DM is more prevalent in urban than in rural population, and low economic status or genetic factor is differently associated with T2DM in both population, respectively.     

Urban–rural differences in the growth status of Venezuelan children

The height and weight of 28,752 urban and 10,557 rural individuals aged birth to 18 years were measured as part of a cross-sectional national survey (Project Venezuela) between 1981 and 1986. The Preece-Baines model 1 was fitted to the means; pooled residual mean squares of 0.21 and 0.13 in height and 0.44 and 0.13 in weight, for boys and girls respectively, indicated a good fit. Derived means and biological parameters were compared. The nutritional status of 18,849 children aged birth to 8 years was assessed using the WHO-recommended NCHS/CDC 3rd or 10th and 90th centiles as cut-off points for weight for height, weight for age, and height for age. A t test for proportions was used to test significance. Urban children were taller and heavier than their rural counterparts; differences were evident after age 2 and maximal at 14 years in boys and 12 years in girls, due to differences in tempo, although part of the differences persist into adulthood. Prevalences of wasting and stunting were 3.5% and 10.5% higher in rural children and overweight was 3.6% higher in urban children, significantly so in height for age. A mixed nutritional problem is present in Venezuelans, with a prevalence of stunting greater than that of wasting and a prevalence of overweight greater in urban children. Urban–rural differences in growth persisted into adulthood in boys, while rural girls were similar to urban girls at the end of growth.     

Ten-Year Trends of Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence and Nutrient Intake among Korean Children and Adolescents: A Population-Based Study

PurposeMetabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a cluster of risk factors for future cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Only a few recent studies have reported the trend in the prevalence of MetS in youth. This study aimed to analyze trends in the prevalence of MetS and nutrient intake in the last 10 years and investigate the changes in MetS components among Korean children and adolescents.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed the data of 9513 children and adolescents aged 10–19 years from the 2008–2017 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Diagnosis of MetS was based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and modified National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria.ResultsBased on the IDF criteria, MetS prevalence increased from 1.53% in 2008 to 3.19% in 2017 (p=0.007). Based on the NCEP-ATP III criteria, MetS prevalence increased from 2.18% in 2008 to 3.19% in 2017; however, the increase was not statistically significant. Daily calorie and fat intakes increased significantly during the study period. Among the risk factors that MetS comprises, the prevalence rates of central obesity, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and high fasting glucose levels increased significantly.ConclusionOver the last 10 years, the prevalence of MetS has grown significantly with increasing calorie and fat intake in Korean children and adolescents. Central obesity and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting glucose levels have worsened. Therefore, active support and close monitoring are required to control MetS and prevent further increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases.     

Obesity in Mexico: epidemiology and health policies for its control and prevention

Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemias, musculoskeletal diseases, and certain types of cancer. In Mexico the prevalence of overweight and obesity is 16.7% in preschool children, 26.2% in school children, and 30.9% in adolescents. For adults, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is 39.7 and 29.9%, respectively (ENSANUT 2006). Based on an analysis of the situation in Mexico, the need for a comprehensive, multisectoral, multilevel policy and an effective coordination policy have been clearly identified to achieve changes in eating patterns and physical activity to enable the prevention of chronic diseases and to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity The combination of strategies and actions of the Mexican National Agreement for Healthy Nutrition proposed by the federal government proposes among its aims for 2012: a reversal in the prevalence of overweight and obesity for children aged 2-5 years in comparison with ENSANUT to stop the increasing prevalence in this condition for school children and adolescents (aged 5-19 years), and to slow down the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults. This challenge will require important regulatory actions, efficient and adaptable implementation, and participation of all sectors of society.     

Established cardiovascular disease and CVD risk factors in a primary care population of middle-aged Irish men and women

Contemporary Irish data on the prevalence of major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are sparse. The primary aims of this study were (1) to estimate the prevalence of major cardiovascular disease risk factors, including Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, in the general population of men and women between the ages of 50 and 69 years; and (2) to estimate the proportion of individuals in this age group at high absolute risk of cardiovascular disease events on the basis of pre-existing cardiovascular disease or as defined by the Framingham equation. Participants were drawn from the practice lists of 17 general practices in Cork and Kerry using stratified random sampling. A total of 1018 people attended for screening (490 men, 48%) from 1473 who were invited, a response rate of 69.1%. Cardiovascular disease risk factors and glucose intolerance are common in the population of men and women aged between 50 and 69 years. Almost half the participants were overweight and a further quarter met current international criteria for obesity, one of the highest recorded prevalence rates for obesity in a European population sample. Forty per cent of the population reported minimal levels of physical activity and 19% were current cigarette smokers. Approximately half the sample had blood pressure readings consistent with international criteria for the diagnosis of hypertension, but only 38% of these individuals were known to be hypertensive. Eighty per cent of the population sample had a cholesterol concentration in excess of 5 mmol/l. Almost 4% of the population had Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, of whom 30% were previously undiagnosed. A total of 137 participants (13.5%) had a history or ECG findings consistent with established cardiovascular disease. Of the remaining 881 individuals in the primary prevention population, a total of 20 high-risk individuals (19 male) had a risk of a coronary heart disease event > or = 30% over ten years according to the Framingham risk equation, giving an overall population prevalence of 2.0% (95% CI 1.3 - 3.0). At a risk level > or = 20% over ten years, an additional 91 individuals (8.9%) were identified. Thus a total of 24.4% of the population were at risk either through pre-existing CVD (13.5%) or an estimated 10-year risk exceeding 20% according to the Framingham risk equation (10.9%). Thus a substantial proportion of middle-aged men are at high risk of CVD. The findings emphasise the scale of the CVD epidemic in Ireland and the need for ongoing monitoring of risk factors at the population level and the need to develop preventive strategies at both the clinical and societal level.     

Relative height and weight among children and adolescents of rural southwestern Nigeria

Background: There are few data describing the relative height and weight patterns of children and adolescents in rural Nigeria, despite a prevalence of stunting of over 38% among children younger than 5 years.

Aim: The present study documented the height and weight patterns relative to international standards among children and adolescents aged 5–20 years in rural Nigeria.

Subjects and methods: Children 5–20 years of age were enrolled from two rural villages. Height and weight were measured; body composition was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. z-scores and centiles for height and body mass index were calculated; prevalences of low relative height (i.e.>2 standard deviations below mean for age and sex) and weight by sex and age were estimated.

Results: A total of 623 participants (326 male and 297 female) were enrolled. The mean height-for-age z-score for males younger than 19 years was –2.1 and prevalence of low relative height was 50%. Among females, the mean height-for-age z-score was –1.2 during adolescence; only 15% of adolescent females were of low relative height. Based on BMI-for-age, 37% of the adolescent males and 23% of females were underweight. No children or adolescents were overweight based on BMI-for-age.

Conclusions: Low relative height and underweight occur in a large proportion of children and adolescents in rural Nigeria, with the lowest relative heights and weights occurring in mid-adolescence and among males.     

Cryptosporidium spp., a frequent cause of diarrhea in Liberian children

This report presents results from a sample survey designed to investigate the possible role of Cryptosporidium spp. in childhood diarrhea in a developing country, Liberia, West Africa. During the four months of January to April 1983, a house-to-house study was carried out in two geographically and socially different communities--an urban slum and three rural villages. Stool samples from 374 children, aged 6 to 59 months, were tested for Cryptosporidium spp. Among the children with diarrhea 8.4% were Cryptosporidium spp. positive compared with a prevalence rate of 5.9% in asymptomatic children. Of the children living in a household with a Cryptosporidium spp.-positive index child, 8.6% had a positive stool sample. Of all children attending a clinic because of diarrhea, 14.6% were Cryptosporidium spp. positive. Cryptosporidiosis was more frequent in younger children; 24 of the total of 29 positive cases (83%) were below 2.5 years old. Actual or previous bottle feeding (formula) was a risk factor, particularly in children below 18 months old. Of the bottle-fed children, 28% were Cryptosporidium spp. positive versus 9.1% of children never bottle fed. Crowding is another possible risk factor. The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was 13.5% in big urban households with more than 10 children, whereas the prevalence in the small urban households was 6.1%. Ethnic and religious differences were particularly evident in the rural area. No Muslim households had cryptosporidiosis, whereas the prevalence in non-Muslim tribes was 9%. The general belief that cryptosporidiosis is primarily a zoonosis is questioned in this study, partly because many carriers and asymptomatic household contacts were found.