A Study of Physical Growth and Nutritional Status Among Jatapu Tribal Girls of Andhra Pradesh

The cross-sectional study was undertaken in rural schools situated in the Seetampeta ITDA of Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh during April 1992 to March. 1995 The sample consisted of 242 healthy Japtpu tribal (.iris aged 6+ through 18+ years In this paper data on stature, body weight, upper arm. calf and chest circumferences and triceps. biceps, subscapular, medial calf, supra iliac and fore arm skinfolds are presented including patterns of change in these measurements and quantitative assessment of nutritional status with advancing age. The study reveals that Jatapu tribal girls attain maximum annual increase between 11 and 12 years for all measurements except triceps, subscapular, supra-iliac and fore arm skin folds which in turn exhibit it a delayed spurt i.e. 12 and 13 years These girls are shorter and lighter than the national standard (ICMR. 1984) Both extensive and intensive research is conducted among Jatapu tribal girls to understand the nutritional deficiency disorders and to suggest programmes and strategies for improvement of the nutritional status and proper management of health The findings of the study can be used as a reference material for Jatapu tribal girls

Child Nutrition and Water Access · Demography · Medicine