Growth charts for Saudi children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE To establish reference growth charts for Saudi children and adolescents. METHODS Multi-stage probability sampling of a cross-section of Saudi children and adolescents residing in all 13 regions of the Kingdom. Family interviews, and physical examinations of children and adolescents from birth to 19 years of age were conducted over a 2-year period (2004-2005). Only healthy children and adolescents were included for the measurement of length/stature, weight, and head circumference. All measurements were performed by trained physicians and nurses according to World Health Organization guidelines. Percentile construction and smoothing were performed using the LMS (lambda, mu, sigma) methodology. RESULTS Determination of the standard measures for normal physical growth in a sample representing healthy Saudi children and adolescents from birth to 19 years of age. CONCLUSION The results of this study present the most comprehensive and up-to-date reference growth charts for Saudi children and adolescents. Therefore, the authors recommend the use of these charts to replace older charts or those belonging to other countries.