Anthropometric Characteristics of Rafsanjan Primary Schoolchildren based on Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference in 2008

Background Aims: Anthropometric indices are among common tools used in assessing nutritional status in children. This study was done to determine anthropometric indices of Rafsanjan schoolchildren by using Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference and height. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1275 primary schoolchildren were selected using two stage random sampling method. Demographic questionnaire was completed. Then weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were measured by standard scale and tape respectively. Overweight and underweight were defined based on BMI scores and were compared using CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) chart. Stunting was detected using percentiles of stature for age. Abdominal obesity was defined based on WC percentile for age and gender presented by IDF (International Diabetes Federation). Data were analyzed by using Chi Square and t-student tests. Results: According to our finding, about 13.3% of children were underweight and 16.1% of them were stunting, 11.5% were at risk of overweight and 9.4% were overweight. Girls were significantly more stunting than boys (17.7%, Vs. 13.6%, P= 0.04). Abdominal obesity was seen among 6.4% of students and it was seen more in boys compared to girls (8.4% Vs. 5%, P=0.016). Conclusion: Our findings showed that underweight, stunting and overweight are common health problems among schoolchildren of Rafsanjan