Anthropometric survey of children in rural Khartoum, Sudan

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Abstract
The results of a cross-sectional anthropometric survey of Sudanese children up to the age of 13 yr and 6 mo. is reported. Children in whom a quick clinical examination revealed pathology were excluded, as were children who did not have a true birth certificate. Height, wt and mid-arm circumference were measured in all children, head and chest circumference were measured in children up to the age of 5 yr and 6 mo. Skinfold thickness at biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac sites were measured in children above the age of 30 mo. The children were shorter and lighter and had less subcutaneous fat than British [UK] children. The findings were compared with those from other African populations. Comparison with a survey performed in the same village 7 yr earlier revealed that the heights and weights of the children had hardly changed despite a considerable improvement in economic status. The children had a lower weight for height than British and other African populations.