Citation

Whitehall J. J. Paediatr. Child Health 2008; 44(11): 656-660.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1440-1754.2008.01376.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Aim: To measure anthropometry, blood pressure and renal lengths of children in a war torn region of Sri Lanka and compare results with local and international standards.

Methods: Measurements of 147 Tamil children in Kilinochchi, north‐east Sri Lanka, were compared with the World Health Organization standards using Anthro 2005 software in a period of relative peace in December 2005. Renal lengths were measured by ultrasound and compared with Australian and Indian data.

Results:


1

2–5 years of age. The weight‐to‐height ratio for combined sexes revealed 13.9% were <−3 standard deviations (SD) and 33.3% <−2 SD. The height‐to‐age ratio revealed 5.6% <−3 SD and 22.2% <−2 SD. The weight‐to‐age ratio revealed 13.9% <−3 SD and 38.9% <−2 SD. The body mass index of 13.9% of children was <−3 SD, of 25% it was <−2 SD. Stunting and wasting is prevalent, and worse than in other areas of Sri Lanka, except in tea estates.

5–12 years. The height‐to‐age ratio for combined sexes revealed 15.7% were <−3 SD and 38.5% <−2 SD. The weight‐to‐age ratio revealed 6.1% were <−3 SD and 47.3% <−2 SD. The body mass index of 64.0% of children was <5th percentile. More children are stunted and wasted in this older group. Girls are more affected than boys.

Renal lengths fell progressively below −2 SD for both age and height when compared with Australian and Indian children.

Conclusion: Tamil children in Kilinochchi are more stunted and wasted than others in Sri Lanka, except those in the tea estates. Progressive renal stunting because of under‐nutrition may be a mechanism for later disease. The loss of potential for human development can only be addressed by long‐term improvement in access to nutrition.