Ethnotribal Growth Differences among Schoolchildren in a Northwestern Maharashtra District: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

CONTEXT: In Ashram schools, scheduled tribes (ST) children from age 6 to 17 years belonging to various ethnic groups stay under common living and dietary provisions. However, there are scant reports on ethnotribal height differences. AIMS: The aims of the study are to (a) estimate height differences between schoolchildren of three major local STs, (b) compare heights and average skinfold thickness (SFT) of ST with non-ST and urban schoolchildren, and (c) compare median heights and weights of ST and non-ST schoolchildren with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics standards. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Four Ashram schools and one urban school in Northwest Maharashtra. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All children from age 6 to 17 years were included for height, weight, and mid-arm circumference (n = 2106). Data were processed with Excel and Epi info software for quantitative comparisons. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Quantitative methods including ANOVA were used for statistical comparison of heights. RESULTS: There were no differences among heights between ST students (ANOVA P > 0.05). However, there were significant differences between heights of boys and girls between ST and non-ST students across age groups (ANOVA P < 0.0001). ST boys and girls were mostly below 3(rd) or 10(th) percentile of IAP height and weight charts while non-ST children were between 25(th) and 50(th) percentiles. The average SFT values for prepubertal age groups were significantly lower in ST schoolchildren. CONCLUSIONS: ST students showed a significant growth disadvantage against general and other backward classes categories, although no intertribal anthropometry differences were observed.