Sex differentials in physical growth and nutritional status among tribal children in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh

The study was carried out on 215 tribal preschool children of Vizainagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. the study aimed to investigate the sex differentials in the pattern of physical growth and nutritional status. standard anthropometric methods were applied to measure the height and weight of the children. our study shows that average weight and height of boys was more than girls. The mean BMI of girls was lower than the boys. Prevalence of under nutrition in terms of underweight, stunting and wasting was found similar in both the sexes. Further, a higher prevalence of Bitot spots, B-complex and anemia deficiencies reflect the poor micronutrient status of the community. The comparison of boys and girls reveal much deference between boys and girls. The frequency of clinical symptoms was more in boys than in girls. The incidence of vitamin B is less in the studied population compared to other vitamin deficiency symptoms. This may be because of the fact that diet is cereal based, which is a part of the diet and fulfill the requirements of this vitamin to certain extent. The mean±SD of the BMI of males and that of females is which again speaks of the females more undernourished status. It is observed that both males and females have high rates of CED indicating a critical situation. The present study reveals the relationship between height, weight, BMI and age