By: SARNALI SARKAR, FARHIN KHANAM, ASHISH MUKHOPADHYAY, MITHU BHADRA
Childhood sexual dimorphism in anthropometric traits reflects both biological and socioeconomic factors. Recognizing gender differences in growth and nutrition requires understanding these trends. This study aimed to explore sex-based differences in anthropometric characteristics and nutritional status using WHO indicators. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 509 children aged 4–10 years residing in slum areas of Habra, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Various anthropometric measurements – including height, weight, head and chest circumference, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist and hip circumference, and skinfold thickness – were collected using standardized methods. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO growth standards (WAZ, HAZ, and BAZ). Results show significant sex-based differences in height (P=0.001**), weight (P=0.010*), head circumference (P=0.033*), chest circumference (P=0.002**), MUAC (P=0.003**), waist circumference (P=0.001**), hip circumference (P<0.001***), and biceps skinfold (P=0.036*) based on t-test analysis. Compared to boys, girls had a higher prevalence of stunting (40.40%), underweight (43.60%), and undernutrition (27.60%). The study concludes that sexual dimorphism is evident in several anthropometric traits, highlighting the necessity of gender-sensitive nutrition policies.
