Physical Growth and Blood Pressure Among Madiga (A Scheduled Caste) Boys of Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh

• Published in: Journal of human ecology (Delhi) 1997-09, Vol.8 (5), p.369-376
• Main Authors: Rao, B. Dharma, Busi, B.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent Spurt; Andhra Pradesh; Blood Pressure; Growth; Madiga; Pulse Rate
• ISSN: 0970-9274
• DOI: 10.1080/09709274.1997.11907301

The cross-sectional purposive random sampling study was undertaken among Madiga boys in rural schools situated in the 4 Mandals viz. Visakhapatnam (Rural). Pendurthi. Anandapuram and Bheemumpatnam of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh during February to December 1996 The sample consisted of 243 healthy Madiga boys aged 0+ through 18+ years In this paper data on statute, body weight, upper arm, calf, chest, abdominal and head circumferences and skinfolds al triceps. biceps, subscapular, medial calf, fore arm. suprailiac abdominal and interior thigh sites and blood pressure and pulse rate are (resented, including patterns of change in these physical and physiological trails with advancing age It has been observed that there is progressive increase in all the dimension with advancement in age except skinfolds Analysis of tie data reveal that all the dimensions exhibited the maximum mean annual increments between 15+ and 16+ years, except triceps, subscapular and abdominal skinfolds which in turn exhibits in one year earlier the highest peak velocity i.e. 14+ and 15+ years, and two years earlier in calf circumference i.e. 12 + and 13+ years, and three years earlier in suprailiac. anterior thigh and medial calf skinfolds i.e. 11 + and 12+ years Blood pressure and pulse rate increased with advancement in age with few fluctuations These boys are shorter and lighter than the ICMR 1984 observations. The findings of the study can be used as a reference material for Madiga boys of Visakhapatnam district.