Comparison of growth pattern of Birjand adolescences with NCHS

Growth follow-up is important for determining the health and nutrition conditions of adolescences. Both genetic and environmental factors influence the growth, and growth curve in various societies is different. The purpose is to compare the anthropometric indicators of 11 to 14-years-old boys of Birjand with NCHS. In 2004, this cross -sectional study was done on 889 students whom were selected by multi- step cluster sampling. Height and weight were measured by standard ways; related percentiles were defined and then compared with NCHS. To show percentiles, relative and absolute frequency distribution tables were used. 889 boys were selected out of 5909 junior high-school students. Height and weight normograms were provided according to age. Middle percentile (50%) of boy's weight in Birjand was 7-13 kg less than NCHS. By increasing the age, deviation of NCHS was more, and the reduction in height was more than weight. Height & weight curve of 11-years-old boys in Birjand was near to standard curves of NCHS, but at 12-13-14-years were far form them and the reduction of height was more than of weight. Assessing the growth proven changes is possible by more precise examining and by providing regional growth standards and repeated follow- ups.