Growth patterns of rural children in the Kgalagadi region of Botswana

Abstract

483 children between the ages of 7 and 14 years in the arid Kgalagadi region of central Botswana were measured for height, weight, triceps skinfold thickness and upper arm circumference. These rural children were of comparable height to urban Tswana children recently reported in the literature but were considerably lighter. Subcutaneous fat measurements were similar to those previously reported but arm girth measurements were slightly smaller for rural children. These differences between urban and rural populations are discussed in terms of possible genetic factors and differences in nutritional status resulting from drought and food distribution.