Malnutrition prevalence in lasa xizang children and adolescents

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of malnutrition among children and adolescents in Xizang (Tibet).

Methods: We analyzed data from the Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health for the years 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010 pertaining to Tibetan children and adolescents in lase (Lhasa), aged 7-18 years old. Numbers of survey subjects for these years were: 2393, 2754, 2397, and 2643, respectively.

Results: Our results indicated that the rate of occurrence of stunting in Tibet has evidenced a gradual decline: for boys, from 26.8% in 2000 to 9.3% in 2010; and for girls, from 25.8% in 2000 to 10.8% in 2010. In general, the wasting rate for both boys and girls in Tibet has gradually decreased over time: for boys, from 17.7% in 1995 to 4.6% in 2005; and for girls from 12.5% in 1995 to 2.3% in 2005. The stunting rates of boys aged 7-13 years old and of girls aged 7-11 years old were 67.5% and 53.1%, respectively, while these rates for boys aged 14-18 years old and girls aged 12-18 years old were 32.5% and 46.9%, respectively.

Conclusion: Stunting and wasting rates of Tibetan children and adolescents indicate a gradual declining trend over time. The stunting rates of both boys and girls during early puberty were significantly higher than those during late puberty.

Keywords: Malnutrition; Stunting; Tibetan children and adolescents; Wasting.