Examination of physical features and caste/ethnic classification in order to recommend creating the growth standard of Nepalese children

Acharya Usha, Shimoda Atsuko, Ohsawa Seiji

doi:10.5332/hatsuhatsu.2014.62_12

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Other Title

ネパール幼児の発育標準値の提案に向けたカースト／民族分類と形態特性の検討
ネパールヨウジノハツイクヒョウジュンチノテイアンニムケタカースト/ミンゾクブンルイトケイタイトクセイノケントウ

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Abstract

This study investigated the differences in physical characteristics of Nepalʼs major castes and ethnic groups to create more appropriate standard values with which to evaluate the growth and development of Nepalese children. Data was collected to determine the unique physical characteristics for each group, and this data was further analyzed to combine groups into clusters. Six body measurements (height, weight, chest circumference, sitting height, biacromion breadth, skinfold thickness) were taken of 1,344 children, ages 2-6, from 6 castes and 1 ethnic group in the Sunsari and Sankhuwasava districts of Nepal. Analysis of this data showed growth and physical attributes characteristic for each group. Cluster analysis (Wardʼs Method) was then used to determine similarities between the groups, which resulted in three clusters：high and middle caste cluster (Brahman, Chhetri, Yadav and Koiri), a low caste cluster (Kami and Mushar), and a Sherpa ethnic group cluster. These results indicate that standard values established for each of these clusters will be needed to more accurately evaluate the physical growth of Nepalese children. Because of the distinct physical growth characteristics of each cluster, Nepalese children cannot be properly evaluated using a single standard value for all groups.

Journal

Japan Journal of Human Growth and Development Research

Japan Journal of Human Growth and Development Research 2014 (62), 12-23, 2014

Japan Society of Human Growth and Development

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