Head circumference of rural Nigerian children--the effect of malnutrition on brain growth.
OBJECTIVE
To compare head circumference measurements of the well nourished with those of the malnourished children for each sex.


METHODS
Cross sectional.


METHODS
Imesi, Ile-Ife village, Nigeria.


METHODS
644 children in the first six years of life.


METHODS
Head circumference.


RESULTS
The mean head circumference values of malnourished children of both sexes fell mostly below the values for their well nourished age mates. The curve for well nourished girls fell by a little below, and for malnourished girls by over two standard deviations below Tanner's 50th percentile curve. For the boys, the curve for the malnourished children fell by over one standard deviation below the curve for their well nourished age mates.


CONCLUSIONS
The significant reductions in head circumferences found in malnourished children may have serious implications for their future performance and achievement. Therefore, sufficient community concern and appropriate world action aimed at eradicating protein energy malnutrition is solicited.
Oyedeji
G A
GA
Department of Paediatrics, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Olamijulo
S K
SK
Osinaike
A I
AI
Esimai
V C
VC
Odunusi
E O
EO
Aladekomo
T A
TA
D001921:Brain / Q000254:growth & development*; D002508:Cephalometry; D002648:Child; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D012016:Reference Values; D012423:Rural Health