Physical growth and development of urban native Americans: a study in urbanization and its implications for nutritional status

Abstract

Anthropometric measurements and hematocrits are reported on a mixed longitudinal sample of 1309 urban native Americans from Minneapolis from 22 days through 19 years of age (the sample size for each measurement varied from 276 to 1309). The results are compared to the United States national probability samples from the National Center for Health Statistics (HANES and HES), as well as, from 6 through 12 years, to a sample of related American Indians from a reservation in northern Minnesota. Compared to the United States standards, the urban sample is slightly shorter and, in general, consistently heavier. The skinfold thicknesses (triceps and subcapular) varied by site, sex, and age, relative to the standard. In general, the native Americans had thicker skinfolds except for males below 6 years of age, and for the subcapsular in female at all ages. Relative to the sample from the reservation, the urban natives are taller, heavier, with thicker skinfolds and greater weights-for-height. The potentially greater risk for obesity associated with urbanization is discussed. While the mean hematocrits were very close to accepted standards, 35% of infants and children less then 6 years of age had values less than 34.