An Investigation on Physical Growth Among Zang Nationality Students Aged 7-18

Objective To study the status of physical growth among students of Zang nationality,and to provide basis for the study of growth and development.Methods Using the data from 2 538 Tibetan students aged 7-18 in 2004,the differences were compared between the students of Lasa and Naqu in the body height,body weight and chest circumference.Results The height,weight and chest circumference increased in the urban boys earlier than in the rural boys,namely there were later(high-speed)growth in the rural boys than in the urban boys,but to 17-18 years old there were no significant difference between them.The high-speed increase of height in urban girls was two years earlier than in rural girls.At 18 years old,the levels of height and weight were higher in the urban boys than in the rural boys,and there were no significant difference on weight and chest circumference between them.Conclusion The level of height,weight and chest circumference increase with age among 7-18 year old students of Zang nationality in Tibet.There are differences on the three indices of the students between Lasa and Naqu.