Geographical altitude, size, mass and body surface area in children (1–4 years) in the Province of Jujuy (Argentina)

Abstract Background: Highland child populations show low growth rates. Aim: To evaluate the variation of size, mass and body surface area of Jujenean infants (1–4 years) as a function of geographic altitude. Subjects and methods: Nutritional status of 8059 healthy infants was determined based on weight and height data; body mass index, ponderal index, body surface area, body surface area/mass and ectomorphy were calculated. Variables were standardized with a provincial mean and WHO references. Data were grouped by age, sex and geographic altitude: Highlands (≥2500 masl) and Lowlands (<2500 masl). Chi-square, correlation and t-tests were applied. Results: Highlands infants had higher prevalence of stunting, reduced height, weight, body surface area and ectomorphy; also higher body mass index, ponderal index and body surface area/mass. The population average z-score for height, weight and body surface area was positive in Lowlands and negative in Highlands. The opposite happened with body mass index, ponderal index and body surface area/mass. In Highlands and Lowlands the average z-score reference was negative for weight and height and positive for body mass index. Correlations between indices were high and significant, higher in Highlands. Conclusion: Jujenean children differ in size, mass and body surface area based on the geographical altitude and adverse nutritional and socioeconomic factors.