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.

DESIGN

Cross sectional.

SETTING

Imesi, Ile-Ife village, Nigeria.

SUBJECTS: 644 children in the first six years of life.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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.

CONCLUSION

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.