Abstract

Anthropometry is the most common technique used to indicate nutritional status and to assess the presence and degree of protein-energy malnutrition. No doubt providing the human body with the proper dietary substances, especially in early life, has a considerable effect on long-term health and development. This study aimed to provide growth references for height and weight for infants from 6 to 12 months of age in Khartoum State, Sudan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Khartoum state on 419 infants between 6 and 12 months of age. The height and weight of these infants were measured for each month separately. This method was implemented to develop growth charts of the National Centre for Health Statistics/World Health Organisation. The mean weight and height of males included in this study were more than females. The mean height and weight of male and female infants in this study were below the reference height and weight of the same age group in the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is a pilot study, which revealed a difference in height and weight of infants from 6 to 12 months of age in Khartoum State compared to a similar age group of those in the CDC. However, further larger-sized studies are needed.

Key words: Anthropometry; Infants; Height; Weight; CDC; Growth charts