Associations between Anthropometric Characteristics, Nutritional Status, and Socio-Economic Status among Bengalee Adolescents Living in Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India

Argina Khatun and Mampi Debnath

Published: 2026/06/01

Abstract

Socio-economic status affects the overall growth and development of children and adolescents. The present study examines the relation between anthropometric characteristics, nutritional status, and the socioeconomic status of adolescents. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adolescents (boys and girls) aged 10-15 years residing in Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Five anthropometric variables were used to describe anthropometric characteristics, growth pattern and nutritional status of the adolescents: height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), biceps skinfold (BSF), and triceps skinfold (TSF). The adolescents were grouped into five socio-economic class sub-categories: lower, lower middle, middle, upper middle, and upper. Adolescents belonging to the middle socio-economic group were the most affected group in terms of unsatisfactory growth and nutritional status. Most measurements, (except BMI, BSF and TSF) were found to be significantly associated with socio-economic class of boys. Irrespective of socio-economic class, boys were taller and heavier than girls whereas adiposity measures (BSF, TSF) were higher in girls. The overall findings suggest association of better growth with better living standards.

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