关键词: 上臂围, 上臂围/身高比值, 7岁以下儿童

Abstract: Objective To analyze the levels of arm circumference and arm-to-height ratio (AHtR) of children under 7 years old in Nanjing in 2015,and to discuss the significance of arm circumference and AHtR in children's growth and development. Methods A total of 8 682 children under 7 years old was enrolled in this study by using stratified random cluster sampling method. Children were divided into 21 groups by age for both males and females. The arm circumference was measured and the correlation with physical development indexes was analyzed. Results The growth rate of arm circumference was faster between 1 and 3 months old,and slower after 3 months old. The mean arm circumference of boys in different age groups was larger than that of girls,among which the arm circumference of boys was significantly different with that of girls in 1 month—,3—21 months,2—<2.5 years old,3—<4.5 years old and 5.5—<7 years old groups(P<0.05).The AHtR increased with age in the first 3 months,and then decreased. The average AHtR of children from 1 month to 3 years old was 0.169—0.237 for boys and 0.169—0.230 for girls. The P₅₀ value of AHtR of children from 3 to 7 years old was 0.150—0.160 for boys and 0.140—0.160 for girls. The arm circumference was positively correlated with body weight,but not associated with body mass index (BMI). Conclusions There were age and sex differences in arm circumference,age differences in AHtR in children under 7 years old in Nanjing.Additionally,arm circumference is related to body weight.

Key words: arm circumference, arm-to-height ratio, children under 7 years old