Growth parameters of children in Calabar, a south-south Nigerian city: Are the CDC growth charts useful in clinical practice in this area?

Background: In countries that do not have national growth charts, the WHO or CDC growth charts are often used for growth assessment. How reliable or appropriate are these charts in monitoring growth of children in these countries? Methods: A cross sectional study of children, aged 6-18 years in Calabar, South-South Nigeria was randomly studied. Heights and weights were measured using a portable stadiometer with a weighing scale. Body mass index (BMI) was then calculated. The data obtained was analyzed and plotted in the CDC growth charts. Results: The mean height for boys and girls was 0.79 and 0.86 SD scores respectively above the 50th percentile points on the CDC growth chart for ages 6-11 years for boys and 6-12 years for girls; but 0.75 and 0.37 SD scores respectively below the 50th percentile for ages 12-18 years for boys and 13 -18 years for girls. The mean weight for boys and girls was 0.67 and 0.63 SD scores respectively at or above the 50th percentile point on the CDC growth chart for ages 6-11 years (for boys) and 6-15 years (for girls) but 0.58 and 0.42 SD scores respectively below the 50th percentile for ages 12-18 years (for boys) and 16-17 years (for girls). The mean BMI values for boys and girls was 0.58 and 0.55 SD scores respectively above the 50th percentile points on the CDC growth chart for ages 6-10 (for boys) and for all the ages studied for girls but 0.30 SD scores below it for boys 11-18 years. Conclusion: The growth parameters (height, weight and BMI) of children in Calabar, South-South Nigeria compares closely to that of the CDC growth charts. The CDC growth charts can be used in this area for the assessment of children for growth and development.