Malnutrition Prevalence in Lasa Xizang Children and Adolescents

Objective To assess the prevalence of malnutrition among children and adolescents in Xizang (Tibet). Methods We analyzed data from the Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health for the years 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010 pertaining to Tibetan children and adolescents in Lase (Lhasa), aged 7-18 years old. Numbers of survey subjects for these years were: 2 393, 2 754, 2 397, and 2 643, respectively. Results Our results indicated that the rate of occurrence of stunting in Tibet has evidenced a gradual decline: for boys, from 26.8% in 2000 to 9.3% in 2010; and for girls, from 25.8% in 2000 to 10.8% in 2010. In general, the wasting rate for both boys and girls in Tibet has gradually decreased over time: for boys, from 17.7% in 1995 to 4.6% in 2005; and for girls from 12.5% in 1995 to 2.3% in 2005. The stunting rates of boys aged 7-13 years old and of girls aged 7-11 years old were 67.5% and 53.1%, respectively, while these rates for boys aged 14-18 years old and girls aged 12-18 years old were 32.5% and 46.9%, respectively. Conclusion Stunting and wasting rates of Tibetan children and adolescents indicate a gradual declining trend over time. The stunting rates of both boys and girls during early puberty were significantly higher than those during late puberty.