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Background. The core of the study involves comparing the secular trends in height among self-reported black and white racial groups in South Africa (SA). The white group represents that part of the population that has always been affluent and therefore has growth trends comparable with those of developed nations of the world. In comparing the groups, we wanted to see the extent to which the black population has caught up, if it all, since the introduction of democracy in 1994. Objectives. To establish the age at which linear growth plateaus; to compare the age of growth cessation and the achieved adult height between sexes and racial groups in SA; and to compare data from the Bone Health Cohort with previous similar studies to ascertain the secular trend. Methods. We analysed prospective data of 569 individuals who had annual anthropometric assessments from age nine until 20 years (1999 - 2010). The SuperImposition by Translation and Rotation (SITAR) statistical programme was used to model height and age at growth cessation. Results. There was a total of 183 black females, 93 white females, 205 black males and 88 white males. Black and white females achieved adult height at a similar age (15.1 and 15.3 years), but black females were 5.7 cm shorter. Black and white males achieved their adult height at 17.5 and 16.5 years, respectively, black males being 4.6 cm shorter. Mean adult black male height is currently 170.7 cm v. 166.9 cm in 1971, while there were no significant secular changes in the other groups. Conclusions. There has been a positive secular growth trend in height over 30 years among black males, but no changes in the other groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Associations between different forms of malnutrition and environmental conditions, including water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), contribute to poor child health, nutritional status and physical growth. The primary responsibility for the provision of water and sanitation, as a basic service and human right, lies with the State, as such, a number of stakeholders are involved. Despite relatively high levels of WASH infrastructure coverage in South Africa, enteric infections and stunting remain high for a middle-income country. The aim of this study is to elucidate the landscape of WASH in South Africa in relation to nutritional status of children under the age of 5 years in the South African, Gauteng and City of Johannesburg contexts. The authors detailed the national and provincial public sector departments and through purposive sampling proceeded to map the various departments and associated policies that are responsible for the provision of WASH facilities, as well the nutritional status of children. Of the six policies identified for review, three mentioned WASH, nutrition and children; however, none explicitly linked WASH to nutritional status in children. An in-depth review and analysis of these three crucial policy documents was conducted. Finally, a set of expert interviews were conducted and a consensus development conference convened, with experts at the intersection between WASH and nutritional status. The authors found that the public sector would benefit from better integration of the concept of WASH into their policy, planning and implementation frameworks. The WASH sector should emphasize the role in which WASH plans consider the impact of WASH on the nutritional status of children. The various public sector departments involved in WASH service provision, and other WASH stakeholders, including community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental organizations, should be involved in the decision-making of the nutrition sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To investigate the quantitative relationship between waist circumference (WC) and height (Ht), and subsequently the association between waist circumference index (WCI), body mass index (BMI) and body composition in pre-pubertal children.Design:Cross-sectional sample (n=227; boys=127) of pre-pubertal black children (age range 8.8–11.0 years) from the Bone Health sub-study of the Bt20 birth cohort study set in Soweto-Johannesburg, South Africa. Measures of height, weight and WC by anthropometry, total and truncal fat and lean mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were used in the analysis. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to examine the associations between BMI, WC and body composition outcomes.Results:WC was independent of height when height was raised to a power of ∼0.8. BMI and WCI (WC/Ht) were significantly associated with total and truncal fat and lean mass in both sexes (all P<0.001). BMI showed consistently and significantly higher correlations with body composition than WCI and this association was significantly greater for fat mass than lean mass.Conclusion:BMI, rather than WCI, would be a better screening tool for total and truncal fat mass in both sexes before puberty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]