Change In Height Of The Individual Among The Selected Ethnic Groups

ABSTRACT

Background: People belonging to different ethnic groups seem to have differences in their height. The variation ofis known to be determined by genetic as well environmental factors. However very less has been studied aboutthe relation between the height and ethnicity of the individual. The proposed study dealt with finding out therelation between height and ethnicity of the individual.Objectives: The aim was to assess the relation between height and ethnicity of the individual and also to see ifthere is any environmental influence on the particular ethnicityMaterials and Methods: The method followed was a cross sectional study conducted in the medical studentsstudying in Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital (KMCTH), Duwakot, Bhaktapur, Nepal. Height wasmeasured by a stadiometer and ethinicity was recorded as stated by the respondents.Result: The ethnic groups in our study included the religious groups. Majority of subjects of participation werefound to be Hindus (93.86%). The Hindu ethnic group was seen to be taller with a height range of minimum andmaximum of 144.1 cm and 187.1 cm respectively. Among the subgroups, the highest mean height was observed tobe of the Madhesi (168.75 cm) followed by the Chhetris; the Newars and the Marwadis were seen to be withminimal height among the ethnic categories.Conclusion: Taller body height in this study was seen in the people in plain region where they are exposed togreater oxygen saturation level and the warmer climate. Hence, the diversity of the geographical topography canbe taken into consideration for its environmental factors which can have beneficial influence on the the heightof the ethnic group/individual so that they can attain the maximum possible height.