AbstractAim: Head circumference - one of the most significant findings in physical examination and diagnosis of neurological disorders. This parameter is an useful anthropometric tool. Keeping in purview the point that no literature is available regarding Maharashtrian population, this study was undertaken where Head circumference was compared with socio-economic status of 9–12 aged school children. Material and Method: A cross-sectional study including 623 subjects (312 male, 311 female) of 9–12 yrs was undertaken. The study group is further divided into high income group (HIG) and low income group (LIG) for which sardar dasture high school, municipal school no. 7, were taken respectively. Anthropometric measurements of Head circumference subjects who are all normal and healthy children, judged by criteria established by Gill et al, were taken. Results: 1) Values of head circumference is higher in high group as compared to those of low socioeconomic group. 2) It is observed that growth spurt in head circumferences is at a latter date between 11-12 yrs in female in both socio-economic groups, while in males, growth spurt is earlier between 10-11 yrs of age. 3) It is observed that all populations in the world are undergoing temporal changes with reference to body measurement. 4) Mean values have shown a drop towards higher income group in some age cohorts. 5) Growth spurt is revealed through data which clearly shows that HIG children attained such spurts much earlier than those of LIG. Conclusion: With latest trend of globalization, world is coming closer and people are travelling far and wide. Although there exists few studies on adolescent growth, no serious attempts have been made in respect to population.
Keywords: Head circumference; Cross sectional analysis; Anthropometry; High income group (HIG); Low income group (LIG).