A Comparative Analysis between Normal, Down Syndrome Children and Adolescents

Down's syndrome affects a baby's normal physical development and causes mild to moderate learning difficulties. It is a life-long condition that develops while the baby is still in the uterus. It is characterized by a variable degree of intellectual disability (ID), some effects on health and development, as well as peculiar physical features. This study was carried out in Rivers State, Nigeria and a total of 101 subjects within the age of 5 to 18 years were selected and measured. Anthropometric parameters were measured; Height, Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and craniofacial circumference (CFC). Data was analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS IBM version 23.0). Values were expressed as Mean±SD in descriptive statistics and independent sample t-test. Confidence interval was set at 95% and therefore p<0.05 was considered significant. The result obtained showed a statistically non-significant (p<0.05) difference in BMI, MUAC and CFC were observed between male Down syndrome and male normal children (age 5 to 9 years). A statistically significant (p<0.05) difference in BMI was observed, while a statistically non-significant difference in MUAC and CFC were observed between male Down syndrome and male normal adolescent (age 10 to 18 years). No statistical difference (p<0.05) in BMI, MUAC and CFC were observed between female Down syndrome and female normal children (age 5 to 9 years). No statistical difference in BMI, MUAC and CFC were also observed between female Down syndrome and female normal adolescent (age 10 to 18 years). The MUAC and CFC measured showed no significant difference between male and female Down syndrome, while that of their BMI showed a significant difference within the age range at p<0.05. The BMI and MUAC measured showed no significant difference between male and female Down syndrome, while that of their CFC showed a significant difference within the age range at p<0.05 and a significant difference in mean between male and female Down syndrome population was observed. A significant difference between male and female Down syndrome children using t-test indicated sexual dimorphism. Some anthropometric parameters were found to be significant markers to differentiate children with Down syndrome and normal with the different age ranges and as such, should be considered imminent in checking for occurrences of the disorder. This study also evaluates the difference in anthropometry existing between children with Down syndrome following the measurement parameters.

Key Words: Down syndrome, Mid Upper Arm Circumference, Craniofacial Circumference, Children, Adolescents