The growth of Melanesian and Indian children in Fiji.

A cross-sectional study was made of the growth of Melanesian and Indian children residing in or near Suva, the capital of Fiji. Melanesians numbered 283 males and 269 females, Indians 201 males and 216 females. Melanesian ages ranged from 6 to 20; Indian from 6 to 15. Generally Melanesians were larger than Indians at all ages and the most significant discriminating measurements were calf circumference and nose breadth for males, and face height and nose breadth for females. The most significant shape indexes were nasal index, ponderal index and relative sitting height, with Melanesians having relatively broader noses and less linear build. Puberty indicators (breast development, age at menarche) showed Indians to be significantly in advance of Melanesians with the exception of age at B2. In particular menarche was earlier by approximately two years. With a median value of 11.80, Indian menarcheal age appeared to be extremely low. Socioeconomic factors (social class, sibship size, position in sibship) appeared to have a comparatively small effect on growth in the two populations, the exception being age at menarche, which was greater among lower social status children, but earlier in girls from larger families. There was evidence for a secular trend to greater size among Melanesians over the last 15-20 years, but little evidence of a trend during 1930-70. However, the differences between the samples used necessitate caution in the interpretation of the data.