Growth Patterns and Nutritional Status among Non-Tribal Schoolboys in Rural Dooars Region, West Bengal: An Evaluation

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate growth patterns and nutritional status among non-tribal school boys aged 12–16 years in rural areas of the Dooars region, West Bengal, using height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) as primary anthropometric indicators. METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 purposively sampled participants from five rural schools in Jalpaiguri district. Students were classified into four age groups: 12–13 years, >13–14 years, >14–15 years, and >15–16 years (n = 50 in each). Standardised protocols were used to measure height, weight, and BMI. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s HSD post-hoc tests, with statistical significance set at p < .05. RESULTS: Mean height and weight increased progressively across age groups, with the most pronounced gains occurring between >14–15 years and >15–16 years. ANOVA revealed significant differences in height [F(3, 196) = 21.04, p < .001, η² = 0.24] and weight [F(3, 196) = 11.78, p < .001, η² = 0.15], but no significant difference in BMI [F(3, 196) = 1.35, p = .26, η² = 0.02]. BMI remained stable (M ≈ 17.6–17.9 kg/m²) despite increases in height and weight, suggesting proportional growth. Post-hoc comparisons identified significant height and weight gains only between the oldest two age groups. CONCLUSION: Non-tribal school boys in rural Jalpaiguri demonstrate age-related increases in height and weight, with late adolescence (14–16 years) emerging as a critical growth period. The stability of BMI across ages suggests generally healthy proportional growth. Targeted nutrition and health interventions during this developmental window may help optimise physical maturation and prevent undernutrition or excess weight gain. KEYWORDS: Indigenous Physical Activities, Motor Fitness, Tribal School Boys, Adolescence, AAHPERD test, West Bengal, Jalpaiguri, ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD, Purposive Sampling.