Gender differences in anthropometric somatotype of adult santhals in north bengal, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Somatotype gives information on individual physical constitution in an easily comprehensible form. The somatotype is expressed in a three-numerical rating representing three components: endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy. Somatotype components are influenced by age, sex, race, diet, environmental factors, occupation and physical activity. Objective: The present study was planned to determine the gender differences in anthropometric characteristics and somatotyping of adult Santhal of North Bengal. Methods: This cross sectional type of analytical study was conducted among 200 adult male and female Santhals of North Bengal. Personal information and anthropometric measurements were recorded on questionnaire and datasheet following interview and examinations of the participants respectively. Data were analyzed with the help of SPSS version 19.0 for windows and statistical analysis were done by unpaired student's 't' test. Results: Endomorphy component was observed higher in female than male (P<0.001). Santhal male showed higher value in ectomorphy component than female (P<0.01) but in mesomorphy component no significant difference was observed. Somatotype category observed in male was mesomorph-endomorph (3.13-3.31-2.53) and in female was mesomorphic endomorph (3.91-3.35-2.27). Conclusion: Among the three components of somatotype, endomorphy component was higher in female than male and ectomorphy component was higher in male but no significant difference was observed in mesomorphy component between male and female Santhals.