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Anthropometric Measurements, Serum Reproductive Hormonal Levels and Sexual Development among Boys in the Rural Western Cape, South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Jun Mao

    (Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7729, South Africa)

  • Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie

    (Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7729, South Africa)

Abstract

Data on growth and sexual maturation among boys from the rural Western Cape in South Africa is limited. A cross-sectional study of 269 school boys was conducted testing for serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and estradiol (E2); height, weight and body mass index (BMI); sexual maturity (using Tanner Stages) and a questionnaire (demographic and medical history). The median age at pubertal onset (Tanner Stage 2) and Tanner Stage 5 was 11.6 and 14.7 years, respectively. The median testicular volume was 5.5 mL at Tanner Stage 2 increasing from 2.5 mL at Tanner Stage 1 to 14.7 mL at Tanner Stage 5. Height and weight measurements were <25th & 50th percentile references at Tanner Stages 1–3. Controlling for confounders, serum FSH and LH increased ( p < 0.05) from Tanner Stage 1 to 4 (by 4.1 and 3 mL respectively), and serum testosterone and estradiol increased after Tanner Stage 2 (by 12.7 nmol/L and 59.5 pmol/L respectively). These results indicate some delays in pubertal development of boys in the rural Western Cape when compared to boys from other settings possibly due to nutritional, socio-economic and environmental exposures. Changes in serum hormone levels were consistent with other populations. Initiatives to improve nutrition amongst Western Cape rural communities are recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • Jun Mao & Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie, 2016. "Anthropometric Measurements, Serum Reproductive Hormonal Levels and Sexual Development among Boys in the Rural Western Cape, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:13:y:2016:i:12:p:1185-:d:83944
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    Cited by:

    1. Chloé Sieber & Martina S. Ragettli & Mark Brink & Olaniyan Toyib & Roslyn Baatjies & Apolline Saucy & Nicole Probst-Hensch & Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie & Martin Röösli, 2017. "Land Use Regression Modeling of Outdoor Noise Exposure in Informal Settlements in Western Cape, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-10, October.

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