IMPACT OF SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS ON SOMATOTYPE COMPONENTS IN ADOLESCENT POPULATION

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of socioeconomic factors on somatotype components in Macedonian adolescents at the age 11 to 18 years. Methods. The study included 2388 adolescents from four urban cities in R. North Macedonia, 1236 males and 1152 females. Participants were measured with standard equipment and measurement technique according to the International Biological Program. Ten anthropometric parameters were measured to assess the somatotype according to Heat–Carter somatotyping method. The examinees filled out the questionnaire with the data on socioeconomic status, parent’s education and employment. Results. There were significant differences for endomorph component in male adolescents between those with parents with high and low level of education. There were significant differences for mesomorph component in males related to parents educational level (p<0.05). Ectomorph component had a higher value in male adolescents when mother is with low educational level and when mother and father are unemployed. There were significant differences for endomorph component in female adolescents in relation to all socioeconomic factors except for employment status of the father; mesomorph and ectomorph component in females were related to parents educational level (p<0,05). Conclusion. Our study has shown that socioeconomic factors are related to somatotype components. Although genetic factor is the key factor for body constitution, when determining somatotype socioeconomic inequalities and sex should be considered.