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In a previous paper (4) we reported our experience with the use of some simple somatic measurements made in 1231 Lebanese Moslem Arab children between the ages of 3 and 48 months from low socio-economic families. From the relationship of four measurements (weight, height, head circumference and midarm circumference) to international standards, an "Index of Thriving" (8) was developed. On this basis, two contrasting groups of children were distinguished in the 1231 children.of a similar percentage of the population of each of the three areas. (Jba'a: 18.9% Thriving, 21% Failing to Thrive; Bourj a1 Barajne: 62.2% and 58.0%; Basta 18.9% and 21.0%). In addition, 107 siblings (35 "Thriving" and 70 "Failing to Thrive") were measured and the Index of Thriving calculated.The investigations were conducted in the homes of the study children. Thorough medical, developmental and anthropometric evaluations were made. Separate questionnaires were completed on (a) socioeconomic factors, (b) household data, and (c) nutritional beliefs and practices. Preliminary accounts of some of these results have been reported elsewhere (1, 3, 5, 6). RESULTSThe data obtained have been divided into se-Vera1 categories: 1) Family, 2) Socio-economic, 3) ~i~i~~ conditions, 4) Health, and 5) Dietary. Analysis of the data according to location revealed few statistically significant differences.

Summary During a period of 12 months 1 231 Lebanese Arab children of low socio‐economic class, 3–48 months of age living in three locations were measured. The measurements were weight, height, head circumference and mid‐arm circumference. The results were expressed as percentage of international standards for boys and girls separately. The patterns of deviation from the standard values varied according to the measurement. In general for both sexes there was a falling off between 6 and 18 months, greatest for weight and mid‐arm circumference with some recovery later, and less for height and head circumference without recovery later. The possible influences of location and season of observation and birth were studied. Using these four somatic measurements an Index of Thriving was developed for the subsequent study of contrasting groups of “control” and “failure to thrive” children. The use of this and other simple means of assessing failure to thrive in the field is discussed.

Summary Information was obtained from 40 Thriving and 30 Failing to Thrive families, as previously defined, living in two low socio‐economic areas of Beirut concerning their income, expenditure on various items and their possessions. Both groups were unable to save money but the Failing to Thrive were usually in debt. This group spent proportionally more on food and bought less nutritious food. Families of neither group were fully able to meet their energy or protein requirements. The possessions of the Thriving group were worth, on average, about three times those of the Failing to Thrive group. The contrast between the groups was least for household goods, greater for houses, and greatest for motorcars. The Failing to Thrive group had far fewer decorations, jewelry, and toys and the latter may be an important index of the richness of the child's environment. Refrigerators, radios and heaters were especially prized.

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