Assessment of the adaptive capacity of children and adolescents in environmentally challenging conditions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the adaptive potential of children and adolescents living in areas with different environmental quality. An analysis of the environmental situation in the territories of the Ulyanovsk region was carried out on the basis of our own studies of samples of atmospheric air, drinking water from the water supply network, and soils in residential areas of the region for 2009 - 2023. The work uses anthropological research materials collected over 15 years (2008–2023). The survey included 5,053 schoolchildren, aged 7 to 17 years, permanently residing in the region. To determine the degree of influence of environmental factors on the state of the body, a comparative study of morphometric and functional indicators of children and adolescents was carried out. The adaptation potential was determined according to Baevsky. The results of comparison of indicators of the adaptive potential by age groups were assessed using the Wilcoxon T-test and analysis of variance.For comparative analysis, the territories of Sengileevsky and Cherdaklinsky districts were selected, because these municipalities, along with industrial cities, have a high and increased level of environmental tension. For the control group, areas were selected in which low environmental tension was noted - Veshkaimsky and Sursky districts. The adaptive capabilities of children and adolescents are significantly higher in environmentally stressful conditions. In boys, differences in indicators of adaptive potential were identified at two stages of development. In girls, differences in indicators were revealed only during the period of active growth and maturation. With age, indicators of adaptation potential become higher, which indicates the tension of adaptation mechanisms. The high sensitivity of certain functions to environmental factors can be used for their progressive development and makes it possible to control the influence of negative factors to prevent disturbances in the functioning of the body.