Height of nations: a socioeconomic analysis of cohort differences and patterns among women in 54 low- to middle-income countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adult height is a useful biological measure of long term population health and well being. We examined the cohort differences and socioeconomic patterning in adult height in low- to middle-income countries.

Methods/findings

We analyzed cross-sectional, representative samples of 364,538 women aged 25-49 years drawn from 54 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 1994 and 2008. Linear multilevel regression models included year of birth, household wealth, education, and area of residence, and accounted for clustering by primary sampling units and countries. Attained height was measured using an adjustable measuring board. A yearly change in birth cohorts starting with those born in 1945 was associated with a 0.0138 cm (95% CI 0.0107, 0.0169) increase i

SUBMITTER: Subramanian SV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3080396 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature