A tall order: Small area mapping and modelling of adult height among Swiss male conscripts

We found a strong spatial structure for mean height across postcodes. The range of height differences between mean postcode level estimates was 3.40 cm according to the best fitting model, with the shorter conscripts coming from the Italian and French speaking parts of Switzerland. There were positive socioeconomic gradients in height at both individual and area-based levels. Spatial patterns for height persisted after adjustment for individual factors, but not when language region was included. Socio-economic position and cultural/natural boundaries such as language borders and mountain passes are shaping patterns of height for Swiss conscripts. Small area mapping of height contributes to the understanding of its cofactors.