Patterns and correlates of adult height in Sri Lanka

The present study examines patterns and socioeconomic and demographic correlates of adult height among Sri Lankan adults. Data were available for height and socio-demographic factors from a nationally representative cross-sectional sample of 4477 subjects above 18 years. Recruitment was between 2005 and 2006. Mean age of all subjects was 46.1 ± 15.1 years. Mean height of males and females were 163.6 ± 6.9 cm and 151.4 ± 6.4 cm respectively. Mean height showed a significant negative correlation with age (p < 0.001, r = −0.207). Highest mean height in females 154.0 ± 5.9 cm and males 165.6 ± 6.9 cm were observed in those born after 1977. Rural females (151.4 ± 6.2 cm) were significantly taller than the urban (151.3 ± 7.2 cm). However, this was not observed in males. In multivariate analysis, year of birth, level of education and household income were significantly associated with height. Height demonstrated a significant negative correlation with systolic blood pressure (r = −0.032), presence of diabetes (r = −0.069), total cholesterol (r = −0.106), HDL cholesterol (r = −0.142) and LDL cholesterol (r = −0.104). Height was associated with household income and level of education in Sri Lanka and demonstrated a distinct increasing trend over successive generations.

Research highlights▶ The present study examines patterns and socioeconomic and demographic correlates of height among Sri Lankan adults. ▶ Mean height showed a significant negative correlation with age. ▶ A distinct secular trend in height was observed and highest mean height in females and males were observed in the youngest age group. ▶ In multivariate analysis, year of birth, level of education and household income were significantly associated with height. ▶ Height demonstrated a significant negative correlation with systolic blood pressure, presence of diabetes, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.