RESUMO
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±6.9cm and 151.4±6.4cm respectively. Mean height showed a significant negative correlation with age (p<0.001, r=-0.207). Highest mean height in females 154.0±5.9cm and males 165.6±6.9cm were observed in those born after 1977. Rural females (151.4±6.2cm) were significantly taller than the urban (151.3±7.2cm). 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.
