The present study examines patterns and socioeconomic and demographic correlates of
adult height among Sri Lankan adults. Data were available for height and sociodemographic
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.
2010 Elsev