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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Rain, temperature, and child-adolescent height among Native Amazonians in Bolivia
R Godoy1, E Goodman, V Reyes-Garcia
1Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, USA. rgodoy@brandeis.edu
Annals of Human Biology
|June 24, 2008
Summary
Climate variations during early life impact Tsimane' boys' height, but not girls'. Rainfall and temperature variability in the birth year and early childhood are linked to stature in young males.
Area of Science:
- Environmental health
- Human growth and development
- Anthropology
Background:
- Global climate change raises concerns about early-life environmental exposures.
- Emerging research suggests early-life conditions influence long-term health and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between early-life rainfall and temperature patterns and the stature of Tsimane' children and adolescents.
- To test hypotheses regarding climate variability and its impact on physical growth in a native Amazonian population.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 525 children (2-12 years) and 218 adolescents (13-23 years) in Bolivia.
- Statistical regression analysis of standing height against climate variables (rain and temperature levels and variability) during gestation, birth year, and ages 2-4.
- Inclusion of covariates such as age, birth season, parental attributes, and village-specific factors.
Main Results:
- Climate variables were significantly associated with the height of boys aged 2-12.
- Higher rainfall levels and variability during the birth year, and rainfall variability and temperature levels during ages 2-4, correlated with increased stature in boys.
- No significant secular trends in temperature or rainfall were observed during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Young Tsimane' females exhibit robust protection of height against climate variability.
- Boys aged 2-12 show less protection, with early-life climate exposures influencing their final stature.
- Findings highlight sex-specific vulnerabilities in human growth related to environmental factors.
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