Socioeconomic Determinants of Regional Differences in Adult Height: A Pilot Study of 42 Russian Regions

Cross-population variability in adult height results from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, including ecological, economic, sociocultural, and psycho-emotional influences. The significant socioeconomic disparities across regions of the Russian Federation create distinct living conditions for their respective populations. This study aims to conduct a pilot investigation into the socioeconomic determinants of regional differences in adult height in contemporary populations, using data from 42 Russian regions.

This study utilized published mean height values for young males and females, obtained from large-scale physical development screenings conducted across various Russian regions from the late 20th to the early 21st century. To comprehensively assess living standards and population health, 14 proxy variables were analyzed, grouped into five domains. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to identify environmental determinants of regional height variation.

The strongest correlations were observed between adult height and fertility rates, as well as infant mortality rates. Regression analysis further identified meat consumption and total fertility rate as the most significant predictors of spatial variation in adult height.

The findings indicate that population health, family structure, and nutritional status are the most influential environmental factors shaping regional differences in adult height in the early 21st century, particularly among cohorts born in the 1990s and 2000s.