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Secular growth trends in Brazil over three decades
C A Monteiro1, M H Benicio, N da C Gouveia
1Department of Nutrition, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Annals of Human Biology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Brazilian children experienced significant height increases over three decades, with growth accelerating notably between 1967 and 1982. Despite improvements, regional and economic disparities in physical growth persist.
Area of Science:
- Human Growth and Development
- Public Health Trends
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Secular trends in physical growth are influenced by socioeconomic and environmental factors.
- Brazil has undergone significant socioeconomic changes over the past three decades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze secular trends in physical growth among Brazilian males and females over three decades.
- To identify changes in height and growth patterns across different birth cohorts and regions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from two national surveys conducted in the mid-seventies and late eighties.
- Estimated mean heights for males and females across three birth cohorts (born ~1952, 1967, 1982) at ages 7 and 22.
- Analyzed height increments per decade and across Brazilian macroregions and economic strata.
Main Results:
- Observed positive secular trends in height between 1952-1967 (approx. 1.0 cm/decade) and 1967-1982 (approx. 2.4 cm/decade).
- Height increments were higher in the second period across all regions and economic strata.
- A significant gap in physical growth persists between northern/northeastern regions and wealthier populations.
Conclusions:
- Socioeconomic improvements in the seventies and eighties likely contributed to exceptional height gains.
- Economic challenges and stagnant infant mortality rates in the eighties may slow future growth trends.
- Full genetic growth potential may be delayed for a substantial part of the Brazilian population.