Secular trends in the adult height of children born in S. Paulo city, Brazil, from 1950 to 1976

Objective The purpose of this study was to estimate the secular trend/chang e in the height of young males born in the city of S. Paulo between 1950 an d 1976 and measured in the year they turn 18 years. Methods A random and representative sample (6,942 individuals) was evaluated in mil itary draft. Statistical analyses included Shapiro-Wilk rest for normality of height distribution in each birth cohort, and lineal regression analysis for trend on heights. Results/Conclusions Stature has increased 3.42 centimeters during the 27 ye ars covered by the study (1.26 cm/decade). The tl-end was not linear: in th e 50s, there was a statistically significant increase (0.84 cm/decade); in the 60s, a smaller but non-significant increase (0,5 cm/decade) was seen; i n the period of 1970-76 a greater increase in heights (2,9 cm/decade) war o bserved. The secular change rate observed was comparable to the rate seen i n other countries. The most recent birth cohorts (1975 and 1976) achieved t he higher statures in the study (similar to 175 cm). Despite these height i ncrements, deficits of 1.8 e 6.2 cm were seen when the taller cohorts of th e study were compared to American young males born in 1961 (NCHS) and Dutch men born in 1972. IS there won't be arty changes in the accelerated rates of the 70s, young people of Sao Paulo may overcome these deficits in about one or three decades.