Factors Associated With Children’s Height and Body Mass Index in Lithuania, 1990–2008

Abstract

The aim of the study was to reveal the ethnic and socioeconomic factors associated with height and body mass index (BMI) of children during the period of political and social transition in Lithuania in 1990-2008. Data were derived from the personal health records of 1491 children (762 boys and 729 girls) born in 1990 in Vilnius city and region. Height and BMI from birth up to the age of 18 years were investigated. Children were divided into groups according to their ethnicity, place of residence, father's and mother's occupation and birth order. Height and BMI were compared between the groups; a Bonferroni correction was applied. A multiple linear regression model was used to measure the effects of the independent variables on height and BMI. Girls living in Vilnius city were significantly taller in later life at the ages of 8 and 11 years. Sons of mothers employed as office workers appeared to be significantly taller at the ages of 7, 12, 14 and 15 years compared with the sons of labourers. First-born girls were taller at the age of 7 years than later-born girls of the same age (124.48±5.11 cm and 122.92±5.14 cm, respectively, p<0.001). Later-born children of both sexes had higher BMIs at birth compared with first-borns; however, first-born girls had higher BMIs at the age of 11 years compared with their later-born peers (17.78±2.87 kg/m² and 16.79±2.14 kg/m² respectively, p<0.001). In the multiple linear regression model, the five tested independent variables explained only up to 18% of total variability. Boys were more sensitive to ethnic and socioeconomic factors: ethnicity appeared to be a significant predictor of boys' height at the age of 5 years (p<0.001), while birth order (p<0.001) predicted boys' BMI at birth. In general, ethnicity, place of residence, father's and mother's occupation and birth order were not associated with children's height and BMI in most age groups.

Influences of wealth index, family size, food security, and diet diversity status in the growth of Filipino school-age children in farming households

“…Several studies conducted in developed and developing countries have shown a strong relationship between socioeconomic variables and the achieved height of children [38,39,40]. Children from poor households had worse linear growth outcomes than those from rich households.…”

“…A related study found that boys had 77% higher odds of stunting [54]. The findings of different studies suggested that children from poor households tend to become lighter compared to the reference population, which can be attributed to the family's waning capacity to provide for and care for their children [36,38]. Excess energy loss and inadequate food intake could lead to undernourishment among growing school children.…”

Economic growth and height of youth: a panel data analysis on 27 provinces in China, 1985–2014

“…The implementation of public health projects in China enhanced Chinese residents' health awareness and health knowledge and encouraged them to develop healthy habits [35,36].In addition, driven by the rapid economic development, the Chinese people's educational level has significantly improved as well. A number of studies showed that parents' social economic status, including education level, has a significantly positive influence on the height of children and adolescents [37][38][39].…”

Socioeconomic status and the association between height and obesity amongst first class primary school children in Ireland

“…On the other hand, obese children tend to be taller before puberty compared to their normal weight peers ( 2 ) . In addition, family socioeconomic status (SES) generally shows a negative association with overweight and obesity in children ( 3 ) . So, it seems that an interactive effect exists between SES, height and childhood obesity, which we would like to explore more in the Irish part of the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI).…”