Cristina Padez
Stature and stature distribution in Portuguese male adults 1904–1998: The role of environmental factors
University of Coimbra
abstract records height 841457 18yearold portuguese males analyzed area residence districts sample included portuguese 18yearold males born 1966 1979 examined 1985 1998 north center south portugal represent social strata statistically significant differences p 0001 among districts males lisbon 1728 cm setbal 1727 cm developed districts tallest madeira 1697 cm coimbra 1716 cm shortest compared published data 1904 positive secular trend height average increase 893 cm estimated rate 099 cm per decade changes occurred mainly result reduction shortest classes stature lt150 cm 170 cm increase frequency highest classes 170 cm positive trend changes stature distribution must related general improvement standard living conditions occurred portugal primarily 1960s 1970s especially terms nutrition health system taking account socioeconomic differences still exist districts results suggest secular trend height continue portuguese population future decades j hum biol 143949 2002 2002 wileyliss inc