Height of Male Prisoners in Santiago de Chile during the Nitrate Era: The Penalty of being Unskilled, Illiterate, Illegitimate and Mapuche.

This article contributes to the study of inequality in the biological welfare of Chile's adult population during the nitrate era, ca. 1880s-1930s, and in particular focuses on the impact of socioeconomic variables on height, making use of a sample of over 20,000 male inmates of the capital's main jail. It shows that inmates with a university degree were taller than the rest; that those born legitimate were taller in adulthood; that those (Chilean born) whose surnames were Northern European were also taller than the rest, and in particular than those with Mapuche background; and that those able to read and write were also taller than illiterate inmates. Conditional regression analysis, examining both correlates at the mean and correlates across the height distribution, supports these findings. We show that there was more height inequality in the population according to socioeconomic status and human capital than previously thought, while also confirming the importance of socioeconomic influences during childhood on physical growth.

Sitting Height to Standing Height Ratio Reference Charts for Children in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To create reference charts for sitting height to standing height ratio (SitHt/Ht) for children in the US, and to describe the trajectory of SitHt/Ht during puberty. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study using data from the 1988-1994 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, a strategic random sample of the US population. Comparison between non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Mexican American groups was performed by ANOVA to determine if a single population reference chart could be used. ANOVA was used to compare SitHt/Ht in pre-, early, and late puberty. RESULTS: NHANES III recorded sitting height and standing height measurements in 9569 children aged 2-18 years of NHW (n = 2715), NHB (n = 3336), and Mexican American (n = 3518) ancestry. NHB children had lower SitHt/Ht than NHW and Mexican American children throughout childhood (P < .001). In both sexes, the SitHt/Ht decreased from prepuberty to early puberty and increased in late puberty. Sex-specific percentile charts of SitHt/Ht vs age were generated for NHB and for NHW and Mexican American youth combined. CONCLUSIONS: SitHt/Ht assessment can detect disproportionate short stature in children with skeletal dysplasia, but age-, sex-, and population-specific reference charts are required to interpret this measurement. NHB children in the US have significantly lower SitHt/Ht than other children, which adds complexity to interpretation. We recommend the use of standardized ancestry-specific reference charts in screening for skeletal dysplasias and have developed such charts in this study.

Estimation equations for the height of Colombian elders using knee height / Ecuaciones para estimar la talla de ancianos colombianos mediante la altura de la rodilla

Introduction: The height in the elderly does not reflect their real size as young adults due to the aging of their spine, among other aspects. Objective: To estimate the equations to predict the height in Colombian elders according to their ethnic group and sex using the knee height measurement. Materials and methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of the SABE, 2015, crosssectional study using a multistage probabilistic sampling design in people aged 60 years and over in Colombia. We randomly selected two groups from the study's database: A development group and a validation group of the equations. Age and anthropometric characteristics were similar in both groups. We performed a multiple linear regression analysis to predict the height using knee height measurement in the different ethnic groups (Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and white-mestizo groups) by age and sex; the results were validated in each selected subgroup. Results: We designed six equations by sex (men=3,665; women=3,019) and ethnic group. The adjusted R2 of the equations in men from the three ethnic groups oscillated between 64% and 75% and the standard errors, between 3,09 and 3,93 cm while in women, the R2s of the three equations ranged between 53% and 73% and the EEs, between 2,96 and 3,90 cm. Conclusion: The equation with the best predictive capacity of the height of Colombian elders was obtained for African descendants of both sexes. The lowest coefficients of determination were obtained for the indigenous population.

Introducción. La estatura en el anciano no refleja su talla real de adulto joven debido al envejecimiento de su columna vertebral, entre otros aspectos. Objetivo. Proponer ecuaciones para estimar la talla de los ancianos colombianos mediante la altura de la rodilla, según el grupo étnico y el sexo. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un análisis secundario del estudio transversal SABE 2015, utilizando un diseño muestral probabilístico y multietápico en personas colombianas de 60 o más años. Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente dos grupos de la base de datos del estudio SABE: el grupo para el desarrollo de las ecuaciones y el grupo para su validación. Se hizo un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple para estimar la estatura mediante la altura de la rodilla en los grupos étnicos (indígenas, afrodescendientes y blancos-mestizos) por edad y sexo; los resultados se validaron en cada subgrupo de estudio. Resultados. Se diseñaron seis ecuaciones por sexo (hombres=3.665, mujeres=3.019) y etnia; los coeficientes de determinación ajustados (R2) de las ecuaciones en hombres de los tres grupos étnicos oscilaron entre 64 y 75 % y, los errores estándar, entre 3,09 y 3,93 cm. En las mujeres, los R2 de las tres ecuaciones fluctuaron entre 53 y 73 % y los EE, entre 2,96 y 3,90 cm. Conclusión. La ecuación con mejor capacidad para estimar la talla del anciano colombiano fue la obtenida para los afrodescendientes de ambos sexos, en tanto que en la población indígena se presentaron los menores coeficientes de determinación.

[The health and nutrition of indigenous children in Chile (Mapuche)]. / Salud y nutrición del niño indígena chileno (Mapuche).

The aim of this study was to conduct a review of the health and nutritional status of Chilean indigenous children, specifically Mapuche children, as published in the literature and specific population-based studies. The searches were conducted in PubMed and LILACS in the last 15 years. From 2006 to 2015, the poverty rate was higher in the indigenous population, with a decrease in the gap from 16% in 2006 to 7.7% in 2015 (p < 0.001). In the first decade of this century, infant mortality in indigenous children was 17.1/1,000 live births, while in non-indigenous children it was 8.8/1,000, and the gap was maintained in the five-year follow-up (p < 0.001). Newborns with birthweight < 2,500g in the year 2000 did not reach 6% (5.6% in non-indigenous and 5.2% in indigenous children). Low height at first school enrollment was 8.4% in indigenous schoolchildren and 3.1% in non-indigenous children, decreasing to 3.7% in indigenous children and 2.6% in non-indigenous children in 2004, while obesity increased more in indigenous children, reaching 24.2% in indigenous and 25.3% in non-indigenous children (p < 0.001). Menarche appeared four months later on average in indigenous girls (12.7 years), and body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass were significantly greater in indigenous girls at the time of thelarche, as was the overweight rate (55%, vs. 42% in non-indigenous). Mapuche children show favorable health and nutritional status compared to indigenous children elsewhere in Latin America, but there is still an adverse gap compared to non-indigenous Chilean children. This inequality affecting indigenous Chilean children should be acknowledged and corrected.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión de la situación de salud y nutrición del niño indígena chileno, específicamente del Mapuche, en lo publicado en las bases de datos de referencias bibliográficas y en investigaciones específicas que tienen base poblacional. Para este trabajo se buscó lo publicado en PubMed, LILACS, organismos nacionales e internacionales, durante los últimos 15 años. Desde el 2006 hasta el 2015 la proporción de pobres era mayor en los indígenas, con disminución de la brecha de 16% el 2006 a 7,7% el 2015 (p < 0,001). En la primera década de este siglo la mortalidad infantil en los niños indígenas tenía una tasa de 17,1/1.000 nacidos vivos, mientras en los no indígenas era de de 8,8/1.000 y, en el seguimiento de cinco años, la brecha se mantuvo (p < 0,001). Los recién nacidos con peso < 2,500g el año 2000 no superaban el 6% (5,6% en no indígenas y 5,2% en los indígenas). La talla baja al ingreso a la escuela era 8,4% en los escolares indígenas y 3,1% en los no indígenas, disminuyendo a 3,7 en los indígenas y 2,6% en los no indígenas el 2004, la obesidad en cambio aumentó más en los indígenas, llegando a 24,2 y 25,3% en los no indígenas (p < 0,001). La menarquia se presentó cuatro meses más tarde en las indígenas (12,7 años) y el índice de masa corporal, circunferencia de cintura y el porcentaje de grasa, fueron significativamente mayores en las indígenas en el momento de la telarquia, así como la frecuencia de exceso de peso (55% vs. 42% en las no indígenas). Los niños Mapuche presentan una condición de salud y nutrición favorable, comparada con los indígenas de otros países del continente, sin embargo, aun existe una brecha adversa -comparada con los no indígenas-, en que la desigualdad desfavorece al niño indígena y esta debe ser reconocida y corregida.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar una revisão da situação da saúde e nutrição da criança indígena chilena, especificamente da Mapuche, nas publicações relacionadas em bases de dados de referências bibliográficas e em pesquisas específicas que têm base populacional. A pesquisa foi realizada em publicações relacionadas: PubMed, LILACS, organismos nacionais e internacionais, nos últimos 15 anos. Desde 2006 até 2015 a proporção de pobres era maior nos indígenas, com diminuição de uma diferença de 16% em 2006 a 7,7% em 2015 (p < 0.001). Na primeira década de este século a mortalidade infantil nas crianças indígenas teve una taxa de 17,1/1.000 nascidas vivas, enquanto nos não indígenas era de 8,8/1.000 e, em um acompanhamento de cinco anos, a diferença se manteve (p < 0,001). Os recém-nascidos com peso < 2.500g no ano de 2000 não superavam 6% (5,6% em não indígenas e 5,2% nos indígenas). A baixa estatura ao momento do ingresso na escola era 8,4% nos escolares indígenas e 3,1% nos não indígenas, diminuindo a 3,7 nos indígenas e 2,6% nos não indígenas em 2004, a obesidade pelo contrário teve um aumento maior nos indígenas, chegando a 24,2 e 25,3% nos não indígenas (p < 0,001). A menarca ocorreu quatro meses mais tarde nas indígenas (12,7 anos) e o índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura e a porcentagem da gordura, foram significativamente maiores nas indígenas no período da telarca, à semelhança da frequência do sobrepeso (55% vs. 42% nas não indígenas). As crianças Mapuche apresentam uma condição de saúde e nutrição favorável, comparada com os indígenas de outros países do continente, no entanto, ainda existe uma brecha adversa - comparada com os não indígenas - , onde a desigualdade desfavorece a criança indígena e por isso deve ser reconhecida e corrigida.

Salud y nutrición del niño indígena chileno (Mapuche) / The health and nutrition of indigenous children in Chile (Mapuche) / Saúde e nutrição da criança indígena chilena (Mapuche)

El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión de la situación de salud y nutrición del niño indígena chileno, específicamente del Mapuche, en lo publicado en las bases de datos de referencias bibliográficas y en investigaciones específicas que tienen base poblacional. Para este trabajo se buscó lo publicado en PubMed, LILACS, organismos nacionales e internacionales, durante los últimos 15 años. Desde el 2006 hasta el 2015 la proporción de pobres era mayor en los indígenas, con disminución de la brecha de 16% el 2006 a 7,7% el 2015 (p < 0,001). En la primera década de este siglo la mortalidad infantil en los niños indígenas tenía una tasa de 17,1/1.000 nacidos vivos, mientras en los no indígenas era de de 8,8/1.000 y, en el seguimiento de cinco años, la brecha se mantuvo (p < 0,001). Los recién nacidos con peso < 2,500g el año 2000 no superaban el 6% (5,6% en no indígenas y 5,2% en los indígenas). La talla baja al ingreso a la escuela era 8,4% en los escolares indígenas y 3,1% en los no indígenas, disminuyendo a 3,7 en los indígenas y 2,6% en los no indígenas el 2004, la obesidad en cambio aumentó más en los indígenas, llegando a 24,2 y 25,3% en los no indígenas (p < 0,001). La menarquia se presentó cuatro meses más tarde en las indígenas (12,7 años) y el índice de masa corporal, circunferencia de cintura y el porcentaje de grasa, fueron significativamente mayores en las indígenas en el momento de la telarquia, así como la frecuencia de exceso de peso (55% vs. 42% en las no indígenas). Los niños Mapuche presentan una condición de salud y nutrición favorable, comparada con los indígenas de otros países del continente, sin embargo, aun existe una brecha adversa -comparada con los no indígenas-, en que la desigualdad desfavorece al niño indígena y esta debe ser reconocida y corregida.

The aim of this study was to conduct a review of the health and nutritional status of Chilean indigenous children, specifically Mapuche children, as published in the literature and specific population-based studies. The searches were conducted in PubMed and LILACS in the last 15 years. From 2006 to 2015, the poverty rate was higher in the indigenous population, with a decrease in the gap from 16% in 2006 to 7.7% in 2015 (p < 0.001). In the first decade of this century, infant mortality in indigenous children was 17.1/1,000 live births, while in non-indigenous children it was 8.8/1,000, and the gap was maintained in the five-year follow-up (p < 0.001). Newborns with birthweight < 2,500g in the year 2000 did not reach 6% (5.6% in non-indigenous and 5.2% in indigenous children). Low height at first school enrollment was 8.4% in indigenous schoolchildren and 3.1% in non-indigenous children, decreasing to 3.7% in indigenous children and 2.6% in non-indigenous children in 2004, while obesity increased more in indigenous children, reaching 24.2% in indigenous and 25.3% in non-indigenous children (p < 0.001). Menarche appeared four months later on average in indigenous girls (12.7 years), and body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass were significantly greater in indigenous girls at the time of thelarche, as was the overweight rate (55%, vs. 42% in non-indigenous). Mapuche children show favorable health and nutritional status compared to indigenous children elsewhere in Latin America, but there is still an adverse gap compared to non-indigenous Chilean children. This inequality affecting indigenous Chilean children should be acknowledged and corrected.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar una revisão da situação da saúde e nutrição da criança indígena chilena, especificamente da Mapuche, nas publicações relacionadas em bases de dados de referências bibliográficas e em pesquisas específicas que têm base populacional. A pesquisa foi realizada em publicações relacionadas: PubMed, LILACS, organismos nacionais e internacionais, nos últimos 15 anos. Desde 2006 até 2015 a proporção de pobres era maior nos indígenas, com diminuição de uma diferença de 16% em 2006 a 7,7% em 2015 (p < 0.001). Na primeira década de este século a mortalidade infantil nas crianças indígenas teve una taxa de 17,1/1.000 nascidas vivas, enquanto nos não indígenas era de 8,8/1.000 e, em um acompanhamento de cinco anos, a diferença se manteve (p < 0,001). Os recém-nascidos com peso < 2.500g no ano de 2000 não superavam 6% (5,6% em não indígenas e 5,2% nos indígenas). A baixa estatura ao momento do ingresso na escola era 8,4% nos escolares indígenas e 3,1% nos não indígenas, diminuindo a 3,7 nos indígenas e 2,6% nos não indígenas em 2004, a obesidade pelo contrário teve um aumento maior nos indígenas, chegando a 24,2 e 25,3% nos não indígenas (p < 0,001). A menarca ocorreu quatro meses mais tarde nas indígenas (12,7 anos) e o índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura e a porcentagem da gordura, foram significativamente maiores nas indígenas no período da telarca, à semelhança da frequência do sobrepeso (55% vs. 42% nas não indígenas). As crianças Mapuche apresentam uma condição de saúde e nutrição favorável, comparada com os indígenas de outros países do continente, no entanto, ainda existe uma brecha adversa - comparada com os não indígenas - , onde a desigualdade desfavorece a criança indígena e por isso deve ser reconhecida e corrigida.

Aceleração do crescimento entre crianças e adolescentes de populações multiétnicas e suas evidências / Accelerating growth among children and adolescents of multiethnic populations and their evidence

Introdução: Déficits de altura-para-idade (DAI) descrevem falhas no crescimento da criança e estão associados a condições de saúde e socioeconômicas. Evidências sugerem que intervenções durante os primeiros 1000 dias de vida são mais efetivas para reduzir a carga global de DAI. Entretanto, há evidências de recuperação do DAI após este período, fenômeno chamado de catch-up growth (CUG). O CUG descreve um rápido crescimento linear que permite o indivíduo acelerar para e, em condições favoráveis, voltar a sua curva de crescimento pré-doença. Contudo, não há uniformidade na definição operacional de CUG e existem divergências acerca do melhor mensurador do CUG, fator decisivo nas conclusões sobre o tema. Objetivos: Analisar evidências de crescimento acelerado entre crianças e adolescentes de populações multiétnicas utilizando distintas formas de mensuração e caracterizar aspectos epidemiológicos do CUG. Métodos: Utilizaram-se bases de dados de populações multiétnicas. Medidas de altura foram convertidas em escore-z a partir do padrão e referência OMS (2006/07). O CUG foi avaliado pelo escore-z altura-para-idade (HAZ) e pela diferença altura-para-idade (HAD), em centímetros, por meio da variação destes índices e pela canalização do crescimento, utilizando três valores de amplitude de canal (0,67, 0,75 e 0,86 desvio-padrão), assim como pela recuperação do DAI inicial. Os efeitos dos fatores associados ao crescimento sobre o CUG foram estimados em modelos de regressão de Poisson e análise multinível. Entre as variáveis independentes configuraram características socioeconômicas, maternas e da criança e variável contextual indicando o nível de desenvolvimento do país. Resultados: Nas coortes Young Lives e nas Filipinas o HAZ declinou nas idades iniciais e aumentou até o último seguimento. O HAD, contudo, indicou aumento do déficit de altura até o último acompanhamento. Em São Paulo e na Grã-Bretanha ambos índices apresentaram incremento entre os períodos inicial e final, indicando melhoria do estado nutricional. Houve desigualdade de ambos indicadores entre os estratos socioeconômicos. Maiores prevalências de DAI ocorreram nos países menos desenvolvidos, em áreas rurais, em domicílios sem acesso a saneamento e em indivíduos com baixo peso ao nascer, episódios de diarreia na infância e cujas mães possuíam baixa estatura e menor escolaridade; houve relação dose-resposta com o quinto de renda. Houve substancial recuperação do DAI em todos países, com maiores taxas nos mais desenvolvidos. A incidência de CUG a cada cinco anos variou de 7,9% a 15,4% entre 1 e 12 anos de idade e foi 1% nas Filipinas entre 0 e 19 anos. Em todos os estudos, o grupo com DAI inicial obteve as maiores incidências. A maior parte dos indivíduos que se recuperaram do DAI inicial apresentaram crescimento acelerado considerando os três limites de canalização. O número de eventos de CUG durante a trajetória de crescimento foi o principal determinante da ocorrência de CUG final e recuperação do DAI, bem como o grau de DAI inicial e o estrato socioeconômico. Os efeitos randômicos sobre estes desfechos variaram em torno de 9%. Conclusões: Os resultados indicam potencial para o CUG e recuperação do DAI. O uso de distintos mensuradores levou a interpretações divergentes acerca da ocorrência de CUG

Introduction: Height-for-age déficits (stunting) describe failures in child growth and are associated with health and socioeconomic conditions. Evidence suggests that interventions during the first 1000 days of life are more effective in reducing the overall burden of stunting. However, there is evidence of recovery of stunting after this period, a phenomenon called catch-up growth (CUG). CUG describes a rapid linear growth that allows the individual to accelerate to and, under favorable conditions, return to their pre-disease growth curve. However, there is no uniformity in the operational definition of CUG and there are disagreements about the best CUG measurer, a decisive factor in the conclusions about the subject. Objectives: To analyze evidence of accelerated growth among children and adolescents of multiethnic populations using different forms of measurement and to characterize the epidemiological aspects of CUG. Methods: Databases of multiethnic populations were used. Height measurements were converted to z-score from the WHO standard and reference (2006/07). The CUG was evaluated by height-for-age z-score (HAZ) and height-for-age difference (HAD), in centimeters, by variation of these indices and by canalisation of growth, using three values of amplitude (0.67, 0.75 and 0.86 standard deviation), as well as by recovery of the initial stunting. The effects of growth-related factors on CUG were estimated in Poisson regression models and multilevel analysis. Among the independent variables configured socioeconomic, maternal and child characteristics and a contextual variable indicating the level of development of the country. Results: In the Young Lives Cohorts and in the Philippines HAZ declined in the early ages and increased until the last follow-up. HAD, however, indicated an increase in height deficit until the last follow up. In São Paulo and Great Britain, both indexes showed an increase between the initial and final periods, indicating an improvement in nutritional status. There was inequality of both indicators among the socioeconomic strata. Higher prevalence of stunting occurred in less developed countries, in rural areas, in households without access to sanitation, and in individuals with low birth weight, episodes of childhood diarrhea and whose mothers had short stature and lower schooling; there was a dose-response relationship with the income. There was a substantial recovery of stunting in all countries, with higher rates in the most developed. The incidence of CUG every five years ranged from 7.9% to 15.4% between 1 and 12 years of age and was 1% in the Philippines between 0 and 19 years. In all studies, the group with initial stunting had the highest incidence. Most of the individuals who recovered from the initial stunting presented accelerated growth considering the three canalisation limits. The number of CUG events during the growth trajectory was the main determinant of the occurrence of final CUG and recovery of the stunting, as well as the degree of initial stunting and the socioeconomic stratum. The random effects on these outcomes varied around 9%. Conclusions: The results indicate potential for CUG and recovery of stunting. The use of different measurers led to divergent interpretations regarding the occurrence of CUG

Short Stature Is Associated With Overweight but Not With High Energy Intake in Low-Income Quilombola Women.

BACKGROUND: Population exposed to chronic undernutrition in early life seems to be more susceptible to obesity in adulthood due to the development of mechanisms that improve the efficiency of energy use. Therefore, these individuals have relatively reduced energy requirements (thrifty phenotype). OBJECTIVE: To investigate, among women living on severe socioeconomic vulnerability, whether short stature, a marker for undernutrition in early life, is associated with excess body weight but not with a high energy intake. METHODS: This cross-sectional study, carried out between July and November 2008, evaluated 1308 women from all (N = 39) Quilombola communities of Alagoas. Adequacy of energy intake was estimated by the ratio between energetic ingestion and the estimated energy requirement (EER). RESULTS: The prevalence of short stature (≤ 154.8 cm) was 43.0% and 52.4% had excess body weight (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2), being that 33.1% were overweight and 19.3% obese. Excess body weight was higher among women with short stature (56.6% vs 49.2%; P = .008), even after adjusting for age, energy intake, and per capita income (prevalence ratio = 1.16; 95% confidence interval = 1.04; 1.28). The ratio of energy intake/EER was independent of women's stature. CONCLUSION: Excess body weight among Quilombola women represents a serious health problem. Short stature was significantly associated with excess body weight but not with a high energy intake. "Thrifty phenotype" may be one of the plausible explanations for this finding.

Growth references for Tsimane forager-horticulturalists of the Bolivian Amazon.

OBJECTIVES: Growth standards and references currently used to assess population and individual health are derived primarily from urban populations, including few individuals from indigenous or subsistence groups. Given environmental and genetic differences, growth may vary in these populations. Thus, there is a need to assess whether international standards are appropriate for all populations, and to produce population specific references if growth differs. Here we present and assess growth references for the Tsimane, an indigenous population of Bolivian forager-horticulturalists. METHODS: Mixed cross-sectional/longitudinal anthropometrics (9,614 individuals; 30,118 observations; ages 0-29 years) were used to generate centile curves and Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) tables for height-for-age, weight-for-age, body mass index (BMI)-for-age, and weight-for-height (WFH) using Generalized Additive Models for Location Shape and Scale (GAMLSS). Velocity curves were generated using SuperImposition by Translation and Rotation (SITAR). Tsimane ≤5 years were compared to World Health Organization (WHO) standards while those >5 years were compared to WHO school age references. All ages were compared to published references for Shuar forager-horticulturalists of the Ecuadorian Amazon. RESULTS: Tsimane growth differs from WHO values in height and weight, but is similar for BMI and WFH. Tsimane growth is characterized by slow height velocity in childhood and early adolescent peak height velocity at 11.3 and 13.2 years for girls and boys. Tsimane growth patterns are similar to Shuar, suggesting shared features of growth among indigenous South Americans. CONCLUSIONS: International references for BMI-for-age and WFH are likely appropriate for Tsimane, but differences in height-for-age and weight-for-age suggest Tsimane specific references may be useful for these measures.

Two worlds apart: Determinants of height in late 18th century central Mexico.

Anthropometric literature on the American territories of the Hispanic monarchy before their independence is still scarce. We attempt to expand the field with a case study that includes some important novelties. Albeit our main source, the military records of the Censo de Revillagigedo (conducted in the early 1790s), has already been used, the sample size and the geographical scope are unprecedented: 19,390 males of four ethnicities (castizos, españoles, mestizos, and mulatos) aged from 16 to 39 from 24 localities, including towns and villages scattered across central regions of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. We build a database that, complemented with information on resource endowments obtained from other sources, permits to analyze the determinants of height. Our results show the importance of spatial differences as well as the significance of ethnicity, occupation, rurality, age and resource endowments as determinants of height. Unprivileged mulatos are only 0.5cm shorter than, assumedly privileged, españoles in the "first world" (El Bajío) and 1.3cm taller in the "second world" (Eastern Central Highlands). In turn, living in the "first world" implies being between nearly 1.5cm and 5cm taller than the inhabitants of the "second world". Our estimates of physical statures are placed within an international comparative context and offer a relatively "optimistic" picture.

Physical fitness and anthropometric normative values among Colombian-Indian schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: Substantial evidence indicates that children's physical fitness levels are markers of their lifestyles and their cardio-metabolic health profile and are predictors of the future risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiometabolic disease, skeletal health and mental health. However, fitness reference values for ethnic children and adolescents have not been published in a Latin-American population. Therefore, the aim of the study was to provide sex- and age-specific physical fitness and anthropometric reference standards among Colombian-Indian schoolchildren. METHODS: A sample of 576 participants (319 boys and 257 girls) aged 10 to 17 years old was assessed using the FUPRECOL test battery. Four components of physical fitness were measured: 1) morphological component: height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold, and body fat (%); 2) musculoskeletal component: handgrip and standing long jump test; 3) motor component: speed/agility test (4 × 10 m shuttle run); and 4) cardiorespiratory component: course-navette 20 m, shuttle run test and estimation of maximal oxygen consumption by VO2max indirect. Centile smoothed curves for the 3(rd), 10(th), 25(th), 50(th), 75(th), 90(th) and 97(th) percentiles were calculated using Cole's LMS method. RESULTS: Our results show that weight, height and BMI in each age group were higher in boys than in girls. In each groups, age showed a significant effect for BMI and WC. Boys showed better than girls in cardiorespiratory fitness, lower- and upper-limb strength and speed/agility and girls performed better in low back flexibility. CONCLUSION: Our results provide for the first time sex- and age-specific physical fitness and anthropometric reference values for Colombian Nasa Indian children and adolescents aged 10-17.9 years.

[Correlation of size and age in Colombian indigenous children based on WHO and NCHS references]. / Concordancia en la talla para la edad entre referencias NCHS y OMS en indígenas colombianos.

Objective To evaluate the correlation of size, according to age, of the anthropometric growth references of Colombian indigenous children studied in Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional de Colombia 2010 -ENSIN 2010 (National Survey of Nutrition in Colombia - 2010). Method A secondary analysis of 2598 data of indigenous Colombian children under five years of age, evaluated by ENSIN in 2010, was performed. The considered variables were size according to age, gender, height, place of residence, department and socioeconomic position. The classification of the deficit in size, based on the references of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), was made by using the Z <-2 score and the Anthro software. The Kappa coefficient was estimated to assess the correlation between anthropometric categories and was classified taking into account the proposal of Altman DG. Results One in four children had a deficit in size in the light of both anthropometric references. The prevalence of the deficit was higher when using the WHO standard, increased with age and was higher in children who resided in low altitude (m). The correlation between the two references was good (kappa ≥0,688, p=0,000) for children of both genders and all ages; the exception corresponded to children of age two, since it was moderate (kappa=0,601, p=0,000). The greatest disagreement in the classification was observed in the category "tall". Conclusion According to the statistical correlation found between the two anthropometric references (WHO vs. NCHS), any reference could be used for assessment of size according to for age.

Stunting at birth: recognition of early-life linear growth failure in the western highlands of Guatemala.

OBJECTIVE: Measurements of length at birth, or in the neonatal period, are challenging to obtain and often discounted for lack of validity. Hence, classical 'under-5' stunting rates have been derived from surveys on children from 6 to 59 months of age. Guatemala has a high prevalence of stunting (49.8%), but the age of onset of growth failure is not clearly defined. The objective of the study was to assess length-for-age within the first 1.5 months of life among Guatemalan infants. DESIGN: As part of a cross-sectional observational study, supine length was measured in young infants. Mothers' height was measured. Length-for-age Z-scores (HAZ) were generated and stunting was defined as HAZ <-2 using WHO growth standards. SETTING: Eight rural, indigenous Mam-Mayan villages (n 200, 100% of Mayan indigenous origin) and an urban clinic of Quetzaltenango (n 106, 27% of Mayan indigenous origin), Guatemala. SUBJECTS: Three hundred and six newborns with a median age of 19 d. RESULTS: The median rural HAZ was -1.56 and prevalence of stunting was 38%; the respective urban values were -1.41 and 25%. Linear regression revealed no relationship between infant age and HAZ (r = 0.101, r(2) = 0.010, P = 0.077). Maternal height explained 3% of the variability in HAZ (r = 0.171, r(2) = 0.029, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Stunting must be carried over from in utero growth retardation in short-stature Guatemalan mothers. As linear growth failure in this setting begins in utero, its prevention must be linked to maternal care strategies during gestation, or even before. A focus on maternal nutrition and health in an intergenerational dimension is needed to reduce its prevalence.

Postmenarche growth: cohort study among indigenous and non-indigenous Chilean adolescents.

BACKGROUND: In Chile, indigenous and non-indigenous schoolchildren have the same stature when they begin school but indigenous adults are shorter, indicating the importance of analyzing growth during puberty. The aim of this study was to compare the growth of indigenous and non-indigenous girls during the 36 months after menarche in Chile's Araucanía Region. METHODS: A concurrent cohort study was conducted to compare growth in the two ethnic groups, which were comprised of 114 indigenous and 126 non-indigenous girls who recently experienced menarche and were randomly selected. Height was measured at menarche and at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months post-menarche. General linear models were used to analyze growth and a generalized estimating equation model was used to compare height at 36 months post-menarche. RESULTS: At menarche, the Z-score of height/age was less for indigenous than non-indigenous girls (-0.01 vs. -0.61, p < 0.001). Indigenous girls grew at a slower rate than non-indigenous girls (6.5 vs. 7.2 cm, p = 0.02), and height at 36-months post-menarche reached -0.82 vs. -0.35 cm (p <0.001). In an adjusted model at 36 months post-menarche, indigenous girls were 1.6 cm shorter than non-indigenous girls (95% confidence interval: -3.13 to -0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The height of indigenous girls at menarche was lower than that of non-indigenous girls and they subsequently grew less, maintaining the gap between the two groups. At the end of the follow-up period, the indigenous girls were shorter than their non-indigenous peers.

Anthropometric measurements by ethnicity in Colombia, 1965-1990.

We analyzed the evolution of height in Colombia of cohorts born in the period 1965-1990 by ethnic groups. We found that Afro-Colombian men and women were the tallest: 6cm taller than indigenous people and 2cm taller than the rest of the population. We also found that the height gap between Afro-Colombians and others decreased during the period under study by 0.7cm for both men and women. While improvements were noticeable among the Afro-Colombians and those who chose not to be classified by ethnicity, in the case of the indigenous population only female cohorts registered an average-height increase of 1.5cm. Moreover, we found that indigenous Colombians were more likely than other ethnic groups to experience an increase in biological well-being as a consequence of an improvement in their socio-economic status, thereby reducing the average-stature gap between them and the rest of the population by 2.1 and 3.6cm for men and women, respectively.

Highland Guatemalan women are extremely short of stature, and no lactation duration effects on body composition are observed in a cross-sectional survey.

Early linear growth in Guatemala has historically been compromised, resulting in adults of short stature. We hypothesized that the rate of short stature among mothers in the Western Highlands would have tracked from their own childhood when younger than 5 years, and that maternal weight declines progressively from delivery through lactation. Maternal weight and height were collected in 542 lactating mothers of infant and toddlers, ranging in age from 15 to 48 years, with subsequent classification of mothers for short stature (relative to the 1977 World Health Organization/National Center for Health Statistics growth curves) and for underweight (body mass index [BMI], <18.5 kg/m²), overweight (BMI, 25-30 kg/m²), or obesity (BMI, ≥30 kg/m²). The mean stature for the sample of adult women was 149.3 ± 5.9 cm, with a median of 149.0 cm. Women classified of Mayan descent were significantly (P < .001) shorter (147.0 ± 5.1 cm) than others (150.5 ± 6.0 cm). In terms of height percentiles for the age-specific female reference, 410 (76%) of mothers were below the fifth percentile and only 8 (1.5%) reached the median. Respective partition for underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity was as follows: 5%, 50%, 36%, and 9%. Variation in BMI with respect to the age of the offspring as the indicator of the duration of lactation was not significant, by analysis of variance or correlation analysis. Insofar as short stature is a risk factor for a series of adverse health consequences, including obesity and obstructed labor at childbirth, among others, it is time to direct public health attention toward resolving the causal factors for short stature in Guatemala.

Specific infant feeding practices do not consistently explain variation in anthropometry at age 1 year in urban United States, Mexico, and China cohorts.

Infant feeding practices generally influence infant growth, but it is unclear how introduction of specific foods affects growth across global populations. We studied 3 urban populations in the Global Exploration of Human Milk study to determine the association between infant feeding and anthropometry at 1 y of age. Three hundred sixty-five breastfeeding mother-infant pairs (120 US, 120 China, and 125 Mexico) were recruited soon after the infant's birth. Enrollment required agreement to breastfeed ≥75% for at least 3 mo. Weekly, 24-h, food frequency data were conducted on infants for 1 y and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) duration and timing of specific complementary food introduction were calculated. Weight and length were measured at age 1 y and anthropometry Z-scores calculated using WHO standards. Cohorts in the 3 urban populations (Shanghai, China; Cincinnati, USA; and Mexico City, Mexico) differed by median EBF duration (5, 14, and 7 wk, respectively; P < 0.001), timing of introduction of meat/eggs/legumes (4.8, 9.3, and 7.0 mo, respectively; P < 0.0001), and other feeding practices. By age 1 y, infants in Shanghai were heavier and longer than Cincinnati and Mexico City infants (P < 0.001). Adjusting for nonfeeding covariates, the only feeding variable associated with anthropometry was EBF duration, which was modestly inversely associated with weight-for-age but not length-for-age or BMI Z-scores at 1 y. Although feeding variables differed by cohort, their impact on anthropometry differences was not consistent among cohorts. Overall, across these urban, international, breast-fed cohorts, differences in specific feeding practices did not explain the significant variation in anthropometry.

Waist circumference and waist circumference to height ratios of Kaingáng indigenous adolescents from the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to describe the distribution of waist circumference (WC) and WC to height (WCTH) values among Kaingáng indigenous adolescents in order to estimate the prevalence of high WCTH values and evaluate the correlation between WC and WCTH and body mass index (BMI)-for-age. A total of 1,803 indigenous adolescents were evaluated using a school-based cross-sectional study. WCTH values > 0.5 were considered high. Higher mean WC and WCTH values were observed for girls in all age categories. WCTH values > 0.5 were observed in 25.68% of the overall sample of adolescents. Mean WC and WCTH values were significantly higher for adolescents with BMI/age z-scores > 2 than for those with normal z-scores. The correlation coefficients of WC and WCTH for BMI/age were r = 0.68 and 0.76, respectively, for boys, and r = 0.79 and 0.80, respectively, for girls. This study highlights elevated mean WC and WCTH values and high prevalence of abdominal obesity among Kaingáng indigenous adolescents.

Waist circumference and waist circumference to height ratios of Kaingáng indigenous adolescents from the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Circunferência da cintura e circunferência da cintura/estatura entre adolescentes indígenas Kaingáng do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

The aim of this study was to describe the distribution of waist circumference (WC) and WC to height (WCTH) values among Kaingáng indigenous adolescents in order to estimate the prevalence of high WCTH values and evaluate the correlation between WC and WCTH and body mass index (BMI)-for-age. A total of 1,803 indigenous adolescents were evaluated using a school-based cross-sectional study. WCTH values > 0.5 were considered high. Higher mean WC and WCTH values were observed for girls in all age categories. WCTH values > 0.5 were observed in 25.68% of the overall sample of adolescents. Mean WC and WCTH values were significantly higher for adolescents with BMI/age z-scores > 2 than for those with normal z-scores. The correlation coefficients of WC and WCTH for BMI/age were r = 0.68 and 0.76, respectively, for boys, and r = 0.79 and 0.80, respectively, for girls. This study highlights elevated mean WC and WCTH values and high prevalence of abdominal obesity among Kaingáng indigenous adolescents.

Os objetivos do estudo foram descrever a distribuição das medidas de circunferência de cintura (CC) e CC/estatura (CC/E) para adolescentes indígenas Kaingáng; estimar a prevalência de valores elevados para CC/E; e avaliar a correlação entre CC e CC/E com o IMC/idade. Um total de 1.803 adolescentes indígenas foi avaliado no estudo seccional de base escolar. Foram considerados elevados valores de CC/E superiores a 0,5. Observaram-se maiores valores médios de CC e CC/E para meninas, em todas as faixas etárias. Valores de CC/E > 0,5 foram encontrados em 25,6% dos adolescentes. Valores médios de CC e CC/E foram significativamente maiores para os adolescentes com IMC/idade > 2 z-scores, em comparação aos eutróficos. Os coeficientes de correlações entre CC e CC/E com o IMC/idade foram: meninos: r = 0,68 e 0,76, respectivamente, e meninas: r = 0,79 e 0,80, respectivamente. Destaca-se proeminência de valores médios elevados de CC e CC/E e prevalências expressivas de obesidade abdominal.

Estimation of stature from upper arm length in children aged 4.0 to 6.92 y in Merida, Yucatan.

OBJECTIVE: To understand age-sex variation of stature and upper arm length (UAL) and to estimate stature from UAL through prediction equations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 2006-2007 among 458 children (218 boys and 240 girls) aged 4.0 to 6.92 y of south Merida in Yucatan, Mexico. RESULTS: The results show significant age variation (p < 0.001) of stature and upper arm length (UAL) in children. Boys show significantly higher mean stature and UAL compared to the girls. Relative proportion of upper arm length to stature is greater in boys. Interrelationship between stature and upper arm length exhibits significant association with respect to age and sex of children. Reconstruction of stature from upper arm length through regression analysis also gives good prediction models for separate and combined samples of both sexes with age. Regression coefficients for UAL predicting stature account for 0.90 or greater variance in the dependent variable (stature). The difference between reconstructed stature and the actual measurement is less than ±2.00 cm. CONCLUSIONS: UAL appears to be a reliable indicator to estimate stature in children aged 4.0 to 6.92 y old.

Healthy weight advantage lost in one generation among immigrant elementary schoolchildren in multi-ethnic, disadvantaged, inner-city neighborhoods in Montreal, Canada.

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine if the rate of increase in body mass index (BMI) differs between first generation immigrant children (child and both parents born outside Canada); second generation immigrant children (child born in Canada with at least one parent born outside Canada); and native-born children (child and both parents born in Canada), and if the rate of increase varies across ethnic groups. METHODS: Data were available from the evaluation of a 5-year heart health promotion program targeted to elementary school children from 24 schools in multi-ethnic, disadvantaged, inner-city neighborhoods in Montreal, Canada. Participants were 6392 children aged 9-12 years born in and outside of Canada. Height and weight were measured annually according to a standardized protocol. BMI increases with age were examined using individual growth models stratified by immigrant status grouping (first generation immigrant, second generation immigrant, native-born). RESULTS: On average, BMI increased by 0.59, 0.73, and 0.82 kg/m2 with each year of age among first generation immigrant, second generation immigrant, and native-born children, respectively. These differences held across four family origin grouping (Europe, Asia, Central/South America, and Other). CONCLUSION: The protective effect of immigrant status on BMI increases with age dissipated in second generation immigrant children, whose rate of increase was similar to that of native-born children. Because immigrants constitute the fastest growing segment of the Canadian population, it is important to understand the causes of the higher BMI increases with successive generations.