Secular trend in the growth changes of Korean adolescents in socioeconomic environment

Abstract

Background: Height, weight and body mass index are used as indicators of socioeconomic status and overall welfare. The objectives of this study is (1) to investigate the trends of these growth indicators and relations within the socioeconomic environment and (2) to reveal the changes in growth parameters over time and over various socioeconomic factors. Subjects and methods: The cross-sectional growth data was obtained from government student physical examinations from 1964 to 2011. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita was chosen to represent the socioeconomic environment. The growth data was organized by birth year and growth parameters were obtained using Preece and Baines Model 1. Regression analysis with growth parameters on years and GDP per capita was performed. Results: Height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) increased as time went on or when GDP per capita increased. Age at takeoff and PHV decreased. Velocity at takeoff, velocity at PHV, height at takeoff, and height at PHV all increased as either time passed or income increased. For females, velocity at PHV and height at takeoff had no statistically significant relation with GDP per capita. Conclusions: Korean adolescents became taller, gained weight, and matured earlier and faster as time passed and income increased.