OBJECTIVEResearch evidence shows a secular trend in Chinese physical growth in recent years. The aim of this study was to analyze and assess changes in stature of children and adolescents during the 25 years from 1985-2010, using national data.

METHODSData came from successive cycles of the Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health (CNSSCH). Subjects were 7- to 18-year-old children and adolescents.

RESULTSAn overall positive secular trend occurred in urban China during 1985-2010. The overall average rates of increment were 2.4 and 1.7 cm/decade for boys and girls, respectively. Total increases in adult stature for boys and girls were 2.6 and 1.7 cm, yielding rates of 1.0 and 0.7 cm/decade, respectively. Cities with different socioeconomic levels had different characteristic trends. Mean stature increases in big cities were larger than those in moderate and small cities, and boys and girls in moderate and small cities showed greater potential for growth in stature.

CONCLUSIONAn overall positive secular growth trend was associated with socioeconomic progress and differed with area socioeconomic levels. School policies and strategies should be developed based on increased stature, and should continue narrowing the inequity between different socioeconomic populations.