La desnutrición infantil en Ecuador. Una revisión de literatura / Child malnutrition in Ecuador. A literature review

La desnutrición infantil constituye un grave problema de salud, afectando los sectores sociales más desfavorecidos. La desnutrición causa disminución del crecimiento y del desempeño escolar, altera el estado bioquímico e incrementa la morbimortalidad infantil. Entre las principales causas de desnutrición están la dieta inadecuada, la presencia de infecciones que interfieren con la utilización adecuada de nutrientes, inequidad e insuficiente disponibilidad de alimentos. En América Latina, aproximadamente 2,3 millones de niños de 0 a 4 años se ven afectados por desnutrición moderada o grave y 8,8 millones presentan baja talla para su edad, con alta prevalencia de desnutrición crónica, lo que es atribuible a determinantes sociales, económicos y políticas de salud deficientes en la mayoría de países de la región. En Ecuador existe una prevalencia de desnutrición de 23,2%, situación que se agrava en el contexto rural, presentando más frecuencia en la Sierra (32%), la Costa (15,7%), la Amazonía (22,7%) y la zona Insular (5,8%), y aun cuando se han implementado programas de nutrición, los logros positivos de indicadores nutricionales, no han alcanzado impactar lo suficiente en algunas comunidades indígenas en las que se estima una tasa de desnutrición crónica infantil por encima de 50%. La presente investigación muestra los principales rasgos de la desnutrición infantil en Ecuador, partiendo de un diseño cualitativo, interpretativo y análisis documental con el objetivo de sistematizar el conocimiento y fortalecer las bases teórico-metodológicas de planes y estrategias necesarios para disminuir los efectos negativos de la desnutrición en el desarrollo infantil(AU)

Infant malnutrition constitutes a serious health problem, affecting the most disadvantaged social sectors. Malnutrition causes a decrease in growth and school performance, an alteration in the biochemical state and an increase in infant morbidity and mortality. Among the main causes of malnutrition are an inadequate diet, the presence of infections that interfere with the adequate use of nutrients, inequity, and insufficient food availability. In Latin America, approximately 2.3 million children aged 0 to 4 are affected by moderate or severe malnutrition and 8.8 million are short for their age, with a high prevalence of chronic malnutrition, which is attributable to social determinants economic, economic and health policies in most countries of the region. In Ecuador there is a prevalence of malnutrition of 23.2%, a situation that worsens in the rural context, presenting more frequency in the Sierra (32%), the Coast (15.7%), the Amazon (22.7%) and the Insular zone (5.8%), and even when nutrition programs have been implemented, the positive achievements of nutritional indicators have not had a sufficient impact on some indigenous communities in which a rate of chronic child malnutrition is estimated by above 50%. This research shows the main features of child malnutrition in Ecuador, starting from a qualitative, interpretive design and documentary analysis with the aim of systematizing knowledge and strengthening the theoretical-methodological bases of plans and strategies necessary to reduce the negative effects of the malnutrition in child development(AU)

Nutrition gap in children, urban-rural: the key education and food. Colombia, 2015 / Brecha nutricional en niños, urbano-rural: educación y alimentos, la clave. Colombia, 2015

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To analyze the nutritional situation of children under five years old from both urban and rural areas of Colombia. METHOD: Analytical study, based on cross-sectional data, collected from ENSIN-2015. The sample consisted of 12,256 children aged between 0 and 4 years old. We calculated the prevalence ratios (PR) with their respective 95% confidence interval (95%CI). PR were assessed by binomial regression models with malnutrition or overweight as the dependent variable and geographic area as the explanatory variable. We used context variables to adjust the estimated PR and control the confounder within. RESULTS: Acute malnutrition (weight-for-height) had a prevalence of 1.6%, while overweight had a 5.6% rate. No differences per geographic zone in the weight-for-height indicator were found. Stunted growth - chronic malnutrition - was higher in the rural area (PR = 1.2; 95%CI 1-1.53; p = 0.050). Prevalences adjusted by variables related to structural, social and economic developement showed that both the household chief's educational level and the food insecurity of the area account for malnutrition. CONCLUSION: The height-for-age indicator works better to establish development level. Measures against coverage, relevance and quality of education and access to food can harm the nutritional status of the children.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO: Analizar el estado de nutrición en menores de cinco años de áreas urbanas y rurales en Colombia. MÉTODOS: Estudio analítico, con base en datos de corte transversal, recolectados por la ENSIN-2015. La muestra fue de 12.256 niños colombianos entre cero y cuatro años. Se calcularon razones de prevalencia (RP) y sus respectivos intervalos al 95% de confianza (IC95%). Las RP se obtuvieron de modelos de regresión binomial con el déficit o el exceso, como la variable dependiente y la zona geográfica como la principal explicación. Variables del contexto se utilizaron para ajustar las RP estimadas y limpiar el efecto confusor de éstas. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de desnutrición aguda (peso/talla) fue de 1,6%, la de exceso de 5,6%. No existieron diferencias por zona geográfica, en el indicador (peso/talla). El retraso talla/edad - desnutrición crónica - fue mayor en la zona rural (RP = 1,2; IC95% 1,00-1,53; p = 0,050). Las prevalencias ajustadas por variables que dan cuenta del desarrollo estructural, social y económico, mostraron que la escolaridad del jefe y la inseguridad alimentaria del hogar explican la desnutrición. CONCLUSIONES: El indicador talla/edad es el mejor para establecer el nivel de desarrollo. Medidas contra la cobertura, pertinencia, calidad en la educación y el acceso a los alimentos impactarán negativamente el estado de nutrición en los niños.

Análisis de la implementación del Programa Alimentario Nutricional Integral (PANI), en niños menores de 5 años desnutridos y con riesgo de desnutrición de la Unidad de Salud Familiar "Ita Ka´Aguy", Fernando de la Mora. 2015 - 2017 / IMPACT OF THE INTEGRAL NUTRITIONAL FOOD PROGRAM (PANI), IN CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OLD AND WITH RISK OF NURSING THE FAMILY HEALTH UNIT "ITA KA´AGUY", FERNANDO DE LA MORA. 2015 - 2017

La infancia es considerada como una etapa trascendental en el proceso evolutivo del hombre, caracterizada por dos fenómenos: crecimiento y desarrollo, por tanto es fundamental una adecuada nutrición. Con relación a este aspecto, el programa de complementación nutricional denominado PANI (Programa Ampliado Nutricional Integral), se implementa, para garantizar la atención oportuna de niños desnutridos y en riesgo de desnutrición y evitar otros factores de riesgo que puedan poner en peligro a esta población vulnerable. Objetivo: Analizar el impacto de la implementación del programa PANI en niños menores de 5 años desnutridos y con riesgo de desnutrición en la Unidad de Salud Familiar ItáKa´aguy, durante el periodo 2015 a 2017. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, transversal, en donde se evaluó a 74 niños menores de 5 años desnutridos y con riesgos de desnutrición, que fueron atendidos en la Unidad de Salud Familiar ItáKa´aguy, (Fernando de la Mora, XIa Región Sanitaria - Central). Se implementó con ellos el Programa de Asistencia Nutricional y luego de 2 años se compararon los resultados de la evaluación inicial, con las actuales. Resultados: Se resalta que, previo a la intervención sólo 4 niños tuvieron un peso adecuado; 19 niños se encontraban en estado de desnutrición; 6 niños se encontraban en el nivel de peso no adecuado y 40 niños se encontraban en "Riesgo de desnutrición". Mientras que posterior a la implementación del programa, 62 niños obtuvieron el peso adecuado a su edad; 3 niños se mantuvieron con signos clínicos de desnutrición y 4 niños manifestaron riesgo de desnutrición. Conclusión: se encontró que el PANI ha contribuido a mejorar de la desnutrición en los niños y niñas, como en el peso acorde con la edad, pero no así en aspectos como talla y el edema, por lo que se concluye que el impacto ha sido medio. Palabras Clave: Nutrición de los Grupos de Riesgo, Programas y Políticas de Nutrición y Alimentación,

The childhood is considered as a transcendental stage in the evolutionary process of man, characterized by two phenomena: growth and development, therefore proper nutrition is essential. In relation to this aspect, the nutritional complementation program called PANI (Comprehensive Nutritional Extended Program), is implemented to ensure timely care of malnourished children at risk of malnutrition and avoid other risk factors that may endanger this population vulnerable. Objective: To analyze the impact of the implementation of the PANI program in children under 5 years of age undernourished and at risk of malnutrition in the ItáKa'aguy Family Health Unit, during the period 2015 to 2017. Methodology: A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted, cross-sectional, in which 74 under-5 undernourished children with risk of malnutrition were evaluated, who were attended in the ItáKa'aguy Family Health Unit (Fernando de la Mora, XIa Sanitary - Central Region). The Nutritional Assistance Program was implemented with them and after 2 years the results of the initial evaluation were compared with the current ones. Results: It is highlighted that, prior to the intervention, only 4 children had an adequate weight, 19 children were in malnutrition, 6 children were at the unsuitable weight level and 40 children were at risk of malnutrition; while after the implementation of the program, 62 children obtained the appropriate weight at their age, 3 children remained with clinical signs of malnutrition and 4 children showed risk of malnutrition. Conclusion: it was found that PANI has contributed to improve malnutrition in boys and girls, as in weight according to age, but not in aspects such as height and edema, so it is concluded that the impact has been medium.

Internações por Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Primária de Menores de um ano, de 2008 a 2014, no estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Primary Health Care-Sensitive Hospitalizations in children under one year of age, from 2008 to 2014, in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Resumo Este estudo teve o objetivo de descrever as causas e as tendências de Internações por Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Primária (ICSAP) em menores de um ano, entre 2008 e 2014, no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Trata-se de um delineamento ecológico, baseado em dados secundários do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares. Classificaram-se as internações segundo o diagnóstico principal e a Lista Brasileira de ICSAP, considerando as seguintes faixas etárias: Neonatais precoce, Neonatal tardia e Pós-neonatal. Para a análise de tendência das internações foram ajustados modelos de regressão linear. Ocorreram 851.713 internações de Menores de um ano, sendo 22,6% por ICSAP. As principais reduções das frequências de internação foram: Pneumonias bacterianas (-7,10%) e Desvios nutricionais (-7,70) em Neonatal precoce. As elevações foram: Doenças relacionadas ao pré-natal e parto (+10,14%) e Doenças imunizáveis e condições evitáveis em Pós-neonatal (+14,13%), com destaque para coqueluche e sífilis congênita. Os resultados mostram uma deficiência no cuidado à saúde infantil na atenção primária no estado de São Paulo, enquanto que as tendências de internações estimadas podem auxiliar no planejamento de estratégias para diminuir os agravos e os gastos no setor terciário de atenção em saúde.

Abstract The scope of this article is to describe the trends of primary health care-sensitive (PHC) hospitalizations in children under one year of age between 2008 and 2014 in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. It is an ecological study with descriptive and analytical characteristics, based on secondary data from the national health information system. Hospitalizations were classified according to the Brazilian list of PHC hospitalizations considering the Early Neonatal, Late Neonatal and Post-Neonatal age groups. Linear regression models were adjusted for trend analysis of the 851,713 hospitalizations of children under one year of age analyzed, of which 22.6% were PHC-related. The main groups with decreases were: Bacterial pneumonia (-7.10%) and Nutritional disorders (-7.70%) in the Early neonatal phase. The main increases were: Disease related to prenatal/childbirth (+10.14%) and Immunosuppressive diseases and avoidable conditions in Post-neonatal (+14.13%) infants, among which pertussis and congenital syphilis were the main causes of hospitalization. The results showed a deficiency in the primary health care system for infants in the State of Sao Paulo. The estimated trends should be used for planning cost-effective strategies to prevent and control causes of hospitalization in children under one year of age.

Marcadores de consumo alimentar e baixo peso em crianças menores de 6 meses acompanhadas no Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional, Brasil, 2015 / Marcadores de consumo alimentario y bajo peso en menores de 6 meses, acompañados por el Sistema de Vigilancia Alimentaria y Nutricional, Brasil, 2015 / Food intake and underweight markers in children under 6 months old monitored via the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, Brazil, 2015

Objetivo: investigar a frequência de aleitamento materno exclusivo, a introdução precoce de outros alimentos e a associação com o baixo peso em crianças brasileiras. Métodos: analisaram-se registros de menores de 6 meses com dados inseridos no Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional em 2015; investigaram-se associações, por regressão de Poisson. Resultados: encontraram-se prevalências de aleitamento exclusivo, 56,1% (IC95% 55,3;56,8), baixo peso para idade, 8,1% (IC95% 7,7;8,5), e baixo índice de massa corporal (IMC) para idade, 5,7% (IC95% 5,3;6,7); agua ou chás e fórmulas infantis foram os alimentos introduzidos mais precocemente; crianças em aleitamento materno exclusivo apresentaram menor prevalência de baixo peso (RP=0,73 - IC95% 0,61;0,87) e de baixo IMC (RP=0,69 - IC95% 0,56;0,85); o consumo de fórmulas infantis se associou ao deficit de peso (RP=1,35 - IC95% 1,15;1,58). Conclusão: reforçou-se a importância do aleitamento materno exclusivo para o adequado crescimento até os 6 meses.

Objetivo: investigar la frecuencia de la lactancia materna exclusiva, la introducción precoz de otros alimentos y su asociación con el bajo peso en niños brasileños. Métodos: se analizaron registros de menores de seis meses con datos insertados en el Sistema de Vigilancia Alimentaria y Nutricional en 2015; se investigaron las asociaciones por medio de la Regresión de Poisson. Resultados: se hallaron prevalencias de lactancia exclusiva, 56,1% (IC95% 55,3;56,8), bajo peso para la edad, 8,1% (IC95% 7,7;8,5), y bajo Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) para la edad, 5,7% (IC95% 5,3;6,7); agua o tés y fórmulas infantiles fueron los alimentos introducidos más precozmente; los niños en lactancia materna exclusiva presentaron menor prevalencia de bajo peso (RP=0,73 - IC95% 0,61;0,87) y de bajo IMC (RP=0,69 - IC95% 0,56;0,85); el consumo de fórmulas se asoció al deficit de peso (RP=1,35 - IC95% 1,15;1,58). Conclusión: se ha reforzado la importancia de la lactancia materna exclusiva para el adecuado crecimiento has los 6 meses.

Objective: to investigate the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding, early introduction of other foods and association with prevalence of low weight in Brazilian children. Methods: we analyzed records of children under 6 months of age held on the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System for the year 2015; associations were investigated through Poisson Regression. Results: we found prevalence of 56.1% (95%CI 55.3;56.8) for exclusive breastfeeding, 8.1% (95%CI 7.7;8.5) for low weight for age, and 5.7% (95%CI 5.3;6.7) for low BMI for age; water or teas and infant formulas were the earliest foods introduced; underweight prevalence was lower (PR=0.73 - 95%CI 0.61;0.87) as was prevalence of low BMI (PR=0.69 - 95%CI 0.56;0.85) among exclusively breastfed infants; infant formula intake was associated with low weight (PR=1.35 - 95%CI 1.15;1.58). Conclusion: the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for adequate growth in the first 6 months of life was reinforced.

Alimentação complementar, consumo de alimentos industrializados e estado nutricional de crianças menores de 3 anos em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2016: um estudo descritivo / Alimentación complementaria, consumo de alimentos industrializados y estado nutricional de niños menores de 3 años en Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2016: un estudio descriptivo / Complementary feeding, consumption of industrialized foods and nutritional status of children under 3 years old in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2016: a descriptive study

Objetivo: verificar como e quando a alimentação complementar (AC) se inicia, seu perfil, o consumo de industrializados e o estado nutricional de crianças de 1-3 anos. Métodos: foram avaliadas crianças matriculadas em escolas públicas de Pelotas, RS, Brasil; utilizaram-se os indicadores de estatura/idade, peso/idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC)/idade. Um questionário estruturado aplicado aos pais/cuidadores. A AC foi considerada precoce quando iniciada antes dos 6 meses. Os dados foram apresentados de forma descritiva. Resultados: 79 crianças foram avaliadas, 13 apresentaram sobrepeso e 6 obesidade; 11 acusaram peso elevado para a idade. A média para início da AC foi de 5,3 meses. Enquanto menores de 6 meses, 43% receberam gelatina e 12,7% suco de caixinha; quando na idade de 6-24 meses, 96,2% receberam biscoito recheado e 91,1% salgadinho. Conclusão: a AC e o consumo de alimentos industrializados iniciaram-se precocemente; obesidade e sobrepeso foram mais prevalentes que desnutrição.

Objetivo: evaluar como y cuando comienza la alimentación complementaria (AC), su perfil, consumo de alimentos procesados y estado nutricional de niños de 1-3 años. Métodos: se evaluaron niños matriculados en escuelas públicas de Pelotas, RS, Brasil; se utilizaron los índices de longitud/estatura/edad, peso/edad e índice de masa corporal (IMC)/edad, y un cuestionario estructurado aplicado a los padres/cuidadores; la AC fue considerada precoz cuando empezó antes de los seis meses; los datos se presentaron de modo descriptivo. Resultados: 79 niños fueron evaluados, 13 presentaron sobrepeso y 6 obesidad; 11 presentaron peso elevado para la edad; el promedio para el inicio de la AC fue de 5,3 meses; en cuanto a menores de 6 meses, 43% recibieron gelatina y 12,7% jugo de caja; a los 6-24 meses, 96,2% recibieron galletitas rellenas y 91,1% snacks salados. Conclusión: la AC y el consumo de alimentos industrializados comenzaron precozmente; obesidad y sobrepeso fueron más prevalentes que la desnutrición.

Objective: to verify how and when complementary feeding (CF) begins, its profile, consumption of processed foods and nutritional status of children aged 1-3 years. Methods: children enrolled at public schools in Pelotas, RS, Brazil, were evaluated; length/height-for-age and weight-for-age scores, and body mass index (BMI)/age were used, and a structured questionnaire was administered to parents/caregivers; CF was considered early when started before the age of six months; data were presented in a descriptive way. Results: 79 children were evaluated, of whom 13 were overweight and 6 obese; 11 had high weight-for-age; mean age for beginning CF was 5.3 months; when aged <6 months, 43% received gelatin, and 12.7% juice from cartons; when aged 6-24 months, 96.2% received filled biscuits and 91.1% salty snacks. Conclusion: CF and consumption of processed foods began early; obesity and overweight were more prevalent than malnutrition.

Perfil nutricional de niñas y niños indígenas menores de cinco años del Paraguay y su asociación con factores socioeconómicos y otros determinantes sociales, Encuesta de Hogares Indígenas 2008 / Nutritional profile of indigenous girls and boys under five years of age in Paraguay and its association with socioeconomic factors and other social determinants, Indigenous Household Survey 2008

Introducción: La desnutrición es un desafío pendiente que influye nocivamente en el desarrollo de los niños indígenas, afectando su potencial de crecimiento. Objetivo: Analizar la situación nutricional niños indígenas menores de cinco años en el Paraguay y su asociación con factores socio- económicos y otros determinantes sociales. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio transversal, descriptivo, analítico, realizado con datos representativos a nivel nacional de la Encuesta de Hogares Indígenas (EHI 2008). Variables: edad, sexo, grupo lingüístico, peso, talla, acceso a agua, acceso a saneamiento básico, tenencia de seguro médico, peso al nacer, lactancia materna, episodios de diarrea, educación. Se consideraron los siguientes grupos de edad: menores de un año, de 1 a 2 años, 2 a 3 años, 3 a 4 años, 4 años y más. El diagnóstico nutricional fue por antropometría, según criterios de la OMS: puntaje z Peso/Edad, Peso/Talla y Talla/Edad. Estadísticas: Se utilizaron promedio, desviación estándar, porcentajes. También se utilizó t Student y Chi cuadrado de Pearson. Significancia p < 0,05. Resultados: Fueron estudiados 555 niñas y niños menores de cinco años, edad promedio 29,1 meses (1-59 meses), 53,9% varones. Los promedios de zPeso/Edad, de zPeso/Talla y de zTalla/Edad fueron - 0,56±1,2DE; 0,64±1,2DE; -1,75±1,6DE, respectivamente. La prevalencia de Desnutrición Global (DG) fue del 9,8% (en riesgo del 25,0%), de Desnutrición Aguda (DA) del 1,5% (en riesgo del 5,6%), de Desnutrición Crónica (DC) del 41,7% (en riesgo del 29,4%), y de Obesidad del 9,0% (en riesgo del 28,6%). No se observó asociación significativa entre el estado nutricional y sexo. Se observó asociación significativa entre los grupos de edad y la DA (p<0,05), la DC (p<0,01), y el riesgo de DG (p<0,05). Se observó asociación significativa entre los grupos lingüísticos y la DC, el riesgo de DG, y el sobrepeso (p<0,05).Hubo mayor desnutrición en niños: sin seguro médico (DC 25,0 vs 43,4%, p<0,01), parto domiciliario (DC 33,2 vs 45,3%; DG 5,0 vs 11,8%; p<0,05), con bajo peso de nacimiento (en riesgo de DG 14,5 vs 39,9%; p<0,05), con diarrea durante los 3 meses anteriores (en riesgo de DG 21,2 vs 34,7%, p<0,01; sobrepeso 21,0 vs 31,6%, p<0,01), con madre no-alfabetizada (en riesgo de DG 18,6 vs 30,3%, p<0,01), con menor acceso a agua segura (DC vs 42,8vs 27,6 % p<0,01 y con piso de tierra (en riesgo de DA 0,9 vs 6,2%, p<0,05; DG 0,4 vs 11,0%, p<0,01). Conclusiones: Existe una alta prevalencia de desnutrición crónica en niños indígenas menores de cinco años de edad. Las políticas e intervenciones de alimentación y nutrición diseñadas para los pueblos indígenas deben seguir adaptándose de acuerdo con los estilos de vida culturales y las percepciones alimentarias de las comunidades para mejorar esta situación.

The effect of maternal near miss on adverse infant nutritional outcomes

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between self-reported maternal near miss and adverse nutritional status in children under one year of age. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of a study in which women who took their children under one year of age to the national vaccine campaign were interviewed. The self-reported condition of maternal near miss used the criteria of Intensive Care Unit admission; eclampsia; blood transfusion and hysterectomy; and their potential associations with any type of nutritional disorder in children, including deficits in weight-for-age, deficits in height-for-age, obesity and breastfeeding. The rates of near miss for the country, regions and states were initially estimated. The relative risks of infant adverse nutritional status according to near miss and maternal/childbirth characteristics were estimated with their 95% CIs using bivariate and multiple analyses. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of near miss was 2.9% and was slightly higher for the Legal Amazon than for other regions. No significant associations were found with nutritional disorders in children. Only a 12% decrease in overall maternal breastfeeding was associated with near miss. Living in the countryside and child over 6 months of age increased the risk of altered nutritional status by approximately 15%, while female child gender decreased this risk by 30%. Maternal near miss was not associated with an increased risk of any alteration in infant nutritional status. CONCLUSIONS: There was no association between maternal near miss and altered nutritional status in children up to one year of age. The risk of infant adverse nutritional status was greater in women living in the countryside, for children over 6 months of age and for male gender.

Frequency of nutritional disorders and their risk factors among children attending 13 nurseries in São Paulo, Brazil. A cross-sectional study / Frequência de distúrbios nutricionais e de seus fatores de risco entre crianças de 13 creches de São Paulo, Brasil. Um estudo transversal

ABSTRACTCONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Nutritional disorders are associated with health problems earlier in life. The objective here was to estimate the frequency of nutritional disorders and their risk factors among children. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in nurseries at 13 day-care centers in São Paulo, Brazil.METHODS: The mothers of 482 children were interviewed, with anthropometry on these children. Children whose anthropometric indices for weight and height were greater than two standard deviations were considered to have nutritional disorders.RESULTS: Children in families with lower per capita income (odds ratio [OR]: 2.25; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.08-4.67) and who presented neonatal risk (OR 8.08; 95% CI: 2.29-28.74), had incomplete vaccinations (OR 3.44; 95% CI: 1.15-10.31) or were male (OR 3.73; 95% CI: 1.63-8.56) were more likely to be malnourished. Children in families with lower per capita income were also less likely to be overnourished (OR 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19-0.88). Children who were exclusively breastfed for less than two months (OR 2.95; 95% CI: 1.35-6.44) or who were male (OR 2.18; 95% CI: 1.02-4.65) were also at greater risk of being overnourished. Children who presented neonatal risk (OR 3.41; 95% CI: 1.04-11.23), had incomplete vaccinations (OR 3.18; 95% CI: 1.307.76), or were male (OR 2.76; 95% CI: 1.56-4.90) were more likely to have a nutritional disorder.CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional disorders remain present in children attending nurseries in São Paulo. Actions should focus on boys, children who were exclusively breastfed for less than two months and those without up-to-date vaccinations.

RESUMOCONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Distúrbios nutricionais estão associados a problemas de saúde mais cedo na vida. O objetivo foi estimar a frequência dos distúrbios nutricionais e seus fatores de risco entre crianças.DESENHO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal em berçários de 13 creches em São Paulo, Brasil.MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas entrevistas com as mães e antropometria de 482 crianças. Foram consideradas com distúrbios nutricionais as crianças com valores dos índices antropométricos para peso e estatura maiores do que dois desvios-padrão.RESULTADOS: Crianças de famílias com menor renda per capita (OR 2,25; intervalo de confiança de 95%, IC 95%: 1,08-4,67), de risco neonatal (OR 8,08; IC 95%: 2,29-28,74), com vacinação incompleta (OR 3,44; IC 95%: 1,15-10,31) ou do sexo masculino (OR 3,73; IC 95%: 1,63-8,56) apresentaram maior risco de estarem desnutridas. Crianças de famílias com menor rendaper capitaapresentaram menor risco de estarem hipernutridas (OR 0,40; IC 95%: 0,19-0,88) e crianças que receberam amamentação exclusiva por menos de dois meses (OR 2,95; IC 95%: 1,35-6,44) ou do sexo masculino (OR 2,18; IC 95%: 1,02-4,65) apresentaram maior risco de estarem hipernutridas. Crianças de risco neonatal (OR 3,41; IC 95%: 1,04-11,23), com vacinação incompleta (OR 3,18; IC 95%: 1,30-7,76), ou do sexo masculino (OR 2,76; IC 95%: 1,56-4,90) apresentaram maior risco de terem um distúrbio nutricional.CONCLUSÕES: Distúrbios nutricionais permanecem presentes em crianças frequentadoras de creches em São Paulo. Ações devem focar meninos, crianças que foram amamentadas exclusivamente por menos de dois meses e aquelas com vacinação incompleta.

Association between socioeconomic and biological factors and infant weight gain: Brazilian Demographic and Health Survey - PNDS-2006/07 / Associação entre fatores socioeconômicos e biológicos e o ganho de peso de lactentes: Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde (PNDS) de 2006/07

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between socioeconomic and biological factors and infant weight gain. METHODS: All infants (0-23 months of age) with available birth and postnatal weight data (n = 1763) were selected from the last nationally representative survey with complex probability sampling conducted in Brazil (2006/07). The outcome variable was conditional weight gain (CWG), which represents how much an individual has deviated from his/her expected weight gain, given the birth weight. Associations were estimated using simple and hierarchical multiple linear regression, considering the survey sampling design, and presented in standard deviations of CWG with their respective 95% of confidence intervals. Hierarchical models were designed considering the UNICEF Conceptual Framework for Malnutrition (basic, underlying and immediate causes). RESULTS: The poorest Brazilian regions (-0.14 [-0.25; -0.04]) and rural areas (-0.14 [-0.26;-0.02]) were inversely associated with CWG in the basic causes model. However, this association disappeared after adjusting for maternal and household characteristics. In the final hierarchical model, lower economic status (-0.09 [-0.15; -0.03]), human capital outcomes (maternal education < 4th grade (-0.14[-0.29; 0.01]), higher maternal height (0.02[0.01; 0.03])), and fever in the past 2 weeks (-0.13[-0.26; -0.01]) were associated with postnatal weight gain. CONCLUSION: The results showed that poverty and lower human capital are still key factors associated with poor postnatal weight gain. The approach used in these analyses was sensitive to characterize inequalities among different socioeconomic contexts and to identify factors associated with CWG in different levels of determination. .

OBJETIVO: Examinar as associações entre fatores socioeconômicos e biológicos e o ganho de peso de lactentes. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados todos os lactentes (0-23 meses de idade) com dados de peso ao nascer e pós-natal avaliados na última pesquisa com representatividade nacional realizada no Brasil (2006/07) por amostragem probabilística complexa. A variável de resultado foi o Evolução Ponderal Condicional (CWG), que representa quanto um indivíduo desviou de seu ganho de peso esperado, considerando o peso ao nascer. As associações foram estimadas utilizando regressão linear simples e múltipla hierárquica, considerando o plano amostal da pesquisa e apresentadas em desvios padrão do CWG com seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. Os modelos hierárquicos foram estruturados considerando o Modelo Conceitual de Desnutrição da UNICEF (causas básicas, inerentes e imediatas). RESULTADOS: As regiões brasileiras mais pobres (-0,14 [-0,25; -0,04]) e a área rural (-0,14 [-0,26; -0,02]) foram inversamente associadas ao CWG no modelo de causas básicas. Contudo, essa associação desapareceu após o ajuste pelas características maternas e do ambiente familiar. No modelo hierárquico final, a baixa condição econômica (-0,09 [-0,15; -0,03]), as variáveis de capital humano (escolaridade materna < 5° ano (-0,14 [-0,29; 0,01])), maior estatura materna (0,02 [0,01; 0,03])) e febre nas duas semanas anteriores à pesquisa (-0,13 [-0,26; -0,01]) foram inversamente associadas ao ganho de peso pós-natal. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados mostraram que a pobreza e baixo capital humano ainda são fatores fundamentais associados ao ganho de peso pós-natal abaixo de esperado. A abordagem utilizada em nossas análises foi sensível ao caracterizar desigualdades entre diferentes contextos socioeconômicos e ao identificar fatores associados ao CWG em diferentes níveis de determinação. .

Household Food Insufficiency and Child Nutritional Status in Urban Slum, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Introduction: Malnourished children are about 20% in the developing world. Food insecurity is a key risk factor for child malnutrition. Food insuffi ciency, an extreme form of household food insecurity, can aff ect physiological mechanisms that are linked to an individual’s nutritional status. Food-insuffi cient children are also more likely to have poorer health status and to experience a range of negative academic and psychosocial outcomes. Methods: We administered a cross-sectional socioeconomic survey to 354 households in research site, including a validated food insuffi ciency measurement questionnaire, and obtained anthropometric measurements from children aged 12 to 24 months. We used chi-square tests to assess the relationship between household food insuffi ciency and nutritional status of children. Results: Average age of study children was 18 months and standard deviation was (± 3.2 months). Th e status of household food insuffi ciency was 56%. Th e prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 24%, 36% and 8% respectively. Th e household food insuffi ciency was signifi cantly (p<0.05) associated with underweight and stunting but not with wasting (p>0.05). Discussion: Th e study results indicate that food insuffi ciency is associated with stunting and underweight but not with wasting in urban slum of Bangladesh. We also found that child malnutrition is associated with mother’s education, father’s education, monthly family income and people per room.

Estimativas da prevalencia de desnutricao infantil nos municipios brasileiros em 2006 / Estimativas de la prevalencia de desnutricion infantil en los municipios brasilenos en 2006 / Estimates of the prevalence of child malnutrition in Brazilian municipalities in 2006

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência da desnutrição infantil para os municípios brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Utilizou-se modelo de regressão logística multinível para estimar a probabilidade individual de desnutrição em 5.507 municípios brasileiros em 2006, em função de fatores preditivos agrupados segundo níveis hierárquicos. A variável resposta foi a desnutrição infantil (crianças de seis a 59 meses com estatura para idade e sexo inferior a -2 escores Z, segundo o padrão da Organização Mundial da Saúde). As variáveis preditivas foram determinantes da desnutrição aferidos de forma semelhante pela Pesquisa Nacional sobre Demografia e Saúde-2006 e pela Amostra do Censo de 2000. No nível 1 (individual): sexo e idade; no nível 2 (domiciliar): variáveis socioeconômicas, água com canalização interna, área urbana ou rural; e no nível 3 (municipal): localização do município e cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família em 2006. RESULTADOS: Detectou-se elevação estatisticamente significativa da chance de desnutrição nas crianças do sexo masculino, que moravam em domicílios com duas ou mais pessoas por cômodo, pertencentes aos quintos inferiores do escore socioeconômico, com três ou mais crianças < 5 anos, que não dispunham de água encanada ou localizados na Região Norte. Verificou-se associação dose-resposta negativa entre a cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família e a chance de desnutrição (p = 0,007). Cobertura municipal da Estratégia Saúde da Família > 70% mostrou redução de 45% na chance de desnutrição infantil. Estimativas da prevalência de desnutrição infantil mostraram que a maioria ...

OBJETIVO: Estimar la prevalencia de la desnutrición infantil para los municipios brasileños MÉTODOS: Se utilizó modelo de regresión logística multinivel para estimar la probabilidad individual de desnutrición en 5.507 municipios brasileños en 2006, en función de factores predictivos agrupados según niveles jerárquicos. La variable respuesta fue la desnutrición infantil (niños de seis a 59 meses con estatura para edad y sexo inferior a -2 escores z, según el patrón de la Organización Mundial de la Salud). Las variables predictivas fueron determinantes de la desnutrición estimados de forma semejante por la Investigación Nacional sobre Demografía y Salud-2006 y por la muestra de censo de 2000. En el nivel 1 (individual): sexo y edad, en el nivel 2 (domiciliar): variables socioeconómicas, agua con tubería interna, área urbana o rural y en el nivel 3 (municipal): localización del municipio y cobertura de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia en 2006. RESULTADOS: Se detectó elevación estadísticamente significativa de la probabilidad de desnutrición en los niños del sexo masculino, que vivían en domicilios con dos o más personas por cuarto, pertenecientes a la quinta parte inferior del escore socioeconómica, con tres o más niños ˂ 5 años, que no disponían de agua en tuberías o localizados en Región Norte. Se verificó asociación dosis-respuesta negativa entre la cobertura de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia y la probabilidad de desnutrición (p=0,007). Cobertura municipal de Estrategia Salud de la Familia > 70% mostró reducción de 45% en la probabilidad de desnutrición infantil. Estimativas de prevalencia de desnutrición infantil mostraron que la mayoría de los municipios estudiados presentó riesgo de ...

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of malnutrition in children for all Brazilian municipalities. METHODS: A multilevel logistic regression model was used to estimate the individual probability of malnutrition in 5,507 Brazilian municipalities in 2006, in terms of predictive factors grouped according to hierarchical levels. The response variable was child malnutrition (children aged from six to 59 months with height for age and sex below -2 z-scores, according to the World Health Organization standard). The predictive variables were determinants of malnutrition measured similarly by the National Demographics and Health Survey-2006 and the Sample from the 2000 Demographic Census. At level 1 (individual): sex and age, level 2 (household): socioeconomic variables, water and indoor plumbing, urban or rural area and level 3 (municipal): location of the municipality and coverage of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in 2006. RESULTS: The study detected a statistically significant chance of malnutrition in male children, those living in households with two or more individuals per room, those belonging to the lowest quintiles of the socioeconomic score, those with three or more children under five in the household, those with no access to running water or located in the North. There was a negative dose-response association between FHS coverage and the chance of malnutrition (p = 0.007). FHS coverage in the municipality equal to or greater than 70% showed a 45% reduction in the chance of infant malnutrition. Estimates of the prevalence of child malnutrition show that most of the cities have the risk of malnutrition under control, very low or low. Risks of greater magnitude exist only in 158 municipalities in the North Region. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood malnutrition as a public health problem is concentrated in the cities of the North region, where FHS coverage is lower. A protective effect of FHS in relation to child malnutrition was ...

Magnitude, tendência temporal e fatores associados à anemia em crianças do Estado da Paraíba / Magnitude, time trends and factors associate with anemia in children in the state of Paraíba, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência da anemia em crianças, sua tendência temporal e identificar fatores associados. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal, de base populacional, envolvendo 1.108 crianças, com idade entre seis e 59 meses, de ambos os sexos, do Estado da Paraíba, em 2007. A hemoglobina foi analisada em sangue venoso com contador automático. Foram considerados para anemia valores < 11,0 g/dL, forma leve 9-11g/dL, moderada 7-9 g/dL e grave < 7,0 g/dL. As condições socioeconômicas e demográficas das crianças foram obtidas por meio de questionário aos pais ou responsáveis. As proporções foram comparadas pelo teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson, e a associação entre as concentrações de hemoglobina e potenciais fatores de riscos foi testada pelo modelo de regressão de Poisson. A tendência temporal da anemia foi avaliada pelo incremento/redução na prevalência de anemia nos anos de 1982, 1992 e 2007. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de anemia foi de 36,5% (IC95% 33,7;39,3). Observa-se que 1,3% (IC95% 0,7;1,8) foi na forma grave, 11,1% (IC95% 9,4;13,5) na forma moderada e 87,6% (IC95% 79,1;91,2) na forma leve. Houve um incremento de 88,5% nos casos de anemia no período entre 1982 e1992 e uma estabilização na prevalência entre 1992 e 2007. A análise ajustada no modelo de Poisson mostrou maior suscetibilidade à anemia nas crianças de seis a 24 meses de idade, naquelas amamentadas por seis meses ou mais, que co-habitavam com mais de quatro pessoas no mesmo domicílio e moravam em casas com menos de cinco cômodos. CONCLUSÕES: A alta prevalência de anemia mostra que continua sendo um importante problema de saúde pública no Estado da Paraíba. Apesar da estabilização na prevalência entre 1992 e 2007, a anemia apresenta-se em elevado patamar, o que impõe medidas mais efetivas de prevenção e controle.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the magnitude of the anemia, to analyze the time trends and investigate the factors associated with this disturbance in children in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey, of population-based, with 1108 children, aged 6 to 59 months, both sexes in the state of Paraíba. Hemoglobin (Hb) in venous blood was analyzed with an automatic counter. The social-economic and demographic characteristics of children were obtained by questionnaire. Proportions were compared by Pearson's chi-squared test, and the association between hemoglobin concentrations and potential risk factors was tested by regression model Poisson. The time trend of anemia was assessed by the increase/decreased in the prevalence of anemia, using as comparison the prevalence observed in the years 1982, 1992 and 2007. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia (Hb < 11.0 g/dl) in the state of Paraíba was 36.5% (CI95% 33.7 to 39.3). It was observed that 1.3% (CI95% 0.7 to 1.8) were in severe form (Hb <7.0 g/dl), 11% (CI95% 9.4 to 13.5) in a moderate form and 87.6% (CI95% 79.1 to 91.2) in the mild form. There was an increase 88.5% in cases of anemia between the years 1982-1992 and stabilization in the prevalence between the years 1992-2007. The analysis adjusted Poisson model showed a greater susceptibility to anemia in children 6 to 24 months of age, those breastfed for six months or more, who co-inhabited with more than 04 people in the same household and lived in houses with less than 05 rooms. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that anemia remains an important public health problem in the state of Paraíba and despite having been shown an stabilization in the prevalence of anemia between 1992-2007, differently the prevalence observed between 1982-1992, this deficiency presents in high level, witch requires more effective measures of prevention and control.

Antropometría en niños de la consulta externa del Hospital Universitario del Valle de Cali, Colombia, según la OMS / Anthropometry in children ambulatory from Hospital Universitario del Valle

Objetivo: Valorar por medio de antropometría, a los niños que asisten a la Consulta Externa del Hospital Universitario del Valle “Evaristo García” (HUV) de Cali, Colombia por medio de los patrones de crecimiento infantil de la OMS entre el 1 de julio y el 31 de diciembre de 2010. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional no experimental (N=214 niños), edad (E) entre los 0 meses y 17 años, que asistieron al HUV. Se dividieron en 3 grupos: 0 meses a 2 años; >2 años a 4 años y 11 meses, y 5 a 18 años. Se le realizó una historia clínica completa, peso (P), talla (T) y perímetro cefálico (PC) y diagnóstico de primera vez según sistema comprometido. Se aplicó el software Nutritional Statistical System (NSS)®, el cual utiliza como guía de referencia los patrones de crecimiento infantil de la OMS, teniendo como indicadores antropométricos para cada grupo de edad el P/E, el P/T, la T/E, el Índice de masa corporal (IMC), y el PC/E y PC/T. Se realizó su análisis estadístico como porcentajes, promedios, moda, me d i a , me diana y desviación estándar. Conclusiones: Todos los indicadores antropométricos utilizados estuvieron afectados con algún tipo de déficit nutricional, siendo el IMC el menos afectado con un 24,5% y el más afectado es el P/E con un 58,1%. En cuanto a los excesos nutricionales, se encontró que el sobrepeso y la obesidad presentan porcentajes de 17,3% y 3,1% respectivamente. Según los diagnósticos de primera vez, la anomalía con mayor porcentaje de tipo respiratorio con el 18,2%. El indicador PC se utilizó para correlacionarlo con la E, pero es aconsejable utilizarlo igualmente para la talla, lo que podría dar un mejor criterio de diagnóstico.

Objective: To assess through anthropometry, children attending the outpatient clinic of the Hospital Universitario del Valle "Evaristo Garcia" (HUV) Cali, Colombia through the Child Growth Standards WHO between July 1 and on December 31, 2010. Materials and Methods: Descriptive observational nonexperimental (N = 214 children), aged (A) 0 months to 17 years, who attended the HUV. They were divided into 3 groups: 0 months to 2 years; > 2 years to 4 years and 11 months, and 5 to 18 years. They underwent a complete medical history, weight (W), height (H) and head circumference (HC) and the first time as diagnosis of compromised system. Nutritional software was applied, which uses as a reference guide to childhood growth patterns by WHO, with the anthropometric indicators for each age group the W/A, W/H, H/A, BMI, and HC/A and HC/H. Statistical analysis was performed as percentages, averages, mode, mean, median and standard deviation. Conclusions: All anthropometric indicators used were affected with some type of nutritional deficiency, with a BMI less affected with 24.5% and the most affected is the W/A 58.1%. In terms of nutritional excesses, it was found that overweight and obesity have percentages of 17.3% and 3.1% respectively. According to the first diagnosis of the anomaly with the greatest percentage of respiratory type with 18.2%. The indicator HC was used to correlate with A, but it is advisable to use also for H, which could give a better diagnostic criteria.

Incidencia de desnutrición aguda y sus complicaciones en niños menores de cinco años, al ingreso a salas de hospitalización, segundo semestre de la gestión 2009, Hospital de Quillacollo / Incidence of acute malnutrition and its complications in children under five years, entering wards, management second half of 2009, Quillacollo Hospital

La desnutrición en el niño, especialmente en el menor de 5 años determina complicaciones o enfermedades que derivan del daño al sistema inmunitario.El estudio pretende establecer la incidencia de desnutrición, al ingreso a salas de hospitalización y las patologías asociadas, en niños menores de 5 años en el Hospital de Quillacollo durante el segundo semestre de la gestión 2009. Para el estudio se utilizó una metodología cuantitativa de orientación descriptiva, transversal y se aplicó una guía de recolección de datos de fuente secundaria: la historia clínica del menor de 5 años ingresado al Hospital. De un total de 79 niños internados, por diferentes causas, 27 de ellos (34,2%) presentaban desnutrición aguda en algún grado, siendo más frecuente la desnutrición leve con 55,6%; la patología asociada más frecuente (29,2%) al ingreso es el síndrome diarreico agudo; sin embargo, el 100% de los niños que ingresaron por infección urinaria y sepsis fueron desnutridos.

Prevención de la desnutrición de la madre y el niño: el componente de nutrición de la Iniciativa Salud Mesoamérica 2015 / Preventing maternal and child malnutrition: The nutrition component of the Mesoamerican Health Initiative 2015

Describir un plan maestro para el desarrollo de planes nacionales para prevenir la desnutrición materno-infantil en Mesoamérica en un plazo de cinco años. Para ello se elaboró un análisis sobre los principales problemas, políticas y programas de nutrición en Mesoamérica. A partir del análisis y de la revisión de la literatura sobre las mejores prácticas en el combate a la desnutrición, el Grupo Técnico de Nutrición desarrolló, discutió y validó el plan durante varias reuniones presenciales. Se desarrolló la teoría de cambio que identifica los problemas y barreras, las acciones propuestas, los cambios e impactos esperados. Se propone la implementación de paquetes de intervenciones para reducir la desnutrición y deficiencia de micronutrientes de utilidad para diversos contextos epidemiológicos. El plan maestro de nutrición constituye un insumo que puede facilitar la elaboración de propuestas de programas y políticas dirigidos a reducir la desnutrición y promover la toma de decisiones basadas en evidencia.

To describe the regional master plan of nutrition to address maternal and child malnutrition in a 5- year period developed by the Nutrition Technical Group. The Nutrition Technical Group developed a situation analysis describing the main nutrition problems, policies and programs in Mesoamerica. The situation analysis and a literature review about effective interventions to address malnutrition were conducted to develop a nutrition master plan. The Nutrition Technical Group held various meetings to develop, discuss and validate the master plan. Theory of change identified problems and barriers, the actions to be developed, the changes and impacts expected. A package of interventions is proposed to reduce undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies useful under different epidemiological contexts. The nutrition master plan provides a guideline of best practices that can be used for evidence-informed decision making and the development of national policies and programs to reduce malnutrition.

Perfil nutricional e fatores associados à ocorrência de desnutrição entre crianças indígenas Kaingáng da Terra Indígena de Mangueirinha, Paraná, Brasil / Nutritional profile and factors associated with malnutrition in Kaingáng children on the Mangueirinha Indigenous Reserve, Paraná State, Brazil

Este estudo objetivou avaliar o estado nutricional de crianças indígenas e verificar os fatores associados à ocorrência de agravos nutricionais. Foram avaliadas 141 crianças Kaingáng de 0 a 60 meses de idade da Terra Indígena de Mangueirinha, Paraná, Brasil, por meio das medidas de peso e altura ou comprimento. Realizaram-se entrevistas com a aplicação de um questionário sobre condições materno-infantis e sócioeconômicas. Segundo os parâmetros da Organização Mundial da Saúde (2006), 24,8 por cento das crianças apresentavam déficit de altura para idade (AI), 9,2 por cento baixo peso para idade (PI), 2,1 por cento baixo peso para altura (PA) e 2,1 por cento baixo peso segundo o índice de massa corporal para idade (IMCI). De acordo com o NCHS (1977), 19,9 por cento das crianças apresentaram baixa AI, 9,2 por cento baixo PI e 1,4 por cento baixo PA. O sobrepeso chegou a 6,4 por cento, segundo o IMCI. O baixo peso ao nascer e os materiais utilizados na construção das paredes das casas estiveram estatisticamente associados com déficits antropométricos. Este estudo mostra que as crianças Kaingáng estão inseridas em um contexto marcado por precárias condições de vida, que estão associadas com indicadores desfavoráveis do estado nutricional.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of indigenous children and to investigate factors associated with nutritional deficits. Weight and height measurements were obtained for 141 Kaingáng children from 0 to 5 years of age living on the Mangueirinha Indigenous Reserve in Paraná State, Brazil. Data on maternal and infant conditions and socioeconomic characteristics were also gathered through face-to-face interviews. Based on World Health Organization criteria (2006), 24.8 percent of the children presented low height-for-age (HA), 9.2 percent low weight-for-age (WA), 2.1 percent low weight-for-height (WH), and 2.1 percent low weight according to body mass index for age (BMIA). Based on NCHS criteria (1977), 19.9 percent of the children presented low HA, 9.2 percent low WA, and 1.4 percent low WH. 6.4 percent were overweight according to BMIA. Low birth weight and non-masonry housing construction were associated statistically with nutritional deficits. The Kaingáng children are subject to poor living conditions, associated with deficits in their nutritional profile.

Training in complementary feeding counselling of healthcare workers and its influence on maternal behaviours and child growth: a cluster-randomized controlled trial in Lahore, Pakistan.

Malnutrition is common among children aged 6-24 months in developing countries. It increases the risk of mortality. Interventions to improve infant-feeding hold the promise of reducing malnutrition among these children. A study in Brazil has shown the success of training in communication and counselling skills among health workers in improving the nutritional status of young children. Questions were raised whether the method used in the study in Brazil would also be effective when applied in other countries. The aim of the present study was to reduce growth faltering in young children through proper nutrition-promotion techniques. The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of training health workers in nutrition counselling in enhancing their communication skills and performance, improving feeding practices, and reducing growth faltering in children aged 6-24 months. A cluster-randomized controlled trial was carried out. The method used in this study was a replica of the method in a similar study in Pelotas, Brazil. Forty health centres were paired, and one centre of each pair was randomly allocated to the intervention group, and the other to the control group. The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) module-'Counsel the mother'-was used for training health workers in the health centres in the intervention group. Data from 36 paired health centres and 375 mothers and their children aged 6-24 months recruited from these health centres following consultation with health workers were included in analysis. Independent observers, masked to the intervention status, examined the performance of health workers within the first month after training. Mother-child pairs were visited at home within two weeks, 45 days, and 180 days after recruitment. Information was recorded on the feeding practices, recall of the recommendations of health workers, and sociodemographic variables at these home-visits. Weight and length of the child were measured at each contact. The communication skills and consultation performance of health workers were significantly better in the intervention group than in the control group. The mothers' recall of the recommendation of health workers and reported infant-feeding practices were also significantly better in the intervention group than in the control group, even 180 days after the recruitment consultation. Growth faltering was less in the intervention group, with the largest effect observed among children in the age-group of 12 + months. These results indicate that training in IMCI feeding counselling can enhance the communication skills and performance of health workers. Improved feeding practices of counselled mothers can, in turn, reduce growth faltering in their children.