[Age structure, natality and mortality of the Xavante indigenous people of Mato Grosso State, Brazilian Amazon]. / Estrutura etária, natalidade e mortalidade do povo indígena Xavante de Mato Grosso, Amazônia, Brasil.

The overall demographic and health characteristics of indigenous peoples in Brazil are well-known. They are influenced by factors such as territorial restriction, introduction of diseases, changes in social and economic patterns, reduced access to health services, education, all related to patterns of interaction with the Brazilian society. In this paper we analyze demographic and health data on the Xavante Indigenous People, including comparisons with national data. The data on the Xavante, despite limitations related to methodological issues, point to very high mortality levels, way beyond national averages. Mortality is particularly high in children below age five. Xavante infant mortality is among the highest reported in indigenous peoples in Brazil. The results suggest that indigenous peoples are undergoing a complex process of health transition. Although infectious diseases persist as leading causes of mortality, deaths associated with chronic non-transmissible diseases and external causes (including violence) are becoming more common among the Xavante. The authors emphasize that it is fundamental that more attention should be paid to the improvement of the health and demographic information system on indigenous peoples in Brazil.

[Dental caries and need for dental care among the Baniwa Indians, Rio Negro, Amazonas]. / Cárie dentária e necessidade de tratamento odontológico entre os índios Baniwa do Alto Rio Negro, Amazonas.

Epidemiologic research conducted with Indian communities in Brazil has shown strong correlation between the deterioration of their oral health and the consumption of industrial products, sugar in particular, added to the lack of structure of oral health care. This study was carried out among the Baniwa Indians from the Tunuí-Cachoeira region, São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Northwestern Amazon, Brazil. A cross-sectional survey was conducted according to the criteria established by the WHO, focusing on dental caries and need for dental treatment. A total of 590 individuals were examined (49.2% of the population older than 2 years). The mean numbers of teeth with caries were 6.0, 8.2 and 22.1 in the age groups 12-14, 15-19 and more than 50 years respectively. In children with deciduous dentition the highest mean value of decayed, missing and filled teeth (5.3) was observed in children age 5. From the total of examined people, 73.6% showed some need for surgery-restoration. The individuals between 15-19 years of age show the highest need for restorations. The DFMT index for the Baniwa can be considered high. The results show that it is necessary to expand public health control measures related to oral heath, taking into consideration the complex socio-cultural reality of the Northwestern Amazon region.