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Nutritional status of pre-school children from low income families

Denise O Shoeps1, Luiz Carlos de Abreu, Vitor E Valenti

  • 1Departamento de Saúde Materno-infantil, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

Nutrition Journal
|May 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Preschool children from low-income families show advanced nutritional transition, with a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, indicating a shift from undernutrition. This study assessed growth and nutritional status in 1544 Brazilian children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Child Growth and Development

Background:

  • Evaluated growth and nutritional status of preschool children (2-6 years) from low-income families.
  • Study conducted across 14 daycare centers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Assess the nutritional status and growth patterns of preschool children in low-income settings.
  • Identify prevalence of malnutrition, overweight, and obesity.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 1544 children in Santo Andre, Brazil.
  • Utilized CDC/NCHS 2000 growth charts for weight, height, and BMI classification.
  • Employed Stepwise Forward Regression analysis with relevant covariates.

Main Results:

  • Children's mean z scores for height, weight, and BMI were above CDC/NCHS medians.
  • Positive correlation observed between age and weight, height, and BMI (r=0.89-0.95).
  • Prevalence of overweight was 16.8% and obesity was 10.8%; malnutrition was minimal.

Conclusions:

  • Low-income preschool children exhibit an advanced nutritional transition.
  • High prevalence of overweight and obesity indicates a significant public health concern.
Abstract

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