Socioeconomic status and body size among women in Honduran Miskito communities

This study investigates evidence of the nutrition transition among women in Miskito communities on the northeastern coast of Honduras.

The hypothesis that socioeconomic status (SES) is positively associated with body size and fatness is tested; and dietary and physical activity patterns are examined among SES groups.

An anthropometric survey was conducted with 200 non-pregnant women following standard procedures. Dietary intake and physical activity data were collected using 24-hour recall methods. Women were categorized into three SES groups (high, medium and low) based on economic and social attributes. Differences in anthropometric measures, diet and physical activity among SES groups were analysed.

More than 70% (n = 142) of women in the sample were overweight or obese. Mean height, weight, skin-fold thicknesses, arm and calf circumferences, percentage body fat and upper-arm fat area were significantly greater among high SES women than low SES women. Women with high SES had lower rates of physical activity and higher rates of obesity, perceived food sufficiency, meat consumption, milk/dairy intake and general dietary diversity.

High SES women were significantly fatter than low SES women; and variation observed among groups is likely related to different patterns of dietary intake and physical activity.