Urban-rural differences in the growth status of Venezuelan children

The height and weight of 28,752 urban and 10,557 rural individuals aged birth to 18 years were measured as part of a cross-sectional national survey (Project Venezuela) between 1981 and 1986. The Preece-Baines model 1 was fitted to the means; pooled residual mean squares of 0.21 and 0.13 in height and 0.44 and 0.13 in weight, for boys and girls respectively, indicated a good fit. Derived means and biological parameters were compared. The nutritional status of 18,849 children aged birth to 8 years was assessed using the WHO-recommended NCHS/CDC 3rd or 10th and 90th centiles as cut-off points for weight for height, weight for age, and height for age. A t test for proportions was used to test significance. Urban children were taller and heavier than their rural counterparts; differences were evident after age 2 and maximal at 14 years in boys and 12 years in girls, due to differences in tempo, although part of the differences persist into adulthood. Prevalences of wasting and stunting were 3.5% and 10.5% higher in rural children and overweight was 3.6% higher in urban children, significantly so in height for age. A mixed nutritional problem is present in Venezuelans, with a prevalence of stunting greater than that of wasting and a prevalence of overweight greater in urban children. Urban-rural differences in growth persisted into adulthood in boys, while rural girls were similar to urban girls at the end of growth.