Abstract

MONDINI, Lenise et al. Nutrition status in Kamaiurá Indian children: Alto Xingu, Central Brazil. Rev. bras. epidemiol. [online]. 2007, vol.10, n.1, pp. 39-47. ISSN 1415-790X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-790X2007000100005.

In order to evaluate nutritional and anemic status, 112 Indian children (Kamaiurá), aged from 0 to 119.9 months, from the Alto Xingu region of central Brazil were studied in 2000/2001. The international growth reference - NCHS was used to evaluate height and weight, according to the child's age and gender. Growth deficit (stunting) and low weight status (wasting) were determined when height-for-age and weight-for-height indices were below _2 z scores, respectively, and obesity status when the weight-for-height index was above 2 z scores. Stunting was observed in 1/3 of the children and neither wasting nor obesity were observed. The anemic status was diagnosed by hemoglobin values below 11 g/dl for children from 6 to 59 months of age, and below 11.5 g/dl, for children from 60 to 119.9 months. About 50% of the Indian children were anemic and 15% were affected by severe anemia. There is a particular need to ensure efforts to implement environment, health and nutrition programs addressed to Kamaiurá children.

Keywords : Children; Indians; Growth deficit; Anemia; Alto Xingu; Brazil.