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Factors Associated with Growth and Weight Status in Indigenous Children Under 5 Years of Age in Northeastern Brazil
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Orientador(es)
Resumo(s)
Objective: Indigenous children in Brazil experience persistent health and nutritional inequities, yet remain underrepresented in epidemiological research. This study investigated factors associated with the nutritional status of Indigenous children under 5 years in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional household survey collected demographic, socioeconomic, maternal, perinatal, and anthropometric data of 329 children across 13 Indigenous communities in Alagoas, Brazil. Height-for-age (HAZ) and body mass index-for-age (BAZ) z-scores were calculated using the World Health Organization growth standards. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate coefficients (β) and confidence intervals (95%CI) of factors associated with HAZ and BAZ. Results: Among 329 Indigenous children (52% boys, mean age [standard deviation, SD]: 2.4 [1.4] years), the mean HAZ was − 0.38 (SD: 1.09) and BAZ was 0.50 (SD: 1.10). Overall, 6.1% of children were stunted (HAZ <-2) and 9.5% were overweight (BAZ > + 2). HAZ was negatively associated with moderate or severe food insecurity (β: −0.37; 95%CI: −0.71, −0.03). Children living in masonry households (β: 0.71; 95%CI: 0.10, 1.32) and whose mothers were taller (β: 0.54; 95%CI: 0.24, 0.85) had higher HAZ. Regarding weight status, maternal underweight (β: −1.02; 95%CI: −2.00, −0.03) and cesarean section (β: 0.38; 95%CI: 0.14, 0.63) were significantly associated with BAZ. Conclusions for Practice: Monitoring the nutritional status of Indigenous children is important in the first years of life. Strengthening traditional practices within Indigenous territories is essential for improved nutritional outcomes.
Descrição
Funding information: The Article Processing Charge (APC) for the publication of this research was funded by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) (ROR identifier: 00x0ma614). This study was supported by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq 432249/2018-4), São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP 2019/22739-4), and Alagoas Research Foundation (FAPEAL 600300000000460/2020). ABSLA and VCO were supported by master scholarships from Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), grants nº 88887.836261/2023-00 and 88887.663687/2022-00, respectively (Finance code 001). HSF and MAC are recipients of CNPq senior research scholarships. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and interpretation, or the decision to submit the work for publication. Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s) 2026.
Palavras-chave
Child nutrition Indigenous children Nutritional status Overweight Stunting Epidemiology Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health Obstetrics and Gynaecology Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health SDG 2 - Zero Hunger SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being