Presentation
Nutrition Status of Children in Rural and Urban Areas in Ecuador
Faseb Science Research Conference
(2012)
Abstract
ObjectiveTo determine the effect of geographical location on nutritionstatus of children in Ecuador.Methods171 school-aged children (ages 7–15) were assessed using height-for-age (stunting), weight-for-age (underweight), and BMI-for-age indices based on the World Health Organization reference standards. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis and percent body fat calculated using the Lohman’s equation. Independent t-test, multiple and logistic linear regression were performed on nutrition indices.ResultsThe overall prevalence of under-nutrition (<−2 z score) were significantly higher in urbanareas (p<0.001), with 11.4 percent of children stunted and 1.8 percent underweight. In the ruralareaschildren were only mildly stunted and underweight (below −1 z score). Mean z score indices for both height-for-age and weight-for-age were found to be significantly lower among urbanchildren than for ruralchildren (p<0.001). When adjusted for age and sex, living in urbanareas had a negative influence on height for age (regression coeff= −.811, p <0.001). Urbanchildren were also 4 times more likely of becoming mildly stunted (OR=3.95% CL 1.818, 8.448) and 3 times more likely of being mildly underweight (OR=3. 95% CL 1.241, 7.551).ConclusionLiving in urbanareas of Ecuador is a predisposing factor to poor nutrition among children.Sponsored by Loma Linda University.
Keywords
- nutrition of children,
- Ecuador
Disciplines
Publication Date
April, 2012
Location
Snowmass, Colorado
Comments
Link to abstract
Citation Information
W. Lawrence Beeson, Zaida R. Cordero-MacIntyre, Sozina Katuli and Zuhair Natto. "Nutrition Status of Children in Rural and Urban Areas in Ecuador" Faseb Science Research Conference (2012) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sozina-katuli/12/