[Factors associated with linear growth of socially vulnerable children of the State of Paraíba, Brazil].

Abstract

This study set out to examine the associated factors, including zinc deficiency, of stunting in children attended in daycare centers in the State of Paraíba. It is a cross-sectional study, involving 353 children aged 6-72 months old. Data on biological characteristics, health situation and socioeconomic conditions of children were obtained by a questionnaire. Children with height for age indices two z scores below the median value of the reference population were considered to be stunted. The level of zinc in hair was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The prevalence of stunting was 7.36%. Low birth weight, age range 6-36 months, incomplete immunization, low maternal weight, per capita income of less than 0.5 minimum wages and living in a given/donated or invaded house were significantly associated with height for age index deficit. Stunted children were more prone to zinc deficiency, however, without statistical difference with normal growth children. Thus, there is a clear differential in linear growth that favors the children of higher socioeconomic status and favorable maternal history and health.

• Authors: Dixis Figueroa Pedraza, Márcia Cristina Sales, Tarciana Nobre de Menezes
• Journal: Ciencia & saude coletiva (Cien Saude Colet) Vol. 21 Issue 3 Pg. 935-46 (Mar 2016) ISSN: 1678-4561 [Electronic] Brazil
• Vernacular Title: Fatores associados ao crescimento linear de crianças socialmente vulneráveis do Estado da Paraíba, Brasil.
• PMID: 26960105 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Body Height
• Brazil (epidemiology)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• Growth Disorders (epidemiology)
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Prevalence
• Social Conditions
• Socioeconomic Factors
• Thinness
• Vulnerable Populations