Factors Associated with Growth and Weight Status in Indigenous Children Under 5 Years of Age in Northeastern Brazil

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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.

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