Nutritional status and associated factors in children and adolescents

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the nutritional status and its associated factors in children and adolescents of public elementary’ schools system in the municipality Barreirinha, Amazons. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in five public schools and comprising a total of 1,513 students between 5 and 17 years. As instruments for data collection, a mechanical scale and a common tape measure were used. Anthropometric index for height/age and body mass index/age were analyzed, according to the World Health Organization. This study considered dependent variables were low body height and excess weight, and considered the independent variables were age group, sex and type of school. The Logistic Regression model was applied, with a Confidence Interval of 95%, being adjusted with step-by-step entry of variables, to analysis of the associations of the outcome variables with the explanatory variables. Results: A low body height and excess weight prevalence were reported as 16.3% and 13.3%. Conclusion: The nutritional status in this population is remarkable by high index of low body height and excess weight. We, therefore, recommendations of health promotion and prevention for these schoolchildren.