Evaluation of the nutritional status of the Parkatêjê indigenous community in Bom Jesus do Tocantins, Pará, Brazil

Abstract

The nutritional status of the Mãe-Maria indigenous community in Bom Jesus do Tocantins, Pará State, Brazil, was ascertained in a descriptive study in which ninety percent of the total population (278 individuals) agreed to participate. Weight-for-height and height-for-age indices and Body Mass Index (BMI) were ascertained for children and adults by gender, respectively, as were weight and height means in adolescents. Compared to NCHS curves, overweight and chronic malnutrition were observed, respectively, in 6.7 and 8.6 % of all children under 10 years old (104). Weight means were similar among Indians and NCHS adolescents, while height means were lower among the former. Overweight prevalence (BMI 25 to 29) was 23.7% among male adults and 50.0% among female adults, and obesity (BMI > 30) was observed in 12.5% of adult females.