Child health: Risk factors applied in programs of primary health care

Abstract

Objective: To compare the frequency of risk factors in children attending basic health units (UBS) in two periods (1988-1989 and 2005-2006) and to analyze the association of these factors with malnutrition, hospitalization and death. Methods: A retrospective study using a quantitative approach with a random cohort sample (n = 414) of children under one year of age, enrolled in two UBS of Embu (SP) in 2005-2006. Independent variables: high risk and presence of risk factors. Outcomes: unfavorable weight gain, malnutrition, hospitalization and death. Statistics: Chi-square and Odds Ratio. results: In 2005-2006, we found: a higher frequency of neonatal complications and adolescent mothers; lower rates of malnutrition or death of a sibling <5 years; unfavorable weight gain (1.6%); nutritional deficit (2.9%); BMI ≥ 2z (17.9%); hospitalizations (21.8%); no deaths. Low birth weight was associated with hospitalization (OR = 4.04, 95%: 1,35-12, 04). Conclusions: Low birth weight remains an important risk factor and the proportion of overweight/obesity indicates a need for redirection of child health activities.