Nutrition Status of Children in Rural and Urban Areas in Ecuador

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of geographical location on nutritionstatus of children in Ecuador.Methods171 school-aged children (ages 7–15) were assessed using height-for-age (stunting), weight-for-age (underweight), and BMI-for-age indices based on the World Health Organization reference standards. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis and percent body fat calculated using the Lohman’s equation. Independent t-test, multiple and logistic linear regression were performed on nutrition indices.ResultsThe overall prevalence of under-nutrition (<−2 z score) were significantly higher in urbanareas (p<0.001), with 11.4 percent of children stunted and 1.8 percent underweight. In the ruralareaschildren were only mildly stunted and underweight (below −1 z score). Mean z score indices for both height-for-age and weight-for-age were found to be significantly lower among urbanchildren than for ruralchildren (p<0.001). When adjusted for age and sex, living in urbanareas had a negative influence on height for age (regression coeff= −.811, p <0.001). Urbanchildren were also 4 times more likely of becoming mildly stunted (OR=3.95% CL 1.818, 8.448) and 3 times more likely of being mildly underweight (OR=3. 95% CL 1.241, 7.551).ConclusionLiving in urbanareas of Ecuador is a predisposing factor to poor nutrition among children.Sponsored by Loma Linda University.