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Objective: To compare urban and rural differences in nutritional status and associated factors among children 7-10 years old.
Methods: Cross-sectional study in 73 elementary schools of two municipalities (an urban and another rural) in Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil (2008-2009). Anthropometric data were collected according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Weight and stature were measured using an electronic scale and stadiometer. All subjects were weighed and measured without shoes, light clothing, with hair down and without ornaments. The body mass index (BMI) classification was used according to WHO’s recommendations. Trained staff collected anthropometric data and skin color by following recommended guideline. Identification form, a questionnaire about socioeconomic variables and about food and nutrition data were applied.
Results: A total of 2183 children (55% girls, mean age 8.5; 51.4% white, 58.7% living in urban areas) were studied. The prevalence of obesity was 7.3% (9% in urban vs. 5% in rural, p<0.001). No significant differences between girls and boys in the same study area were observed. However, when was made comparison between boys and between girls from different residence area, were possible to notice significant statistical differences on mean of weight (p<0.01), height (p<0.001) and BMI (p<0.001). Those children who attended public schools had lower BMI (16.9± 2.8) compared to those who attended private school (17.5 ± 2.9) (p = 0.004).
Conclusion: Children living in urban areas have a weight, height and BMI higher than children who live in rural areas, therefore, place of residence seems to be a determinant factor in this process. Furthermore, those children who attended private schools had higher BMI than those who attended public schools, confirming social and environmental factors as determinants of the nutritional status of these children.
Learning Objectives: At World Congress on Public Health will be possible to develop and discuss the scientific knowledge about the general subjects on public health. I hope that the participation at The World Congress on Public Health will favor the scientific community toiIdentify, articulate, construct and apply different types of knowledge. I hope that my participation in this Congress to expand my knowledge in public health, especially in the theme of social determinants of health.