Anthropometric indicators in traditional peoples and communities in Brazil: analysis of individual records from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, 2019.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the prevalence of underweight and obesity indicators among individuals registered as traditional peoples and communities in the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, across Brazil, in 2019.

Methods: This was a descriptive study using individual secondary data from participants receiving care in the Primary Health Care within the Brazilian National Health System.

Results: In the study population (N = 13,944), there was a higher prevalence of short stature among male children and adolescents (14.2%), when compared to their female counterparts (11.8%); in the adult female population, there was a higher prevalence of obesity (23.0%), when compared to the male population (11.3%); the prevalence of low height-for-age in riverine communities (18.5%) and obesity in the adult faxinalense population (75.1%) stood out.

Conclusion: Anthropometric disparities between different communities require tailored responses, emphasizing targeted primary health care and programs to ensure food and nutrition security.

Main results: It was possible to identify a higher prevalence of low weight and height-for-age in the child population of riverine communities, while faxinalense communities showed a higher prevalence of obesity in adults.

Implications for services: Continuous improvement in the implementation of SISVAN protocols is recommended, as well as strengthening the assistance provided to communities with the worst indicators.

Perspectives: Studies assessing the potential impact of interventions to mitigate the effects of malnutrition in communities, through in-depth qualitative research or probabilistic quantitative studies using primary data.