[Determinants of weight and linear growth deficits in children under two years of age].
OBJECTIVE
To identify determinants of protein-energy malnutrition resulting in weight and linear growth deficits in children.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1,041 children (under two years of age) from 10 municipalities in Bahia, Northeastern Brazil, during 1999-2000. Both logistic regression and a hierarchical approach were used to identify factors associated with the anthropometric measures.


RESULTS
The basic determinant found in the final model for linear growth retardation was having up to two household appliances (OR=2.9; 95% CI: 1.74-4.90); as an underlying determinant, not attending prenatal visits (OR=2.7; 95% CI: 1.47-4.97); and, among immediate determinants were low birth weight (OR=3.6; 95% CI: 1.72-7.70) and reported hospitalization within 12 months before the interview (OR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.42-4.10). Determinants of weight deficit at the basic, underlying and immediate levels were: per capita monthly income of less than one-fourth of the minimum wage (OR=3.4; 95% CI: 1.41-8.16), not attending prenatal visits (OR=2.1; 95% CI: 1.03-4.35) and low birth weight (OR=4.8; 95% CI: 2.00-11.48) respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Children's weight and linear deficits were accounted for the overlapping of poor material living conditions, limited access to health care and disease burden. Interventions aimed at improving living conditions and better access to health care programs are strategies towards equity in children's health and nutrition.
Oliveira
Valterlinda Alves de
VA
Escola de Nutrição, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Araújo Pino 32, Canela, 40110-150 Salvador, BA, Brasil. valterlinda@terra.com.br
Assis
Ana Marlúcia Oliveira
AM
Pinheiro
Sandra Maria Conceição
SM
Barreto
Mauricio Lima
ML
D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007228:Infant Nutrition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors