title: [The relationship between the human development index and nutritional variables in Brazilian children].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was aimed at showing the relationship of the Human Development Index (HDI) in different areas of Brazil to body composition variable patterns, thereby indicating these variables' nutritional status and the suitability of their use.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative study. The sample consisted of male and female state school students aged 8 to 10 years old from 3 regions of Brazil . They were randomised according to region: south, n=(262 male, 251 female), northeast, n=(45 male, 35 female) and north, n=(96 male, 38 female). The protocols used were mass, stature, total skin-folding and body mass index (BMI). The HDI was taken from the United Nations' Development Programme. One-way ANOVA (parametric data) and the Kurskal-Wallis test (non-parametric data) were used for comparative, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. A p<0.05 significance level was adopted (i.e. 95 % probability of affirmatives and/or negatives denoted during the investigation).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results revealed a p<0.0001 significant difference regarding the variables being investigated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using anthropometry as an auxiliary tool for ascertaining infants' body composition can help in the early treatment and prevention of nutritional disorders such as malnutrition and obesity. It can form part of public policy linked to infant assistance, using efficient and simple means for preventing public health problems.
authors: Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. suzie_rego@hotmail.com
authors: Suzie A de Souza
authors: SA
authors: Jacinto-Rego
authors: Vera L
authors: VL
authors: Bruch
authors: André
authors: A
authors: Boscatto
authors: João Batista da
authors: JB
authors: Silva
authors: Filipe
authors: F
authors: Ferreira-Costa
authors: Rudy J
authors: RJ
authors: Nodari-Junior
authors: Humberto J de
authors: HJ
authors: Medeiros
authors: Paulo M
authors: PM
authors: Silva-Dantas
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Irany-Knackfuss
mesh_terms: D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status