SUMMARY
Socioeconomic level and Nutritional Status: A study in schoolchildren
Obesity increased in recent years at different rates among socioeconomic levels (SEL). The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between SEL and nutritional status in schoolchildren attending elementary schools in the six counties that show the highest prevalence of obesity in Santiago, Chile. Within the counties schools were stratified according to obesity and children were randomly selected from each school. Anthropometric assessment was performed in children whilst a socio-demographic survey and a 24 hour recall of food intake were applied to their mothers. We classified the sample according to SEL in two categories (higher and a lower vulnerability). The prevalence of excess weight was 51.1% (24.7% overweight and 26,4% obese) without significant differences among SEL. The most vulnerable group had lower values of body mass index, skinfold thickness, arm circumference and food intake however, these differences were not statistically significant. At the same time, these children were physically more active, showing higher use of community places to play [OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.05-3.48] and walked larger distances from houses to schools OR 6.6; CI 2.5-16.7). Thus, albeit non significant association was detected between SEL and anthropometric indicators nor with food intake, the highest vulnerable group showed a tendency to have lower values and more physical activity.

Key words: Socioeconomic status, obesity, nutritional status, children.



Recibido: 19/03/2007
Aceptado: 15/06/2007

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