Nutrition Status of Children in Highland and Lowland Areas in Ecuador

We assessed the nutritional status of children in Ecuador using anthropometric measurements and body composition. Objective: To determine the effect of geographical location on nutrition status of children in Ecuador. Methods: 171 school-aged children (ages 7-15) were assessed using height-for-age (stunting), weight-for-age (underweight), and BMI-for-age indices based on the World Health Organization reference standards. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis and percent body fat calculated using the Lohman's equation. Independent t-test, multiple linear and logistic regression were performed on nutrition indices. Results: The overall prevalence of under-nutrition (<-2 z-score) was significantly higher in urban highland areas (p<0.001), with 11.4 percent of children stunted and 1.8 percent underweight. In the rural lowland areas children were only mildly stunted and underweight (below -1 z- score). Mean z-score indices for both height-for-age and weight-for-age were found to be significantly lower among urban children than for rural children (p<0.001). When adjusted for age and sex, living in urban areas had a negative influence on height for age (regression coeff= -0.811, p <0.001). Urban children were also 4 times more likely of becoming mildly stunted (OR=3.95% CL 1.818, 8.448) and 3 times more likely of being mildly underweight (OR=3. 95% CL 1.241, 7.551). Conclusion: Living in urban areas of Ecuador is a predisposing factor to poor nutrition among children. Sponsored by Loma Linda University. Key words: Nutritional status, children, elevation, rural-lowlands, urban-highlands, Ecuador.