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Resumo Objetivou-se analisar se o estado nutricional de crianças menores de cinco anos de idade está relacionado às condições biológicas de suas mães, ao acesso a serviços de saúde, ao benefício de programas sociais e às condições socioeconômicas. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado no contexto da Estratégia Saúde da Família, em sete municípios do interior do estado da Paraíba. A metodologia incluiu o diagnóstico do déficit de estatura e do excesso de peso (sobrepeso e obesidade) das crianças, cujos determinantes foram analisados por meio de árvore de decisão. Como resultado, foram avaliadas 469 crianças, das quais 7,9% apresentaram déficit de estatura e 12,8% excesso de peso. Encontrou-se associação desses desfechos com o estado nutricional materno. A baixa estatura também teve como exposições relevantes a idade da criança inferior a dois anos (p = 0,018) e a insegurança alimentar e nutricional moderada/grave (p = 0,008). Para o excesso de peso, não ser beneficiário do Programa Bolsa Família (p = 0,049) e a pior situação socioeconômica (p = 0,006) também representaram fatores associados ao desfecho. Como conclusão do presente estudo, podemos afirmar que existe uma associação entre o estado nutricional materno e o da criança. Abstract This paper aimed to analyze whether the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age is related to the biological conditions of their mothers, access to health services, the benefit of social programs, and socioeconomic conditions. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in the context of the Family Health Strategy in seven municipalities in inland Paraíba State. The methodology included the diagnosis of stunting and excess weight (overweight and obesity) in children, which determinants were analyzed through the Decision Tree. As a result, 469 children were evaluated, of which 7.9% had stunting and 12.8% had excess weight. An association of these outcomes was found with maternal nutritional status. Also, the relevant exposures of stunting were the age of the child of less than 2 years (p = 0.018) and the moderate/severe food and nutritional insecurity (p = 0.008). For excess weight, not being a beneficiary of the Programa Bolsa Família (p = 0.049) and the worst socioeconomic situation (p = 0.006) were also factors associated with the outcome. As a conclusion of the present study, we can affirm that there is an association between the maternal and child nutritional status.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar fatores associados à insegurança alimentar e nutricional de famílias com crianças menores de 5 anos de idade residentes em áreas de abrangência da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Estudo transversal que envolveu 406 famílias de dois municípios da Região Metropolitana de João Pessoa, Paraíba. Para a avaliação da segurança alimentar e nutricional das famílias foi utilizada a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. Os determinantes da insegurança alimentar moderada/grave foram analisados por meio de Árvore de Decisão. A insegurança alimentar e nutricional atingiu 71,4% das famílias. A insegurança alimentar moderada/grave (32%) associou-se, primeiramente, ao benefício do Programa Bolsa Família, além de à família constituída por crianças menores de 2 anos, ao menor nível socioeconômico e à disfunção familiar. Os resultados mostram prevalências elevadas de insegurança alimentar e nutricional, cujos graus mais graves sugerem a importância de intervenções direcionadas a melhorias do Programa Bolsa Família, nas condições dos domicílios com crianças menores de 2 anos, na situação socioeconômica das famílias e na funcionalidade familiar. Abstract The objective of this article is to evaluate factors associated with food and nutritional insecurity in families with children under 5 years of age living in areas covered by the Family Health Strategy. Cross-sectional study involving 406 families from two municipalities in the Metropolitan Region of João Pessoa, Paraíba. The Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale was used to assess the families’ food and nutritional security. The determinants of moderate/severe food insecurity were analyzed using the Decision Tree. Food and nutritional insecurity reached 71.4% of families. Moderate/severe food insecurity (32%) was primarily associated with the benefit of the Family Allowance (Bolsa Família) Program, and also with family composition consisting of children under 2 years of age, lower socioeconomic status, and family dysfunction. The results showed high prevalence of food and nutritional insecurity whose more serious levels suggest the importance of interventions aimed at improving the Family Allowance Program for the conditions of households with children under 2 years of age, socioeconomic situation of families, and functionality of families.

This paper aimed to analyze whether the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age is related to the biological conditions of their mothers, access to health services, the benefit of social programs, and socioeconomic conditions. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in the context of the Family Health Strategy in seven municipalities in inland Paraíba State. The methodology included the diagnosis of stunting and excess weight (overweight and obesity) in children, which determinants were analyzed through the Decision Tree. As a result, 469 children were evaluated, of which 7.9% had stunting and 12.8% had excess weight. An association of these outcomes was found with maternal nutritional status. Also, the relevant exposures of stunting were the age of the child of less than 2 years (p = 0.018) and the moderate/severe food and nutritional insecurity (p = 0.008). For excess weight, not being a beneficiary of the Programa Bolsa Família (p = 0.049) and the worst socioeconomic situation (p = 0.006) were also factors associated with the outcome. As a conclusion of the present study, we can affirm that there is an association between the maternal and child nutritional status.Objetivou-se analisar se o estado nutricional de crianças menores de cinco anos de idade está relacionado às condições biológicas de suas mães, ao acesso a serviços de saúde, ao benefício de programas sociais e às condições socioeconômicas. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado no contexto da Estratégia Saúde da Família, em sete municípios do interior do estado da Paraíba. A metodologia incluiu o diagnóstico do déficit de estatura e do excesso de peso (sobrepeso e obesidade) das crianças, cujos determinantes foram analisados por meio de árvore de decisão. Como resultado, foram avaliadas 469 crianças, das quais 7,9% apresentaram déficit de estatura e 12,8% excesso de peso. Encontrou-se associação desses desfechos com o estado nutricional materno. A baixa estatura também teve como exposições relevantes a idade da criança inferior a dois anos (p = 0,018) e a insegurança alimentar e nutricional moderada/grave (p = 0,008). Para o excesso de peso, não ser beneficiário do Programa Bolsa Família (p = 0,049) e a pior situação socioeconômica (p = 0,006) também representaram fatores associados ao desfecho. Como conclusão do presente estudo, podemos afirmar que existe uma associação entre o estado nutricional materno e o da criança.

The scope of this article is to analyze if the nutritional status of children is associated with the health services offered by Family Health teams. This involves a cross-sectional study carried out in areas covered by the Family Health Strategy in two cities in the State of Paraíba, with a representative and random sample of 324 children. Linear regression was used to analyze the association of sociodemographic and health services characteristics with z-score height/age, weight/age and body mass/age anthropometric indices. Among the 319 children observed, there was a predominance of beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família Program and with inadequate use of the Child Health Handbook. The average of the weight/age z-score was lower in children from understaffed health teams (p=0.02), without a nutritionist (p=0.03) and with unqualified professionals in the areas of food and nutrition (p=0.04). There was an average increase of 1.43 standard deviation in height/age in the case of the adequate application of the Child Health Handbook. This study contributes to the knowledge by indicating associations of the nutritional status of the child with structural (human resources) and procedural (adherence to the Child Health Handbook) characteristics of health services.O objetivo deste artigo é analisar se o estado nutricional de crianças está associado aos serviços de saúde oferecidos por equipes de Saúde da Família. Estudo transversal realizado em áreas de abrangência da Estratégia Saúde da Família em dois municípios do Estado da Paraíba, com amostra representativa e aleatória de 324 crianças. Utilizou-se regressão linear para analisar a associação das características sociodemográficas das crianças e dos serviços de saúde com os índices antropométricos estatura/idade, peso/idade e massa corporal/idade em escore Z. Nas 319 crianças observadas houve predomínio de beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família e com uso inadequado da Caderneta de Saúde da Criança. A média de escore Z do peso/idade foi menor nas crianças de equipes de saúde incompletas (p=0,02), sem nutricionista (p=0,03) e com profissionais sem capacitação na área de alimentação e nutrição (p=0,04). Houve um aumento, em média, de 1,43 desvio-padrão de estatura/idade no caso de uso adequado da Caderneta de Saúde da Criança. O presente estudo contribui com o conhecimento ao indicar associações do estado nutricional da criança com características estruturais (recursos humanos) e processuais (preenchimento da Caderneta de Saúde da Criança) dos serviços de saúde.

Objectives: to review the literature of studies developed in Brazil on zinc deficiency and the effects of supplementation. Methods: a literature review based on bibliographic research was carried out in SciELO, LILACS and MEDLINE/PUBMED databases. A total of 133 studies on zinc deficiency and 116 on the effects of supplementation were identified. Thirty-two articles, 16 of which were observational and 16 interventional, were analyzed. Results: the studies focused mainly on children (75.0% of the observational and 81.25% of the experimental studies). Biochemical deficiency of zinc in children presented great variability, from 0.0% to 74.3%, with expressive prevalence in most studies. Dietary inadequacy among children presented variability from 16.6% to 46.0%. Five from seven studies showed a positive effect of zinc supplementation on micronutrient nutritional status. Conclusions: there is evidence of zinc deficiency in children as a public health problem, preventable through micronutrient supplementation.

Resumo Avaliou-se o estado nutricional e sua associação com os hábitos alimentares de crianças escolares que frequentam a rede pública de ensino do município de Campina Grande, Paraíba. Estudo transversal, realizado com 1081 crianças de 5 a 10 anos. Analisaram-se os índices antropométricos estatura/idade (E/I) e Índice de Massa Corporal/idade (IMC/I), e os hábitos alimentares dos escolares. Verificaram-se prevalências de déficit de estatura, sobrepeso e obesidade de 2,4%, 12,3% e 9,2%, respectivamente. O E/I apresentou-se com média inferior (p = 0,029) nas crianças que indicaram quase nunca tomar café da manhã (-0,130 ± 1,053 Escore-z) em comparação com as que faziam essa refeição todas ou na maioria das vezes (0,183 ± 0,912 Escore-z), associação similar foi observada quando a merenda escolar não era consumida (p = 0,001). Para o IMC/I, crianças com hábito de fazer todas as refeições apresentaram menor média (p = 0,034); resultado similar foi observado em relação ao hábito de tomar café da manhã em que menor média foi constatada entre as crianças com esse costume (p = 0,020). Conclui-se que o estado nutricional dos escolares é marcado por altas taxas de sobrepeso/obesidade. Sugere-se que os prejuízos no estado nutricional estejam relacionados ao não consumo do café da manhã e da alimentação oferecida na escola. Abstract The nutritional status and its association with the eating habits of schoolchildren enrolled in public schools of Campina Grande in the State of Paraíba was evaluated. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1081 children aged between 5 and10. Height/age (H/A) and body mass index/age (BMI/A) anthropometric indexes, as well as the eating habits of schoolchildren were analyzed. A prevalence of stunting, overweight and obesity of 2.4%, 12.3% and 9.2%, respectively, was found. The H/A z-score revealed lower averages (p = 0.029) in children who reported almost never eating breakfast (-0.130 ± 1.053 z-score) compared to children who eat this meal every day or almost every day (0.183 ± 0.912 z-score); a similar association was observed when school meals were not eaten (p = 0.001). For the BMI/A, it was observed that children who have all meals had a lower average z-score (p = 0.034); similar results were observed in relation to the habit of eating breakfast, where a lower average value was found among children who reported this habit (p = 0.029). The nutritional status of schoolchildren is marked by high rates of overweight/obesity. This would suggest that losses in the nutritional status are related to failure to have breakfast and eat school meals.

Resumo Objetivou-se verificar as diferenças no estado nutricional de micronutrientes de crianças segundo as características pessoais e das creches, além de testar o comportamento dessas diferenças de acordo com o crescimento linear. Estudo transversal com 271 crianças assistidas em creches. As concentrações médias (± EP) de hemoglobina, de zinco no soro e de retinol no soro foram de 11,79 g/dL (± 1,08), 81,58 µg/dL (± 16,56) e 1,68 μmol/L (± 0,45), respectivamente, valores inferiores nas crianças de 9-24 meses e naquelas que estudavam em salas de área inadequadas. Crianças com eosinofilia e em regime parcial apresentaram concentrações médias de hemoglobina e de zinco estatisticamente inferiores. O poliparasitismo esteve associado a baixas concentrações de hemoglobina e de retinol. De acordo com o crescimento linear, crianças com condições específicas (meninas, mais de 24 meses de idade, de zona urbana, não poliparasitadas) tiveram concentrações de zinco inferiores, quando diagnosticadas com déficit de estatura, em relação às eutróficas. Conclui-se que as crianças estudadas apresentaram diferenças no estado nutricional de micronutrientes influenciadas por processos parasitários e por problemas estruturais das creches. Além disso, estabeleceram diferenças relacionadas ao crescimento linear da criança. Abstract This study aimed to verify the differences in the nutritional status of micronutrients in children according to personal and daycare center characteristics. Also, to test the behavior of these differences according to the linear growth. This cross-sectional study with 271 children assisted at daycare centers. The mean hemoglobin, serum zinc, and serum retinol concentrations (± EP) were 11.79 g/dL (± 1.08); 81.58 µg/dL (± 16.56) and 1.68 μmol/L (± 0.45), respectively, being lower in children aged 9-24 months and in those studying in classrooms with inadequate area. Children with eosinophilia and in part-time regimen had statistically lower hemoglobin and zinc concentrations. Poliparasitism was associated with lower hemoglobin and retinol concentrations. According to the linear growth, children with specific conditions (girls, over 24 months of age, residence in the urban area, with no poliparasitism) had lower zinc concentrations when diagnosed with stunting, compared to those with normal height. In conclusion, the children studied showed differences in the nutritional status of micronutrients influenced by parasitic processes and structural problems of kindergartens. Still, they settled differences related to child linear growth.

The objective of this article is to evaluate factors associated with food and nutritional insecurity in families with children under 5 years of age living in areas covered by the Family Health Strategy. Cross-sectional study involving 406 families from two municipalities in the Metropolitan Region of João Pessoa, Paraíba. The Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale was used to assess the families' food and nutritional security. The determinants of moderate/severe food insecurity were analyzed using the Decision Tree. Food and nutritional insecurity reached 71.4% of families. Moderate/severe food insecurity (32%) was primarily associated with the benefit of the Family Allowance (Bolsa Família) Program, and also with family composition consisting of children under 2 years of age, lower socioeconomic status, and family dysfunction. The results showed high prevalence of food and nutritional insecurity whose more serious levels suggest the importance of interventions aimed at improving the Family Allowance Program for the conditions of households with children under 2 years of age, socioeconomic situation of families, and functionality of families.

Resumo O processo de envelhecimento ocasiona alterações biológicas que interferem no desempenho funcional e no estado nutricional do idoso. O objetivo do artigo é verificar a associação do desempenho funcional com variáveis antropométricas e de composição corporal em idosos. Este estudo é transversal, no qual foram avaliados: sexo, grupo etário, força de preensão manual (FPM), flexibilidade/mobilidade, equilíbrio, índice de massa corporal, circunferências da cintura e da panturrilha, dobra cutânea tricipital, área de gordura do braço e circunferência muscular do braço. Utilizou-se a regressão logística múltipla (p < 0,05). Foram avaliados 420 indivíduos. Idosos desnutridos apresentaram maior chance de FPM ruim. Aqueles que se encontravam com idade entre 70-79 anos, com 80 anos ou mais e desnutridos, apresentaram maior chance de equilíbrio ruim, enquanto as mulheres menor chance de flexibilidade/mobilidade ruim. O menor valor da circunferência da panturrilha esteve associado com pior desempenho na FPM e do equilíbrio. A idade aumentou a chance do idoso apresentar desequilíbrio. A flexibilidade/mobilidade não parece ser influenciada por alterações na composição corporal. Portanto, esses resultados podem constituir norteadores importantes de ações específicas que assegurem o envelhecimento saudável.

Objective: To describe the eating habits and nutritional status of children under one year old attended at the Family Health Strategy. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study developed in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba. 633 mothers were interviewed and information included feeding practices (food eaten in the 24 hours preceding the survey) of their children. The nutritional status was analyzed using weight/age and length/age anthropometric indices. Results: Breastfeeding in the first hour of life was reported by 70.9% (n=443) of respondents. Foods most consumed were water and breast milk, followed by other types of milk. The high frequency of consumption of foods not recommended such as snacks, candies/chocolates/ lollipops and soft drinks was also reported. As for the anthropometric profile, weight and length deficits reached respectively 5.3% (n=32) and 11.9% (n=17) of children. Conclusion: Feeding practices of children under one year old disagree with the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health of Brazil. Additionally, a high prevalence of stunting was also found in the context of public health. Objetivo: Describir los hábitos de alimentación y el estado nutricional de niños menores de un año asistidos en La Estrategia de Salud de la Familia. Métodos: Estudio transversal desarrollado en la ciudad de Campina Grande, Paraíba. 633 madres fueron entrevistadas y la información incluyó las prácticas de alimentación (la comida de las 24 horas antes de participar de la investigación) de sus niños. El estado nutricional fue analizado utilizando los índices antropométricos de peso/edad y altura/ edad. Resultados: El amamantamiento en las primeras horas de vida fue relatado por el 70,9% (n=443) de las participantes.Las comidas más consumidas fueron el agua y la leche materna seguidos de otros tipos de leche. La elevada frecuencia Del consumo de comidas no recomendadas como los tentempiés, los caramelos/chocolates/piruletas y los refrescos también fueron relatados. Respecto el perfil antropométrico, los déficits de peso y altura alcanzaron el 5,3% (n=32) y el 11,9% (n=17) de los niños respectivamente. Conclusión: Las prácticas de alimentación de niños abajo de un año no están de acuerdo a las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y el Ministerio de la Salud de Brasil. Además, la elevada prevalencia de enlentecimiento también fue encontrado en el contexto de la salud pública. Objective: To describe the eating habits and nutritional status of children under one year old attended at the Family Health Strategy. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study developed in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba. 633 mothers were interviewed and information included feeding practices (food eaten in the 24 hours preceding the survey) of their children. The nutritional status was analyzed using weight/age and length/age anthropometric indices. Results: Breastfeeding in the first hour of life was reported by 70.9% (n=443) of respondents. Foods most consumed were water and breast milk, followed by other types of milk. The high frequency of consumption of foods not recommended such as snacks, candies/chocolates/ lollipops and soft drinks was also reported. As for the anthropometric profile, weight and length deficits reached respectively 5.3% (n=32) and 11.9% (n=17) of children. Conclusion: Feeding practices of children under one year old disagree with the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health of Brazil. Additionally, a high prevalence of stunting was also found in the context of public health.

The scope of this article is to evaluate the food and nutrition insecurity of families with children under five years of age residing in municipalities of the Metropolitan Region of João Pessoa; its association with biological characteristics; the health status of the children and the family socioeconomic context. It is a cross-sectional study with families attended in the Family Health Strategy. Food and nutritional security were evaluated by the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. The association of moderate/severe food and nutrition insecurity with socioeconomic and child characteristics was studied using Multivariate Logistic Regression. The prevalence of food and nutrition insecurity was found in 63.9% of families, the moderate/severe forms being predominant. Families whose children had diarrhea in the last month, where mothers indicated that they were unable to read/write/do accounts, among beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família Program and with2 minimum wages per capita family income, presented higher prevalence of moderate/severe food and nutrition insecurity. The high vulnerability of the families observed, especially the beneficiaries of Bolsa Família, is reflected in more severe degrees of food and nutrition insecurity associated with socioeconomic factors.O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a insegurança alimentar e nutricional de famílias com crianças menores de cinco anos residentes em municípios da Região Metropolitana de João Pessoa; sua associação com características biológicas; da situação de saúde das crianças e do contexto socioeconômico familiar. Estudo transversal com famílias atendidas na Estratégia Saúde da Família. A segurança alimentar e nutricional foi avaliada pela Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. A associação entre a insegurança alimentar e nutricional moderada/grave e as características de interesse foi avaliada por meio de Regressão Logística Multivariada. A prevalência de insegurança alimentar e nutricional foi encontrada em 63,9% das famílias, predominando as formas moderada/grave. As famílias cujas crianças tiveram diarreia no último mês, naquelas cujas mães indicaram não saber ler/escrever/fazer contas, entre beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família e com renda familiar per capita2 salários mínimos apresentaram maiores prevalências de insegurança alimentar e nutricional moderada/grave. A alta vulnerabilidade das famílias observadas, sobretudo as beneficiárias do Bolsa Família, reflete-se em graus mais severos de insegurança alimentar e nutricional, associados a fatores socioeconômicos.

Objetivou-se avaliar a autopercepção corporal em escolares da rede pública de ensino de Campina Grande e examinar a associação com o sexo, a idade e o estado nutricional. Estudo transversal com 1081 crianças de cinco a dez anos. As crianças foram pesadas e medidas segundo procedimentos padronizados. O estado nutricional foi obtido por meio do IMC/I. Para a avaliação da percepção corporal utilizou-se a escala Children’s Body Image Scale. A prevalência de sobrepeso foi de 75,9%. Crianças com sobrepeso e obesas apresentaram maiores percentuais de insatisfação corporal. Das crianças obesas, 73,7% perceberam-se mais magras. Constatou-se que 94,7% dos escolares com sobrepeso, 98% dos obesos e 41,8% dos eutróficos gostariam de ser mais magros, enquanto 83,3% dos desnutridos desejariam ser mais gordos. A visão mais distorcida do corpo verificou-se nas crianças mais velhas e nos meninos. Aponta-se que o sexo, a idade e o estado nutricional podem influenciar a percepção corporal.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a concordância entre o estado nutricional percebido pelas mães e o diagnosticado em crianças pré-escolares, distinguindo diferenças segundo o sexo e a idade da criança. Métodos: Estudo com dados provenientes de uma coorte de 269 crianças pré-escolares assistidas em creches públicas de Campina Grande, Paraíba. Coletaram-se informações sobre a data de nascimento, sexo e estado nutricional das crianças (escores-Z de peso/estatura). Além disso, as mães foram questionadas em relação à percepção sobre o peso da criança. A concordância diagnóstica entre o estado nutricional aferido e o percebido pelas mães foi avaliada pelo teste Kappa ponderado, com significância de 5%. Resultados: O percentual de desacertos entre o estado nutricional percebido pelas mães e o diagnosticado foi de 32,7%, com Kappa de 0,122, considerado desprezível. Destacou-se, principalmente, o excesso de peso subestimado (69,6%). A percepção materna do sobrepeso e o diagnosticado apresentou maior concordância nas crianças de maior faixa etária (36-59 meses versus 24-35 meses) e nas meninas. Conclusões: O estudo da percepção materna do estado nutricional de crianças pré-escolares mostrou a dificuldade que as mães apresentam em reconhecer o real estado nutricional de seus filhos, principalmente a subestimação do sobrepeso. A percepção materna do sobrepeso das crianças é mais distorcida em meninos e nas crianças mais novas. ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the agreement between nutritional status perceived by mothers and that diagnosed in preschool children, by providing the differences according to children’s sex and age. Methods: Study with data from a cohort of 269 preschool children assisted in public daycare centers of Campina Grande, Paraíba (Northeast Brazil). Children’s information about their date of birth, sex and nutritional status (weight/stature Z scores) was collected. Furthermore, the mothers were asked about their perception of children’s weight. The diagnostic agreement between the measured nutritional status and that perceived by mothers was assessed through the weighted Kappa test, with a 5% significance level. Results: The percentage of disagreement between the measured nutritional status and that perceived by mothers was 32.7%, with Kappa of 0.122, which is considered insignificant. There was a remarkable overweight underestimation (69.6%). Agreement between maternal perception of overweight and the diagnosed nutritional status was higher for older children (36-59 months versus 24-35 months) and for girls. Conclusions: The study regarding maternal perception of preschool children’s nutritional status showed the difficulty that mothers face in recognizing the real nutritional status of their children, especially the underestimation of overweight. Maternal perception of overweight in children is misrepresented in boys and in younger children with more importance.

Resumo O artigo tem por objetivos avaliar a estrutura de creches públicas e o perfil antropométrico de crianças do município de Campina Grande, Paraíba. Estudo transversal que envolveu 793 crianças assistidas em creches. Contemplaram-se informações para caracterizar as creches (estrutura relacionada à capacidade de atendimento à demanda e à de processamento da alimentação escolar, regime de acolhida, zona de localização) e o estado antropométrico das crianças (Estatura/Idade, Peso/Estatura). Menores escores-Z de Estatura/Idade e Peso/Estatura apresentaram-se nas crianças que frequentavam creches com maior número de crianças por funcionário, em regimes de acolhida de tempo parcial e localizadas na zona rural. As crianças que conviviam em salas de aula e em salas de descanso com maior número de crianças apresentaram, também, menores escores-Z de Estatura/Idade. Constatam-se problemas na estrutura das creches relacionados à capacidade de recursos humanos para prestar atenção às crianças e aos modos de convivência (aglomeração), os quais podem marcar diferenças no estado nutricional. Por sua vez, a frequência à creche em tempo integral e a urbanização predispõem positivamente o crescimento das crianças.

Objective: To systematize studies on the anthropometric nutritional status of Brazilian indigenous children in order to examine the ability to address the totality of biological, anthropological, and ecological aspects, as well as to characterize the main analytical results of the determinants of nutritional status of Brazilian indigenous children. Methods: MedLine and Lilacs were searched using the intersection of "South American Indians" and "nutritional status" descriptors (the search in MedLine also included the descriptor "Brazil"). Results: Overall, 65 studies were identified, and 23 were considered relevant to this study. The systematization of these studies highlights the concentration of studies in the midwestern and northern regions of Brazil, as well as the lack of cultural, biochemical, and food consumption approaches. Regarding nutritional status, we found: 1) greater vulnerability of younger children, especially in relation to stunting; 2) absence of differences in nutritional status according to sex; 3) socioeconomic determination of nutritional status; 4) differences in nutritional status between children from different villages. Conclusion: The nutritional status of Brazilian indigenous children is associated with age, socioeconomic status, and ethnic characteristics. Efforts are needed to understand the ethnic and cultural influence on nutritional status and on its causal network, as well as of various factors minimally discussed. Objetivo: Sistematizar os estudos sobre o estado nutricional antropométrico de crianças indígenas brasileiras a fim de examinar a capacidade de abordar a integralidade dos aspectos biológicos, antropológicos e ecológicos, bem como caracterizar os principais resultados analíticos dos determinantes do estado nutricional das crianças indígenas brasileiras. Métodos: Realizou-se busca bibliográfica nas bases de dados MedLine e Lilacs, por meio da interseção dos descritores "índios sul-americanos" e "estado nutricional" (a busca no MedLine também incluiu o descritor "Brazil"). Resultados: Identificaram-se 65 estudos, dos quais 23 foram considerados relevantes para o presente trabalho. A sistematização dos estudos revisados destaca a concentração nas regiões centro-oeste e norte, assim como a carência de abordagens cultural, bioquímica e sobre o consumo alimentar. Em relação ao estado nutricional, sugerem-se: 1) maior vulnerabilidade nas crianças menores, principalmente em relação ao déficit de estatura; 2) ausência de diferenças no estado nutricional segundo o sexo; 3) determinação socioeconômica do estado nutricional; 4) diferenças no estado nutricional entre crianças de diferentes aldeias. Conclusão: O estado nutricional das crianças indígenas brasileiras apresenta determinação etária, socioeconômica e étnica, sendo necessários esforços para compreender a influência étnico-cultural no estado nutricional e na sua rede causal, bem como fatores vários abordados minimamente.

OBJETIVO: Examinar o poder diagnóstico de deficiência de zinco das concentrações capilares desse mineral por meio da comparação com as concentrações séricas. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal desenvolvido com 170 crianças na faixa etária dos 12 aos 72 meses. A análise da Curva Característica de Operação do Receptor foi utilizada para identificar a sensibilidade e a especificidade do melhor ponto de corte para o diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco no cabelo. Verificou-se ainda a significância estatística da área sob a curva. RESULTADOS:O ponto de corte apontado como ótimo para o zinco no cabelo foi de 292,52ppm (sensibilidade de 55,6% e especificidade de 60,8%), com uma área sob a curva de 0,549, sem significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: O diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco pelas concentrações capilares desse elemento, em comparação às concentrações séricas de zinco, mostra baixa sensibilidade e ponto de corte ideal superior ao sugerido. Permanece, ainda, a necessidade de novos estudos que possibilitem a obtenção de indicadores bioquímicos mais sensíveis e específicos para o diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco na população, sob tudo sem importantes limitações técnicas. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the power of hair zinc concentration to diagnose zinc deficiency by comparing hair zinc concentration with serum zinc level. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 170 children aged 12 to 72 months. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used for determining the sensitivity and specificity of the best cutoff point for diagnosing zinc deficiency in hair. The statistical significance of the area under the curve was also verified. RESULTS: The best cutoff for zinc concentration in hair was 292.52ppm (sensitivity of 55.6%, a specificity of 60.8%), with an area under the curve of 0.549, without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of zinc deficiency based on hair zinc concentration compared with serum zinc level has low sensitivity and its ideal cutoff is higher than the suggested cutoff. New studies are needed to research more sensitive and specific biochemical indicators of zinc deficiency, especially indicators without important technical limitations.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre os índices antropométricos e os níveis de retinol sérico em crianças menores de cinco anos do Estado da Paraíba. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal, de base populacional, envolvendo 1 205 crianças. O estado nutricional de vitamina A foi avaliado pelas concentrações séricas de retinol. O estado nutricional antropométrico foi avaliado utilizando-se os índices peso/altura e altura/idade. RESULTADOS: Crianças na faixa etária de 6 a 12 meses com deficit de altura apresentaram concentrações de retinol sérico significantemente inferiores quando comparadas às crianças sem deficit de altura (p=0,02). CONCLUSÃO: A associação observada entre deficit de altura e menores níveis de retinol sérico em crianças de menor faixa etária mostra a maior vulnerabilidade desse grupo para sofrer deficits vitamínicos e de crescimento. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the relationship between anthropometric indices and the serum retinol level of children under age five years from the State of Paraíba. METHODS: This cross-sectional, population-based study measured the serum retinol level of 1,205 children to determine their vitamin A status and assessed their weight-for-height and height-for-age to determine their nutritional status. RESULTS: Stunted children aged 6 to 12 months had lower serum retinol levels than normal-height children (p=0.02). (β=34.1; p=0.04), intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (β=7.5; p=0.04), intake of omega-3 fatty acids (β=74.3; p=0.05), and cholesterol intake (β=0.4; p=0.04) were predictors of birth weight. CONCLUSION: The association between stunting and low serum retinol levels in young children shows their greater vulnerability to vitamin and growth deficits.

To verify the agreement between nutritional status perceived by mothers and that diagnosed in preschool children, by providing the differences according to children's sex and age.Study with data from a cohort of 269 preschool children assisted in public daycare centers of Campina Grande, Paraíba (Northeast Brazil). Children's information about their date of birth, sex and nutritional status (weight/stature Z scores) was collected. Furthermore, the mothers were asked about their perception of children's weight. The diagnostic agreement between the measured nutritional status and that perceived by mothers was assessed through the weighted Kappa test, with a 5% significance level.The percentage of disagreement between the measured nutritional status and that perceived by mothers was 32.7%, with Kappa of 0.122, which is considered insignificant. There was a remarkable overweight underestimation (69.6%). Agreement between maternal perception of overweight and the diagnosed nutritional status was higher for older children (36-59 months versus 24-35 months) and for girls.The study regarding maternal perception of preschool children's nutritional status showed the difficulty that mothers face in recognizing the real nutritional status of their children, especially the underestimation of overweight. Maternal perception of overweight in children is misrepresented in boys and in younger children with more importance.Verificar a concordância entre o estado nutricional percebido pelas mães e o diagnosticado em crianças pré-escolares, distinguindo diferenças segundo o sexo e a idade da criança.Estudo com dados provenientes de uma coorte de 269 crianças pré-escolares assistidas em creches públicas de Campina Grande, Paraíba. Coletaram-se informações sobre a data de nascimento, sexo e estado nutricional das crianças (escores-Z de peso/estatura). Além disso, as mães foram questionadas em relação à percepção sobre o peso da criança. A concordância diagnóstica entre o estado nutricional aferido e o percebido pelas mães foi avaliada pelo teste Kappa ponderado, com significância de 5%.O percentual de desacertos entre o estado nutricional percebido pelas mães e o diagnosticado foi de 32,7%, com Kappa de 0,122, considerado desprezível. Destacou-se, principalmente, o excesso de peso subestimado (69,6%). A percepção materna do sobrepeso e o diagnosticado apresentou maior concordância nas crianças de maior faixa etária (36-59 meses versus 24-35 meses) e nas meninas.O estudo da percepção materna do estado nutricional de crianças pré-escolares mostrou a dificuldade que as mães apresentam em reconhecer o real estado nutricional de seus filhos, principalmente a subestimação do sobrepeso. A percepção materna do sobrepeso das crianças é mais distorcida em meninos e nas crianças mais novas.

The nutritional status of children under five years living in an area of social vulnerability and its association with personal and socioeconomic characteristics are evaluated by a cross-sectional study conducted at the Basic Family Health Units (I and II) of the Mutirão district in Campina Grande PB Brazil. Current study included 76 families with under-five-year-old children and any former collector of recyclable materials from the Campina Grande landfill. The nutritional status of children was analyzed by weight / age (W/A), height / age (H/A) and weight / height (W/H) indexes to determine their anthropometric deviations and etiological analyses with children´s socioeconomic characteristics. Prevalence of 6.6% in weight deficit and 19.7% in height deficit were reported. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that W/A, H/A and W/H indexes were negatively influenced in cases of children born with low birth weight, in children who had diarrhea during the last 15 days prior to the interview and those who had protozoan parasites during the same period. Height and weight deficits were the most common nutritional disorders. Results emphasize the need to carry out periodic assessments of children´s nutritional status featuring health and socioeconomic characteristics of vulnerability.

This study sought to identify the association between the concentration of hemoglobin and socio-environmental, maternal, biological-nutritional and health condition characteristics in preschool children; as well as the serum concentrations of zinc and retinol. It involved a cross-sectional study with 335 individuals, a representative sample of children enrolled in child day care centers in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba. In the 294 children studied, the adjusted model showed lower concentrations of hemoglobin when the house was not made of bricks; there was no sewerage system; no public garbage collection; no treatment of drinking water; maternal difficulties for reading, writing and making calculations; age between 9 - 24 months; weight/age- 2 score Z and health problems in the last 15 days, as well as in cases of lower serum concentrations of zinc and retinol. The multicausality of lower hemoglobin levels included socio-environmental conditions and child-maternal characteristics that reinforce the importance of measures that prioritize the younger children of mothers with lower education levels and prejudiced in weight, health and nutritional status of other important micronutrients for growth.El presente estudio buscó identificar en niños preescolares la asociación de las concentraciones de hemoglobina con características socio-ambientales, maternas, biológico-nutricionales y las condiciones de salud; así como con las concentraciones séricas de zinc y retinol. Estudio transversal con muestra de 335 individuos, representativa de los niños de jardines infantiles del municipio de Campina Grande, Paraíba. En los 294 niños estudiados, el modelo ajustado mostró menores concentraciones de hemoglobina en casos de tipo de casa diferente de ladrillo; ausencia de red de escoto; colecta no pública de la basura; no tratamiento del agua para beber; dificultades maternas para leer, escribir o hacer cuentas; edad entre 9-24 meses; peso/edad- 2 escore Z y problemas de salud en los últimos 15 días, bien como en casos de bajas concentraciones séricas de zinc y retinol. La multicausalidad de concentraciones inferiores de hemoglobina comprendió condiciones socio-ambientales y características materno-infantiles que refuerzan la importancia de medidas que prioricen los niños de menor edad, de madres con menor nivel educacional y con prejuicios en su peso, estado de salud y condición nutricional de otros micronutrientes importantes en el crecimiento.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o estado nutricional relativo ao zinco de crianças assistidas em creches do Estado da Paraíba. MÉTODOS: O estado nutricional relativo ao zinco de 235 crianças pré-escolares foi avaliado através de sua concentração no soro, da ingestão dietética de zinco e da estatura para idade, como recomendado pelo International Zinc Consultative Group. As concentrações séricas de zinco foram determinadas por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica de chama, considerando deficiência de zinco valores OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the zinc levels of children attending public daycare centers in the state of Paraíba. Brazil. METHODS: The zinc levels of 235 preschool children were evaluated through serum zinc concentration, dietary zinc intake and height-for-age, as recommended by the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group. Baseline zinc levels in the serum were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, considering values

The scope of this article is to evaluate the structure of public daycare centers and the anthropometric profile of children in the city of Campina Grande in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. It is a cross-sectional study that involved 793 children attended in daycare centers. Information to describe the daycare centers were included (structure related to the capacity of demand and the processing power of school meals, reception system of children, location area) and the anthropometric status of the children (Height/Age, Weight/Height). The mean Z-scores for Height/Age and Weight/Height were lower among children from daycare centers with a greater number of children per employee, attended on a part time basis and located in the rural zone. The Z-scores for Height/Age were also lower among children who studied in classrooms and were housed in rest rooms with a greater density of children. Problems were detected in the structure of daycare centers with respect to the capacity of human resources to look after the children and the ways of living together (coexistence), which can make a difference in the nutritional status of the children. For its part, full-time daycare attendance and urbanization predispose children positively to growth.

To estimate the prevalence and identify the socioeconomic risk factors for food insecurity in households with children under five years in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba.This cross-sectional study involved 793 families with children assisted in municipal day care centers in Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. Household socioeconomic variables were analyzed as the possible predictors of mild food insecurity and moderate/severe food insecurity. For the evaluation of food and nutrition security of households, the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale was used.Mild food insecurity was characterized in 37.6% of families, and moderate/severe food insecurity affected 31.6% of households. Regarding the household socioeconomic variables, none was associated with mild food insecurity. Meanwhile, the highest prevalence of moderate/severe food insecurity, when compared with reference categories, was present in households without water treatment for drinking purposes, with toilets that are not flushable and individual, with larger families, and without a refrigerator. Being a beneficiary, or not, of the social welfare program "Bolsa Familia" did not represent a factor associated with food insecurity.The results show high rates of food insecurity with the most severe degrees being related to factors dependent on the family purchasing power, indicating a major challenge for them.

The scope of the study was to review the scientific publications on the nutritional status of iron, vitamin A and zinc among Brazilian children attending daycare centers, focusing on diagnostic methods, the prevalence of respective deficiencies and associated factors. A review of the literature was conducted in the PubMed, LILACS and SciELO databases. Observational studies with random representative samples using biochemical indicators to evaluate the nutritional status of iron, vitamin A and zinc of children attending public daycare centers were included. The average weighted prevalence for anemia and vitamin A deficiency was estimated. The variables associated with anemia were computed. Twenty-one observational studies were included, in which the nutritional status of iron, vitamin A and zinc were analyzed in 17, 4 and 3, respectively. The average weighted prevalence of anemia and vitamin A deficiency were 42.7% and 12.5%, respectively. Young children and children living in less favorable socioeconomic situations represented the main explanatory conditions predominantly associated with the occurrence of anemia. The results suggest a high prevalence of anemia, as well as vitamin A deficiency in Brazilian children attending daycare centers, with etiological prospects focused on infectious diseases.

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de insegurança alimentar e examinar fatores associados em famílias com crianças matriculadas em creches públicas do Estado da Paraíba. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com informações familiares sobre segurança alimentar, estado nutricional de crianças, características materno-infantis e condições socioeconômicas. Calculou-se tamanho de amostra de 365 indivíduos pelo procedimento para descrição da proporção. O estado nutricional das crianças foi analisado considerando os índices estatura/idade, peso/estatura e peso/idade. A (in)segurança alimentar foi avaliada por meio da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. A associação entre as variáveis independente e dependente foi estimada aplicando-se o teste Qui-quadrado e modelo multivariado. RESULTADOS: A insegurança alimentar foi caracterizada em 62,0% das famílias, predominando as condições de insegurança leve (33,4%). As variáveis renda familiar per capita, benefício do Programa Bolsa Família, tempo de aleitamento materno total e tempo de aleitamento materno exclusivo apresentaram associação inversa significante com a insegurança alimentar. CONCLUSÃO: A renda familiar per capita foi o indicador que melhor discriminou a insegurança alimentar, o que sugere o comprometimento do acesso à alimentação e a importância da transferência de renda focalizada. OBJECTIVE: This work aims to evaluate the prevalence of food insecurity and associated factors in families with children enrolled in daycare centers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study collected data on the family's food security and socioeconomic statuses, nutritional status of the children, and mother and child characteristics. A sample size of 365 individuals was calculated by procedure for describing the proportion. The children's nutritional status was determined by analyzing their height-for-age, weight-for-height, and weight-for-age. Food (in)security was determined by the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. The association between the independent and dependent variables was estimated by the Chi-square test and multivariate model. RESULTS: Most families (62.0%) experienced food insecurity, especially mild food insecurity (33.4%). The variables 'family per capita income', welfare (Bolsa Família Program) status, and total exclusive and nonexclusive breastfeeding time were inversely associated with food insecurity. CONCLUSION: The indicator that best distinguished food insecurity was family per capita income, suggesting poor access to food and the importance of targeted welfare.

This study sought to examine the association between the food (in)security and nutritional status of preschool children attended in daycare centers. Food security was assessed using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. The nutritional status was evaluated using the weight/height, weight/age, height/age, hemoglobin, serum retinol and serum zinc status. The prevalence of stunting (6.2%), overweight (3.1%), underweight (2.1%), vitamin A deficiency (24.4%), anemia (15.5%), and zinc deficiency (15%) was established. Food insecurity was found in 64.4% of the families, predominantly in its mild form (32.6%). This study concludes that food insecurity as measured by the EBIA was not associated with Z-score growth or with vitamin A, hemoglobin and zinc biochemical concentrations.

The scope of this study was to examine associated factors with overweight, stunting and underweight in children attending state day care centers of João Pessoa, as well as to describe the situation of food (in)security of their families. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 250 children. Socioeconomic, maternal and child variables were studied. The nutritional status of children was evaluated considering the height-for-age and weight-for-height indices. Household food security was assessed using the Brazilian Scale of Food Insecurity. The proportions of stunting, underweight and overweight were 7.6%, 1.6% and 6.4% respectively. The associated factors with short stature were low maternal stature and incomplete vaccination. In relation to low weight, the associated factor was maternal age under 20 years. The overweight child was associated with excessive maternal weight and maternal short stature. In 59.6% of families, there was food and nutrition insecurity, the mild form being more frequent (32.4%). Overweight and stunting were found to be the most common nutritional disorders in this study, constituting priorities that should be considered in current public policies.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o estado nutricional relativo ao zinco de crianças assistidas em creches do Estado da Paraíba. MÉTODOS: O estado nutricional relativo ao zinco de 235 crianças pré-escolares foi avaliado através de sua concentração no soro, da ingestão dietética de zinco e da estatura para idade, como recomendado pelo International Zinc Consultative Group. As concentrações séricas de zinco foram determinadas por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica de chama, considerando deficiência de zinco valores

To estimate the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and its associated factors in children.A cross-sectional population-based study, involving 1,211 children of both sexes, aged between six and 59 months old, was carried out in the urban zone of 9 cities in the state of Paraiba, Northeastern Brazil. Vitamin A status was assessed by serum retinol levels (high performance liquid chromatography - HPLC) and subclinical infection was assessed by C-reactive protein concentrations. Socioeconomic, demographic and sanitation conditions, as well as vitamin A supplement intake, were also evaluated. Children with serum retinol concentrationsThe prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was 21.8% (95%CI 19.6;24.2), showing an association with subclinical infection and lack of indoor plumbing. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was 21.8% (95%CI 19.6;24.2). After adjustment, vitamin A deficiency was found to be linked with subclinical infection and lack of indoor plumbing. Vitamin A deficiency was four times higher (CI95% 1.49;10.16) in children with subclinical infection whose homes were without indoor plumbing, compared to children who were not infected and with indoor plumbing in their homes.Despite activities aimed at the prevention and control of vitamin A deficiency, hypovitaminosis A, remains a public health concern among children under five.

We approach the determining factors and results of food and nutritional security in Brazil. The following aspects are considered: i. The concept to be studied; ii, The form of measuring a particular factor; iii. A Brazilian characterization on the subject, and iv. conclusions. Nutritional status is primarily a result of the balance between the needs and the spending of food energy and other essential nutrients and, secondarily, of multiple determinants in a given space, represented by physical, genetic, biological, cultural, psychosocio-economic and environmental factors. According to this, there are 3 basic causes of nutritional disorders: food, health and care. Because the repercussions of the economic changes on the nutritional status are not immediate, food security is only one factor of nutritional status and because subjects adapt differently to low food intake, the most adequate nutritional indicators in studies of food and nutritional security are the childhood indicators and the indicators of historical trends. The interpretation of nutritional indicators poses 3 main problems: to determine if the problem is really one of food security; to establish the degree of importance of the problem, and to determine which could be the appropriate normative intervention. The studies of nutritional status in Brazil show considerable improvement in the anthropometric indicators, emphasizing that the worst conditions prevail in the North East region and in the rural areas. Regarding micronutrient deficiencies, the absence of nationwide studies and the great advances in the programs to tackle this deficiencies, mainly vitamin A and iodine deficiencies are highlighted.

Abordamos los factores determinantes y los resultados de la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional en Brasil. Consideramos: i. El concepto a estudiar, ii. La forma de medir ese factor, iii. Una caracterizacion brasilena sobre el tema y, iv. Conclusiones. El estado nutricional es el resultado del balance entre las necesidades y el gasto de energia alimentaria y otros nutrientes esenciales, y secundariamente, de multiples determinantes en un espacio dado, representado por factores fisicos, geneticos, biologicos, culturales, psico-socio-economicos y ambientales. De esta forma son tres las causas basicas de los problemas nutricionales: alimentacion, salud y cuidados. Debido a que las repercusiones de los cambios economicos en el estado nutricional de la poblacion no son inmediatas, que la seguridad alimentaria es solo un factor del estado nutricional y que los individuos tienen diferentes mecanismos de adaptacion a las bajas ingestas, los indicadores nutricionales mas adecuados en los estudios de seguridad alimentaria y nutricional son los indicadores infantiles y de tendencias historicas. La interpretacion de los indicadores nutricionales plantea tres problemas principales: determinar si se trata efectivamente de un problema de seguridad alimentaria; establecer el grado de importancia del problema; y determinar cual podria ser la intervencion normativa correcta. Los estudios del estado nutricional en Brasil indican mejoras considerables en los indicadores antropometricos, destacando que las peores condiciones permanecen en la region Nordeste y en la zona rural. En lo relacionado con las deficiencias de micronutrientes se destaca la ausencia de estudios con alcance nacional y los grandes avances en los programas que afrontan estas deficiencias, principalmente la deficiencia de Yodo y la Avitaminosis A.

RESUMO: Objetivos: Identificar variáveis preditoras do crescimento linear em crianças pré-escolares assistidas nas creches públicas do município de Campina Grande, Paraíba. Métodos: Estudo transversal em amostra probabilística de 335 crianças assistidas em creches. Foram contempladas informações socioeconômicas, maternas e das crianças. A estatura/idade (escore-Z) foi analisada como variável contínua dependente. Os dados antropométricos foram obtidos obedecendo às recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Utilizou-se como população de referência a do Multicentre Growth Reference Study . Os dados foram submetidos à análise de regressão linear múltipla utilizando-se o modelo hierarquizado. Resultados: Crianças que dormiam em cômodos com no mínimo mais duas pessoas, domicílios sem coleta de lixo, domicílios sem geladeira, zona rural, mães não alfabetizadas, mães de baixa estatura, baixo peso ao nascer e permanência na creche em tempo parcial foram as condições que se associaram a pior condição de estatura/idade das crianças. Conclusão: Existe um claro diferencial de crescimento linear com configuração multicausal no qual o baixo peso ao nascer, como expressão de antecedentes adversos, e as condições socioeconômicas, como expressão de iniquidades em saúde, diagramam o potencial genético de crescimento. ABSTRACT: Objective: To identify variables predictors of linear growth in preschool children attending public child day care centers of Campina Grande, Paraíba. Methods: A cross-sectional study on a probabilistic sample of 335 children attending child day care centers. Were obtained information about socioeconomic, maternal and children's characteristics. The height/age (Z-score) was analyzed as continuous dependent variable. Anthropometric data were obtained in compliance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization. The Multicentre Growth Reference Study was used as the reference population. The data were subjected to multiple linear regression analysis using the hierarchical model. Results: Children who slept in rooms with at least two people, households without garbage collection, households with no refrigerator, rural zone, illiterate mothers, mothers of short stature, low birth weight and stay in child day care center at part time were the conditions associated with worse height/age of children. Conclusion: There is a clear difference in linear growth with multicausal characteristic in which the low birth weight, as an expression of adverse history, and the socioeconomic conditions, as an expression of health inequities, profiling the genetic potential of growth.

Objective: To obtain an overview of available information on the anthropometric assessment of Brazilian children attending daycare centers. Data source: A literature search was carried out in the PubMed, LILACS and SciELO databases of studies published from 1990 to 2013 in Portuguese and English languages. The following search strategy was used: (nutritional status OR anthropometrics OR malnutrition OR overweight) AND daycare centers, as well as the equivalent terms in Portuguese. In the case of MEDLINE search, the descriptor Brazil was also used. Data synthesis: It was verified that the 33 studies included in the review were comparable from a methodological point of view. The studies, in general, were characterized by their restrictive nature, geographical concentration and dispersion of results in relation to time. Considering the studies published from 2010 onwards, low prevalence of acute malnutrition and significant rates of stunting and overweight were observed. Conclusions: Despite the limitations, considering the most recent studies that used the WHO growth curves (2006), it is suggested that the anthropometric profile of Brazilian children attending daycare centers is characterized by a nutritional transition process, with significant prevalence of overweight and short stature. We emphasize the need to develop a multicenter survey that will more accurately define the current anthropometric nutritional status of Brazilian children attending daycare centers. Resumo Objetivo: Traçar um panorama da informação disponível sobre a avaliação antropométrica de crianças brasileiras assistidas em creches. Fontes de dados: Pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados PubMed, LILACS e SciELO de estudos publicados de 1990 a 2013 nos idiomas português e inglês. Foi utilizada a seguinte estratégia de busca: (estado nutricional OR antropometria OR desnutrição OR sobrepeso) AND creches. No caso da busca no MEDLINE o descritor Brazil também foi usado. Síntese dos dados: Verificou-se que os 33 estudos incluídos apresentaram comparabilidade do ponto de vista metodológico. Os estudos, no seu conjunto, caracterizaram-se por sua natureza restritiva, concentração geográfica e dispersão dos resultados em relação ao tempo. Considerando os estudos publicados a partir de 2010, observam-se baixas prevalências de desnutrição aguda e taxas expressivas de déficit de estatura e de sobrepeso. Conclusões: Apesar das limitações, considerando os estudos mais recentes que utilizaram as curvas de crescimento OMS (2006), sugere-se que o perfil antropométrico de crianças brasileiras assistidas em creches caracteriza-se por um processo de transição nutricional com prevalências expressivas de sobrepeso e de baixa estatura. Ressalta-se a necessidade do desenvolvimento de um inquérito multicêntrico para delimitar de forma mais precisa o estado nutricional antropométrico atual das crianças brasileiras que frequentam creches.