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Background As part of the ubiquitous nutritional transition indigenous are experiencing, the typical diet of most indigenous communities is being substituted by one with high-fat and high-energy-density foods. Domestic feeding transmits cultural factors through meaning and symbolism influential in food, preparation, and meal experiences, which in turn influence children's eating habits differently among social groups. Objectives The aims of this study were to explore the food consumption patterns of Qom preschoolers and to describe cultural domains about the significance of feeding in this indigenous population in northern Argentina. Methods This cross-sectional and mixed-methods study was conducted in 2016–2017 and focused on 160 preschoolers and their mothers in the village of Namqom. It used a closed questionnaire, three 24-h recalls, and free listing techniques. Results Qom preschoolers had a high prevalence of excess weight (25%) and stunting (16%). Mothers reported only 38 food items consumed by preschoolers. Almost all of the children (96%) consumed white bread, whereas 89% consumed milk, 87.5% sweet cookies, 84.7% some sort of stew, 72% fried dough, and 63.1% soup. In addition, it was found that preschoolers consumed neither fresh and varied vegetables, nor available fruits. They did not consume fresh fish and other meats, either. Caregivers related the term "feeding" with "having to eat," which might be associated with the context of poverty in which they live. Caregivers also mentioned "eating right" to get healthy or grow up strong. Conclusions The present study revealed a relatively elevated consumption of high-energy but nutritionally poor food, and malnutrition, which reflects the impacts of poverty. We found that the cultural domain of food is linked to survival and depletion ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous populations in Latin America are among the most socially vulnerable groups and their children often suffer severe deprivation in terms of access to proper nutrition, water, and shelter. This study describes the nutritional status of Qom preschoolers in general, and by neighborhood area and family's socioeconomic characteristics in a peri-urban village of Formosa, Argentina. Across-sectional study was carried out between January and December 2016, with 160 Qom children between 2 and 5 years of age. Interviews and anthropometric measures were conducted at the children's homes. Nutritional status was determined by body mass index. The prevalence of excess weight (overweight + obesity) and of stunting were associated with neighborhood area and socioeconomic level. The overall prevalence of stunting was 15.6% and it was found to be higher (25.8%) in areas of relatively lower access to material resources. The overall prevalence of excess weight reached 25%; however, neighborhood areas with greater access to material resources had a significantly higher prevalence of children with excess weight (41.2%). Despite the entire community living under the line of poverty, we found differences in nutritional status by neighborhood areas, suggesting an incipient social stratification and a deepening of inequalities in access to resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]