[Evaluation of early manifestations of chronic no transmitted diseases risk in school population in Cali - Colombia]

Similar to other countries in America, Colombia and the Department of Valle present changes in their population structure and mortality suggesting an advanced epidemiological transition status. Grouped, chronic diseases represent the principal cause of death in municipalities with high urban concentration. To identify associated factors of chronic conditions later in life, school children stratified by age, socio-economic level and gender were studied. By random sampling of 14 schools 2.807 children were examined to measure: anthropometry, work capacity, food intake, sexual maturation, blood pressure, and blood levels of glucose and lipids. Weight and height for all ages and gender were lower than international reference but higher than in previous studies. On the contrary body mass indicators were higher. Work capacity adjusted for body weight was higher in low income children. Mean age of menarche was 11,9 years. The relative peak of growth was 11 years for girls and 14 for boys. Maturity was reached at 12 years in women and 17 in men. Blood lipids were considered high and borderline high in a large proportion of the students, while 19.5% had systolic blood pressureor = 120 mm. and 24% diastolicor = 70. Intake of protein and energy was adequate, but diet was high in fat and sugar. There was not deficiency in macro nutrients but dietary intake of some minerals was low, specially iron and calcium. The findings indicate a population with unbalanced diet and disturbing high body mass and lipid concentration that could represent in the future an increase in the already high prevalence of chronic diseases.