Determinants of linear growth and weight gain among children in Acrelândia, Acre State, Western Brazilian Amazon

Author(s)

Bárbara Hatzlhoffer Lourenço

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP/CIR)
• Defense date: 2014-03-07

Examining board members

Marly Augusto Cardoso; Mauricio Lima Barreto; Maria Helena D' Aquino Benicio; Carlos Augusto Monteiro; Cesar Gomes Victora

• Advisor: Marly Augusto Cardoso

Abstract

Background: Investigations on linear growth and weight gain during childhood in low- to middle-income regions are relevant to scientific knowledge and for the planning of actions focused on health promotion in the context of nutrition transition that affects such areas. Objective: To investigate determinants of linear growth and weight gain among children residing in the town of Acrelândia, Acre State, Western Brazilian Amazon. Methods: This population-based longitudinal study comprised two population-based cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2003 and 2007, and two follow-up assessments conducted in 2009 and 2012. Household interviews collected data on sociodemographic information, maternal characteristics, and childs recent morbidity. Children were also invited for blood sample collection and anthropometric evaluation. Outcomes of interest were change in height for age and body mass index (BMI) for age Z scores. Mixed-effect linear regression models were used in longitudinal data analysis. Results: Main determinants of linear growth in height for age Z scores during childhood were household wealth index and land ownership, as well as maternal height and childs birth weight and length. Weight gain ascertained with BMI for age Z scores was positively associated with household wealth and maternal BMI up to age 10 years. Baseline low-grade inflammatory status (defined as C-reactive protein concentrations up to 1 mg/L) was related to a higher gain in BMI for age Z scores during follow-up among children aged >5 years. Each risk allele of the fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO rs9939609) was related to a higher increase in BMI for age Z score during childhood, with a significant interaction with baseline vitamin D status, with more pronounced genetic effects among children with vitamin D insufficiency. The increase in BMI for age Z scores during school-aged years was also associated with insulin resistance in children. Conclusion: In a low-income area, we confirmed the influence of the socioeconomic context and intergenerational factors represented by maternal ! characteristics on linear growth and weight gain during childhood. Increases in weight were also influenced by a scenario where micronutrient deficiencies, high morbidity, and interaction between genetic and nutritional factors are coupled with a rising panorama of overweight and obesity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/57796-3 - Child growth and body composition at school age: a prospective population-based study in Acrelândia, state of Acre, Western Brazilian Amazon
• Grantee: Bárbara Hatzlhoffer Lourenço
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)