OBJECTIVES: submit the results of a cross-sectional survey aimed at evaluating the nutritional status of Pakaanóva (Wari') indigenous children from the State of Rondônia, Amazonia, Brazil. METHODS: height and weight data were collected from a sample of 131 children (69 boys and 62 girls) between 2-10 years of age. Data were compared to the NCHS reference curves, using -2 z-scores as the cut-off point. RESULTS: low height-for-age (stunting) was observed in 45,8% of the children, and low weight-for-age in 26,0%. Only 1,6% of the children were below -2 z-scores of weight-for-height (wasting). Sex differences were noted only in weight-for-age, with boys depicting a higher underweight ratio. CONCLUSIONS: findings were analyzed taking into consideration the health conditions of Pakaanóva children particularly concerning epidemiological and sanitation aspects. The final conclusion is that malnutrition is widespread among the Pakaanóva (Wari') indigenous group.
Anthropometry; Child health; Epidemiology; Nutritional status; South American Indians
