Blood pressure, seasonal body fat, heart rate, and ecological differences in Caboclo populations of the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

This study compares blood pressure (BP) and related cardiovascular risk factors among three Caboclo communities from the Brazilian Amazon. Its purpose is to investigate possible risk differentials related to variable ecological settings and Western influences. Caxiuanã is characterized as a more "traditional" group, while Aracampina and Santana are viewed as more "transitional" in lifestyle. A total of 348 subjects from the three communities were evaluated in the wet or the dry season or in both. Measurements across the communities were compared by season and sex. Results suggest little seasonal variation in average BP, BP change, body fat, or body fat change among men. Conversely, there is substantial seasonal and inter-community variation among women. Additional analyses reveal (1) an inconsistent association between age and BP across the communities; (2) that BMI is not associated with BP transitional communities in either season but is associated with both systolic and diastolic pressure in the most traditional community; and (3) little to no sex effect on BP. These results suggest increased Western influence affects body composition particularly of women. However, increased BMI and fat among transitional Caboclo women does not directly translate into higher BP; rather, their BP appears to be more affected by seasonal stresses. Finally, conditions during the wet season diminish age-related variation in BP, suggesting that during the wet season these Caboclo may be less active.

Obesity, hypertension, social determinants of health and the epidemiologic transition among traditional Amazonian populations

“…Other information about the ecologic situation, history, geography, social and economic conditions, subsistence and health aspects of the groups and investigated areas are available in previous publications (Borges, 2011;Cavalcante, 2011;Filgueiras and Silva, 2013;Guimarães and Silva, 2015;Lisboa et al, 2013;Melo and Silva, 2015;Moura, 2007Moura, , 2008; Moura et al, 2016;Pinho et al, 2013;Piperata and Dufour, 2007;Piperata et al, 2011Piperata et al, , 2013Silva, 2002Silva, , 2009Silva, , 2011Silva and Padez, 2010;Silva et al, 2006;Silveira et al, 2013).…”

The nutrition transition in amazonia: Rapid economic change and its impact on growth and development in Ribeirinhos

“…As in the past, rural Ribeirinho populations continue to practice subsistence agriculture (Brondizio and Siquiera, 1997;Murrieta et al, 1999;Piperata and Dufour, 2007;Piperata, 2007) but are also intimately linked to the regional market economy with their level of integration related to market demand for local products or the temporary availability of wage-earning opportunities. Despite their demographic dominance, Ribeirinhos have received relatively little attention in the literature and, with the exception of a handful of studies (Giugliano et al, 1981(Giugliano et al, , 1984Silva et al, 1995Silva et al, , 2006Silva et al, , 2010Murrieta et al, 1998;Piperata and Dufour, 2007;Piperata, 2007), very little is known about their health, especially as it relates to rapidly changing circumstances in this highly dynamic setting.…”

Biodiversity, food consumption and ecological niche dimension: a study case of the riverine populations from the Rio Negro, Amazonia, Brazil

“…Contemporary research on food consumption among indigenous peasants, also called caboclos or ribeirinhos (Moran 1974(Moran , 1991Parker 1985, for a recent debate see Adams et al 2006), have identified several patterns which may be generalized to the whole region: heavy dependence on regional staple food items (e.g., manioc and fish); increasing dependence on commercial and/or imported products; high protein consumption relative to calories; high seasonal variety of secondary food items; and the possible appearance of an epidemic pattern, characterized by the overlap of moderate states of malnutrition and chronic diseases related to changes in food habit and activity level (e.g., obesity and diabetes, among others) (Adams 2002;Adams et al 2005;Giugliano et al 1981Giugliano et al , 1984Murrieta and Dufour 2004;Murrieta et al 1999Murrieta et al , 2004Murrieta 1998Murrieta , 1999Rocha et al 1993;Silva et al 2006). Additional factors have influenced food consumption patterns over the last three decades in Amazonia, including the explosive growth of urban areas promoted at least partially by the decline of traditional subsistence activities such as extraction of forest products (e.g., rubber, gums, and fibers) and shifting cultivation (manioc), as well as by the intensification of commercial large-scale fishing and logging elsewhere (McGrath et al 1993;Padoch et al 1999).…”