Ecology of Children’s Growth: An Example from Transitional Populations of the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

The intense environmental and social changes taking place in Amazonia make this a key area for health studies of populations transitioning to a cosmopolitan lifestyle and market economy. Caboclos are among those populations. They comprise the majority of rural Brazilian Amazon peoples. At present there is limited information about their patterns of growth and health. In this paper, anthropometric data on Caboclo children from three groups living in different environments are presented and discussed within a bioanthropological framework. Caxiuanã, Aracampina, and Santana have a combined population of 1,069 people. Caxiuanã relies more on subsistence activities for survival and Santana more on commerce, while Aracampina uses both subsistence strategies. Compared to US children, Caboclo are generally shorter and lighter in all age groups. However, their weightfor-height is above the 50th percentile. In relation to skinfolds, age groups 0-2, 6-8, and 9-11 years present statistically significant differences among the three communities. Caxiuanã children have the smallest and Aracampina children have the largest skinfolds. While seasonal and environmental differences may account for some of the observed variation in growth and fatness patterns, socioeconomic factors also play a key role in the trends observed. Thus, an ecological model provides the best framework for explaining these findings. Caxiuanã children are small and thin as a result of their combined poor environment and limited access to cash, western goods, and health care. Aracampina and Santana's fuller access to such socioeconomic influences and richer ecology results in taller and fatter children. Understanding similar interactions between ecology and social factors will be fundamental to developing sustainable health initiatives among rural Amazonian populations.

The use of biocultural data in interpreting sex differences in body proportions among rural amazonians

“…Several studies of child health conducted in Latin America have found evidence of greater dietary adequacy (Dewey, 1980; Frongillo and Bégin, 1993), better access to healthcare (Dewey, 1980, 1983; Delgado et al, 1982; Larme, 1997), and better nutritional status (Dewey, 1980, 1983; Frongillo and Bégin, 1993) among boys. However, studies conducted in Brazil indicate that the pattern of parental‐child investment is complex, and there is little evidence of male bias in access to resources (Thomas, 1994; Silva and Crews, 2006; Emerson and Souza, 2007).…”

“…Follow‐up neonatal care was also limited and typically ceased after the infant was fully vaccinated. Overall, Ribeirinhos are subject to chronic stress—as evidenced by high rates of growth retardation—which has been associated with nutritional stress during growth and development and poor access to healthcare (Giugliano et al, 1981, 1984; Murrieta et al, 1998; Silva and Crews, 2006).…”

Exploring the multidimensionality of stature variation in the past through comparisons of archaeological and living populations

“…Respiratory infections, gastrointestinal problems, skin related issues, and general aches and pains related to heavy labor and/or arthritis were the most common causes of morbidity. Overall, Ribeirinhos are subject to chronic stress, which has been associated with nutritional stress during growth and development and poor access to healthcare (Silva and Crews, ).…”

Território, Trabalho e Saúde: Repercussões Socioambientais do Estilo de Vida em Duas Comunidades da Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável do Tupé, Manaus, Amazonas

“…Carvalho & Rocha, 2011;Medeiros, Meneghel, & Gerhardt, 2012). Todavia, não se tem referências extensivas a pesquisas e levantamentos envolvendo a incidência de Diabetes Melittus em populações que ocupam espaços de transição geográfica (H. Silva, 2008;H. P. Silva & Crews, 2006;Soares et al, 2015).…”