Food Intake and the Significance of Feeding in Qom Children of Northern Argentina

Abstract

Objectives The aims of this study were to explore the food consumption patterns of Qom preschoolers and to describe cultural domains about the significance of feeding in this indigenous population in northern Argentina. Design and methods This cross-sectional and mixed-methods study was conducted in 2016–2017 and focused on 160 preschoolers and their mothers in the village of Namqom. It used a closed questionnaire, three 24-h recalls, and free listing techniques. Results Qom preschoolers had a high prevalence of excess weight (25%) and stunting (16%). Mothers reported only 38 food items consumed by preschoolers. Almost all of the children (96%) consume white bread, while 89% consume milk, 87.5% sweet cookies, 84.7% some sort of stew, 72% fried dough and 63.1% soup. In addition, it was found that preschoolers did not consume neither fresh and varied vegetables, nor available fruits. They did not consume fresh fish and other meats, either. Caregivers related the term “feeding” with “having to eat”, which might be associated with the poverty context in which they live. Caregivers also mentioned “eating right” to get healthy or grow up strong. Conclusions The present study revealed a relatively elevated consumption of high energy, but nutritionally poor food, and malnutrition, which reflects the impacts of poverty. We found that the cultural domain of food is linked to survival and depletion ideas.

Determinants of Incident Stunting in Elementary School Children in Endemic Area Iodine Deficiency Disorders Enrekang Regency

“…We conclude that among the underlying causes of stunting in school children in Enrekang Regency are skipping breakfast or eating <3 times a day, food insecurity, lack of types of food due to too far access to markets, family income, and lack of nutrition awareness in the entire population. This research is not in line with a study by Olmedo et al [15] in Argentine children, it showed that there was no relationship between an energy-dense diet and the incidence of stunting.…”

Body norms, body image, and media in a market‐integrating indigenous population in Argentina: A mixed‐methods investigation

“…In NamQom, integration into the market economy and a loss of traditional subsistence practices has led to rising rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome (Lagranja et al, 2015). NamQom has also been subject to pervasive food insecurity, poverty, childhood stunting, and a high prevalence of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, including tuberculosis (Olmedo et al, 2020; Valeggia & Ellison, 2003; Valeggia & Tola, 1999). The health clinic in NamQom and its geographic location at the center of the community may facilitate frequent contact with healthcare providers trained in Western biomedical modes of care, resulting in widespread ideas about body size that are rooted in somewhat arbitrary clinical standards of “normal” and “healthy.” The existence of over nutrition alongside food insecurity and pathogenic burden, as well as the clinic's presence at the center of the community, may lead to frequent contact with both larger body sizes associated with cardio metabolic risks and thin body sizes associated with illness and food insecurity.…”

Pengolahan pangan unggulan pisang sebagai produk makanan tambahan pada balita stunting

“…Warna dan bentuk adalah bentuk dari menikamati sesuatu. Bentuk yang indah dan bagus akan dipersepsikan oleh seseorang yang melihatnya sehingga akan lebih tertarik [23]. Sama halnya dengan warna, warna yang indah juga akan mempengaruhi persepsi yang melihat untuk dapat dinikmati.…”