Nutritional Transition in Children under Five Years and Women of Reproductive Age: A 15-Years Trend Analysis in Peru

Abstract

BackgroundRapid urbanization, increase in food availability, and changes in diet and lifestyle patterns have been changing nutritional profiles in developing nations. We aimed to describe nutritional changes in children under 5 years and women of reproductive age in Peru, during a 15-year period of rapid economic development and social policy enhancement.Materials and MethodsTrend analyses of anthropometric measures in children of preschool age and women between 15–49 years, using the Peruvian National Demographic and Family Health Surveys (DHS) from 1996 to 2011. WHO growth curves were used to define stunting, underweight, wasting and overweight in children <5y. We employed the WHO BMI-age standardized curves for teenagers between 15–19y. In women >19 years, body mass index (BMI) was analyzed both categorically and as a continuous variable. To statistically analyze the trends, we used regression models: Linear and Poisson for continuous and binary outcomes, respectively.ResultsWe analyzed data from 123 642 women and 64 135 children, from 1996 to 2011. Decreases over time were evidenced for underweight (p<0.001), wasting (p<0.001), and stunting (p<0.001) in children under 5y. This effect was particularly noted in urban settings. Overweight levels in children reduced (p<0.001), however this reduction stopped, in urban settings, since 2005 (∼12%). Anemia decreased in children and women (p<0.001); with higher reduction in urban (↓43%) than in rural children (↓24%). BMI in women aged 15–19 years increased (p<0.001) across time, with noticeable BMI-curve shift in women older than 30 years. Moreover, obesity doubled during this period in women more than 19y.ConclusionNutrition transition in Peru shows different patterns for urban and rural populations. Public policies should emphasize targeting both malnutrition conditions—undernutrition/stunting, overweight/obesity and anemia—considering age and place of residence in rapid developing societies like Peru.

Wealth index and risk of childhood overweight and obesity: evidence from four prospective cohorts in Peru and Vietnam

“…These socioeconomic featureseconomic transition and GDP-have affected health parameters of both countries. Peru undergoes epidemiological and nutritional transition (Chaparro and Estrada 2012; Huicho et al 2009), with growing prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity whilst still hosting chronic malnutrition rates of 25% (Alvarez-Dongo et al 2012;Loret de Mola et al 2014;Pajuelo-Ramirez et al 2013). In Vietnam, the nutritional status of children has also changed: between 1992-93 and 1997-98 the prevalence of underweight decreased from 70% to 64%; and prevalence of overweight and obesity is 20% in school-aged children (Nguyen et al 2013;Thang and Popkin 2003).…”

Análisis espacial del sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil en el Perú, 2014

“…A pesar de no emplear la misma clasificación para establecer sobrepeso u obesidad, estos valores nos aproximan al escenario de estos problemas en la región, donde Perú además de tomar acción frente a este problema de salud pública actual, debe afrontar la denominada "carga sanitaria dual del siglo XXI", situación que acontece en las regiones pobres de América Latina, caracterizada por la coexistencia de enfermedad por malnutrición y enfermedades infecciosas con el sedentarismo y problemas por sobrepeso y obesidad en sus poblaciones (20)(21)(22) . La transición demográfica y nutricional expone a los países de la región a esta doble carga de enfermedad que insta al desarrollo de políticas que favorezcan una adecuada adopción de patrones alimenticios y nutricionales saludables (23) .…”

The challenge of achieving basal energy, iron and zinc provision for home consumption through family farming in the Andes: a comparison of coverage through contemporary production systems and selected agricultural interventions

“…Undernutrition is still prevalent in the Peruvian Andes, disproportionately affecting rural areas [3]. Stunting, or low height for age, is particularly widespread and has been the main focus of attention for governmental and civil society nutrition interventions in Peru.…”