Growth status of indigenous school children 6–14 years in the Tarahumara Sierra, Northern Mexico, in 1990 and 2007

Abstract

Aims: The study evaluated the growth status and secular change in body size of indigenous Tarahumara children in northern Mexico.

Methods: Heights and weights of Tarahumara children 6–14 years were measured in 1990 (n = 601) and 2007 (n = 583); the BMI was calculated. International criteria defined weight status while United States reference data defined stunting.

Results: Estimated secular gains in height from 1990 to 2007 were greatest in 6–7 year-old boys and declined with age to a small, non-significant secular decline in boys 12–14 years. Among girls secular gains in height were similar at 6–7 and 8–9 years, largest at 10–11 years and small and non-significant at 12–14 years. Secular gains in weight were similar among 6–7 and 8–9 year-old boys and girls, were greater in girls than in boys at 10–11 years and showed a small, non-significant secular decline in boys and girls 12–14 years. Secular change in the BMI paralleled those for weight. The prevalence of stunting declined from 1990 to 2007 in both sexes and all age groups except 12–14 year youth. Overweight was more prevalent in girls than boys in both years and increased from 4% to 7% in boys and 9% to 13% in girls. Obesity was not common among boys and girls in each age group and in both years. Stunting and overweight/obesity were not related in either 1990 or 2007.

Conclusion: Positive secular changes in growth status have occurred in Tarahumara children 6–11 years in contrast to negligible changes among children 12–14 years. The results suggest recent improvements in health and nutrition sufficient to support a positive secular trend in younger children.

Keywords::

• Secular trends
• stunting
• overweight
• obesity

Acknowledgements

The data for albergues school children in 2007 was provided by the Comision para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indigenas (CDI) through the courtesy of Guillermo Bali Chávez. His assistance is greatly acknowledged and appreciated.

Declaration of interest : The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.