Abstract

CACERES, José Luis et al. Nutritional Status of Pupils in "Santiago Mariño", Educational Unit, Linares Alcantara Municipality Aragua State, Venezuela, 2005. Comunidad y Salud [online]. 2007, vol.5, n.1, pp.15-20. ISSN 1690-3293.

As to assess the nutritional status of the pupils in "Santiago Mariño" school, an anthropometric evaluation was performed during 2005 on 236 students, determining height, weight and checking their exact age. 10.1% of the sample showed weight deficit according to age, among them, 5.9% had defficient weight or global undernowrishment and 4.2% were on risk. Weight deficit according to height was 18.3% which implies acute under nourishment. Indicator size / age showed a 5.1% deficit which means 1.7% of cronic undernourishment and 3.4% of risk. Female pupils have a 2.9% higher probability of reporting excess of height according to age in comparison with boys (1>0.05). According to Mass Corporal index nutritional deficit was assessed in 13.6% of the pupils and obesity in 3.4%.

Keywords : Nutritional Status; Nutrition in School Children; Anthropometry; Nutrition Indicators; Corporal Mass Index; Weight - height Index.