Non-communicable diseases in Brazilian children
Author Information
Author(s): Silva Antônio A, Barbieri Marco A, Cardoso Viviane C, Batista Rosângela F, Simões Vanda M, Vianna Elcio O, Gutierrez Manoel R, Figueiredo Maria L, Silva Nathalia A, Pereira Thaís S, Rodriguez Juliana D, Loureiro Sônia R, Ribeiro Valdinar S, Bettiol Heloisa
Primary Institution: Universidade Federal do Maranhão and Universidade de São Paulo
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among school-aged children in two Brazilian cities with different socioeconomic conditions?
Conclusion
Non-communicable diseases were highly prevalent among Brazilian children, especially in the more developed city.
Supporting Evidence
- In Ribeirão Preto, 27.9% of children reported primary headaches compared to 13.0% in São Luís.
- Obesity prevalence was 9.5% in Ribeirão Preto and only 1.8% in São Luís.
- Children in São Luís had a higher prevalence of mental health problems (47.4%) compared to Ribeirão Preto (38.4%).
- Hypertension was more prevalent in Ribeirão Preto (10.9%) than in São Luís (4.6%).
- Children in São Luís spent an average of 5.6 hours per day in sedentary activities, compared to 4.6 hours in Ribeirão Preto.
Takeaway
This study looked at kids in two Brazilian cities and found that those in the richer city had more health problems like obesity and headaches, while those in the poorer city had more mental health issues.
Methodology
The study followed two birth cohorts from Ribeirão Preto and São Luís, collecting data on health conditions through questionnaires and assessments at school age.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to differences in follow-up rates and participant demographics between the two cities.
Limitations
The study's findings may be influenced by differences in socioeconomic status and the small age difference between cohorts.
Participant Demographics
Children from Ribeirão Preto were more likely to be white and from higher-income families, while São Luís had a higher percentage of children performing household chores.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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