Inequalities in malnutrition and living conditions of children from native and migrant families residing in the productive belt of La Plata city (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Abstract

Argentina has been a preferred destination for Bolivian immigrants over decades, seeking better life conditions. Dietary habits are reported to be as one of the indicators of living conditions and nutritional status of children. The present study aimed to characterize nutritional status of children living in the productive belt of La Plata city (Buenos Aires, Argentina) in the background of household socio-economic and environmental information (HSEI) and to conduct a comparative analysis between native and immigrant families to find possible inequalities. The sample was made up of 465 children between 3.0 and 6.9 years; 64.3% were representatives of the native families and 35.7% were from immigrant families. Anthropometric measurements of weight and height were recorded, and data were compared with WHO reference; structured surveys were conducted to obtain HSEI. Results showed 53.5% of the participant children had malnutrition: 6.2% undernutrition and 48.9% excess weight (32.3% overweight; 16.6% obesity); 1.6% had both types (stunting and excess weight). Children representing immigrant families had higher prevalence of excess weight than the native Argentine peers and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). Immigrant families had greater social vulnerability than their native neighbors.