Resumen

ROJAS D, Carlos, CALDERON A, María del Pilar, TAIPE A, María del Carmen et al. Consumo de energía y nutrientes, características socioeconómicas, pobreza y área de residencia de niños peruanos de 12 a 35 meses de edad. Rev. perú. med. exp. salud publica, abr./jun. 2004, vol.21, no.2, p.98-106. ISSN 1726-4634.

Objective: To determine the relationship between energy consumption in 12 to 35 month old Peruvian children and their socio-economic characteristics, poverty, and living places. Material and Methods: Data was obtained from the Food Consumption National Survey for childbearing women and 12 to 35 month old children. The sample included 2907 boys and girls. Food consumption data was obtained using a 24 hour recall method. Information regarding the living place, as well as home characteristics and access to basic services was also included. The population was pooled according to the Non-Satisfied Basic Needs. A less than 75% adequation for energy and nutrient use was defined as deficient consumption. Chi square and Kruskal Wallis statistical tests were used. Results: Percentage of children in poor households was 76.5%, and poverty mostly affects children from rural areas. The percentage of children with energy, carbohydrate, fat, and iron deficiency was more than 35%; the higher the value for Non-Satisfied Basic Needs is, the lower consumption adequation values are found, except for carbohydrates. The main energy supply for poor children comes from carbohydrates. Conclusions: Poverty conditions affecting children have direct influence on their energy, carbohydrate, fat, and iron consumption, and this may bring serious consequences upon their nutritional and health status.

Palabras llave: Poverty; Food; Child nutrition; Nutrition surveys; Peru.