Ethnic inequalities in child stunting and feeding practices: results from surveys in thirteen countries from Latin America.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although the prevalence of child stunting is falling in Latin America, socioeconomic inequalities persist. However, there is limited evidence on ethnic disparities. We aimed to describe ethnic inequalities of stunting and feeding practices in thirteen Latin American countries using recent nationally representative surveys.

Methods

We analyzed national surveys carried out since 2006. Based on self-reported ethnicity, skin color or language, children were classified into three categories: indigenous/ afrodescendant/reference group (European or mixed ancestry). Stunting was defined as height (length)-for-age < - 2 standard deviations relative to WHO standards. Family wealth was assessed through household asset indices. We compared mean length/height-for-age and preva

SUBMITTER: Gatica-Dominguez G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7147069 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature