Malnutrition in Waorani indigenous children living in the oil circuit, a recently contacted rural Amazonian area in Ecuador
1
Public Health Institute, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1293
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The Waorani are a recently contacted minority indigenous group inhabiting oil-producing territory in the Ecuadorian Amazon. This popuation is undergoing a transition in their ways and lifestyles, including their traditional diet. Little is known about the nutritional health of their children and their cultural practices around these topics.
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the prevalence of malnutrition and its association with health determinants in Waorani children under 5 years of age living along the oil circuit.
METHODS:
Cross-sectional study in 102 Waorani children. Malnutrition was defined based on the presence of stunting, wasting, or overweight/obesity. The mothers were surveyed about determinants: biological, socioeconomic, environmental, and health services. Bivariate, multivariate logistic regression and weight-adjusted models were performed.
RESULTS:
39.2% of the children were stunted, 1% were overweight/obese. Health determinants such as male sex (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.01–5.69), short maternal stature (OR 4.40, 95% CI 1.44–15.27), child age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.06) and reduced dietary diversity in the home (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.43–6.26) were associated with a higher prevalence of stunting. A tall height at birth was associated (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.05–0.81) and complete vaccination (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15–1.89) was associated with a lower prevalence of stunting. Consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a 5-fold higher prevalence of malnutrition.
CONCLUSIONS:
Stunting is highly prevalent among Waorani children living in the oil circuit. Male sex, short maternal stature, and food insecurity were significantly associated with stunting. Consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with malnutrition. Local, intercultural strategies to reduce stunting in Waorani children is essential. These strategies require a comprehensive view of malnutrition in these communities, which considers the effects on their ecosystem, their traditional and community practices, the consumption of local foods and living conditions.
The Waorani are a recently contacted minority indigenous group inhabiting oil-producing territory in the Ecuadorian Amazon. This popuation is undergoing a transition in their ways and lifestyles, including their traditional diet. Little is known about the nutritional health of their children and their cultural practices around these topics.
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the prevalence of malnutrition and its association with health determinants in Waorani children under 5 years of age living along the oil circuit.
METHODS:
Cross-sectional study in 102 Waorani children. Malnutrition was defined based on the presence of stunting, wasting, or overweight/obesity. The mothers were surveyed about determinants: biological, socioeconomic, environmental, and health services. Bivariate, multivariate logistic regression and weight-adjusted models were performed.
RESULTS:
39.2% of the children were stunted, 1% were overweight/obese. Health determinants such as male sex (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.01–5.69), short maternal stature (OR 4.40, 95% CI 1.44–15.27), child age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.06) and reduced dietary diversity in the home (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.43–6.26) were associated with a higher prevalence of stunting. A tall height at birth was associated (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.05–0.81) and complete vaccination (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15–1.89) was associated with a lower prevalence of stunting. Consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a 5-fold higher prevalence of malnutrition.
CONCLUSIONS:
Stunting is highly prevalent among Waorani children living in the oil circuit. Male sex, short maternal stature, and food insecurity were significantly associated with stunting. Consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with malnutrition. Local, intercultural strategies to reduce stunting in Waorani children is essential. These strategies require a comprehensive view of malnutrition in these communities, which considers the effects on their ecosystem, their traditional and community practices, the consumption of local foods and living conditions.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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