Changes in the nutritional status of indigenous children under 5 years of age in Paraguay between 2008 and 2016

Introduction: Malnutrition is an ongoing challenge that has a detrimental impact on the development of indigenous children. Objective: To describe changes in the nutritional status of indigenous children under five years of age in Paraguay between 2008 and 2016. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study based on nationally representative data from the 2008 Survey of Indigenous Households (EHI 2008) and the 2016 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 2016).Results: The mean z scores were: weight for age-0.40 +/- 0.90 SD (2016) vs-0.56 +/- 1.20 SD (2008), weight for height 0.74 +/- 0.90 SD (2016) versus 0.64 +/- 1.20 SE (2008), and height for age-1.57 +/- 1.1 SE (2016) versus-1.75 +/- 1.6 SE (2008). The prevalence of global malnutrition (GM), acute malnutrition (AM) and chronic malnutrition (CM) decreased between 2008 and 2016: GM 9.8% (2008) vs. 4.3% (2016) (p<0.05), AM 1.5% (2008) vs. 0.2% (2016) (p<0.10), and CM 41.7% (2008) vs. 31.5% (2016) (p<0.10). The number of children at risk of malnutrition decreased for GM and AM, and increased for CM: at risk of GM 25.0% (2008) vs. 16.0% (2016) (p<0.10), from AM 5.6% (2008) vs. 2.6% (2016) (n.s.), and CM 29.4% (2008) vs. 38.5% (2016) (p<0.10). The prevalence of overweight children remained unchanged: 9.0% (2008) vs. 8.9% (2016). Significant improvements in living conditions, especially in access to healthcare and basic infrastructure, both of which are significantly related to nutrition outcomes in 2008, have probably played a key role in the observed improvements in nutritional status. Conclusions: Despite improvements in the nutritional status of indigenous children in Paraguay during 2008-2016, their nutritional profile remains worrisome. Food and nutrition policies and interventions designed for indigenous peoples should be strengthened according to the food perceptions and cultural lifestyles of indigenous communities.