[Displaced and local children's alimentary patterns and nutritional state in Piedecuesta, Colombia].

Objectives: This study was aimed at establishing displaced and local children's alimentary patterns amongst the school-age population from the Guatiguará area (Piedecuesta) and correlating their nutritional state with chosen socioeconomic and nutritional factors.

Methods: This descriptive transversal study of 89 displaced and local school-aged children (6 to 12 years of age) from the Guatiguará area (population=258) was carried out in 2004. Data was collected from socio-demographic and nutritional surveys as well as a food intake questionnaire (SICI). Twenty-four hour dietary recall, standardised kitchen item games and photographic models of the size of food portions were also used. The children's height and weight were measured. SICI, Excel, Epi Info 6.04d and Stata 8.0 software were used for processing the data.

Results: Nutritional state (weight per age - W/A) was as follows: 25,8 % deficit and 14,6 % risk of deficit. Low vegetable, fruit and protein consumption was found. The lowest percentages regarding consumption of needed items pertained to calcium, vitamin B6, iron, zinc and niacin. The relationship between receiving a monthly family income of less than Col $150 000 and nutritional deficit was (OR=2.76 CI(95 %) 0,92-8,44, p=0,040). Nutritional deficit protection factors consisted of having an employed mother (OR=0.29 CI(95 %) 0,09-0,84, p=0,012) and families having 2 or 3 employed members covering household expenses (OR=0.17 CI(95 %) 0,03-0,69 p=0,0052).

Conclusion: Selected socioeconomic factors influenced the studied population's alimentary pattern and nutritional state.