A'uwe (Xavante) views of food security in a context of monetarization of an indigenous economy in Central Brazil.

Following boom-and-bust economic cycles provoked by Brazilian governmental attempts to integrate Indigenous peoples into national society, it is approximately since the beginning of the 2000s that Brazilian Indigenous peoples came to be viewed officially as "poor" and victims of "hunger." Consequently, the national indigenist agency and other State entities started to conceive and implement diverse initiatives that ultimately injected money and resources into Indigenous communities. In 2019 we undertook an ethnographic study in three A'uwe (Xavante) communities in the Pimentel Barbosa Indigenous Reserve, Central Brazil, with the objective of analyzing how people understand and pursue food security. We propose that in the studied communities the complex network of A'uwe food reciprocity is a fundamental strategy for mitigating hunger and acute lack of food. We show that among the A'uwe, the hybrid economy that developed since the 1970s has proved resilient to dramatic transformations and uncertainty in the availability and characteristics of external government inputs.

Coping with Hypertension among Indigenous Peoples in Brazil and the Role of the Primary Care Nurse: A Critical Review from a Transcultural Perspective.

Our objective is to critically review the literature addressing the strategic role of nurses in the daily primary care of arterial hypertension in Indigenous communities in Brazil. We selected studies based on an initial keyword search of major bibliographic indexing databases for the years 2000 to 2020 and manual search. Further selection was based on topical, methodological, and thematic relevance, as well as evaluation of scholarship quality and pertinence to our chosen narrative. The literature demonstrates Indigenous peoples do not receive health services that measure up to national standards in large part due to a marked lack of academic and employer preparation for nurses operating in transcultural settings. Inequities were apparent in recurrent reports of victim-blaming, deficient clinical communication with patients, clinical malpractice, devaluation of hypertension as a problem for Indigenous peoples, insufficient intercultural training for nurses, and discrimination against Indigenous students in nursing education programs. This systemic problem needs to be addressed by universities and the Indigenous Health Care Subsystem in Brazil.

Indigenous migration patterns in Brazil based on the 2010 national demographic census: analysis and critical reflection.

Research in several Latin American countries points to violence, loss of traditional territories, and seeking education, health, and wage labor as key variables in triggering rural-urban migration among Indigenous people. This study presents an analysis of the migration patterns of Indigenous people in Brazil, compared to non-indigenous people, based on data from the most recent national census, conducted in 2010. Migration characteristics related to lifetime migration and recent migration were investigated by means of descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses. The findings pointed to complex mobility scenarios according to migrants' Indigenous status and geographical regions of origin and destination. Indigenous people living in urban areas presented high levels of mobility (approximately 50% lived in different municipalities from those where they were born), which were more pronounced than those of non-Indigenous people. Indigenous people living in rural areas presented the lowest levels of migration (approximately 90% residing in their municipality of birth). Statistical modeling confirmed the patterns observed in descriptive analysis, highlighting the marked mobility of Indigenous subjects in urban areas. We emphasize the limitations of using census data for characterizing Indigenous mobility profiles, although no other nationally representative data are available. The finding that the Indigenous population living in urban areas presents rates of migration higher than their non-Indigenous counterparts is particularly important for the planning and implementation of a broad range of public policies aimed at ethnic minorities in the country, including health, education, and housing initiatives.

Food Profiles of Indigenous Households in Brazil: Results of the First National Survey of Indigenous Peoples' Health and Nutrition.

The objective of the present study was to characterize the food profiles in Indigenous households participating in the First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition in Brazil. Multiple correspondence analysis was used to estimate distances between regions and foods from three sources (local Indigenous production, purchased, and external donation), in addition to "not consumed." The combined distribution of the first two dimensions revealed three distinct profiles of food acquisition. Observed proximities between geopolitical regions and distinct modes of food acquisition speak to regional contrasts in food sovereignty among the Indigenous population that are closely linked to historical occupation and economic expansion in the country. Considering the concept of food sovereignty as involving rights to dietary autonomy, healthy diets, and resource management, our data suggest Brazil's North region is the closest of the four regions analyzed to these goals. Food sovereignty in the Northeast and South/Southeast regions is reduced due to greater monetarization and proximity to market economy resources. The advance of agribusiness in the Amazon has been a hallmark of the Brazilian government's current environmental policy, directly threatening the survival of Indigenous peoples living in that region.

[Profile of antineoplastic medication among indigenous people treated in the Brazilian Unified National Health System]. / Perfil de utilização de medicamentos antineoplásicos entre indígenas atendidos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde.

Brazil has an estimated 900,000 indigenous people (0.4% of the country's population), belonging to more than 300 different ethnic groups. However, information is scarce on cancer epidemiology and the antineoplastic drugs used in treatment of these individuals. The study's objectives are to identify the antineoplastic drugs used and to describe the profile of use of these drugs in the indigenous population treated in Brazil, as well as to describe the patients' epidemiological profile. An ecological study was performed involving outpatient chemotherapy care from January 2014 to December 2018 throughout Brazil. The data source was the Outpatient Information System of the Brazilian Health Informatics Department, considering only Authorizations for High-Complexity Chemotherapy Procedures. We identified 2,425 authorizations for chemotherapy procedures for treatment of indigenous patients. Of these, 2,292 authorizations for a total of 210 individuals were analyzed. We found an increase in the number of authorizations and of indigenous persons receiving chemotherapy over the period, with a higher concentration of individuals living in and receiving treatment in the South of Brazil, plus a wide diversity in the types of diagnosed tumors (n = 63) and of treatment regimen used during the treatment (n = 107). The current study provided a new overview of the epidemiological profile of indigenous patients receiving chemotherapy in the Brazilian Unified National Health System. The findings help fill a current knowledge gap on indigenous people's health in Brazil.

Estima-se que no Brasil existam cerca de 900 mil indígenas (0,4% da população do país) pertencentes a mais de 300 etnias diferentes. Porém, informações sobre a epidemiologia do câncer e sobre os medicamentos antineoplásicos utilizados no tratamento desses indivíduos são escassas. Os objetivos do presente estudo são identificar os medicamentos antineoplásicos utilizados e descrever o perfil de utilização deles na população indígena tratada no Brasil, além de descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos usuários. Foi realizado um estudo do tipo ecológico que envolveu os atendimentos ambulatoriais de quimioterapia, realizados no período de janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2018, em todo o Brasil. A fonte de coleta dos dados utilizada foi o Sistema de Informação Ambulatorial, do Departamento de Informática do SUS, considerando apenas as Autorizações de Procedimentos de Alta Complexidade para Quimioterapia. Foram identificadas 2.425 autorizações para procedimentos de quimioterapia destinadas ao tratamento de pacientes indígenas. Um total de 2.292 autorizações, para um total de 210 indivíduos, foram analisadas. Observou-se um aumento do número de autorizações e de indígenas em uso de quimioterapia ao longo do período, maior concentração de indivíduos residentes e em tratamento na Região Sul do país, diversidade de tipos de tumores diagnosticados (n = 63) e de esquemas terapêuticos utilizados durante o tratamento (n = 107). O presente estudo trouxe um novo panorama sobre o perfil epidemiológico dos usuários indígenas sob tratamento quimioterápico no Sistema Único de Saúde. Os achados contribuem para o preenchimento da atual lacuna de conhecimento a respeito da saúde indígena no Brasil.

Se estima que en Brasil existan cerca de 900 mil indígenas (0,4% de la población del país) pertenecientes a más de 300 etnias diferentes. No obstante, la información sobre la epidemiología del cáncer y medicamentos antineoplásicos utilizados en el tratamiento de esos individuos es escasa. Los objetivos del presente estudio son identificar los medicamentos antineoplásicos utilizados, y describir el perfil de utilización de esos medicamentos en la población indígena tratada en Brasil, así como describir el perfil epidemiológico de los usuarios. Se realizó un estudio de tipo ecológico, implicando la atención ambulatoria con quimioterapia, realizada en el período de enero de 2014 y diciembre de 2018 en todo Brasil. La fuente de recogida de datos utilizada fue el Sistema de Información Ambulatoria, del Departamento de Informática del SUS, considerando solamente las Autorizaciones de Procedimientos de Alta Complejidad para Quimioterapia. Se identificaron 2.425 autorizaciones para procedimientos de quimioterapia, destinadas al tratamiento de pacientes indígenas. Se analizaron 2.292 autorizaciones para un total de 210 individuos. Se observó un aumento del número de autorizaciones y de indígenas en el tratamiento de quimioterapia a lo largo del período, con una mayor concentración de individuos residentes y en tratamiento en la región sur del país, con una diversidad de tipos de tumores diagnosticados (n = 63) y de esquemas terapéuticos utilizados durante el tratamiento (n = 107). El presente estudio presentó un nuevo panorama sobre el perfil epidemiológico de los usuarios indígenas bajo tratamiento quimioterápico en el Sistema Único de Salud. Los hallazgos contribuyen a llenar la actual laguna de conocimiento con respecto a la salud indígena en Brasil.

Indigenous children and adolescent mortality inequity in Brazil: What can we learn from the 2010 National Demographic Census?

Indigenous peoples worldwide are highly disadvantaged compared to national baseline populations. Given historical challenges to accessing relevant data for Brazil, the present study innovates by using 2010 Brazilian National Demographic Census data to estimate mortality curves in Indigenous children and adolescents <20 years. The non-parametric smoothing approach TOPALS (tool for projecting age-specific rates using linear splines) was employed. Analyses included stratifications by sex, rural or urban residence, and geopolitical region. The mortality of children and adolescents classified as Indigenous was higher for all analyzed strata. Mortality of Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals in rural areas was higher than those in urban areas in almost all strata analyzed. Mortality levels in the Indigenous segment exceed those of children and adolescents classified as non-Indigenous in all four geopolitical regions, with few exceptions. This is the first study to compare mortality curves of children and adolescents in Brazil according to social variables based on national census data. More Indigenous children and adolescents die than their non-Indigenous counterparts, including those classified as black or brown, in both rural and urban residential settings. Indigenous children and adolescents are consistently at the most disadvantaged end of a marked gradient of ethnic-racial inequality in Brazil, independently of sex, age, and geopolitical region.

The Xavante Longitudinal Health Study in Brazil: Objectives, design, and key results.

OBJECTIVE: The Xavante Longitudinal Health Study was developed to permit granular tracking of contemporary health challenges faced by indigenous communities in Brazil, taking into consideration ongoing historical processes that may be associated with increases in child undernutrition, adult obesity, and cardiovascular disease risks. METHODS: This was an open-cohort study with six semiannual data collection waves from 2009 to 2012. The study was undertaken in two Xavante villages, Pimentel Barbosa and Etênhiritipá, State of Mato Grosso, Central Brazil. No sampling technique was used. Data collection placed emphasis on growth and nutrition of children under five and nutrition status, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels of adolescents and adults. RESULTS: Baseline data collection began in July/August 2009 with a population census (656 individuals). Between the first and final waves, the study population increased by 17%. At baseline, stunting and wasting was elevated for most age groups <10 years. Overweight, obesity, and increased risk of metabolic complications were expressive among individuals >17 years, disproportionately affecting females. Anemia was elevated in most age groups, especially among females. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was moderate. The overall prevalence of high blood pressure was relatively low. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal marked health disparities relative to the Brazilian national population and a complex dietary health epidemiology involving the double burden of malnutrition, rapidly changing nutritional indicators, and elevated metabolic disease risk. The topically broad multidisciplinary focus permitted construction of the richest longitudinal data set of socio-epidemiological information for an indigenous population in Brazil.

[Excess weight in Xukuru indigenous children in Ororubá, Pernambuco State, Brazil: magnitude and associated factors]. / Excesso de peso em crianças indígenas Xukuru do Ororubá, Pernambuco, Brasil: magnitude e fatores associados.

The few studies on health and nutrition in indigenous peoples in Northeast Brazil point to some differences with indigenous peoples in the North and Central of the country. This study estimated the prevalence rates and risk of overweight and excess weight in Xukuru children in the village of Ororubá, Pernambuco State, and assessed the socioeconomic and demographic factors potentially associated with these conditions. This cross-sectional study analyzed the associations between adequate weight, excess weight (overweight and obesity), and risk of overweight according to the indices and cutoff points of the World Health Organization for children and the explanatory variables, using multinomial logistic regression. Prevalence of excess weight was 7.7% and risk of overweight was 24.2%. The odds of risk of overweight and excess weight were higher in children < 2 years. Children of obese mothers showed higher odds of excess weight. Prevalence of risk of overweight was 97% higher when compared to households with fixed income. The findings suggest that the Xukuru are experiencing an accelerated nutritional transition, with a paradoxical situation to which other indigenous peoples in Brazil are also exposed.

Os poucos estudos que abordam o tema de saúde e nutrição em indígenas da macrorregião Nordeste do Brasil sinalizaram situações diferenciadas em alguns aspectos, quando comparados principalmente à realidade de indígenas do Norte e Centro-oeste. Este trabalho objetivou estimar a magnitude das prevalências e risco de sobrepeso e excesso de peso em crianças menores de dez anos da etnia Xukuru do Ororubá, Estado de Pernambuco, e avaliar os fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos potencialmente associados a estes agravos. Estudo transversal, no qual realizou-se uma análise da associação entre as variáveis de desfecho, peso adequado, excesso de peso (sobrepeso e obesidade) e risco de sobrepeso, de acordo com os índices e pontos de corte da Organização Mundial da Saúde para crianças e as variáveis explicativas, utilizando-se regressão logística multinomial. A prevalência de excesso de peso foi de 7,7% e de risco de sobrepeso de 24,2%. As chances de risco de sobrepeso e de excesso de peso são maiores em crianças < 2 anos, e filhos de mães obesas apresentam maior chance de excesso de peso. A prevalência de risco de sobrepeso foi 97% maior quando comparada com os domicílios sem renda fixa. Os achados sugerem que os Xukuru estão atravessando um acelerado processo de transição nutricional, com uma situação paradoxal a que outros povos indígenas no Brasil estão expostos.

Los escasos estudios que abordan el tema de salud y nutrición en indígenas de la macrorregión Nordeste de Brasil mostraron situaciones diferenciadas en algunos aspectos, cuando se comparan principalmente con la realidad de los indígenas del Norte y Centro-oeste. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar la magnitud de las prevalencias y riesgo de sobrepeso, así como de exceso de peso en niños menores de diez años de la etnia Xukuru do Ororubá, estado de Pernambuco, y evaluar los factores socioeconómicos y demográficos potencialmente asociados a estos problemas. Se trata de un estudio transversal, en el que se realizó un análisis de la asociación entre las variables de desenlace, peso adecuado, exceso de peso (sobrepeso y obesidad) y riesgo de sobrepeso, conforme los índices y puntos de corte de la Organización Mundial de la Salud para niños, y las variables explicativas, utilizando una regresión logística multinomial. La prevalencia de exceso de peso fue de un 7,7% y la de riesgo de sobrepeso de 24,2%. Las oportunidades de riesgo de sobrepeso y de exceso de peso son mayores en niños < 2 años, asimismo, hijos de madres obesas presentan una mayor oportunidad de exceso de peso. La prevalencia de riesgo de sobrepeso fue un 97% mayor cuando se compara con domicilios sin ingresos fijos. Los resultados sugieren que los Xukuru están atravesando un acelerado proceso de transición nutricional, con una situación paradójica a la que otros pueblos indígenas en Brasil están expuestos.

[Assessment of prenatal care for indigenous women in Brazil: findings from the First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition]. / Avaliação da atenção pré-natal ofertada às mulheres indígenas no Brasil: achados do Primeiro Inquérito Nacional de Saúde e Nutrição dos Povos Indígenas.

This study assesses prenatal care for indigenous women 14-49 years of age with children under five years of age in Brazil. The First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition assessed 3,967 women who met these criteria, of whom 41.3% in the North, 21.2% in the Central, 22.2% in the Northeast, and 15% in the South/Southeast. Prenatal care was offered to 3,437 (86.6%) of these women. The North of Brazil showed the highest proportion of indigenous women who did not receive prenatal care. Coverage was 90.4%, but only some 30% began prenatal care in the first trimester, and only 60% of the eligible women were vaccinated for diphtheria and tetanus. Only 16% of indigenous pregnant women had seven or more prenatal visits. Access to at least one clinical-obstetric consultation was found in 97% of the records, except for breast examination (63%). Laboratory test rates were low (blood glucose 53.6%, urinalysis 53%, complete blood count 56.9%, Pap smear 12.9%, syphilis test 57.6%, HIV serology 44.2%, hepatitis B 53.6%, rubella 21.4%, and toxoplasmosis 32.6%), as was prescription of ferrous sulfate (44.1%). As a whole, the proportion of orders for recommended laboratory tests was only 53%. The percentages of prenatal care procedures for indigenous women are lower than for non-indigenous Brazilian women as a whole, and are even lower than among women in regions with high social vulnerability and low healthcare coverage, like the Legal Amazonia and the Northeast. The results confirm the persistence of ethnic-racial inequalities that compromise the health and well-being of indigenous mothers.

Este estudo avalia a atenção pré-natal de mulheres indígenas com idades entre 14-49 anos, com filhos menores de 60 meses no Brasil. O Primeiro Inquérito Nacional de Saúde e Nutrição dos Povos Indígenas avaliou 3.967 mulheres que atendiam a tais requisitos, sendo 41,3% da Região Norte; 21,2% do Centro-oeste; 22,2% do Nordeste; e 15% do Sul/Sudeste. O pré-natal foi ofertado a 3.437 (86,6%) delas. A Região Norte registrou a maior proporção de mulheres que não fizeram pré-natal. A cobertura alcançada foi de 90,4%, mas somente cerca de 30% iniciaram o pré-natal no 1º trimestre e apenas 60% das elegíveis foram vacinadas contra difteria e tétano. Somente 16% das gestantes indígenas realizaram 7 ou mais consultas de pré-natal. Ter acesso a pelo menos um cuidado clínico-obstétrico foi observado em cerca de 97% dos registros, exceto exame de mamas (63%). Foi baixa a solicitação de exames (glicemia 53,6%, urina 53%, hemograma 56,9%, citologia oncótica 12,9%, teste de sífilis 57,6%, sorologia para HIV 44,2%, hepatite B 53,6%, rubéola 21,4% e toxoplasmose 32,6%) e prescrição de sulfato ferroso (44,1%). No conjunto, a proporção de solicitações de exames laboratoriais preconizados não ultrapassou 53%. Os percentuais de realização das ações do pré-natal das indígenas são mais baixos que os encontrados para mulheres não indígenas no conjunto do território nacional, e até mesmo para as residentes em regiões de elevada vulnerabilidade social e baixa cobertura assistencial como a Amazônia Legal e o Nordeste. Os resultados reafirmam a persistência de desigualdades étnico-raciais que comprometem a saúde e o bem-estar de mães indígenas.

Este estudio evalúa la atención prenatal a mujeres indígenas con edades comprendidas entre los 14-49 años, con hijos menores de 60 meses en Brasil. La Primera Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de los Pueblos Indígenas evaluó a 3.967 mujeres que reunían tales requisitos, procediendo un 41,3% de la Región Norte; un 21,2% del Centro-oeste; un 22,2% del Nordeste; y un 15% del Sur/Sudeste. El servicio prenatal se le ofreció a 3.437 (86,6%) de ellas. La Región Norte registró la mayor proporción de mujeres que no realizaron el seguimiento prenatal. La cobertura alcanzada fue de un 90,4%, pero solamente cerca de un 30% comenzaron el seguimiento prenatal durante el primer trimestre y sólo un 60% de las elegibles fueron vacunadas contra la difteria y tétanos. Solamente un 16% de las gestantes indígenas realizaron 7 o más consultas de prenatal. Alrededor de un 97% de los registros se observó que tuvieron acceso a por lo menos un cuidado clínico-obstétrico, excepto el examen de mamas (63%). Fue baja la solicitud de exámenes (glucemia 53,6%, orina 53%, hemograma 56,9%, citología oncológica 12,9%, test de sífilis 57,6%, serología para VIH 44,2%, hepatitis B 53,6%, rubeola 21,4% y toxoplasmosis un 32,6%) y la prescripción de sulfato ferroso (44,1%). En conjunto, la proporción de solicitudes de exámenes de laboratorio previstos no sobrepasó el 53%. Los porcentajes de realización de acciones del seguimiento prenatal por parte de las indígenas son más bajos que los encontrados en mujeres no indígenas, en el conjunto del territorio nacional, y hasta incluso en comparación con las residentes en regiones de elevada vulnerabilidad social y baja cobertura asistencial como la Amazonia Legal y el Nordeste. Los resultados reafirman la persistencia de desigualdades étnico-raciales que comprometen la salud y el bienestar de las madres indígenas.

Human ecological and social determinants of dental caries among the Xavante Indigenous people in Central Brazil.

This community study evaluates complex interactions between macro and micro determinants of oral health in a local Indigenous population based on a theoretical framework of demographic, economic, and healthcare transformation over the last half century. The study population included all residents of eight Xavante villages in Central Brazil. Our hypothetical model posited multiple direct and indirect associations between dental caries and village groups with differentiated territorial and oral care histories, as well as household socioeconomic indicators and food acquisition patterns, individual sociodemographic characteristics, use of dental health services, and oral hygiene practices. Structural equation modelling methods were used to evaluate direct and indirect associations linking exogenous factors and dental caries. Results include 18 direct and 14 indirect statistically significant pathways between determinant variables and dental caries. Significant links with dental caries were shown for socioeconomic indicators, oral healthcare variables, household food acquisition patterns, sex, and age. These findings suggest that the oral health of Xavante residents in the villages studied is associated with determinant factors of different epidemiological and historical scales. The specific historical frame of territorial circumscription and demographic crisis followed by rapid population increase since the 1970s should be considered a cause-of-cause determinant of the economic, healthcare, and sociodemographic profile contributing to oral health among the Xavante. Considering the limitations of cross-sectional studies, our findings underline the importance for oral health determination of historical currents affecting minority ethnic groups within national societies.

Ethnic group inequalities in coverage with reproductive, maternal and child health interventions: cross-sectional analyses of national surveys in 16 Latin American and Caribbean countries.

BACKGROUND: Latin American and Caribbean populations include three main ethnic groups: indigenous people, people of African descent, and people of European descent. We investigated ethnic inequalities among these groups in population coverage with reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health interventions. METHODS: We analysed 16 standardised, nationally representative surveys carried out from 2004 to 2015 in Latin America and the Caribbean that provided information on ethnicity or a proxy indicator (household language or skin colour) and on coverage of reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health interventions. We selected four outcomes: coverage with modern contraception, antenatal care coverage (defined as four or more antenatal visits), and skilled attendants at birth for women aged 15-49 years; and coverage with three doses of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT3) vaccine among children aged 12-23 months. We classified women and children as indigenous, of African descent, or other ancestry (reference group) on the basis of their self-reported ethnicity or language. Mediating variables included wealth quintiles (based on household asset indices), woman's education, and urban-rural residence. We calculated crude and adjusted coverage ratios using Poisson regression. FINDINGS: Ethnic gaps in coverage varied substantially from country to country. In most countries, coverage with modern contraception (median coverage ratio 0·82, IQR 0·66-0·92), antenatal care (0·86, 0·75-0·94), and skilled birth attendants (0·75, 0·68-0·92) was lower among indigenous women than in the reference group. Only three countries (Nicaragua, Panama, and Paraguay) showed significant gaps in DPT3 coverage between the indigenous and the reference groups. The differences were attenuated but persisted after adjustment for wealth, education, and residence. Women and children of African descent showed similar coverage to the reference group in most countries. INTERPRETATION: The lower coverage levels for indigenous women are pervasive, and cannot be explained solely by differences in wealth, education, or residence. Interventions delivered at community level-such as vaccines-show less inequality than those requiring access to services, such as birth attendance. Regular monitoring of ethnic inequalities is essential to evaluate existing initiatives aimed at the inclusion of minorities and to plan effective multisectoral policies and programmes. FUNDING: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (through the Countdown to 2030 initiative) and the Wellcome Trust.

Anemia and hemoglobin levels among Indigenous Xavante children, Central Brazil. / Anemia e níveis de hemoglobina em crianças indígenas Xavante, Brasil Central.

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the prevalence of anemia, mean hemoglobin levels, and the main nutritional, demographic, and socioeconomic factors among Xavante children in Mato Grosso State, Brazil. METHODS:: A survey was conducted with children under 10 years of age in two indigenous Xavante communities within the Pimentel Barbosa Indigenous Reserve. Hemoglobin concentration levels, anthropometric measurements, and socioeconomic/demographic data were collected by means of clinical measurements and structured interviews. The cut-off points recommended by the World Health Organization were used for anemia classification. Linear regression analyses with hemoglobin as the outcome and Poisson regression with robust variance and with the presence or absence of anemia as outcomes were performed (95%CI). RESULTS:: Lower mean hemoglobin values were observed in children under 2 years of age, without a significant difference between sexes. Anemia was observed among 50.8% of children overall, with the highest prevalence among children under 2 years of age (77.8%). Age of the child was inversely associated with the occurrence of anemia (adjusted PR = 0.60; 95%CI 0.38-0.95) and mean hemoglobin values increased significantly with age. Greater height-for-age z-score values reduced the probability of having anemia by 1.8 times (adjusted PR = 0.59; 95%CI 0.34-1.00). Presence of another child with anemia within the household increased the probability of the occurrence of anemia by 52.9% (adjusted PR = 1.89; 95%CI 1.16-3.09). CONCLUSION:: Elevated levels of anemia among Xavante children reveal a disparity between this Indigenous population and the national Brazilian population. Results suggest that anemia is determined by complex and variable relationships between socioeconomic, sociodemographic, and biological factors.

Physical growth curves of indigenous Xavante children in Central Brazil: results from a longitudinal study (2009-2012).

BACKGROUND: The nutritional profile of Indigenous children in Brazil is comparable to those observed in some of the least developed regions of the world. AIM: Weight and height growth curves were characterised based on longitudinal data from a local Indigenous population experiencing the double burden of child under-nutrition and adult obesity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Anthropometric data were collected in six waves from 2009-2011 for children <10 in two proximate Xavante villages in Central Brazil. Prevalence rates for stunting, wasting and thinness were calculated using WHO references. Weight and height data were adjusted for generalised additive mixed models to generate growth curves. RESULTS: Prevalence rates of stunting and wasting were high, but cases of thinness and excess weight were negligible. Weight and height began close to WHO medians, but fell substantially before 12 months. Boys but not girls were able to catch-up in weight before age 10. From 3-10 years, height for both sexes remained between -2 and 0 z-scores. CONCLUSION: Impaired Xavante growth before 1 year followed by inconsistent recovery before 10 years reflects health and wellbeing disparities with regard to the Brazilian national population and a complex epidemiology of growth involving rapid nutritional change.

Indigenous and tribal peoples' health (The Lancet-Lowitja Institute Global Collaboration): a population study.

BACKGROUND: International studies of the health of Indigenous and tribal peoples provide important public health insights. Reliable data are required for the development of policy and health services. Previous studies document poorer outcomes for Indigenous peoples compared with benchmark populations, but have been restricted in their coverage of countries or the range of health indicators. Our objective is to describe the health and social status of Indigenous and tribal peoples relative to benchmark populations from a sample of countries. METHODS: Collaborators with expertise in Indigenous health data systems were identified for each country. Data were obtained for population, life expectancy at birth, infant mortality, low and high birthweight, maternal mortality, nutritional status, educational attainment, and economic status. Data sources consisted of governmental data, data from non-governmental organisations such as UNICEF, and other research. Absolute and relative differences were calculated. FINDINGS: Our data (23 countries, 28 populations) provide evidence of poorer health and social outcomes for Indigenous peoples than for non-Indigenous populations. However, this is not uniformly the case, and the size of the rate difference varies. We document poorer outcomes for Indigenous populations for: life expectancy at birth for 16 of 18 populations with a difference greater than 1 year in 15 populations; infant mortality rate for 18 of 19 populations with a rate difference greater than one per 1000 livebirths in 16 populations; maternal mortality in ten populations; low birthweight with the rate difference greater than 2% in three populations; high birthweight with the rate difference greater than 2% in one population; child malnutrition for ten of 16 populations with a difference greater than 10% in five populations; child obesity for eight of 12 populations with a difference greater than 5% in four populations; adult obesity for seven of 13 populations with a difference greater than 10% in four populations; educational attainment for 26 of 27 populations with a difference greater than 1% in 24 populations; and economic status for 15 of 18 populations with a difference greater than 1% in 14 populations. INTERPRETATION: We systematically collated data across a broader sample of countries and indicators than done in previous studies. Taking into account the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we recommend that national governments develop targeted policy responses to Indigenous health, improving access to health services, and Indigenous data within national surveillance systems. FUNDING: The Lowitja Institute.

Anemia among indigenous women in Brazil: findings from the First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is recognized as a major public health problem that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Indigenous women of reproductive age in Brazil are thought to be at high risk, but lack of nationwide data limits knowledge about the burden of disease and its main determinants. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and associated factors in this population using data from The First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition in Brazil. METHODS: Data were collected from Indigenous women between 15 and 49 years old based on a nationwide sample of villages. The outcomes of interest were hemoglobin levels (g/dL) and anemia (< 12 g/dL for nonpregnant and < 11 g/dL for pregnant women). Multilevel models were used to explore associations with contextual (village) and individual (household/woman) level variables. RESULTS: Based on data for 6692 Indigenous women, the nationwide mean hemoglobin level was 12.39 g/dL (95% CI: 12.29-12.50). Anemia prevalence was high (33.0%; 95% CI: 30.40-35.61%) and showed pronounced regional disparities. No village-level characteristics were associated with anemia or hemoglobin levels in the multilevel model. Even after controlling for upper level variables, socioeconomic status, parity, body mass index, and having been treated for malaria were associated with anemia and hemoglobin levels. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anemia in Brazilian Indigenous women was 12% greater than the national estimates for women of reproductive age. Anemia prevalence and mean hemoglobin levels among Indigenous women appear to be partly explained by some previously recognized risk factors, such as socioeconomic status, body mass index, and malaria; however, part of the variability in these outcomes remains unexplained. Knowledge of health status and its potential determinants is essential to guide public policies aimed at controlling anemia burden in Indigenous communities.

[Obesity and overweight in adult Xukuru of Ororubá Indians, Pernambuco State, Brazil: magnitude and associated socioeconomic and demographic factors]. / Obesidade e excesso de peso em adultos indígenas Xukuru do Ororubá, Pernambuco, Brasil: magnitude, fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos associados.

This cross-sectional study focused on the epidemiology of overweight and obesity and the association with demographic and socioeconomic variables in a sample of 794 Xukuru of Ororubá adults 19-59 years of age, from an indigenous reserve in Pesqueira County, Pernambuco State, Brazil. Descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression were carried out, using cut-off points of BMI > 24.99kg/m2 for overweight and > 29.99kg/m2 for obesity. Prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were higher in women (52.2% and 21%, respectively) than in men (44.1% and 7.5%, respectively). Female sex and age (> 30 years) were associated with both outcomes in the multivariate regression. For obesity, the following variable showed statistically significant associations: socioeconomic status and the interaction between male gender and per capita income. As in other indigenous populations in Brazil, the study's findings suggest that the Xukuru are experiencing a rapid nutritional transition.

Prevalence of pneumonia and associated factors among indigenous children in Brazil: results from the First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Based on data from a nationally representative sample of indigenous villages in Brazilian indigenous reserves, the study sought to estimate the prevalence of pneumonia and evaluate associated factors among indigenous children under 5 years of age. METHODS: Sociodemographic, clinical and reported data on child respiratory health from the First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition in Brazil were collected for 6128 children. Prevalence of pneumonia was calculated for independent variables and hierarchical multivariate analyses were performed to assess associations. RESULTS: The overall prevalence proportions of cough, nasal congestion, pneumonia, and pneumonia with fever were 44.4%, 31.0%, 2.63%, and 1.28%, respectively. In the multivariate model, pneumonia was more frequent among children living in the South/Southeast and North regions of Brazil. Children living in larger households or houses with wood or thatch roofing, as well those with low birthweight or stunting, presented higher risk of pneumonia. Pneumonia was less prevalent among children living in houses with wood flooring and those presenting low weight-for-age. CONCLUSIONS: The study results demonstrate that pneumonia is an important cause of illness among indigenous children throughout Brazil. The association between pneumonia and household characteristics suggests that indoor home environment is closely related to the respiratory health of indigenous children.