Dietary Habits and Physical Activity in Antofagasta de la Sierra (3,223 m a.s.l.), Catamarca, Argentine Northwest
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Abstract
Introduction: Within the framework of projects PICTO 32451, UNCa 02/B458, and UNCa 02/G410, and in order to study the growth and nutritional status of schoolchildren from Antofagasta de la Sierra, a high-altitude village located at 3,223 meters above sea level in the Argentine Puna, anthropometric measurements were taken and dietary and physical-activity surveys were conducted. This paper analyzes the results of those surveys.
Methods: Ad hoc surveys were administered to 59 mothers and/or guardians of schoolchildren from Antofagasta de la Sierra, involving 204 individuals. Data were obtained on the consumption of the four main daily meals, separately for Monday to Friday and for weekends, as well as on the frequency of consumption of dairy products, meat, vegetables, water, sweets, fried foods, and the practice of physical activity.
Results: Approximately two thirds of the children have the four main meals, both from Monday to Friday and on weekends. With regard to frequency, there was a relatively low percentage of daily consumption of “healthy” food groups, particularly dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Daily consumption of sugary foods and beverages was high, exceeding 58%, replacing water intake, since one third of the children do not prefer water as their main drink. Only 50% of the children engage in regular physical activity.
Conclusion: The surveyed population maintains deeply rooted cultural patterns related to the foods and preparations consumed, having lived far from urban centers for centuries until two decades ago. Due to improvements in access routes to this community, new foods and technologies have entered abruptly. In light of this situation, the results characterize this population as undergoing a nutritional and epidemiological transition, as well as a transition in food availability and access.
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