Spanish Title: Factores socioeconómicos asociados a retraso en talla en preescolares asistentes a una institución educativa de Floridablanca, Colombia

Abstract

Stunting is an indicator of human poverty and social development that causes a high economic burden on countries. The objective of this study was to determine the association between socioeconomic factors and z score height for age (HAZ) in preschool of the Colombo-German Foundation of Floridablanca, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted. A random sample of 112 (2 to 5 years old) preschool of an institution for the low-income population was measured and weighed; their parents/caregivers answered a survey. The mean HAZ in preschool who live in households with more than one child (a) under 7 was lower compared with households with a child (a) under 7 years. Children living in housing with tenure called “possession untitled” scored lower mean HAZ compared with homeownership. Children living in households where the mother was the one who brings home were more HAZ compared with homes where the contributor was the father; this association remained in boys. In girls, none of the variables of the final model was found associated with HAZ. It is important to strengthen programs aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the mothers who are household heads.

Key words: Socioeconomic factors, child nutrition disorders, stunting, poverty, preschool.