Estado nutricional de populações expostas ao mercúrio: estudo observacional de coorte nas regiões do rio Tapajós e Tucuruí

Abstract

The riverside communities of the Amazon are vulnerable populations exposed to factors that are difficult to find in the populations of the rest of the country (from the bioavailability of Amazonian natural wealth to geographic isolation). However, little is known about the anthropometric characteristics and eating habits of these communities. The objective of this study was to conduct a study of the nutritional status and dietary intake of riparian communities in the Tapajós and Tucuruí regions, through the analysis of anthropometric parameters (Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Waist-Hip Ratio and Neck Circumference) , As well as food profile analysis. A total of 234 adult subjects were included in this study (143 from Tapajós and 91 from Tucuruí). The results showed that 77% and 65% of the Tapajós and Tucuruí populations, respectively, present 2 or more altered anthropometric parameters, showing the predominance of pre-obesity and obesity in these populations. Women had a higher risk of developing obesity-related diseases. The consumption of fruits in the Tapajós region (87.3%) and in the Tucuruí region (89%), as well as the consumption of fish (Tapajós 97.9% and Tucuruí 95.6%), And flour (Tapajos 86.6% and Tucuruí 86.8%). We also observed that the populations present healthy eating habits, but consume certain foods that would be influencing the current nutritional status, as well as the way of preparation. Studies that include these populations are scarce, and educational and public health measures are necessary to raise awareness of the improvement of eating habits, the importance of practicing physical activity, and to avoid behaviors such as Consumption of alcohol and smoking to avoid problems related to obesity.