Development Profile of Schoolchildren Aged 7 to 14 in the Municipality of Marechal Cândido Rondon

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the physical growth profile and nutritional status of schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 years in the municipality of Marechal Cândido Rondon, Paraná. The influence of socioeconomic, family, and environmental contexts on human development was considered, using data collected from urban public schools. The sample included 1,185 schoolchildren of both sexes, with weight and height measurements taken according to NCHS (National Center for Health Statistics) standards. The analysis encompassed socioeconomic variables, family composition, and daily habits. The results indicated that 52.4% of the students had weight values below the 50th percentile, while 61.8% had height values above the same percentile. Approximately 45.5% were classified as eutrophic, while 40% showed some degree of malnutrition, and 14.5% presented overweight or obesity. Current malnutrition, characterized by weight deficit relative to height, was predominant. The results show that the schoolchildren predominantly exhibit a longilinear growth profile, reflecting possible influences from socioeconomic and family contexts. Despite unfavorable conditions such as low family income and limited parental education, positive factors such as quality housing, subsistence activities, and cohesive family structures seem to mitigate negative impacts on development. It is concluded that physical growth and nutritional status result from the interaction of individual and contextual characteristics, reinforcing the importance of public policies aimed at improving living conditions for proper child development.