Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the socio-environmental characteristics, executive and nutritional functions in children aged 6 to 7 years, from public schools in Alagoas, Brazil. A quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed involving 64 children of the mentioned age group, from public schools located in Alagoas: Maceió, on the coast; Major Isidoro, in the hinterland and Palmeira dos Índios, in the country. Such analyzes were made through the application of neuropsychological tests and anthropometric assessment with children and food and socio-environmental surveys with their parents. As for the type of housing, 100% were made of masonry, with a bathroom present in 98.4%. All children reported with the habit of bathing in the river / lagoon, presented some pathology. There was no significant difference between cities in terms of the sociodemographic characteristics evaluated, with the same result occurring with the factors associated with the occurrence of diseases in children. The subtests of WISC-IV, were below the average in all municipalities, and the TAC and SCC were classified within the average. However, even though the ranking were divided between below average and average, it is possible to identify from the subtests of WISC-IV, that the general IQ showed a cognitive level below the average. There was also no significant difference in the anthropometric assessment (weight, height, BMI and IMCI) between the evaluated students. The average weight was 23.3 kg to 25 kg, the height between 1.23 m to 1.24 m, the BMI between 16.4 to 17; the IMCI from 2.8 to 3.0. Children were classified within the average. Regarding micronutrients (Ca, Fe, K, Mg and Na, and vitamins A, C, D, B1, B9 and B12) and calories, there was also no significant difference between the cities evaluated. The same occurred with macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids). This study showed that in general there was no difference between the students of the three municipalities. Probably, even though they are all public schools and from different cities, children have similar social conditions.
Highlights
Executive functions are a set of skills that enable careful thinking, intended to achieve a particular goal
It was observed that 4.6% of children were in the habit of bathing in a river or pond and 15.62% of children had pathologies reported by their parents / guardians
Sociodemographic characteristics The average family income of 1 minimum wage, for four people per residence, as shown by the results, creates great economic difficulties for parents / guardians to support their family regardless of the city evaluated. This reflects on the quality of life of the family and especially the child
Summary
Executive functions are a set of skills that enable careful thinking, intended to achieve a particular goal. Executive function allows the individual to reflect before acting, develop different projects mentally, solve unexpected challenges, to think from different perspectives, to reconsider opinions and to avoid distractions. These skills are essential to make decisions, live and think autonomously. In Brazil, the population’s health and nutrition circunstances has suffered significant changes in the last 35 years, characterizing the so-called epidemiological and nutritional transition. This process of rapid change transformed the geographical, social and biological distribution of almost every disease and death causes. In the area of nutrition, the sharp decline in protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in children and women and the substantial increase in the prevalence of obesity in these same groups (Mondini and Gimeno, 2011; Monteiro et al, 2009)
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