Differences in nutritional status and levels of physical activity between schoolchildren of Mapucheand European descent: An observational study

Abstract

Excessive malnutrition and physical inactivity in the school population are of public health concern. However, the differences between schoolchildren of Mapuche ethnicity (ethnic) and European descent (non-ethnic) are still controversial. Purpose. To examine differences in nutritional status and physical activity levels between ethnic Mapuche and non-ethnic schoolchildren of European descent. Material and methods. Thirty-two schoolchildren (males n = 16, females n = 13) distributed according to ethnicity and sex into ethnic and non-ethnic groups participated in an observational design study. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index and age-adjusted fat mass percentage. Physical activity levels were assessed using the short version of the international physical activity questionnaire. Results. Higher body mass (p < .01) was reported in ethnic vs non-ethnic men as well as higher levels of low, vigorous physical activity and total energy expenditure (p < .05) in ethnic vs non-ethnic females. Conclusions. The present study reports lower body mass and higher levels of physical activity in Mapuche male and female schoolchildren, respectively, compared to schoolchildren of European descent.