Abstract

VILLAGRA, Carolina; LOMAGLIO, Delia  and  DIP, Norma. Eating habits and physical activity in Antofagasta de la Sierra (3223 masl), Catamarca, Northwestern Argentina. Cuad. Fac. Humanid. Cienc. Soc., Univ. Nac. Jujuy [online]. 2014, n.46, pp.105-117. ISSN 1668-8104.

Introduction: In the framework of projects UNCa 02/B458, UNCa 02/G410 and PICTO 32451 and to study the growth and nutritional status of schoolchildren from Antofagasta de la Sierra, a village in height, located at 3223 m.a.s.l. in the Argentine Puna, anthropometric measures were taken, and dietary and about the practice of physical activity surveys were conducted. In this paper we analyze the results of those surveys.             Methods: Surveys were made ad hoc to 59 mothers and / or guardians of school-age children in Antofagasta de la Sierra (204 individuals). Consumption data from 4 meals daily, Monday to Friday and weekends separately were obtained. Frequency of consumption of dairy products, meat, vegetables, water, sweet foods, fried foods and practice of physical activity.             Results: approximately two thirds of children perform the four main meals, either Monday through Friday or on weekends. About frequency, relatively low daily intake of "healthy" food groups, in particular, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, high consumption of sugary foods and drinks every day, more than 58%, replacing the water intake, since a third of children do not prefer the water as a main drink.             In this group, only 50% of children are engaged in regular physical activity.             Conclusion: the surveyed population remains rooted in ancient cultural standards for foods and preparations consumed by living far from urban centers for centuries, until two decades ago. Due to improvements in access roads to this community, is currently an explosion of new foods and technologies, depending on this situation, the results are interpreted as a population in a context of nutritional, epidemiological and availability and access to food transition

Keywords : High Altitude Populations; Eating Habits; Physical Activity; Northwestern Argentina.