Population, nourishment and nutritional status among the tules (kunas) of the Urabá region (Antioquia, Colombia), 2003-2004

Abstract

GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To study the nutritional status of Tule (Kuna) indigenous by anthropometric evaluation, adjustment of nutrients consumption, and blood vitamin A levels.

METHODS: A descriptive and prospective study with cross-sectional surveys to identify food consumption and undernourishment risk. Surveys about food intake, nutritional and anthropometric evaluation and blood retinol levels (by HPLC) were performed.

RESULTS: In 2003, the population of the Resguardo was 1.028; 791 individuals (77%) of 103 families were evaluated. The food consumption survey showed slight kilocalories excess ingestion and serious problems in the percentage of adjustment of nutrients consumption: protein 79%, calcium 13%, folic acid 54%, retinol 53%, iron 122%. When banana consumption was excluded, nutrients were: protein (69%), iron (94%) and retinol (3%). In children (0-11.5 years) the undernourishment risks were: global 40%, chronic 80%, acute 5%. The index of corporal mass in adolescents indicated weight deficiency in 2%, whereas in adults the index of corporal mass was low in 58%; this proportion reaches 86% in women older than 50 years. Blood retinol was low in all age groups, but the small size of the group younger than 15 years, limited the force of the statistical analysis. Retinol was statistically lower in individuals at risk of undernourishment (p = 0.005645).

DISCUSSION: The difficult life conditions of this ethnic group in Caimán Nuevo remain unmodified since 1975. The physical and social violence against these natives is historical, and has been shared with other ethnic groups for more than 500 years. The violence of the society, expressed in shortage of land and preserves for hunting and fishing, as well as in murder and persecution, adds to political cultural influences of the “Whites” and to the Tule cultural factors, to create a powerful situation that leads to food deficiency and contributes to their undernourishment.