Food Intake and the Significance of Feeding in Qom Children of Northern Argentina

BACKGROUND: As part of the ubiquitous nutritional transition indigenous are experiencing, the typical diet of most indigenous communities is being substituted by one with high-fat and high-energy-density foods. Domestic feeding transmits cultural factors through meaning and symbolism influential in food, preparation, and meal experiences, which in turn influence children's eating habits differently among social groups. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to explore the food consumption patterns of Qom preschoolers and to describe cultural domains about the significance of feeding in this indigenous population in northern Argentina. METHODS: This cross-sectional and mixed-methods study was conducted in 2016–2017 and focused on 160 preschoolers and their mothers in the village of Namqom. It used a closed questionnaire, three 24-h recalls, and free listing techniques. RESULTS: Qom preschoolers had a high prevalence of excess weight (25%) and stunting (16%). Mothers reported only 38 food items consumed by preschoolers. Almost all of the children (96%) consumed white bread, whereas 89% consumed milk, 87.5% sweet cookies, 84.7% some sort of stew, 72% fried dough, and 63.1% soup. In addition, it was found that preschoolers consumed neither fresh and varied vegetables, nor available fruits. They did not consume fresh fish and other meats, either. Caregivers related the term “feeding” with “having to eat,” which might be associated with the context of poverty in which they live. Caregivers also mentioned “eating right” to get healthy or grow up strong. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed a relatively elevated consumption of high-energy but nutritionally poor food, and malnutrition, which reflects the impacts of poverty. We found that the cultural domain of food is linked to survival and depletion ideas.