Resumen
IntroductionNeurodevelopmental disorders are alterations occurring during the developmental period, and characterized by deficits that produce limitations in specific areas or general limitations. Neurodevelopmental disorders have also been associated with other alterations such as dietary disorders. Mexico is a case in point in that malnutrition has not been eradicated, and has actually become more prevalent in rural areas, particularly in its southeastern states.
ObjectivesEvaluate nutritional status and food consumption of indigenous Maya children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was done in a public elementary school in the Mayan community of Maní in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. The sample was 15 students (5 boys and 10 girls) with neurodevelopmental disorders from a total of 230 students enrolled in the school. Age ranged from 7 to 13 Years and school grade from one to six. Participants were evaluated by qualified teachers who identified disorders using standardized test batteries.
ResultsThe student sample represented 6.5% of the total student population: 2.1% exhibited an intellectual developmental disorder, 3.1% problems in reading and arithmetic, and 3% problems in spatial orientation, expressive speech, articulation and repetition. Diet was slightly deficient among the studied students, many (26.6%) had low BMI for age and most (73.33%) short height for age.
ConclusionsIndicators of acute and chronic malnutrition were frequent in the studied children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders, more so than in in children and adolescents without neurodevelopmental disorders from the same region of Mexico. Their compromised nutritional status may have affected or exacerbated their neurological development.