Patterns of childhood mortality and growth status in a rural Zapotec community

Abstract

Infant and childhood mortality (birth to 14 yr), and growth status of 143 schoolchildren (5-14 yr) were considered for a rural, Zapotec-speaking community (population, 1703) in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. Mortality statistics were based on civil records from 1945-1970. Growth status was based on weight and height for age, and weight for height. About 59% of all deaths occurred in children under 15 yr of age and a considerable percentage of individuals therefore died before reaching reproductive age. Children under 5 yr of age accounted for approximately 54% of all deaths, and mortality in children 1-4 yr of age was especially high (27% of all deaths). Chronic malnutrition, frequent disease and generally poor circumstances in the community was suggested and supported in the heights and weights of schoolchildren, survivors of the rigorous selection processes of the pre-school years. The majority of children were below the 5th centile for stature in well-nourished American children. Weight for height approximated that of the USA reference data.