| Effects of different environments and lifestyles on growth, development, nutrition and health are investigated in three Amazonian Caboclo populations. Caboclos are the result of admixture among Europeans, Africans and Amerindians in Brazil. Their growth and development characteristics have not been investigated consistently and little is known about their health and nutritional status. Populations studied include Caxiuanã, Aracampina and Santana, all in the state of Pará. Caxiuanã (N = 212) is in an upland, black water ecosystem, and its population is more traditional since it is more isolated and its subsistence base is fishing, hunting and extraction of products from the forest. Santana (N = 477), and Aracampina (N = 380) are on a floodplain, white water ecosystem in the Ituqui Island. Although different from each other in relation to socio-economic aspects, they represent more westernized groups since they sell products in the market, and their subsistence is based on fishing for commerce and agriculture, among other activities.; Anthropometric measurements and physical examinations were performed on over 70% of all children, adolescents and adults in the three populations, and epidemiological/nutritional surveys were conducted in all households, during the dry and the rainy seasons. Results show that, overall, the health and growth characteristics of the three populations are precarious when compared to more cosmopolitan groups in Brazil and elsewhere. In general, fewer children from Santana present undernutrition when compared to children from Caxiuanã, while Aracampina remains intermediate. Santana's population also presents overall better health than Caxiuanã and Aracampina, but between these two health trends are not as clear, varying according to age group, sex, and season of the year. The better health of Santana may be attributable to its geographic location in the high area of the floodplain, but it may also be the result of a combination of socio-economic as well as environmental factors associated with that population.; These results are relevant to both anthropology and public health in Brazil. They contribute to a better understanding of Caboclo populations and their bio-behavioral mechanisms of adaptation to different ecosystems, and provide a framework for health promotion initiatives among the Caboclo. These results will be provided to the communities, and to public and non-governmental organizations working with health and health policy in the Amazon, to help develop programs to improve Caboclos' quality of life. |
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