The scope of this study was to examine associated factors with overweight, stunting and underweight in children attending state day care centers of João Pessoa, as well as to describe the situation of food (in)security of their families. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 250 children. Socioeconomic, maternal and child variables were studied. The nutritional status of children was evaluated considering the height-for-age and weight-for-height indices. Household food security was assessed using the Brazilian Scale of Food Insecurity. The proportions of stunting, underweight and overweight were 7.6%, 1.6% and 6.4% respectively. The associated factors with short stature were low maternal stature and incomplete vaccination. In relation to low weight, the associated factor was maternal age under 20 years. The overweight child was associated with excessive maternal weight and maternal short stature. In 59.6% of families, there was food and nutrition insecurity, the mild form being more frequent (32.4%). Overweight and stunting were found to be the most common nutritional disorders in this study, constituting priorities that should be considered in current public policies.
Child malnutrition; Anthropometrics; Preschool
