[Ecology of health and nutrition in Ecuadorian Amazonia (province of Napo). I. The Siona-Secoya Indians of the Aguarico River].

Abstract

Are presented in this study results on the Sionas-Secoyas' subsistence pattern and health and nutrition status. Sionas-Secoyas still preserved a traditional way of life despite considerable demographic and environmental changes in the province. They are entirely self sufficient. The degree to which they meet their energy requirements appeared to be low but their intakes are obviously underestimated due to an important extra-household food consumption. Protein intakes are high; consumption of foods of animal origin is important. The quality of their alimentation is reasonably good. There are no cases of undernutrition; children growth is steady despite their smallness; they have a robust physical constitution. Parasitic burden is not heavy compared with other surveys in Amazonia. Infectious diseases are not frequent too. However this very propice situation is jeopardized by the process of agricultural development and the unceasing trespassing of the reservation boundaries. State officials should pay more attention to the preservation of Sionas-Secoyas' interests and must protect them from the covetousness of outsiders.