Linear growth of Brazilian children: Reflections in the context of social equity

The aim of this study was to assess the linear growth of children in the context of social equity. At first, the study systematized the results of research that examined factors associated with the decline of stunting among children younger than five years of age in Brazil. Then, such results were contextualized from the point of view of social equity. The nine articles reviewed showed a positive temporal variation of stunting, with national values ranging from 37.1 to 7.1%; in Northeastern Brazil, this variation ranged from 33.9 to 5.9%. Four main reasons explained the decline of stunting: 1) increased purchasing power/family income among low-income families; 2) improved maternal education; 3) expansion of public sanitation, and 4) expansion of primary health care services. However, disparities that mark the persistence of social inequalities related to stunting in the country should be highlighted, which affect marginalized populations. There is a need to reflect on stunting from the perspective of influence mediated by food security, nutritional micronutrient status, and contemporary lifestyles. From the perspective of public policies, the results emphasize the importance of intersectoral work. In conclusion, despite the decline of stunting in Brazil as a result of the impact of public policies, there are still inequities with marked vulnerability in disadvantaged sociocultural groups. Thus, the targeting of research and actions for these population segments is imperative.