INDIGENOUS CHILD MALNUTRITION: NURSING INTERVENTION IN HEALTH PROMOTION AND REDUCTION OF VULNERABILITIES

Abstract

Child malnutrition is a persistent problem among indigenous populations in Brazil, influenced by social, economic, cultural, and environmental determinants that directly affect children's nutritional status. This condition reflects not only food insecurity but also poor access to basic health, sanitation, and education services. Nursing, as a fundamental part of primary health care, plays a strategic role in addressing this reality, especially through promotion, prevention, and individualized care actions. This article presents a narrative review of the literature with the aim of analyzing the main nursing interventions aimed at the prevention and management of child malnutrition in indigenous communities. The research was conducted in the SciELO, LILACS, and PubMed databases, considering studies published between 2013 and 2023, focusing on indigenous health, child malnutrition, and nursing practices. The results demonstrate that the role of nurses is essential in the early identification of malnutrition through nutritional screening, intercultural-based food education, encouragement of exclusive breastfeeding, and coordination with indigenous health agents. In addition, the importance of qualified listening and respect for traditional knowledge in care is highlighted. However, the review also highlighted challenges such as language barriers, lack of specific training, and high turnover of professionals in the villages. It was concluded that strengthening the intercultural training of nursing professionals and valuing indigenous practices are fundamental to building more equitable and effective care in reducing indigenous child malnutrition.