Objective. To determine changes in the nutritional status of Guatemala
n refugee children under six years of age, who lived in Mexico between
1982 and 1996, under various nutrition-related programs implemented d
uring that period. Material and methods. A comparative analysis of 4 c
ross-sectional anthropometric studies performed in Chiapas (1982, 1989
), Quintana Roo (1989) and Campeche and Quintana Roo in 1996. Malnutri
tion prevalence by weight! age and height/age indicators was calculate
d. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. The impleme
nted programs to improve nutritional status and health conditions are
described. Results. In 1982, high rates of malnutrition and mortality
prevailed among refugee children. In 1989 some had been transferred to
Campeche and Quintana Roo and others stayed in Chiapas. Their situati
on had improved and remained so until 1996. Conclusions. The implement
ed programs were successful to control the emergency and prevent new c
rises. However they only managed to maintain similar conditions for th
e refugees as those which prevail among the Mexican indians.