Funcionalidad familiar y factores asociados con el estado nutricional de los niños de 1 a 4 años de la parroquia Jima. Cuenca 2015-2016

Abstract

Objective: Determine the relationship between malnutrition in children ages 1 to 4 and associated factors such as: family function, family structure, maternal education level, parental age, and number of children, in the Jima Parish during the period of July to December 2015. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Jima Parish. We worked with children between the ages of 1 and 4 and their families, investigating the prevalence and factors associated with child malnutrition. Data was collected through previously validated surveys and forms, submitted to SPSS. Descriptive statistics were performed using frequencies and percentages for qualitative variables and mean, the interquartile range for continuous quantitative. The statistical association was obtained through chi square to assess the intensity of the association, prevalence ratios, and confidence intervals. Results: Malnutrition was prevalent in 18.3% of children belonging to nuclear, functional families where the father was the head of household. The factors associated with higher risk of child malnutrition in Jima homes were: single mothers, lower maternal educational level, alcohol consumption by any family member, family breakdown, and dysfunctional home. Conclusions: The nutritional status of children is related to the functionality and structure of the family; the age, civil status, and educational level of the mother; alcohol consumption in any family member; and number of children