Determinación de los patrones de alimentación y prevalencia de protozoos intestinales en niños de 6 a 8 años de edad de la Unidad Educativa Zoila Aurora Palacios en la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

The present study determined the prevalence of intestinal protozoa and identified feeding patterns in children from 6 to 8 years old who attend the Zoila Aurora Palacios School, in the city of Cuenca, fulfilling in this way with two of the objectives outlined in the main project entitled Study of the immunological status of children at school age and its relationship with the intestinal microbiome and drinking water consumed (REDCEDIA, 2018) of which our work formed part. The study was developed as an exploratory type. It was worked with an infant population of 90 children. To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitism, 71 stool samples were collected that were processed using the modified Ritchie method, while for feeding patterns, information about nutritional intake was obtained through the application of 24-hour reminders. The results showed a low prevalence of intestinal protozoa, the most common parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (5,6%) and Entamoeba coli (5,6%). In terms of feeding patterns, the results indicated that the carbohydrates constitute the main source of daily energy, followed by lipids and proteins, however deficiencies in the consumption of fiber and lipids were evidenced; sodium consumption was high. The most consumed food groups by these children are refined cereals and dairy products. It was also determined that most of children eat more of 5 meals a day, and foods prepared at home are those that provide the greatest amount of daily energy.