Prevalencia de la inadecuada alimentación y su relación con la depresión en adolescentes de 10 a 19 años después del confinamiento, en el cantón Cuenca, 2021 - 2022

Abstract

Background: Inadequate nutrition is due to excessive or insufficient intake of nutrients or calories or poor combination, as a result of availability and knowledge. Confinement has caused changes in routines, habits and economic situation that limit access, accompanied by changes such as depression. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Inadequate Nutrition and its relationship with Depression in Adolescents aged 10 to 19 years after confinement in the Canton of Cuenca 2021–2022. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study in 437 adolescents from 10 to 19 years of age in the Cuenca canton, a sociodemographic survey, knowledge test on healthy eating, CFCGA, PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 Questionnaire for depression screening were applied. Descriptive statistics were applied, PR 95% CI p<0.05. Results: 87.41% of adolescents have an inadequate level of knowledge in healthy eating and do not have a minimum recommended daily consumption of the food groups; 40.27% have depression. No statistically significant relationship was found between inadequate nutrition and depression in adolescents, nor was a significant difference found; however, it was observed that adolescents with depression have a lower level of knowledge about healthy eating, lower consumption of dairy products, protein foods, and whole grains; increased consumption of vegetables and fruits. Regarding sugar, higher consumption was observed in adolescents with depression, but lower consumption of industrial pastries and alcohol.