Browsing by Author "Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina"

Now showing 1 - 18 of 18

Calidad de la dieta, actividad física y estado nutricional del personal de salud que labora en los dispensarios del Seguro Social Campesino (IESS) del Azuay, noviembre 2021- marzo 2022
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2023-01-25) Quinde Quinde, María Mercedes; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina
Background: Health professionals are aware of the benefits of a correct diet and nutrition to maintain an optimal state of health, avoid diseases and complications, however, in them there is an inadequate food consumption. Objective: To analyze the relationship between diet quality, physical activity and nutritional status in the health personnel of the Seguro Social Campesino (IESS) of Azuay, November 2021- March 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 80 health professionals of the Dispensaries of the Seguro Social Campesino (IESS) of Azuay, by non-probabilistic random sampling, using food consumption frequency surveys, 24h recall, anthropometric data (body mass index, waist-height index), international physical activity questionnaire. The data were entered into the SPSS program, applying descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, measure of central tendency (average) and dispersion (standard deviation), for measuring association, prevalence ratio (PR) was used, with 95% CI, Pearson's chi-square (p) with statistical significance < 0.05, indicated in graphs and tables. Results: 43.75% of the population was overweight,16.25% grade I obesity, 52.50% a low level of physical activity, 53.75% excessive carbohydrate consumption, 42.50% excessive calorie consumption, 51.25% need changes in their diet. Conclusions: A diet quality with excessive consumption of carbohydrates, calories and low physical activity is associated with overweight/obesity and high waist to height ratio.
Composición corporal, su relación con el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y el nivel de actividad física en los adultos administrativos de la Dirección Comercial, Dirección de Talento Humano y la Dirección Administrativa Financiera de la Empresa Eléctrica Centro Sur de la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador, en 2024
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-02-18) Astudillo Picón, Vanessa del Rocío; Cevallos Peralta, Michelle Antonella; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina
Background: Body composition is considered an indicator of well-being and optimal health. Its relationship with the consumption of ultra-processed foods and levels of physical activity are factors of interest in the fields of nutrition and scientific research. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between body composition, the frequency of consumption of ultra-processed foods, and the level of physical activity among the administrative staff of the Department of Commerce, Human Resources Department, and Financial and Administrative Department of the Centro Sur Electric Company in Cuenca, Ecuador, in 2024. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included a sample of 112 administrative adults. The "InBody 270" device was used, along with a food frequency questionnaire adapted to the target population and the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Data were processed using SPSS 29.0. Results: Among the study population, 79.46% presented obesity based on body fat mass, 60.71% were within the normal range for fat-free mass, and 75% had a body mass index above the normal range. A low level of physical activity was observed in 40.18% of participants. Additionally, 99.11% reported a high consumption of ultra-processed foods. Conclusions: Body fat percentage and fat-free mass index showed a statistically significant relationship with levels of physical activity. However, the relationship with the frequency of consumption of ultra-processed foods was not statistically significant.
Conocimientos sobre diabetes en pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 y su relación con la adherencia al tratamiento nutricional, en el Hospital Homero Castanier, 2021-2022
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2023-03-22) Lasso Leon, Wilson Daniel; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina
Background: Diabetes is the second cause of death in Ecuador, adherence to nutritional treatment allows proper management of chronic diseases, lack of knowledge about diabetes is associated with greater complications and higher mortality. Objective: To determine knowledge on diabetes and its relationship with adherence to nutritional treatment, in patients with type 2 diabetes, at the Homero Castanier Hospital, 2021-2022. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study, with a sample of 180 randomized patients, from the internal medicine outpatient clinic of the Homero Castanier Hospital. The results of the sociodemographic variables are presented in tables of frequency and percentages, for the dependent variable and independent variable association measures were used, prevalence ratio CI 95%, and for statistical significance the chi square with a lower p value was used. to 0.05. The free SPSS Statistics Version 21 program was used for data tabulation. Results: The majority of the study population was female with 53.89%. Adequate knowledge about diabetes is 23.9% and the prevalence of adherence to nutritional treatment was 32.8%. Conclusions: Adherence to nutritional treatment is associated with knowledge of diabetes, with a value of p (0.028).
Construcción de un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos para adultos ecuatorianos, estudio transversal
(2021) Morejón Terán, Yadira Alejandra; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Betancourt Ortiz, Sarita Lucila; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Sandoval Tamayo, Veronica Patricia; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina; Carpio Arias, Tannia Valeria
Introduction: Dietary surveys include food consumption frequency questionnaire (CFCA) is an inexpensive method, relatively easy to apply, and necessary for the evaluation of the diet of individuals and populations. The objective of this study was to develop an FFQ for the Ecuadorian adult population. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study, in 255 adult individuals of both sexes between 18 and 68 years old residing in 10 provinces of Ecuador. A 24-hour reminder (R24h) was applied to obtain information on the dietary consumption of the population and the construction of the instrument. The preparation of the list of foods that make up the CFCA was made from the percentage contribution of each food for the total estimate of energy and nutrients of interest, using the Block method. Results: An instrument composed of 91 items distributed in 7 categories were obtained. The instrument was reviewed by experts from 4 universities belonging to the region, coast, highlands, and Amazon of Ecuador. Conclusions: This instrument makes an approximation of the dietary consumption of the three regions of continental Ecuador.
Determinación de la ingesta alimentaria y su relación con el estado nutricional de las gestantes que asisten al Subcentro de Salud del Valle y Sinincay. Cuenca. Año 2014
(2015) Landívar Soto, Lissete Sabrina; Pillco Buestán, Janneth Verónica; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina; Cepeda Contreras, Álvaro Sebastián
Objective: To determine dietary intake and its relation to nutritional status of pregnant women attending the Health Subcenter Valle and Sinincay . Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was developed . By assessing the nutritional status of pregnant and implementing dietary surveys , representative data allowed to establish the relationship between dietary intake and nutritional status of this population was obtained. With a sample of 79 pregnant anthropometric measurements , dietary intake patterns that included three 24 hours, two conducted on weekdays and one weekend were performed ; and frequency of consumption. For the implementation of the research was carried out with the informed consent of participants. Results: The prepregnancy nutritional status shows 57% of normal, decreasing to 42 % in the gestational BMI , obesity tripled from 11 to 33 % for the current nutritional assessment of pregnant women. 88% of respondents with low weight have a calorie deficit . 46% of pregnant women who are overweight also have caloric deficit. There is a 34 % and 32 % excess consumption of cereals and tubers, and fruits respectively. Vegetables consumer reach a deficit of 99% of the population and 9 out of 10 presented deficit consumption of dairy and meat. There is a 30 to 35 % excess fat and carbohydrates respectively. The average consumption of calcium is 454.96mg . The Iron has an average of 10.5mg.
Ejecución de un plan alimentario nutricional saludable y el efecto del mismo en el peso de los oficinistas de 20-60 años que laboran en la "Empresa Electríca", Cuenca-Ecuador, 2011-2012
(2012) Cabrera Ledesma, María Belén; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina; Jadán Jadán, Lauro Gonzalo
This research's main objective is to run a healthy nutritional eating plan and know the effect of this on the weight of the office of 20-60 years working in the "Electric Company". This meal plan is included conducting weekly minutes cycles (menus) in the institution the point, which opened their doors to make these menus which consisted only lunch which was provided to the utility office. In regard to other meal times, it was through nutrition education, workshops, lectures, nutritional consultations. All this was part of the meal plan, including physical activity. Each participant had their nutritional tab where it was writing down your pesos a month; the methods used were weight and height with the results obtained BMI (body mass index), most widely used indicator of nutritional status of adults by the ease of obtaining data and accurate results. The results of the 86 office of the Utility that formed our sample were: In the initial nutritional assessment 17.4% were obese, 54.7% were overweight and only 27.9% normal. After our intervention, the end of the project, made a last nutritional assessment in which the following results, the 8.1% obesity, 47.7% overweight and 44.2% standard. With respect to physical activity only 5.8% have an intense physical activity, 37.2% moderate physical activity, and 57% light activity. With this research we hope we have fulfilled our objectives and have contributed positively to the nutritional health of this population to improve their quality of life.
Estado nutricional asociado con consumo alimentario y calidad de sueño en deportistas de atletismo pertenecientes a la Federación Deportiva del Azuay 2023
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-04-30) Castro Astudillo, Julián Emilio; Rodas Guamán, Willar Maurizio; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina
Background: Sports practice exhibits a close correlation with food consumption patterns and sleep quality, exerting a persistent and direct influence on athletes' performance. However, it is common to pay attention to these aspects, causing inappropriate feeding and rest programming and wasting the associated intrinsic benefits. Objectives: Determine the association between food consumption and sleep quality with the nutritional status of athletics athletes belonging to the Azuay Sports Federation. Methodology: Cross-sectional analytical study of 73 athletics athletes from FedeAzuay. Data collection was carried out through a frequency of consumption and sleep quality survey and anthropometric evaluation. Data analysis was done with IBM SPSS version 26 and Microsoft Excel 2021. Application of the Chi-square statistical test to associate variables. Results: 74% of the participants had adequate nutritional status, 21.9% were underweight, 2.7% were overweight and 1.4% were obese. No participant met the recommended portions of the food groups analyzed, therefore, the entire sample had inadequate food consumption. 75.34% had sleep problems and 24.68% had no problems. No statistical significance was determined in the relationship between food consumption and nutritional status due to the constant in the result and no association was found between sleep quality and nutritional status. Conclusions: The study shows that there is no relationship between eating habits and sleep quality with nutritional status in the athlete population.
Estado nutricional de adultos mayores de 60 años pertenecientes al Gerontológico María Reina Paz en el barrio de Totoracoha. Cuenca-Ecuador
(2021) Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina
Aim: To determine the nutritional status of adults over 60 years of age belonging to the María Reina de la Paz Gerontology Center in the Totoracoha neighborhood of the city of Cuenca and relate it to autonomy, cognitive level and oral health. Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Anthropometric parameters have been determined (weight, height, BMI, circumferences, folds), as well as dietary intake (24-hour reminder). For cognitive impairment (Pfeiffer test); physical deterioration (Barthel Index) and oral health (Oral Health Assessment Index in Geriatrics) The Mini Nutritional Assessment short form (MNA-SF) test has been used as a nutritional screening test. Results: In older adults there are malnutrition problems in 57.54%, they also present cardiovascular risk, high fat percentage. In this population there is a relationship between the risk of malnutrition determined by MNA-SF and waist circumference, percentage of body fat mass and level of education. Most older adults have a low intake in terms of energy intake, as well as macro and micronutrients. Conclusions: There is a risk of malnutrition as well as cardiovascular risk, they have high levels of body fat, in terms of food intake there is a prevalence of undernourishment in calories, macro and micronutrients. When comparing the risk of malnutrition by MNA-SF with other parameters, only a relationship was shown with waist circumference, percentage of body fat mass and level of education, there was a trend without relation of the risk of malnutrition with marital status, cognitive impairment, and oral health.
Evaluación del estado nutricinal, hábitos alimentarios y actividad física en los niños de 6 a 10 años de la Escuela Remigio Romero y Cordero Cuenca 2014.
(2015) Carchipulla Carchipulla, Mirian Rosario; Jiménez Déleg, Bersabe Elizabeth; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina; Bresciani Jaramillo, Gina Alicia
School age, from a nutritional standpoint and health is important in preventing diseases, since during this stage eating habits are formed. Physical activity in schools is essential for the proper development of children, as it improves your cardiovascular function and helps develop their psychomotor skills. Objective: To determine nutritional status, dietary habits and physical activity of children of 6-10 years of school Remigio Romero y Cordero. Cuenca 2014. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study, 200 students from 6-10 years of school Remigio Romero y Cordero. Cuenca 2014 - 2015. Prior to inclusion, student representatives signed the informed consent. Anthropometric measurements were taken to determine nutritional status. Dietary habits and level of physical activity were determined based on surveys of children. Results: Of the 200 students, 73,5% had normal weight, 12,5% Chronic Malnutrition, acute malnutrition 8,5%, 5% Overweight, Obesity 0,5%. The 50% of the population belonged to boys and 50% girls. The largest age group was 6 years to 28%. The 92% of those eating habits were regular, 4.5% and 3.5% good bad. 73.5% of the physical activity was light, 26.5% moderate, there were no cases of intense physical activity.
Hábitos alimentarios y estado nutricional de los estudiantes de la Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética de la Universidad de Cuenca, 2023
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2024-01-25) Narvaez Cedillo, Anabel Alexandra; Sanmartin Sanmartin, Daniela Johanna; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina
Background: Evaluation of eating habits and nutritional status of university students is important because it facilitates identification of health risks and prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases, currently alarming due to their prevalence and incidence. Therefore, when a diet is not appropriate, it may cause malnutrition due to a deficiency or excess of nutrients, which in turn causes metabolic alterations and poor academic performance. Objectives: To evaluate eating habits and nutritional status of the University of Cuenca Nutrition and Dietetics major students. Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study, with the participation of 87 university students majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics. Data collection through a survey featuring eating habits and frequency of food consumption, anthropometric assessment, and bioimpedance. Data was analyzed using IBMSPSS Statistics v15 program and Microsoft Excel 2019. Results were presented in single and double entry graphs and tables. Application of Pearson’s Chi-square for association between variables. Results:26.44% of the participants successfully follow the recommendations with regard to healthy eating habits and 73.56% need to changes their habits. Regarding nutritional status, 55.2% of the participants showed appropriate conditions, 35.6% were overweight, and 9,2% were obese. Relationship between eating habits and nutritional status was then determined. Conclusions: The study shows that the most influential factor in the nutritional status of students is that of eating habits.
Influencia del estado nutricional en el rendimiento académico en niños de quinto grado de básica que asisten a la Unidad Educativa del Milenio Manuela Garaicoa de Calderón. Cuenca Ecuador 2023
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2024-04-29) Chiriboga Patiño, Carlos Rubén; Cordero Peña, Heiz Sebastián; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina
Identify the relationship between the nutritional status and academic performance on children in 5th grade of basic education who attend the “Unidad Educativa del Milenio Manuel Garaicoa de Calderón, the nutritional status is a pretty alterable aspect in today’s society, being extremely necessary to keep it under control, because the data on overweight and obesity in recent years are disturbing, reaching malnutrition figures of 23,2% in the population, while overweight and obesity are having an increase of 35,4% only between the population of 5 – 11 years. Therefore, its urgent to identify how this affects the cognitive state and how this would mean a decrease in academic performance in both grades and learning, as well as in the attention and interest in learning of the children. This study is an observational analytical type, in which data will be taken from the population of 5th grade of children between 8 and 10 years old, anthropometric data such as weight, height, brachial circumference, abdominal circumference; in addition to academic satisfaction surveys between the months of November – February and the analysis and interpretation of the data will be carried out between the months of March to April. After the application of the project, it will be sought to know if there is a relationship between the nutritional status and the academic performance of the students of 5th grade of basic education.
La relación del nivel de inseguridad alimentaria y la calidad de la dieta de los adultos venezolanos residentes de la ciudad de Cuenca de 18 a 60 años 2021-2022
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2023-05-09) Gomezcoello Guerrero, Gabriela Belén; Carrillo Alvarado, Dacia Estefanía; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina
Venezuelan migrants have presented considerable levels of food insecurity (FI) in various studies conducted in Latin American countries. In addition, it has also been shown that their dietary intake is altered. Objectives: To analyze the relationship between the level of FI and the quality of the diet of Venezuelan migrants residing in the city of Cuenca, by collecting information through a survey. Methods: This is a qualitative, analytic-cross-sectional study in a population of Venezuelan migrant adults residing in Cuenca. To collect the information, three surveys were used: Validated sociodemographic data survey, the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA) and the Healthy Eating Index (IASE), which, according to the data obtained, it was possible to know the level of FI in which the population is found, and the quality of their diet, respectively. And at the same time knowing the relationship that existed between the FI and the quality of the diet in migrant Venezuelans. Results: It was determined that there is no statistically significant relationship between the level of AI and the quality of the diet of the Venezuelan migrants residing in Cuenca who participated in the research (P Pearson's Chi-square value = 0.914 and Cramer's V value = 0.130).
Niveles de actividad física y tiempo en pantalla en relación a la composición corporal de estudiantes de las carreras de “Arquitectura” e “Ingeniería en Sistemas” en la ciudad de Cuenca-Ecuador 2024
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-22) Vaca Arteaga, Emilia Isabel; Herrera Sarmiento, Belén Alejandra; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina
The World Health Organization recommends physical activity and limits screen time to preserve health. However, in Latin America and The Caribbean, the 70% of the population is not active and they spend more than 8 hours in front of a screen, affecting their body composition. This study evaluated the relationship between physical activity, use of screens and body composition in 183 university students of the faculty of Architecture and Engineering in the University of Cuenca (sixth and eight semester). Surveys were used to measure screen time and physical activity along with a bioimpedance to evaluate body composition. The majority of the participants (96,2%) were between 20 and 24 years old, with men predominating. The 44,3% had normal body fat, while the 50,3% had high body fat and the 5,5% had low body fat. Regarding lean mass, the 67,2% presented normal values, while the 38,2% had altered values (19,1% low and 13,7% high). As for BMI, the 62,3% was normal, the 32,2% overweight, the 3,8% low weight and the 1,6% obesity. Obtained results: An inverse variation was found between physical activity and body fat (r = -0.315) and a direct variation between physical activity and lean mass (r= 0.456). Although there was no significant relationship between screen time and body composition, there will be a trend of higher body fat with more screen time. This study highlights the importance of physical activity in body composition, regardless screen time.
Percepciones sociales, económicas y culturales frente a la lactancia materna en el Centro de Salud Carlos Elizalde y el Hospital Homero Castanier Crespo, marzo – septiembre del 2022
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2022-10-07) Ordóñez Brito, Jocelyne Karina; López Campoverde, Priscila Zulema; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina
Background: Breast milk is a complete food that provides all the necessary nutrients and contributes to the optimal development of the newborn. There are several factors that affect the practice of breastfeeding, which vary depending on maternal factors. General objective: To analyze the social, economic, and cultural perceptions regarding the practice of breastfeeding of the population of rural areas of Azogues that attend to Homero Castanier Crespo Hospital and urban of Cuenca that attend to Carlos Elizalde Health Center. Methodology: Qualitative study with ethnographic design. The sample size was 20 mothers and 2 key informants. Individual interviews with semi- structured questionnaires were applied, they were recorded and transcribed into Word. The analysis was carried out with the Atlas Ti program and also manually. Results: In the social perceptions, the incidence is the family environment through emotional support. In the economic field, they perceive breastfeeding as a benefit for the family economy regardless of the area of residence. In cultural perceptions, customs and beliefs directly affect the practice of breastfeeding, mainly in the rural areas. Conclusions: The social, economic, and cultural perceptions have a direct influence on the practice of breastfeeding. A comparison was made in each dimension depending on the area of residence of the population, verifying that these factors define the presence or not of strengths and difficulties during the process
Relación entre la calidad de la dieta y el nivel de actividad física en adolescentes de 15 a 17 años de edad en la Unidad Educativa Santa Isabel, 2023
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2024-05-28) Domínguez Rodríguez, Jacqueline Marcela; Dota Dota, Lisset Catalina; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina
Adolescence, a stage of physiological changes and adjustments in lifestyle, diet, and physical activity, can determine health throughout life. Objectives: This study focuses on the relationship between the quality of the diet and the level of physical activity in adolescents aged 15 to 17 years from the Santa Isabel Educational Unit, 2023. Methods: The study included 128 students of both genders, aged between 15 and 17 years. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index questionnaire, while physical activity was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The results were analyzed statistically. Results: The sample consisted of 45.31% female and 54.69% male students. 62.5% had a diet that needed changes, and 37.5% maintained an unhealthy diet. Regarding physical activity, 50.78% carried out moderate activity, 32.03% had high physical activity and 17.19% had low physical activity. However, according to Spearman's rho, no significant relationship was found (p=0.277 > p=0.05) between diet quality and physical activity. Concluding that the quality of the diet and the level of physical activity do not influence one another, interventions should be carried out focused on improving the quality of the diet of adolescents since it is the main problem found.
Relación entre los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de alimentación y la percepción del estado nutricional de los adolescentes en colegios de los cantones de Cuenca y Paute, durante los años 2021-2022
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2023-05-03) Asmal Bacuilima, Daniela Fernanda; Villalta Alvear, Blanca Fernanda; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina
Background: Adolescence is a stage of changes at the dietary level, consequently, energy and nutritional needs increase. Body image acceptance also plays a fundamental role; therefore, nutritional status will be affected. Objective: To establish the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and eating practices and the perception of nutritional status of adolescents in 4 schools in the cantons of Cuenca and Paute, during the years 2021-2022. Methodology: This is a descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional study. The population was 600 students from 4 educational institutions between the cantons of Paute and Cuenca. The instruments were a CAP survey and a body image perception pictogram. Results: Regarding the perception of nutritional status, half of the sample perceived themselves as normal weight, followed by 43% between overweight and obesity. The perception of underweight is observed in a lower percentage. Regarding the KAPs, more than half of the sample reported having favorable knowledge and attitudes and adequate feeding practices. The statistical tests applied and the analysis of results, show that the KAPs of adolescents in Paute and Cuenca are not related to the perception of nutritional status. Conclusions: It is concluded that there is no relationship between knowledge, attitudes and practices and the perception of nutritional status of adolescents from 4 schools in Paute and Cuenca cantons.
Relación entre los hábitos alimentarios y el estado nutricional en los adolescentes de la selección Juvenil de la Provincia del Azuay en deportes de combate (Judo) en pandemia COVID-19. 2021
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2023-04-25) Salamea Rios, Michelle Alexandra; Ojeda Chimborazo, Josue Marcelo; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina
dequate and individualized diet and exercise causes different health benefits. The eating habits worn by the sportsman are of the utmost importance since food is a necessary source of energy to meet the energy demand produced. In combat sports, weight and body composition are important factors in classifying into a category, so in many cases athletes maintain their eating habits in disbalance, perform inadequate diets days before a competition. prolonged fasting and fluid restrictions to adjust your weight to the desired category. Objective To evaluate the relationship between eating habits and nutritional status of judo athletes, through anthropometric measures and consumption surveys to establish basic dietary patterns for athletes. Methods Descriptive study, with a target population of 20 Judocas of the Youth team in combat sports (Judo) of the Azuay Sports Federation of 12-18 years. Nutritional status and dietary habits were assessed through: Food surveys, and anthropometric data. Results The relationship between dietary habits and nutritional status in Jewish athletes was revealed. In which there was a relationship between the consumption of dairy products and sugars, while in other groups there was no significant relationship.
Stress and diet quality among ecuadorian adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic. A cross-sectional study
(2022) Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Vinueza Veloz, María Fernanda; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina; Carpio Arias, Tannia Valeria; Morejón Terán, Yadira Alejandra; Lima dos Santos, Sueny Paloma
Background: Stress has been associated with food habits. Stress changes eating patterns and the salience and consumption of hyperpalatable foods. During the lock-down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, stress was very common. Objective: We investigated the association between stress and diet quality in Ecuadorian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Data was collected using a self-administered online survey. Stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), and diet quality was evaluated using the Global Diet Index (GDI). A linear regression model with restrictive cubic splines was used to investigate the association between stress and diet quality. Participants: Participants were recruited by convenience sampling, including a total of 2602 individuals. Most participants were female (68.57%) and had university education (78.52%), with a median age of 25 (IQR: 25, 37). Results: Stress was reported by 26.06% of participants. The majority of individuals (75.79%) reported having a diet that needed changes or an unhealthy diet. Independently from biological sex, age, level of education, people/room ratio, economic allowance, and expenses for food, stress was statistically significantly associated with diet quality (p = 0.035). The association between stress and diet quality was inverse and non-linear; higher stress levels were associated with poorer diet quality. The consumption of palatable foods was not statistically significant associated with stress. Conclusions: Stress is associated with poorer diet quality. Public health measures to improve the mental health and lifestyle of the population are needed during the lock-down of the pandemic.