Relación entre los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de las madres con el estado nutricional de sus hijos, El Valle-Cuenca 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Child malnutrition is a preventable public health problem, which despite multiple prevention policies has not decreased. Objectives: To establish the relationship between maternal knowledge, attitudes and practices in nutrition and the nutritional status of their children in patients attending the Centro de Salud de El Valle, Cuenca-Ecuador 2023 Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out at the El Valle Health Center, the population of this study was constituted by the binomial guardian/child between 6-23 months, with a sample of 265 infants (135 boys and 130 girls). The method used was observation, the technique used was the interview for filling out the form and taking anthropometric measurements. For the inferential analysis, 3 logistic regression models were used, with nutritional status as the dependent variable; for the predictor variable of interest, knowledge, attitudes and practices were evaluated, with a value of p<0.05 being considered significant differences. Results: When relating the attitudes and practices of the mothers, it was found that the height/age variable is significantly affected by the attitudes and feeding practices of the tutors. Regarding the attitudes in nutrition, a statistically significant positive association was found in the height-for-age indicator vs. the degree of perception of less difficulty in food diversity and frequent feeding. Conclusion: It is essential to provide adequate knowledge and education to mothers and caregivers to ensure the proper functioning of organic functions, such as the growth and development of their children.