Hábitos alimentarios y estado nutricional de niños de 5 a 10 años de la Unidad Educativa Luis Cordero, Azogues-2023

Abstract

Background: The increase of child malnutrition should urgently be evaluated in order to avoid an increase of chronic noncommunicable diseases in the population in the future. Objective: To determine the eating habits and nutritional status of 5- to 10- year-old children attending Luis Cordero school, Azogues-2023. Methodology: This is a descriptive, observational, transversal, and quantitative study. The sample featured 218 participants. Data was collected using the KRECE – PLUS test on eating habits. Data was tabulated using Microsoft Excel and processed with IBM SPSS Statistics, version 27.0. Chi-square test, frequencies and percentages were used for statistical analysis of variables. Results: 40% of the children have overweight and obesity and a medium-low nutritional level of around 98%. Statistically significant relationships were found between eating habits and nutritional status of p=0.023. Conclusions: A large amount of the study population has overweight and obesity. Evidence shows that the less physical activity is performed the more malnutrition risk exists. Eating habits are not appropriate because the number or servings recommended is not observed. Furthermore, vegetables are not eaten sufficiently while candy is consumed every day.