Hábitos alimentarios y estado nutricional de los niños y niñas preescolares de 5 a 6 años de la unidad Liceo Cristiano de Guayaquil.

Abstract

Malnutrition in a very early stage, such as preschool age, is a problem that prevails more frequently today and is related to public health, which is why the present work presents a descriptive and cross-sectional investigation developed with the objective of to determine the nutritional status of preschool children of 5 and 6 years in the educational unit Liceo Cristiano de Guayaquil. Anthropometric measurements and a food consumption frequency questionnaire were used. The study showed that normal nutritional assessments predominated (79.6%), but there was a tendency to be overweight, obese, and short height for age (13.6%). Dietary habits revealed inadequate consumption of dairy products (47.6%), high consumption of derivative cereals (71.8%), and high consumption of sweets (71.8%). An adequate daily consumption of vegetables (84.7%), fruits (88.1%), meats (48.2%) was identified. In addition, it was observed that they rarely ate fast food on a weekly basis (44.9%). A possible relationship between these habits and the presence of individuals with an inadequate nutritional assessment is suggested. It is necessary to provide correct nutritional education to different age groups, promoting good eating and lifestyle habits that prevent long-term chronic illnesses.