Descripción de las prácticas de cuidado en los padres para la prevención de anemia ferropénica en niños menores de 5 años atendidos en un centro de salud de la ciudad de Guayaquil.

Abstract

Context: Iron deficiency anemia affects children under five years of age and can impair growth, mental development, and immune function. Its prevention depends on parental practices regarding nutrition, supplementation, and regular checkups. Objective: To describe parental care practices for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in children under 5 years of age treated at Health Center Type B #8 in Guayaquil. Methodological design: Quantitative, descriptive, prospective, and cross-sectional study. Population: 144 parents of children under 5 years of age with iron deficiency anemia. Technique: Survey. Instrument: Questionnaire adapted from Oliden and Peña. Results: 42% were between 26 and 33 years old, 50% had a secondary education, 45% performed housework, and 83% resided in urban areas. Sixty-nine percent had received information about anemia and recognized that iron deficiency delays growth, while 67% identified signs and symptoms. Thirty-one percent provided blood sausage, 33% red meat and fish, and 58% started complementary feeding at six months. Fifty percent administered the supplement some days, 52% provided the indicated amount, and 44% gave it irregularly. Furthermore, 71% recognized that the child should attend the scheduled check-up. Conclusion: Care practices showed favorable results in feeding and check-ups, but difficulties persisted regarding the continuity of supplementation, the frequency of iron-rich foods, and the understanding of some consequences of anemia.