Patrones alimentarios y actividad física en adultos de la provincia de Los Ríos (2024–2025).

Abstract

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represent one of the leading threats to global public health, being the primary cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer can be prevented through the reduction of risk factors associated with unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and other adverse behaviors. In Ecuador, these diseases account for a significant proportion of national mortality, underscoring the need for sustained preventive and educational strategies. This study analyzed the results of the university outreach project “Dietary Patterns, Physical Activity, and Prophylactic Nutritional Intervention for Chronic Diseases in Adults of Los Ríos Province”, implemented by the Technical University of Babahoyo between 2024 and 2025. A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive-applied, cross-sectional design was employed, comparing the results across project phases. The findings revealed an expanding level of community participation, a predominance of female beneficiaries, and high levels of satisfaction among participants. Educational and participatory interventions promoted positive changes in dietary habits and physical activity, strengthening the connection between the university and the community. This experience demonstrated that university outreach programs can serve as effective, sustainable, and replicable models of service-learning that significantly contribute to health promotion and the prevention of noncommunicable diseases within local contexts.