Relación del perímetro braquial con tres indicadores antropométricos en niños preescolares de la Unidad Educativa Inés María Balda en Petrillo-Guayas, en el periodo de mayo-septiembre del 2017.

Abstract

Introduction: The anthropometric assessment uses measures such as weight and height in order to know the current nutritional status of the child. The most commonly used indicators are weight / height, height / age and weight / age. Objective: Demonstrate the relationship between the brachial perimeter and the three anthropometric indicators: weight / age, height / age, weight / height in children from 3 to 5 years, demonstrating the use as a single instrument in nutritional diagnosis. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study with non-observational methodological design of correlational scope. The sample used was 83 preschool children who regularly attend the educational school Inés María Balda located in Petrillo-Guayas. Three anthropometric measures were taken; weight, height and brachial perimeter. Results: According to the values obtained from these measures and the three anthropometric indicators, 80% of the sample is normal in height and weight and the 20% have a risk of malnutrition. For the Brachial Perimeter / Age indicator, 90% are normal and 10% have some type of malnutrition. The results were obtained with a level of 95% confidence, in which it is shown that the independence hypothesis of both variables is rejected. Conclusion: The relationship between the brachial perimeter and the three anthropometric indicators is significant, so is recommended to use it in cases where there are not necessary instruments to measure weight and height.