Relación entre la alimentación complementaria y el estado nutricional de infantes de 6 - 24 meses de edad del programa Creciendo con Nuestros Hijos del cantón Atacames, julio – noviembre 2021.

Abstract

The objective was to determine the relationship between complementary feeding and the nutritional status of infants 6 - 24 months of age from the Growing with Our Children program in the Atacames canton. A study was carried out with a mixed approach (qualitative - quantitative), with an exploratory and descriptive research level in which 197 infants from 6 to 24 months who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria participated; This age group was considered because it is a critical period due to nutrient deficiencies and the risks of many diseases that contribute to increasing malnutrition rates in children under five years of age worldwide. Variables such as complementary feeding and nutritional status were identified, general data (age, sex), characteristics of the food provided and anthropometric indicators (weight//age, length or height//age, weight/length or height, perimeter) were obtained. cephalic/age), among others. The results obtained through the application of the research instruments determined that there are malnutrition problems, showing that of the study group 34% have chronic malnutrition, 33% acute malnutrition, 20% global malnutrition and 13% a normal nutritional status. As an intervention strategy, a complementary feeding guide is proposed for parents with the purpose of preventing child malnutrition, which will help enrich knowledge to identify the best culinary methods and the selection of the most efficient and healthy foods as part of the of the child's eating habits. It is concluded that there is a significant relationship between complementary feeding and the nutritional status of children aged 6 - 24 months, so adequate and timely professional advice will allow the modification of inappropriate feeding practices, the use of foods according to availability of families, as well as the necessary amount of nutrients that the child needs for optimal growth and development.