Evaluación del estado nutricional en niños de las comunidades candelaria, panecillo y libertad de la parroquia de San Luis-Riobamba

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritional condition of school-age children (5-10 years old) living in the communities of Candelaria, Panecillo, and Libertad in San Luis town, Riobamba city. Here some surveys were applied. Anthropometric measurements were taken and various clinical tests were performed to determine values of glucose, albumin, total protein, and LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase). The identification of analytes in blood samples was carried out by spectrophotometry, and the measurements of body weight and height were used to find BMI (Body Mass Index) values. The variables studied were related by statistical analysis. From the BMI, it was determined that the participants did not present severe or moderate malnutrition. However, 14% of the sample was overweight, followed by 10% with obesity. For the statistical analysis, the statistical program MegaStat was used. Here the Pearson Chi-square test of independence was performed; obtaining as a result a p-value of less than 0.05. This indicates a statistically significant relationship between eating habits, hygienic and sanitary conditions, socioeconomic aspects, and the nutritional status of the study population. Meanwhile, clinical examinations showed: 11% of decreased values corresponding to glucose, less than 1% decreased in albumin, 3% decreased and 5% elevated in total proteins, and 16% decreased and 8% elevated in LDH. This demonstrated normal values in general. It is concluded that nutritional disorders such as obesity and overweight directly related to lifestyle prevail in the study population. It is recommended to extend initiatives for the prevention and care of malnutrition through the implementation of information campaigns, mainly in rural areas, where there is a higher prevalence and incidence of health problems associated with malnutrition.