Elaboración de un programa educativo con enfoque en alimentación saludable para la prevención de la desnutrición infantil dirigido a madres de niños entre 0 a 5 años de la comunidad de Cruz Loma. Sicalpa. Colta. Chimborazo. Ecuador. Octubre 2023 – marzo 2024

Abstract

Inadequate nutrition has a detrimental impact on human health, particularly in children under five. Ecuador is one of the countries with high rates of malnutrition due to inappropriate food intake, which leads to a range of health problems, including malnutrition, anemia, and overweight. These issues pose a significant risk to the future health and well-being of children in the country. This research aimed to develop an Educational Program focused on healthy eating habits for mothers of children aged 0 and 5 in the Cruz Loma community, Sicalpa parish, Colta canton, Chimborazo province. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive approach, which enabled the researchers to determine the prevailing sociodemographic data, including the level of knowledge and practices related to nutrition in children. The sample consisted of 24 mothers who met the requisite criteria to participate in the program. The survey results indicated that 62% of the mothers were between 16 and 25, and 58% were married and had completed high school. Regarding the level of knowledge and healthy feeding practices, most mothers demonstrated a lack of awareness of key aspects such as the significance of breastfeeding, the importance of complementary feeding, and the incorporation of the child into the family diet and feeding routines. In conclusion, mothers lack the requisite knowledge to feed their children correctly, particularly about the preparation of food during the period of complementary feeding. Therefore, it is recommended to implement the Educational Program to enhance mothers' knowledge and practices regarding healthy nutrition for children aged 0 and 5 in the Cruz Loma community.