Estado nutricional y prevalencia de anemia en preescolares de la Unidad Educativa Huayna Capac de la Comunidad 4 Esquinas, provincia de Tungurahua 2014

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to relate the nutritional status as well as the prevalence of anemia in children under the age of five who belong from Huayna Cápac Educational Unit. It was conducted a non-experimental research with cross-sectional design. The data collected from the study corresponded to: general characteristics, nutritional status and anemia. Regarding to general characteristics, the gathered information revealed 55% male, 45% female, average age of 53,8 months; the variable nutritional status revealed its indicator T/E (height/age) 58,8% detriment, 41,2% normal; the indicator BMI/E (Body mass index/Age) 2% thinness, while a 98% normal and 0,0% of overweight and obesity; 11,8% reported anemia whereas 88,2% showed negative cases of anemia. The highest prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia in males was ,8% and 3,9% in females; it was also found out a 5,88% of probability of finding children with height or normal age with anemia, despite having 1,96% of thinness, anemia has not been detected. Status of nutritional shortage of height/age and BMI/age are not related to anemia thus, the hypothesis is not accepted. It is recommended to carry out a regular monitoring of weight and height for all children by taking into account specially the ones suffering delay in their growth it is also important a hemoglobin test followed by an educational program of food and Nutrition for parents belonging to the group of study for anemia prevention.