Influencia de los conocimientos y prácticas alimentarias de los cuidadores en el estado nutricional de los niños y niñas de los centros de desarrollo infantil, distrito 05d06, salcedo – ecuador.

Abstract

The care in the food and nutrition of preschool children plays an essential and important role in comprehensive health care. A series of demographic, occupational, socioeconomic and varied factors have led to changes in care and, therefore, the eating patterns of children. Malnutrition is the consequence of inadequate access to nutritious and sufficient food for its biological use. Serious and prolonged deficiencies of nutrients such as proteins, vitamins and minerals is one of the main health problems in developing countries, this directly affects infant morbidity and mortality. A malnourished child enters adulthood with a greater propensity to be overweight and to develop chronic diseases. Four children out of ten under 60 months suffer from chronic malnutrition worldwide. Recent studies from Brazil, Guatemala, India, the Philippines and South Africa confirmed the association between chronic malnutrition and lower performance and school attendance, as well as a drop in educational results, which translates into children who will be less productive, when they are adults. Studies estimate an average loss of 22% in annual earnings during adulthood. Nutrition is made up of a complex system, which includes the environment, which influences the selection of food, frequency of consumption, type of gastronomy, size of portions, hours. Addressing children's needs should consider health providers, educators, and caregivers, since their participation can educate parents. It is of great interest that parents and caregivers have knowledge of good eating habits or correct nutrition and from this foundation, establish strategies to build relevant information and contribute to the reduction of malnutrition in Ecuador. The central area of the country has a high rate of malnutrition among the indigenous population, who have inefficient or non-existent basic services, and are geographically inaccessible to health services. In addition, the poor diet of families and belonging to this cultural group are risk factors for developing child malnutrition. The most important moment to satisfy the nutritional needs of a child, occurs during the first thousand days, this period includes from pregnancy to the first two years of age. The possibility of recovering growth later is minimal, the damage caused is largely irreversible.