CALIDAD NUTRITIVA DE LOS ALIMENTOS QUE SE EXPENDEN DEL BAR ESCOLAR EN RELACIÓN AL ESTADO NUTRICIONAL DE LOS NIÑOS DE UNA UNIDAD EDUCATIVA

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze food consumption in school cafeterias and its association with the nutritional status of children aged 8 to 10 years at a school in the Ambato canton. A quantitative approach combining applied, descriptive, and correlational methods was used. The research included 32 students who met predetermined selection criteria using simple random probability sampling. Nutritional status was assessed using the criteria established by the WHO (2007), applying measurements of weight, height, and body mass index (BMI). The caloric value of the food offered in the school cafeteria was estimated through direct observation and the use of food composition tables from the University of San Francisco de Quito. The results indicate that the majority of students (78%) have a normal BMI, while 19% are overweight and 3% are obese. Furthermore, 25% of students consumed meals containing up to 700 kcal in a single sitting, while these meals represented between 32% and 44% of their estimated daily caloric needs (1600-2200 kcal). The study results showed that 81.3% of participants consumed meals from the school cafeteria, directly linking their eating habits to their body mass index (p = 0.004). The research demonstrates that the quality and energy content of school cafeteria food directly impact student nutrition, necessitating improved monitoring and promotion of healthy eating habits in schools.