Prevención del sobrepeso y la obesidad en preescolares: lecciones aprendidas en Cuenca, Ecuador

Authors

  • Matthew L. Romo Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Av. 12 abril. Campus Paraíso, 010104. Dirección de Investigación, Universidad de Cuenca, Av. 12 abril, Cuenca, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3038-0644
  • Diana Elizabeth Morales Avilez Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Av. 12 abril. Campus Paraíso, 010104. Dirección de Investigación, Universidad de Cuenca, Av. 12 abril, Cuenca, Ecuador https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9523-5088
  • Sandra Victoria Abril Ulloa Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Av. 12 abril. Campus Paraíso, 010104, Dirección de Investigación, Universidad de Cuenca, Av. 12 abril, Cuenca, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4083-8401

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47187/cssn.Vol13.Iss1.169

Keywords:

exercise, diet, health, paediatric obesity, Ecuador, Latin America

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood overweight and obesity are major public health problems globally, including in Ecuador, and there is increasing interest in intervening as early as possible. We previously developed and evaluated a behavioural and educational intervention aiming to improve diet and physical activity habits among children at municipal preschools in Cuenca, Ecuador, after which it was implemented. Objective: To describe some of the key lessons learned in the process of intervention development, evaluation, and implementation. Methods: We conducted program evaluation using a survey questionnaire with open-ended questions with the coordinators, teachers, and kitchen staff of the preschools that participated in the intervention. Results: Human resource changes were a threat to the continued success of the intervention; therefore, these changes need to be anticipated and peer training emphasized. Careful consideration also needs to be given to impact on preschool staff workload. Teachers and other stakeholders like administrators should take ownership of the intervention and play a leadership role, distinct from that of researchers. Regarding the intervention itself, we identified that both fidelity and adaptability were critical for continued success. Conclusion: Lessons learned from our setting may be useful to inform the design, evaluation, and implementation of sustainable preschool-based interventions aiming to improve diet and physical activity habits elsewhere.

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Published

2022-06-07

How to Cite

Romo, M. L., Morales Avilez, D. E., & Abril Ulloa, S. V. (2022). Prevención del sobrepeso y la obesidad en preescolares: lecciones aprendidas en Cuenca, Ecuador. LA CIENCIA AL SERVICIO DE LA SALUD Y NUTRICIÓN, 13(1), B_47–52. https://doi.org/10.47187/cssn.Vol13.Iss1.169

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