Socio-Nutritional Factors in the Growth and Health of Schoolchildren and Adolescent

Abstract

Introduction: School and adolescence are periods of fundamental change on a physical, biological and emotional level, during which new knowledge is acquired and new eating habits are formed. Objective: To analyze the relationship between socio-nutritional factors, growth, and health in schoolchildren and adolescents. Methodology: This was an observational, qualitative, cross-sectional study that assessed socio-nutritional factors as well as the health and nutritional status of schoolchildren and adolescents in Ambato. The data were analyzed using descriptive and relational statistics, with the Chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 221 patients were evaluated, the majority being male (55%). Of these, 53% were Indigenous, and 61% were from rural areas. Additionally, 58% spent more than 2 hours per day using technology; 62% were unaware of the components of a healthy plate, 28% lacked knowledge about handwashing, and 61% would change the institutional diet. Most healthy food groups were not consumed according to recommendations. Moreover, 12% of the participants were underweight, 21% were overweight or obese, and 24% had stunted growth. Discussion: A statistically significant relationship was found between body mass index/age and cereal consumption, the presence of diarrheal and respiratory diseases, and place of residence. Additionally, a significant association was observed between height/age and dairy consumption, technology use exceeding 2 hours per day, and the presence of diarrheal and respiratory diseases. Conclusion: Malnutrition problems, both deficiency and excess, are significantly associated with inadequate grain and dairy consumption, as well as the occurrence of diarrheal and respiratory diseases.