Regresar

Health determinants in adolescents of Cerro Guayabal community, Ecuador

Abstract:

Introduction: Behaviors and problems related to diseases such as the consumption of tobacco or alcohol, inadequate eating habits and sedentary lifestyle usually occur for the first time, or are reinforced, during adolescence. Objective: To identify which are the health determinants in adolescents of Cerro Guayabal Community, Manabí, Ecuador. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. From a population of 244 adolescents, a sample of 151 adolescents of both sexes was calculated. A survey was designed and applied in order to collect in the home environment the information needed for the study, as well as in situ observation. Results: The results showed male prevalence, early adolescence, regular housing conditions, regularly satisfied basic needs, regular sanitary hygienic conditions, a large number of adolescents with diabetic and hypertensive relatives, adolescents with a greater preference for unhealthy foods, and most of them with a sedentary lifestyle. Conclusions: The need to continue the study of other determinants that may be influencing the health of this population group is demonstrated. It is suitable to jointly develop with the governments and the community different actions aimed to guarantee the health of this population group.