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Determination of risk factors for chronic malnutrition in children from 1 to 2 years of age in Cotacachi, Ecuador

Abstract:

Introduction: Chronic malnutrition is one of the problems that most frequently affects children under two years of age. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the risk factors for chronic malnutrition in children aged 1 to 2 years in the community of El Cercado, in Cotacachi, Ecuador. Methods: This was an exploratory research, based on heuristics; it was observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective. To measure the risk factors for chronic malnutrition, an interview was conducted with the mothers. Results: it was evidenced that 77% of the children's mothers had insufficient knowledge regarding malnutrition; 67% stated having monthly income of less than $100; 52% attended a medical consultation every 3 months; 80% infrequently consumed fruits, vegetables, cereals, meats, and dairy products during their gestation period; vaccination schedules were not met; and 96% of the households lacked drinking water. Conclusions: The present study determined the risk factors for chronic malnutrition in children aged 1 to 2 years in the community El Cercado, Ecuador, concluding that there are several factors, which are associated with insufficient knowledge of mothers regarding malnutrition; low monthly income; lack of systematicity in medical consultations; low consumption of fruits, vegetables, cereals, meats and dairy products by mothers in their gestation period; insufficient vaccination schemes; and lack of drinking water in households.