Nutritional, anthropometric, biochemical, immunological and hematological characterization of the child population of the “La Unión” parish

Abstract

Childhood malnutrition is a global public health problem that affects physical growth and cognitive development due to an imbalance between nutrient intake and energy requirements. The World Health Organization reports that 149 million children under five years of age are stunted and 38.9 million are overweight; furthermore, malnutrition contributes to 45% of child deaths. Biological, health, and socioeconomic factors influence undernourishment, generating long-term negative effects on health and social development. The objective was to characterize the anthropometric, biochemical, immunological, and hematological nutritional status of children aged 0 to 5 years in the La Unión parish, Jipijapa, Manabí. A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted. From a population of 360 children, a random sample of 25 was selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The population (n=25) presented low biological, health, and socioeconomic risk, with a male predominance (60%). The diet was mostly adequate, although 52% consumed fast food. Anthropometric parameters were homogeneous, and most biochemical, immunological, and hematological indicators were normal, with some cases of iron deficiency, low cholesterol, leukopenia, neutropenia, and anemia.It is concluded that the participants have adequate nutritional status, although follow-up is required.