Nutritional, anthropometric, biochemical, immunological and hematological characterization of the child population of Puerto López North Sector

Abstract

Nutrition is a determining factor in health status throughout life, and childhood is a critical period, as it influences cognitive development, immune system strengthening, and proper growth. The objective of the study was to characterize the anthropometric, biochemical, immunological, and hematological nutritional status of the child population in Puerto López Sector Norte. A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional methodology was applied, involving a total of 27 children under five years of age. The results found, according to the demographic characterization, showed that the most common age was 4 years old (30.4%), with a predominance of female participation (66.7%). According to the data provided by the representatives, daily food consumption was based on fruits and vegetables 74.1%, weekly consumption was based on fish 100%, and fresh vegetables and cheese 96.3%. According to the body mass index, 85.2% maintained a healthy weight, 7.4% were overweight, and 3.7% were obese or severely emaciated. In the biochemical profile, 37% had low serum iron levels, 14.8% had hypertriglyceridemia, and 3.7% had hypercholesterolemia. All had normal levels in immunological tests. The frequency of anemia in the child population was 81.4%. In addition, 66.7% had eosinophilia, 22.2% had monocytosis, 7.4% had lymphocytosis, 3.7% had thrombocytopenia, and 3.7% had thrombocytosis. It is concluded that, based on the data obtained, it is possible to understand the overall health of the child population, identifying specific needs for each component evaluated, which allows for the development of timely and targeted strategies.