Malnutrition risk of appearance of chronic non-communicable diseases in children in the population of the parishes of Cascol and Campozano

Abstract

Child malnutrition is a public health problem that directly impacts children’s physical, cognitive, and social development, increasing their vulnerability to chronic non-communicable diseases. The general objective of this study was to characterize the nutritional, anthropometric, biochemical, and hematological profiles of children aged five to fourteen years from the parishes of Cascol and Campozano. An observational, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted using a prospective, non-experimental, cross-sectional design. Data were collected through surveys, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests, which allowed the assessment of nutritional status and dietary habits. The results highlighted a predominantly rural population with low and very low socioeconomic levels. Among the participants, 6.40% were underweight and 6.40% were overweight, 21.30% presented short stature, and 2.1% had low hemoglobin levels. Additionally, 8.5% presented high cholesterol levels, 2.1% high triglycerides, 10.6% low glucose levels, and 2.1% high insulin levels, while no cases of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were identified. It was concluded that there is a high level of socioeconomic vulnerability, despite universal access to health and education services. Although the general nutritional status of the population is relatively favorable, with a predominance of normal weight and absence of obesity, significant challenges persist. Hematological parameters indicate a generally satisfactory condition, with normal red blood cell and hemoglobin values, suggesting a low prevalence of anemia. Nutritional habits show strengths in access to animal protein but reveal important deficiencies in dietary diversity. Statistical analysis using the chi-square test revealed few significant associations.