Nutritional and anthropometric characterization of the child population in the parish of Puerto Cayo

Abstract

Malnutrition is a common and prevalent condition in children, contributing to the development of various pathologies in early childhood and adulthood. The purpose of this study was to characterize the nutritional and anthropometric status of the child population in the Puerto Cayo parish. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective design with quantitative data was used, including a symbolic sample of 45 children within the period of 2025, selected according to eligibility criteria. The results showed that 53.3% of the sample was female, with the 4-year-old age group predominating (35.6%). Furthermore, it was observed that 100% of the families surveyed reported consuming five meals a day, while a considerable number of the sample indicated adherence to dietary guidelines; however, only 46.7% of the children had undergone laboratory tests. An unbalanced diet high in processed products such as fast food, sugary drinks, and sweets was observed. Finally, a significant relationship was identified between children under 5 years of age and body mass index for age related to thinness and obesity (p < 0.0015). In conclusion, the results demonstrate a double burden of malnutrition, related to age and sex; reflecting a coexistence of nutritional deficiencies and overeating, typical of rural contexts, and highlighting the need to design targeted interventions that consider family dynamics, gender, and sociocultural environment to improve child health indicators.