Analysis of the Sociocultural Aspects that Affect Malnutrition in Children from 0 to 5 Years Old Attended at the Tajamar Tulcán Ecuador Health Center During the Year 2022

Abstract

The prevalence of undernutrition in children under five years of age in developing countries is a major concern. Worldwide, it is estimated that approximately 178 million infants are affected by this condition. It is important to note that these figures vary by country, and in Ecuador it affects almost two out of every five children. The research design used in this study was of the action research type, and the sample was composed of 40 parents with children between 0 and 5 years of age attended at the Tajamar Health Center. The results of this study indicate that malnutrition prevails mainly in children between 2 and 3 years of age, especially in males. Poor nutrition and starvation due to lack of food availability are the most frequent causes of this condition.