Diseño de una estrategia educativa para prevenir la malnutrición por exceso en adultos jóvenes del consultorio 2 de Medicina Familiar. Centro de Salud Luchadores del Norte. Guayaquil. Año 2021.

Abstract

Background: The emerging prevalence of obesity and overweight and its relationship with other chronic diseases is a growing public health problem. In Ecuador, 6 out of 10 adults between 20 and 59 years old suffer from these eating disorders. Some risk factors, such as age, race, or family history cannot be changed; others, such as a sedentary lifestyle, inadequate nutritional habits, and poor sleep hygiene are correctable factors. The main objective of this research is to design an educational strategy that allows preventing excess malnutrition, and in this way contribute to improving the quality of life of individuals and families. Methods: An observational, prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional research was carried out. The study population was the universe of 120 patients from 20 to 39 years of age, of both sexes, assigned to clinic 2 of Family and Community Medicine of the Luchadores del Norte Health Center in Guayaquil, year 2021. It was used as a collection technique survey data and a 39-question questionnaire was applied as an instrument. All ethical considerations were met in obtaining and handling the information. Results: The age group from 20 to 24 years old predominated with 36.7%, the female sex with 56.7%, the mestizo ethnic group with 97.5%, the high school education with 63.3%, and the normal weight nutritional status with 58, 3 %. The level of knowledge of malnutrition due to excess was low with 60.0%, eating habits and physical activity were inadequate with 80.0% and 77.5%, respectively. For the strategy, talks were preferred with 73.3%, the frequency of once a week with 82.5%, the morning schedule with 68.3%, and the duration of 30 minutes with 74.2%. Conclusions: A low level of knowledge about excess malnutrition is evidenced, as well as inadequate eating habits and levels of physical activity. The components for the development of the educational strategy are the didactic talks, the frequency is once a week, lasting 30 minutes, held in the health center.