Parámetros antropométricos e índice de alimentación saludable entre los escolares de 10 a 15 años de dos escuelas particulares de la ciudad de Guayaquil en el periodo de junio a septiembre del 2022.

Abstract

Introduction: Anthropometric indices are combinations of body measurements that allow the evaluation of growth, physical condition and identification of nutritional risks. Objective: To determine the relationship between anthropometric parameters and the Healthy Eating Index among school children aged 10 to 15 years from two private schools in the city of Guayaquil. Methods: This study has a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional approach with a correlational, descriptive and observational scope. The sample consisted of 196 adolescents from 6th to 10th grade who attend the Escuela de Educación Básica Particular Universidad Católica and the Unidad Educativa Particular Bilingüe Santiago Mayor, data on body measurements were collected and the Healthy Eating Index (IAS) survey was applied. Jamovi 2.2 software was used to analyze these data. Results: The analysis of the height-for-age index shows that the mean is in the normal range; however, the BMI for age is above 1, which means that they are at risk of overweight, overweight and obesity. Regarding the IAS, 84.7% need changes in their diet, followed by 11.2% with an unhealthy diet and only 4.1% of the sample has a healthy diet. Conclusions: No significant relationship was found between the anthropometric indices of the schoolchildren and the Healthy Eating Index; however, the problem found with respect to poor dietary quality and the risk of overweight and obesity is no less significant.