Evaluation of School Children Nutritional Status in Ecuador Using Nutrimetry: A Proposal of an Education Protocol to Address the Determinants of Malnutrition

Abstract

The education sector is a cornerstone in the battle against malnutrition in children. However, there are still no consolidated protocols that outline strategies for how nutrition programs in low- and middle-income countries can be delivered through the education sector. Establishing the correct community diagnosis is essential prior to the elaboration of an intervention plan for a school population that takes into account more than just traditional variables related to the nutritional status. A total of 574 boys and girls aged 3–11 years from three educational institutions in different municipalities in Ecuador participated in the study. Sociodemographic, anthropometric (weight and height) and coproparasitological data were obtained. Nutrimetry, which is a combination of two classical anthropometrics indicators, was used for the analysis of the nutritional status, and the indicators’ frequencies varied among the schools. In order to improve the nutritional status of children, we proposed a framework mainly focusing on establishing alliances with the education sector and taking into account gender equality; respect for the environment; and the customs, beliefs and traditions of each population. The results obtained from the analyses of other variables demonstrated the importance of an adequate diagnosis prior to any type of intervention at the nutritional level, since characteristics could vary by local area and have an impact on the successfulness of the intervention.