FACTORES SOCIOCULTURALES Y ESTADO NUTRICIONAL DE LOS MENORES DE 3 AÑOS EN UN CENTRO DE ATENCIÓN INFANTIL ECUATORIANO.

Proper nutrition in childhood is crucial for optimal development and disease prevention. Sociocultural factors can influence children's dietary practices and nutritional status. The aim of this research was to evaluate sociocultural factors and the nutritional status of children under 3 years old in a childcare center. An observational cross-sectional prospective study was conducted. Sociocultural factors were assessed through a survey, and nutritional status was evaluated using anthropometric measures. A diverse prevalence of nutritional states was observed, with a significant percentage of children being overweight or underweight. Sociocultural factors, such as food insecurity, showed a high prevalence and a significant association with children's nutritional status. The results highlight the importance of addressing sociocultural factors in promoting childhood nutrition and suggest the need for specific interventions to improve children's nutritional status in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]