SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS AND THEIR IMPACT ON CHILD MALNUTRITION RATES

Abstract

This research work focused on the problem of child malnutrition, which affects children worldwide and is considered one of the main public health problems in Ecuador. The main objective of the research was to analyze the incidence of socioeconomic factors on malnutrition rates in the Parroquia de Guangaje (city of Guangaje) in the Canton de Pujilí (county of Pujilí), Ecuador. The research was supported by the review of bibliographic sources and interaction with qualified informants, including representatives of the Public Health Department (PHD). The study combined qualitative and quantitative methodologies that respond to a correlational approach, since it analyzed the relationship between socioeconomic factors and child malnutrition rates, together with techniques and methods focused on evaluating the socioeconomic aspects of the families, such as the application of a focus group, which allowed a qualitative analysis. The results obtained and their discussion were fundamental for the understanding of the real problems of the study group and the fulfillment of the proposed objectives. The importance of this study is highlighted in order to suggest the design and implementation of effective and contextualized intervention strategies that contribute to address child malnutrition in the area with the purpose of improving the quality of life of the child population.