Espirales. Revista multidisciplinaria de investigación científica, Vol. 8, No. 50
July - September 2024 e-ISSN 2550-6862. pp 35-45
DOI https://doi.org/10.31876/er.v8i49.861
The quality of nutrition in children, young people and
adults in the Guayaquil area
La calidad de la alimentación en niños, jóvenes y adultos de la zona de
Guayaquil
Kenia Jiménez Pluas*
Ana Luisa López Brunett *
Received: Febrary 13, 2024
Approved: May 29, 2024
Abstract
The project on the quality of the diet and its relation to the nutritional
health of children, young people and adults of the Tecnológico
Superior Universitario Espíritu Santo, was supported from the social,
economic and legal point of view; it will respond to the contributions
in the theoretical order related to nutrition and dietetics, sustainable
healthy eating and integral wellbeing. The purpose of the research is
to create knowledge about the nutritional status of young people
aged 17 years and older. The research process on the quality of
nutrition in children, youth and adults in the area of Guayaquil is
established through a qualitative approach of a documentary nature,
the techniques and instruments used are focused on the collection
and selection of information through the reading of documents,
books and scientific journals. The findings underline the urgent need
to raise quality standards in school feeding programmes, improve the
dissemination of nutritional information and address the growing
problem of overweight in the adult and youth population.
Keywords:
Quality, Food. Youth, Nutrition, Dietetics
* Lic. Instituto Superior Tecnológico Universitario
Espíritu Santo, kjimenez@tes.edu.ec,
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3571-3726
* Lic. Instituto Superior Tecnológico Universitario,
Espíritu Santo, alopez@tes.edu.ec,
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7040-3807
Jiménez, K., López, A. (2024) The
quality of nutrition in children,
young people and adults in the
Guayaquil area. Espirales Revista
Multidisciplinaria de investigación
científica, 8 (50), 35-45
The quality of nutrition in children, young people and adults in the Guayaquil area
Espirales. Revista multidisciplinaria de investigación científica, Vol. 8, No. 50
July - September 2024 e-ISSN 2550-6862. pp 35-45
36
Introduction
The quality of food is of utmost importance to people because of its direct impact on
overall health and well-being. The food we eat provides the essential nutrients our
bodies need to function properly, from maintaining energy and proper organ function
to strengthening the immune system and preventing chronic diseases. A quality diet,
rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre, not only provides us with
the elements we need to stay healthy, but also contributes to our quality of life and
longevity.
Lack of knowledge about the functioning of the human body and lack of adequate
nutrition education is a significant challenge in the fight against malnutrition in various
communities and countries. This lack of understanding leads to poor dietary choices
that can have adverse long-term health consequences. Without a solid knowledge base
about how food affects the body and how to meet its nutritional needs, it is difficult for
individuals to adopt healthy eating habits and avoid malnutrition.
Extreme diets, often promoted as quick fixes for weight loss, do not address the
underlying problem of lack of nutritional education. These diets are often implemented
intermittently and without consideration of the long-term impact on health. Rather than
being part of a comprehensive process of change towards healthy eating habits, these
diets represent temporary solutions that do not provide a solid foundation for
maintaining a nutritionally balanced lifestyle.
To effectively address malnutrition, it is crucial to implement comprehensive
educational programmes that teach people about the functioning of the human body
and the importance of a balanced diet. These programmes should focus on fostering
an in-depth understanding of how nutrients affect health and on promoting sustainable
Resumen
El proyecto calidad de la dieta y su relación en la salud nutricional de
niños, jóvenes y adultos del Tecnológico Superior Universitario Espíritu
Santo, fue sustentado desde el punto de vista social, económico y legal;
responderá a las aportaciones en el orden teórico relacionado con la
nutrición y dietética, alimentación saludable sostenible y bienestar
integral. La investigación tiene como propósito crear conocer el estado
nutricional de jóvenes comprendidos entre los 17 años en adelante. El
proceso de investigación sobre la calidad de la alimentación en niños,
jóvenes y adultos de la zona de Guayaquil se establece mediante un
enfoque cualitativo de carácter documental, las técnicas e instrumentos
utilizados se centran en la recopilación y selección de información a través
de la lectura de documentos, libros y revistas de índole científico. Los
hallazgos subrayan la necesidad urgente de elevar los estándares de
calidad en los programas de alimentación escolar, mejorar la difusión de
información nutricional y abordar el creciente problema del sobrepeso
en la población adulta y joven.
Palabras clave:
Calidad, Alimentación, Jóvenes, Nutrición, Dietética
Kenia Jiménez Pluas, Ana Luisa López Brunett
Espirales. Revista multidisciplinaria de investigación científica, Vol. 8, No. 50
July - September 2024 e-ISSN 2550-6862. pp 35-45
37
behavioural changes towards healthy and long-lasting eating habits. In doing so, they
can effectively combat malnutrition and promote the overall well-being of affected
communities and countries.
The aim of this study is to deepen theoretical knowledge related to nutrition and
dietetics, as well as to explore healthy and sustainable eating practices in children, youth
and adults in the Guayaquil area. It seeks to understand the interrelationships between
nutrition, holistic wellbeing and sustainable development in this specific population, in
order to provide recommendations and strategies that promote healthy eating habits
and a better quality of life. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the aim is to identify
the factors that influence the diet and nutritional status of the community, as well as to
propose relevant interventions that address the specific needs of this region.
Deepening theoretical knowledge related to nutrition and dietetics, as well as exploring
healthy and sustainable food practices in children, youth and adults in the Guayaquil
area, is essential for several very relevant reasons. Firstly, nutrition plays a fundamental
role in the health and well-being of people at all stages of life. Understanding how
different nutrients affect the human body and how nutritional needs can be adequately
met is crucial to prevent disease and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Furthermore, investigating dietary practices in this specific population allows for the
identification of challenges and opportunities to improve the quality of life in the
community. Guayaquil, as an area with particular demographic and socio-economic
characteristics, may present unique dietary patterns that require specialised attention.
Delving into these practices not only provides invaluable information on the current
nutritional situation, but also allows for the design of effective interventions and policies
that address the specific needs of the population, thus promoting long-term health and
well-being.
Ultimately, nutrition and dietetics research in Guayaquil contributes to the advancement
of scientific knowledge in this field and to the improvement of public health in the
region. By generating solid data and evidence, evidence-based programmes and
strategies can be developed that address nutritional challenges in an effective and
sustainable manner. This not only benefits the local population, but can also have wider
national and international implications, helping to build a healthier and more equitable
world for all.
Adequate nutrition is not only vital for physical health, but also plays a fundamental role
in psychological and emotional well-being, especially during the stage of youth
development. For Cortés, L. (2021) a good diet should include a balanced diet in
proteins, vitamins and minerals, with a low carbohydrate intake and an abundant intake
of water. This allows people to maintain optimal physical, mental and emotional health,
which is especially important for young people, as it contributes to maintaining positive
self-esteem.
These dietary practices not only promote people's overall well-being, but also have a
significant impact on self-esteem, especially in young people. A balanced diet provides
The quality of nutrition in children, young people and adults in the Guayaquil area
Espirales. Revista multidisciplinaria de investigación científica, Vol. 8, No. 50
July - September 2024 e-ISSN 2550-6862. pp 35-45
38
the nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the body and mind, which
translates into increased energy, mental clarity and emotional stability. This, in turn, can
strengthen self-confidence and promote a positive body image, thus contributing to
healthy self-esteem in young people.
The diet of young people is often characterised by the consumption of fast food with
low nutritional content and the omission of important meals such as breakfast, lunch or
dinner. Reyes, S., & Canto, M. (2020), also mention that proper nutrition is essential to
ensure good health in students, so it is important to pay attention to the type, quantity,
quality and timing of the food consumed.
Inadequate nutrition can have negative consequences on young people's academic
performance, physical development and emotional well-being. Therefore, promoting
healthy eating habits and educating about the importance of a balanced diet can
significantly contribute to improving students' quality of life and academic performance.
According to Moreno, J. (2023), food faces complex challenges that encompass social,
cultural, environmental, agricultural, economic and political aspects. Therefore, it goes
far beyond simply being the intake of food, acquiring profound meanings at various
levels, from the individual to the educational, to households, communities and
populations.
The relationship between humans and food is a phenomenon that has endured through
the ages, manifesting itself in different times, places and contexts, defining the course
of major cultures where food represents a crucial element for survival. This importance
is reflected in the value that the individual assigns to what he or she consumes, being
both acquired and produced for his or her own benefit (More, J., et al., 2021).
This relevance is manifested in the value that the individual places on his or her food,
whether in the acquisition or production of food, for the purpose of self-benefit. The
way people choose, prepare and consume their food is intrinsically linked to their
cultural identities, traditions and beliefs, reflecting a deep connection between human
beings and their food environment.
Food has been an issue of constant concern throughout human history. Scientific
advances and the development of nutrition as a discipline that studies both the
technique and the art of using food properly to achieve a balanced and nutritious diet
that satisfies all the needs of the organism, have been fundamental in this process.
As cited by Porras, M., et al. (2021), in order to better understand eating behaviours, it
is crucial to understand food as a cultural expression that presents a wide range of
variations, from access to food to the meanings attributed to it. Food not only satisfies
physical needs, but also carries a symbolic and emotional charge. Food can be
associated with celebrations, traditions, cultural identity and family values. The
meanings attributed to food vary widely among different social groups and can
influence how food is selected, prepared and consumed.
Kenia Jiménez Pluas, Ana Luisa López Brunett
Espirales. Revista multidisciplinaria de investigación científica, Vol. 8, No. 50
July - September 2024 e-ISSN 2550-6862. pp 35-45
39
To gain a deeper understanding of eating behaviours, it is essential to recognise that
eating is not simply a biological activity, but also a complex cultural expression. This
perspective allows us to appreciate the diversity of food practices that exist in different
communities and societies around the world. From the types of food available to the
rituals associated with eating, each culture has its own unique relationship to food.
For Alva, L., et al. (2021), proper nutrition is crucial for improving athletic performance.
Within this framework of weight categories, it is common for athletes to employ certain
methods and tactics to reduce their body mass prior to the official weigh-in, in addition
to adopting practices and protocols for rapid rehydration and energy recovery during
the interval between weigh-in and the start of the tournament.
In the context of competitions requiring weight categories, athletes often resort to
methods to manipulate their body weight prior to major events such as the official
weigh-in. However, it is important to stress that these practices must be carried out
safely and under the supervision of health professionals, as extreme methods can have
negative consequences for long-term health and performance.
Understanding the relationship between sports nutrition and food quality allows for a
comparative analysis of what children, youth and adults consume in relation to what
they should be consuming nutritionally. By exploring how athletes optimise their diet to
improve physical and mental performance, we can gain valuable information on the
types of foods that are most beneficial to overall health. This approach allows us to
assess differences between current dietary practices and nutritional recommendations,
identifying potential deficiencies or excesses in the intake of key nutrients.
Materials and methods
The research process on the quality of nutrition in children, youth and adults in the area
of Guayaquil is established through a qualitative documentary approach, with the
purpose of understanding the nutritional status of young people aged 17 years and
older. This methodological choice is based on the need to understand in depth the
perceptions, practices and factors that influence the nutrition of this specific population,
as well as the identification of possible nutritional problems and priority areas for
intervention (Martínez, J., et al., 2023).
In this process, the techniques and tools used focus on the collection and selection of
information through the reading of scientific documents, books and journals. The
comprehensive literature review allows obtaining an overview of the nutritional situation
in the study area, as well as identifying trends, patterns and relevant knowledge gaps
(Tramullas, J., 2020). In addition, tools such as fact sheets are used to organise and
systematise the information collected, facilitating its analysis and subsequent
interpretation.
The careful selection of the available information guarantees the rigorousness and
reliability of the study, making it possible to address the problem of food quality in the
target population in a comprehensive and well-founded manner. The use of
The quality of nutrition in children, young people and adults in the Guayaquil area
Espirales. Revista multidisciplinaria de investigación científica, Vol. 8, No. 50
July - September 2024 e-ISSN 2550-6862. pp 35-45
40
documentary tools also offers the advantage of being an inexpensive and accessible
methodology, which facilitates its application in contexts with limited resources.
The research process on the quality of nutrition in children, youth and adults in
Guayaquil is based on a qualitative documentary approach, where the collection and
selection of information through literature review and the use of tools such as fact sheets
are essential to achieve the proposed objectives and generate significant knowledge in
the field of nutrition and public health (Faneite, S., 2023).
Results
Ensuring that quality standards are high is essential to protect children's food security.
Benites, W., & Johnson, G. (2022), present the characteristics associated with school
food security received mainly negative or partially negative responses, which explains
the low rating. Lack of dissemination was the main factor contributing to these low levels
of appreciation, highlighting the weakness in the socialisation indicator.
The study highlights that the lack of dissemination of information on school feeding
programmes was the main factor contributing to the low levels of appreciation. This
points to a significant weakness in the socialisation indicator, suggesting that efforts to
communicate the importance and benefits of these programmes are not reaching
parents, students and communities effectively.
In the results cited by Alvarado, M., & Salazar, M. (2023), it mentions that more than
40.9% of adults in the countries studied are overweight compared to 34.6% previously.
In other words, two out of five adults in this region are overweight. This fact highlights
the urgency of implementing public policies and health programmes that promote
healthier lifestyles. This situation not only affects people's quality of life, but also has
important implications for health systems, due to the increase in diseases associated
with overweight, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
With regard to diet, according to the results obtained from Álvarez, M., et al. (2022),
62.1% of young people follow websites that provide information on diets, with 80.7%
expressing the intention to prepare them at some point. This information comes mostly
from nutritionists, with 63.5%. According to the frequency of food consumption,
respondents report an insufficient intake of dairy and dairy products in 84.1%;
vegetables in 71.5%; fruits in 78.2%; cereals and their derivatives in 55.2%.
These results indicate that the young people surveyed report an insufficient intake of
several essential food groups, such as dairy and dairy products, vegetables, fruits and
cereals. This underlines the need for more effective and accessible nutrition education
that promotes a balanced and adequate intake of all food groups to improve the health
and well-being of this population.
This research provides fundamental data to support the implementation of the project
aimed at improving the quality of nutrition in children, youth and adults in the city of
Guayaquil. By providing a solid base of information, these studies allow for the
development of targeted and effective strategies to address nutritional challenges in
Kenia Jiménez Pluas, Ana Luisa López Brunett
Espirales. Revista multidisciplinaria de investigación científica, Vol. 8, No. 50
July - September 2024 e-ISSN 2550-6862. pp 35-45
41
this community, ensuring that interventions are well informed and tailored to local
needs.
In addition, these studies provide a detailed understanding of the nutritional status of
different age groups in Guayaquil. With this knowledge, it is possible to identify critical
areas requiring urgent attention and to monitor the progress of interventions over time.
This ensures not only the improvement of the diet and health of residents, but also the
sustainability and effectiveness of the nutrition programmes implemented in the area.
The different authors validate the creation of the project on food quality in children,
young people and adults in the city of Guayaquil. Benites, W., & Johnson, G. (2022)
highlight the need to raise quality standards to protect children's food security. Their
studies show a low rating of school food security, mainly due to poor dissemination of
information, which underlines the importance of improving communication and
socialisation of these programmes. This weakness in dissemination indicates that, in
order to ensure food security, it is essential that information about school feeding
programmes effectively reach the entire community.
In contrast, the findings of Alvarado, M., & Salazar, M. (2023) reveal an alarming increase
in the prevalence of overweight among adults in the countries studied, with a significant
proportion of the population affected. This increase highlights the urgency of
implementing public policies and health programmes that promote healthier lifestyles,
addressing not only dietary quality, but also physical activity and nutrition education.
The increasing rate of overweight has serious implications for health systems, as it is
associated with an increase in chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular
disease, which reinforces the need for effective and sustainable interventions.
On the other hand, Álvarez, M., et al. (2022) focus on young people's diets, highlighting
that, although many follow diet pages and show interest in preparing them, there is an
insufficient intake of essential food groups such as dairy, vegetables, fruits and cereals.
This discrepancy between the intention and actual practice of a balanced diet suggests
that, although there is a growing interest in nutrition, lack of access to or knowledge
about a balanced diet remains a problem. It is therefore crucial to develop educational
programmes that not only inform, but also facilitate access to nutritious foods and
promote healthy eating habits effectively.
These studies provide a solid basis for the implementation of a project to improve the
quality of food in Guayaquil. Combining data from different research allows for the
development of specific strategies that address the nutritional challenges of each age
group. This ensures that interventions are well informed and tailored to local needs,
improving the health and well-being of children, youth and adults. In addition, a
detailed understanding of nutritional status at different stages of life facilitates the
identification of critical areas requiring urgent attention and allows the progress of
interventions to be monitored over time, ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness
of nutrition programmes implemented in the area.
The quality of nutrition in children, young people and adults in the Guayaquil area
Espirales. Revista multidisciplinaria de investigación científica, Vol. 8, No. 50
July - September 2024 e-ISSN 2550-6862. pp 35-45
42
The quality of nutrition in children, youth and adults in the Guayaquil area poses a wide
and promising field of study, full of new questions and research to explore, there are
still unanswered questions and areas to investigate. What are the socio-economic
factors that influence the dietary choices of the population? What is the impact of
urbanisation and the availability of processed foods on the diet of the inhabitants of
Guayaquil? These are just some of the questions that could guide future research on
food quality in Guayaquil, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges and
opportunities for promoting healthy eating in the community.
Conclusions
The findings underline the urgent need to raise quality standards in school feeding
programmes, improve the dissemination of nutrition information and address the
growing problem of overweight in the adult population. They also reveal significant
deficiencies in the intake of essential foods among young people, indicating the need
for more effective and accessible nutrition education.
The implementation of such a project in Guayaquil, based on these studies, will allow
for the development of well-informed strategies tailored to local needs. By addressing
the specific challenges identified in each age group, the project will not only improve
the diet and health of residents, but also ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of
interventions. In this way, a healthier and more equitable food environment can be
fostered, contributing significantly to the overall well-being of the community.
A healthier and more equitable food environment can be fostered, contributing
significantly to the overall well-being of the community. Furthermore, this holistic
approach to nutritional health not only benefits young people in the present, but also
lays the foundation for a healthier and more resilient future, where prevention and self-
care are key elements in promoting public health.
In conclusion, the study focuses specifically on young people aged 17 years and older,
taking into account that this is a group that is at a crucial stage of development and
making autonomous decisions about their diet. By focusing on this segment, the aim is
not only to correct current dietary deficiencies, but also to instil healthy eating habits
that will last throughout adulthood. This approach is essential to prevent long-term
health problems and to foster a more nutritionally aware and educated generation.
..........................................................................................................
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