Body mass index and psychomotoric development in initial education children in the quechua and aimara area of Puno– Peru

Chambi N.; Apaza M.G.; Sucari A. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2026) · DOI: 10.12873/ncdh-2025-161

Resumen

Introduction: Psychomotor development and health in early childhood are fundamental indicators of children’s well-being and contribute to their holistic development. This development manifests in the specific growth of their capacities and skills, allowing them to learn, develop, and practice cognitive, affective, social, and motor skills that support their learning process and adaptation to their environment. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the degree of relationship between body mass index (BMI) and psychomotor development in preschool children in the Quechua and Aymara regions of Puno, Peru. Materials and Methods: The methodology employed is quantitative, descriptive-correlational, and cross-sectional. The study population consisted of children from the Quechua region (specifically, the mining center of La Rinconada - Ananea) and the Aymara region (specifically, the floating islands of Uros), with a sample of 64 children. The research was conducted during the second and third trimesters of the 2024 school year. The instruments used were an anthropometric assessment form for body composition, considering weight and height for body mass index (BMI), and a psychomotor skills observation form. The chi-square test was used for the results, and SPSS version 25 was used for descriptive statistics, along with a Student’s t-test. Results: The results obtained show that the children in the Quechua region have an average BMI of 17.108 kg/m2, while those in the Aymara region have an average BMI of 18.134 kg/m2, indicating that both groups are considered underweight. Conclusions: It can be seen that the average height and weight in both areas differs. In the Quechua area, the body mass index (BMI) of 17.108 kg/m2 indicates a medium level of psychomotor development, while in the Aymara area, the BMI of 18.134 kg/m2 indicates a high level of psychomotor development. In both cases, the support children receive from their families and other people plays a role. We can conclude that there is a degree of correlation between BMI and psychomotor development in preschool children in the Quechua and Aymara areas of Puno, Peru.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Altiplano