Factors associated with chronic malnutrition in peruvian children under 5 years of age

Caceda V.S.M.; Rutti Y.Y.G.; García M.A.T.; Rique I.M.A. · Revista Espanola de Nutricion Comunitaria (2025)

Resumen

Background: Child malnutrition occurs when the nutrients needed for healthy growth and development are not obtained, affecting children under 5 years of age. The objective was to determine the factors associated with chronic malnutrition in Peruvian children under 5 years of age. Methods: The study was observational, analytical, retrospective and correlational. The population consisted of 36650 households, 38105 of which were eligible. The sample consisted of 3834 mothers of children under 5 years of age who participated in the demographic and family health survey 2022. Results: 44.8% of the children had malnutrition; 73.8% of the mothers gave them plain water, 89% consumed cereals and derivatives, 75.4% consumed preparations made with tubers or roots. In addition, 39.3% of the mothers were overweight. Consuming legumes and a mother who does not smoke was a protective factor against chronic malnutrition, likewise there is a greater risk of malnutrition if the mother drinks plain water, fruit juice, cereals, green leaves and if she drinks something from a bottle (p<0.05). Finally, if the mother has anemia there is a higher risk of chronic malnutrition (p<0.05). Conclusions: The factors associated with chronic malnutrition in children under 5 years of age were food consumption, anemia in the mother and smoking.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Universidad Privada del Norte