Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 1, 2026

Determining Gender-Based Differences in Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in Underweight Individuals via Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography
03:35

Determining Gender-Based Differences in Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in Underweight Individuals via Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography

Published on: December 1, 2023

557

A Multi-causal Model for Chronic Malnutrition and Anemia in a Population of Rural Coastal Children in Ecuador

María F Rivadeneira1, Ana L Moncayo2, Betzabé Tello3

  • 1Instituto de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Apartado, 1701-2184, Quito, Ecuador.

Maternal and Child Health Journal
|December 16, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Chronic malnutrition and anemia affect many children in developing nations. Low income, maternal height, and household size are linked to malnutrition, while diarrhea and poor prenatal care impact anemia rates in Ecuadorian children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition and Public Health
  • Global Health Disparities

Background:

  • Chronic malnutrition and anemia are significant public health issues in developing countries, particularly affecting children under five.
  • These conditions have long-term consequences on child development and overall health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of chronic malnutrition and anemia in children under five in a rural coastal community in Ecuador.
  • To identify associated socio-economic, environmental, and biological factors using a multi-causal model.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 314 children under five in San Isidro, Ecuador.
  • Data collection included anthropometric measurements, anemia indicators, and surveys of mothers/caregivers on various factors.
  • Statistical analysis employed bivariate and multivariable Poisson regression.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence rates were 12.42% for chronic malnutrition and 16.98% for anemia.
  • Chronic malnutrition was associated with family income <$80/month, maternal height <150 cm, and households with >4 children.
  • Anemia was linked to recurrent diarrhea, while adequate prenatal care showed a protective effect.

Conclusions:

  • Comprehensive interventions are needed to address chronic malnutrition and anemia in rural coastal communities.
  • Prioritizing socioeconomic improvements, family planning, enhanced prenatal care, and diarrhea reduction is crucial.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenDeterminantsEcuadorMalnutritionRural communities

More Related Videos

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

27.6K
Author Spotlight: Developing a Point-of-Care Hemoglobin Estimation Method for Anemia Management05:35

Author Spotlight: Developing a Point-of-Care Hemoglobin Estimation Method for Anemia Management

Published on: January 19, 2024

1.2K

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting Illness01:18

Factors Affecting Illness

When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
4.9K
Mechanistic Models: Compartment Models in Individual and Population Analysis01:23

Mechanistic Models: Compartment Models in Individual and Population Analysis

Mechanistic models are utilized in individual analysis using single-source data, but imperfections arise due to data collection errors, preventing perfect prediction of observed data. The mathematical equation involves known values (Xi), observed concentrations (Ci), measurement errors (εi), model parameters (ϕj), and the related function (ƒi) for i number of values. Different least-squares metrics quantify differences between predicted and observed values. The ordinary least...
213
Anorexia Nervosa01:28

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
808
Bias in Epidemiological Studies01:29

Bias in Epidemiological Studies

Biases can arise at various stages of research, from study design and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to ensure the validity and reliability of epidemiological findings.Broadly speaking, biases in epidemiology fall into three main categories: selection bias, information bias, and confounding. A more detailed description of possible biases is:  
1.2K
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
580
Causality in Epidemiology01:21

Causality in Epidemiology

Causality or causation is a fundamental concept in epidemiology, vital for understanding the relationships between various factors and health outcomes. Despite its importance, there's no single, universally accepted definition of causality within the discipline. Drawing from a systematic review, causality in epidemiology encompasses several definitions, including production, necessary and sufficient, sufficient-component, counterfactual, and probabilistic models. Each has its strengths and...
1.4K