Eating habits in the time of COVID 19: a study with schoolchildren from the city of Puerto Colombia (Atlántico)

Abstract

Background: food insecurity is one of the problems that the current pandemic COVID 19 induces, either for economic reasons or due to the modification in the routine of individuals, especially young people, accustomed to active school and social dynamics. Materials and methods: descriptive-cross-sectional study in which the nutritional status of schoolchildren in the city of Puerto Colombia (Atlántico) was investigated, through the application of the Krece Plus questionnaire, describing the sociodemographic aspects, the general nutritional status and the characterization of eating habits. This was applied to a sample of 145 schoolchildren aged 13 and 14 years. Results: the investigated students were in secondary education and 68% were in low socioeconomic level. A very low prevalence of nutritional status (73.1%) was evidenced, indicating the prevalence of risk or tendency to food insecurity, which is associated with the lack of breakfast, low consumption of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and legumes. Also, a high consumption of fast and sweet foods is appreciated. Discussion and conclusion: the results disagree with the recommendations given by world organizations, especially regarding the consumption of fruits and vegetables and the consumption of food 3 times a day. Therefore, students must be encouraged to lead healthy lifestyles in times of the COVID 19 pandemic, involving healthy eating and physical activity that induces towards comprehensive health