Factores que determinan la dieta de la adolescente embarazada conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas alimentarias

Introduction: Adolescent pregnancy is a global and national public health problem. Most cases occut in low socioeconomic strata with low educational level. Negative biological and psychosocial consequences in mother and child, affect society. Inadequate nutrient intakes affect nutritional status and increase the risk of morbidity and mortality, with increased complications during childbirth, prematurity, low birth weight, infections, anemia and chronic diseases for the future. Objective: To identify the characteristics of the diet of pregnant adolescents (PA), based on their own knowledge, attitudes and dietary practices. Methods: Qualitative cross-sectional study with theoretical sample (selection criteria: pregnant 10 to 19 years old and with prenatal care). The study using: (i) structured field observation in three health establishments in the city of Quito, (ii) six focus groups with PA, and (iii) key informant interviews with health professionals and mothers. The focus groups and interviews were recorded and transcribed, a codification and triangulation process was performed: (i) to identify conceptual bases, (ii) to acquire underlying categories and patterns, (iii) to integrate and conceptualize the main themes and their interrelationships. Results: PA know about healthy eating and nutrition during gestation, but they do not put what is known into practice. In this gap several factors interact: low economic resources, poor eating habits (home and school environment) and concern about gaining weight. The AE acts to minimize the immediate risk of unhealthy food to satisfy cravings and food preferences: fast food, snacks, soda, fried foods, citrus fruits with salt, sausages, excess rice, bread, noodles (consumption patterns). The need for an improvement in nutritional education was emphasized, with emphasis on breastfeeding, with empathy by health personnel for PA. ; Introducción: El embarazo adolescente es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial y nacional. La mayoría de casos ocurre en estratos ...