Educational workshops as strengthening spaces for the prevention of chronic child malnutrition in a rural area of Esmeraldas

In rural Ecuador, chronic childhood malnutrition (CCM) persists as a public health challenge, especially in communities living in extreme poverty. This study evaluated the impact of nutrition education workshops for pregnant and lactating mothers in a rural area of Esmeraldas province. A quantitative, observational, and longitudinal design with a pre-experimental approach was applied, using validated pretest and posttest questionnaires to measure changes in dietary knowledge and practices. The sample consisted of 267 women selected through non-probability sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in RStudio, employing the McNemar test. The results revealed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) in 35 of the 50 questions, especially in topics related to nutrition during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the prevention of childhood illnesses. Knowledge was strengthened in key areas such as the importance of prenatal checkups, the immunological value of colostrum, and the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. However, some areas showed no progress, suggesting the need to review methodological approaches and strengthen technical content. In conclusion, the educational workshops proved to be an effective tool for promoting maternal empowerment and preventing ICD during critical stages of child development. It is recommended that their coverage be expanded and their systematic integration into community-based public health strategies.