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Assessment of an Educational Intervention to Improve Healthy Life Habits in Children Living in Vulnerable Socioeconomic Conditions

Author

Listed:
  • María López

    (Nursing Faculty, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Irene Alcoceba

    (Nursing Faculty, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain)

  • María-José Castro

    (Nursing Faculty, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain)

  • María-José Cao

    (Nursing Faculty, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Sara García

    (Nursing Faculty, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Manuel Frutos

    (Nursing Faculty, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain)

  • José-María Jiménez

    (Nursing Faculty, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain)

Abstract

Nutritional condition impacts academic performance and cognitive development. In Peru, the prevalence of chronic undernutrition in children is 6.9%, increasing the risk of mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to develop an educational intervention to achieve an improvement in the healthy habits of children in a primary education school in Lima who live in vulnerable socioeconomic conditions. We conducted a prospective quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test study of an educational intervention. The information was collected through the adaptation of the WHO questionnaire “Global School-based Student Health Survey” (GSHS), with anthropometric variables, socioeconomic level, hygiene and eating habits. One hundred eight students from 5 to 13 years old from Arenitas del Mar School in Lima (Peru) participated. The educational intervention improved eating habits. Fruit and vegetable consumption 3 or more times/day (50.9%) increased after the educational intervention (49% vs. 62.9%,) p < 0.0001. There was an improvement in hygiene habits, such as the frequency of handwashing with soap (32.4% vs. 63.9%) and the frequency of weekly bathing 4–6 times/week (25% vs. 47.5%) p < 0.0001. The educational intervention promoted better healthy living behaviors, eating habits and hygiene. This kind of initiative is a crucial tool to establish healthy living habits.

Suggested Citation

  • María López & Irene Alcoceba & María-José Castro & María-José Cao & Sara García & Manuel Frutos & José-María Jiménez, 2021. "Assessment of an Educational Intervention to Improve Healthy Life Habits in Children Living in Vulnerable Socioeconomic Conditions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:4495-:d:542296
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Makama Andries Monyeki & Adedapo Awotidebe & Gert L. Strydom & J. Hans De Ridder & Ramoteme Lesly Mamabolo & Han C. G. Kemper, 2015. "The Challenges of Underweight and Overweight in South African Children: Are We Winning or Losing the Battle? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Sebastian Galiani & Paul Gertler & Nicolas Ajzenman & Alexandra Orsola‐Vidal, 2016. "Promoting Handwashing Behavior: The Effects of Large‐scale Community and School‐level Interventions," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 25(12), pages 1545-1559, December.
    3. Balwani Chingatichifwe Mbakaya & Paul H. Lee & Regina L. T. Lee, 2017. "Hand Hygiene Intervention Strategies to Reduce Diarrhoea and Respiratory Infections among Schoolchildren in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-14, April.
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