“Enfermedades no transmisibles: conocimientos y prácticas del adulto sobre estrategias de prevención de obesidad Biblián – Déleg, diciembre 2022 – marzo 2023”

Abstract

Obesity is considered a nutritional pathology produced by the excessive accumulation of body mass outside the ranges considered normal and one of the main risk factors for developing different chronic diseases such as diabetes, arterial hypertension, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. General objective: To evaluate the knowledge and practices of adults on obesity prevention strategies in Biblián and Déleg cantons in 2022. Methodology: A correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 246 people from Biblián and Déleg in Cañar province. Results: Sixty-two point two percent were women, 44.7% were married, 50.4% had secondary education, 31.3% were housewives, and 80.9% had a compound family. Forty-six point seven percent were overweight, 10.2% of the participants had grade 1 obesity, 98.8% had no knowledge of strategies and preventive measures about the obesity in their family history, and 38.62% did not do any exercise. The most consumed foods were legumes and meat (58.1%) and junk food (41.1%). There is a significant correlation between sex and physical activity; junk food consumption with marital status, education, and occupation. There is also a relationship between nutritional status and junk food intake, abdominal perimeter, and blood pressure. Conclusion: It is concluded that the population does not have enough knowledge about the strategies and preventive measures against obesity and the risk of developing a latent chronic disease.