Población y Salud en Mesoamérica | 2019
Factores obesogénicos en el entorno escolar público costarricense durante 2015-2016
Abstract
espanolObjetivo: esta investigacion descriptiva hace un analisis de distintos factores del entorno escolar asociados al estado nutricional, especificamente al sobrepeso y obesidad, de estudiantes matriculados en diez escuelas publicas de La Union de Cartago, Costa Rica, durante el 2015-2016. Metodologia: se determino el estado nutricional y caracteristicas del estilo de vida de 1268 estudiantes, se evaluaron las meriendas, la alimentacion del comedor estudiantil y las ventas de alimentos dentro de los centros educativos. Ademas, se utilizo un Sistema de Informacion Geografica (SIG) para ubicar puntos de venta de alimentos y de recreacion en un radio de 400 m alrededor de las escuelas. Resultados: el 35% de la muestra tenia exceso de peso. Los alimentos de las meriendas y aquellos vendidos dentro y fuera de las escuelas eran altamente energeticos y de bajo valor nutricional. En los comedores estudiantiles los tamanos de porcion no eran adecuados y se servia en exceso alimentos fuente de carbohidratos. El 47% de estudiantes utilizaba juegos electronicos mas de tres veces por semana, el 65% no participaba en actividades deportivas y habia desaprovechamiento de las clases de educacion fisica. Solo tres escuelas tenian areas de recreacion disponibles y sus alrededores en buenas condiciones. Conclusion: diversos factores del entorno escolar pertenecientes al microsistema promueven la sobrealimentacion y el sedentarismo, por lo que podrian estar contribuyendo con el exceso de peso en la poblacion infantil. EnglishObjective: this descriptive investigation makes an analysis of different school environment factors associated with nutritional status, specifically overweight and obesity, of students enrolled in ten public schools in La Union de Cartago, Costa Rica, during 2015-2016. Methodology: The study determinates the nutritional status and characteristics of the lifestyle of 1268 children. Also snacks taken by students, school meals and food sales within schools were evaluated. In addition, a Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to locate food points of sale and recreation areas within a radius of 400 m around the schools. Results: 35% of the children were overweight. Foods from snacks and those sold inside and outside of schools provide high amounts of energy and low nutritional value. Regarding meals provided in the school’s cafeteria, the portion sizes were not adequate, and an excess of foods containing carbohydrate was served. 47% of the children played electronic games more than three times a week, 65% did not participate in sports activities and there was a lack of physical education classes. Only three schools had recreation areas available and their surroundings in good condition. Conclusion: several factors of the school environment belonging to the microsystem promote overfeeding and sedentary lifestyle, which could be contributing to excess bodyweight in children’s population.