Characterization of the nutritional status and quality of life in the micro watershed of Apanás Lake, Jinotega, 2015

Abstract

The study was conducted in three rural communities in the municipality of Jinotega (Sisle, Finca San Gabriel and Corinto), all belonging to the micro basin of Lake Apanas, Jinotega, Nicaragua. The objective was to characterize the nutritional status and quality of life of the families. The methodology used was from perspective of quantitative approach with qualitative components. It had a population of 253 families and a sample of 72 families, which were taken at random using the following criteria, families with a child or girl under five years of age, that the family had at least six years living at the community, and householders willing to provide the information. For data analysis, descriptive statistics were used. The results establish that the boys and girls under five years of age are born with good weight, mothers take care for the development of the baby by attending the health center and the respective prenatal care at least once a month. Mothers provide breast milk to infants during a period of 3- 6 months, according to suggestion by the health ministry, which provided minerals and vitamins needed for growth of the baby. Families have basic services such as electricity, drinking water and sanitation. Furthermore, families have quality of life, housing in good condition with adequate walls, floor and ceilings, which provide security and preventing overcrowding.