Family guidance to optimize food and nutrition in third grade students

Abstract

Introduction: This research designed and implemented a family guidance strategy to optimize the eating habits and nutritional status of 32 third-grade students in a public school in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It was based on the premise that adequate nutrition is crucial for children's holistic development and academic performance, and that families play a fundamental role in shaping these habits, especially in urban contexts with challenges such as the double burden of malnutrition and easy access to ultra-processed products. Materials and methods: This qualitative and participatory study used a purposive sample of the 32 students and their families. Theoretical (analysis-synthesis) and empirical methods were used, including document analysis, teacher interviews, family surveys, and direct observation of school snacks, to conduct a diagnostic assessment and design the proposed strategy, which was validated by five experts. Results: The diagnostic assessment revealed that 78% of families did not plan snacks, and 72% of these snacks were of low nutritional value. Following the partial implementation of training workshops (with 91% family participation), a significant improvement was observed, with healthy snacks increasing from 28% to 62%. Discussion: Expert validation highlighted the high pedagogical relevance (5.0/5), structural coherence (4.8/5), and feasibility (4.6/5) of the proposal, based on a constructivist approach. The results confirm that school-family collaboration is effective in transforming eating habits. Conclusions: It is concluded that the family guidance strategy is viable and effective for improving school meals, strengthening the school-family bond, and promoting a healthy food culture in urban contexts. Its replicability and sustainability are recommended.