[Diet and nutrition practices and the socioeconomic situation in homes with premature infants in Guanajuato (Mexico)].
OBJECTIVE
To determine diet and nutrition practices and the economic and social situation in homes with premature infants.


METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional study of 100 preterm infants 30 to 36 weeks gestational age, using data obtained on weight, length and head circumference at birth, and whether they were from rural or urban communities. The mothers of premature infants were given a questionnaire to find out the diet and nutrition status, and the economic and social situation in the families. The preterm infants were recruited from Maternal and Child Hospital of Leon, Guanajuato.


RESULTS
The mean gestational age was 34 weeks (26 to 36). The mean weight, length, and head circumference at birth were: 2,007 g (659 to 3,750 g), 43.7 cm (30 to 52 cm) and 32.4 cm (28 to 35.5 cm), respectively. Almost all mothers (98%) wished to breastfeed. More than a quarter (26%) of mothers consumed soda drinks twice a week, and preferred processed food instead of preparing it at home. Fresh fruit was consumed on seven, four, and three days per week by 43%, 13%, and 21% of mothers, respectively. These amounts were similar for vegetables, legumes and cereals. Almost all (91%) referred to consuming tortillas every day. The average monthly income was 1,000 to 4,000 pesos (62.5-250 €) in most cases. Drinking water and electricity services were scarce.


CONCLUSIONS
Most patients did not have drinking water or electricity services, as well as being on a low income. Diets were inadequate both in quality and type of food. The accessibility to foods was limited. These situations will have an impact on the growth and development of preterm infants.
Universidad de Guanajuato, Departamento de Medicina y Nutrición, División de Ciencias de la Salud, Campus León, León, Guanajuato, México. rmonroy79@yahoo.com.mx
R
R
Monroy Torres
M
M
López López
J
J
Naves Sánchez
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D004034:Diet Surveys; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult