Efectos de una prÁctica educativa en alimentaciÓn saludable, basada en los estilos de aprendizajes de escolares de la AraucanÍa, Chile

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an educational intervention, applied to healthy eating habits in first cycle students of a school in Metrenco, Araucanía Region, Chile. Method: Study of quasi experimental. The selected sample, not random by convenience, comprises 68 students (both sexes) whose ages range from 6-11 years. The educational intervention on healthy eating contemplated 30 sessions (20 minutes) for three months, through various educational strategies. Average scores obtained in language and mathematics were considered. To assess the effect of the intervention, changes in nutritional status (anthropometry) and changes in eating habits were measured at the beginning and end, using trend consumption surveys, which includes varieties of healthy foods and those with higher energy density. Results: 67.5% have an active learning style, 14.71% pragmatic, 10.29% theoretical and finally 7.35% of students have a reflective learning style. With regard to nutritional status, significant differences occurred in the reduction of severe obesity and increase of students with standard weight. In the food changes there was an increase in the intake of water and vegetables and a decrease in junk food. Conclusion: A participatory educational intervention, based on learning styles, can produce positive changes in nutritional status and eating habits in the school population.