Evaluación nutricional y nivel de hidratación en bomberos de brigada de incendios forestales de Guayaquil

Abstract

Forest firefighters in Guayaquil face extreme environmental conditions that can affect their nutritional status and hydration, key factors for their performance and health. This study aims to evaluate these aspects using nutritional tools, in order to create a database for future research and develop recommendations adapted to the Ecuadorian context. A non-randomized controlled clinical trial with a cross-sectional design was conducted, in which the population was characterized according to age and ethnicity. Nutritional status was determined using anthropometric parameters and the level of hydration through the measurement of specific gravity in urine before and after a controlled forest fire drill. In addition, factors associated with malnutrition and dehydration were identified using validated questionnaires. The results indicated a poor consumption of essential food groups, a body mass index that reflected overweight and obesity in most participants, as well as a high cardiometabolic risk. A constant state of dehydration was also evident. It is concluded that it is essential to implement nutritional education strategies and adequate hydration plans to improve the well-being of forest firefighters in Guayaquil. Keywords: Body mass index, Cardiometabolic risk, Food consumption, Specific gravity in urine.