Intervención psicoeducativa nutricional para fortalecer hábitos alimentarios saludables en población drogodependiente de Guayaquil

Abstract

Drug abuse generates a series of detrimental complications in the health and well-being of drug users, negatively affecting their nutritional status. In rehabilitation centers, unhealthy eating habits are often identified which, without individualized nutritional counseling, can increase the risk of developing serious comorbidities. The aim of this study was to evaluate a nutritional psychoeducational intervention program using techniques and practical tools for the adoption of good habits to promote healthy eating in patients with drug addictions during their rehabilitation process. Four interactive nutritional education talks were given and individualized nutritional counseling was offered to 20 patients of the Neurosciences Institute. Patients were assessed before and after the intervention using tools such as 24-hour recall, food consumption frequency and knowledge questionnaire, using statistical analysis for data processing. After the intervention, the level of knowledge increased from 29.42% to 64.62% and there were significant changes in their eating habits, consuming more fruits and vegetables and less snacks/sweets. It is concluded that the implementation of the program significantly improved the patients' learning and also certain eating habits. Key words: Nutrition education, Nutrition counseling, Rehabilitation, Dietary practices, Food groups.