Evaluación de la seguridad alimentaria en diferentes grupos demográficos: un análisis multivariante de patrones de consumo

Vilma Raffo Babici; Juan Calderón Cisneros; Elka Monge Almeida

doi:10.35669/rcys.2025.15.e369

Authors

Vilma Raffo Babici Universidad Tecnológica Ecotec https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2399-981X
Juan Calderón Cisneros Universidad Tecnológica Ecotec https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8167-8694
Elka Monge Almeida Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8507-5949

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35669/rcys.2025.15.e369

Keywords:

food security, principal component analysis, consumption model, demographic groups, socioeconomic inequality

Abstract

Introduction: This study addresses the urgent need to assess food security in Ecuador, considering the diversity of the population. It emphasizes the importance of understanding dietary differences and consumption patterns of specific ethnic groups to improve food policies. Objective: To analyze food security in Ecuador using principal component analysis (PCA), identifying consumption patterns in different population groups to inform more effective and adaptive nutrition strategies. Methodology: A cross-sectional design collected data on dietary habits and demographic characteristics in various regions of Ecuador. PCA was used to explore the interrelationships of dietary variables and establish links between different groups of people. The open-access database was utilized to integrate available data. The target sample consisted of 1,312 households, evenly distributed between the provinces of Los Ríos and Guayas, excluding Guayaquil. Results: PCA revealed unique consumption patterns within certain demographic groups. Significant factors contributing to food security were identified, highlighting areas of vulnerability and strength. Quantitative and qualitative data provide valuable insights into the food dynamics of Ecuador. Discussion: The PCA results were interpreted, emphasizing the diversity of diets and their impact on food security. The implications of the identified patterns were examined, discussing their influence on intervention strategies and food policy. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for equitable and adaptive food policies, considering population diversity. Recommendations were made to improve food security in critical areas, supporting inclusive and sustainable approaches. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of food security in Ecuador, informing more effective policies adapted to the country’s demographic diversity.

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Author Biographies

Vilma Raffo Babici, Universidad Tecnológica Ecotec

Physician with 20 years of experience, graduated from the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil, Ecuador. Master in Occupational Health and Safety, with more than 10 years of experience in the field, graduated from the University of Specialties Espíritu Santo (UEES), Samborondón, Ecuador. More than 16 years of experience as a Psychogeriatrician, graduated from the University of Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Student in the Doctoral Program Administration and Management of Organizations at the University of Specialties Espíritu Santo (UEES), Samborondón, Ecuador. She currently holds the position of Vice Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Ecotec University, where she is director of the Research Project "Nutritional evaluation and its association with cardiovascular risk factors in the inhabitants in the post-covid state of the city of Guayaquil."

Juan Calderón Cisneros, Universidad Tecnológica Ecotec

PhD in Applied Multivariate Statistics, University of Salamanca: Salamanca, Castilla y León, SPAIN. Master's Degree in Advanced Multivariate Data Analysis, University of Salamanca: Salamanca, Castilla y León, SPAIN. Master's Degree in Higher Education, University of Guayaquil: Guayaquil, Guayas, ECUADOR. Specialist in Educational and Social Projects, University of Guayaquil: Guayaquil, Guayas, ECUADOR. Higher Diploma in University Teaching, University of Guayaquil: Guayaquil, Guayas, ECUADOR. Online Diploma in Training of Trainers, Polytechnic University of Madrid: Boadilla del Monte, SPAIN. Associate Professor 1, State University of Milagro, Milagro EC091050, Ecuador. Part-time professor, Ecotec University, Samborondón, EC092302, Ecuador. Vice President of the Ecuadorian Society of Statistics (2004-2009). Member of the IBS (International Biometric Society- Ecuador). Coordinator of the academic network "Multivariate Statistical Tools for Big Data Analysis"REG-RED-18-0011. Senescyt-2018-04.

Elka Monge Almeida, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo

Professional in the field of psychology and education. Clinical Psychologist. Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Guayaquil and Master's degree in Educational Management from the State University of Milagro (UNEMI). She was director of the Psychology Career at the State University of Milagro (UNEMI). Currently, she serves as Director of Evaluation and Academic Improvement at UNEMI. In addition, she has led outreach projects focused on family inclusion in early childhood education and has participated in research on public health and education. Among his publications are studies on behavioral difficulties in children and the perception of human papillomavirus among university students. Her experience also includes a diploma in Sexology and Couple Psychotherapy, and another in Child Sexual Abuse Expertise.

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