Pacha Revista de Estudios Contemporáneos Del Sur Global · Oct 8, 2026
Dietary diversity and nutritional status: association in older adults in rural areas of Ecuador
By Clerque SEM, Contreras FHS, Marcatoma CSL
Dietary diversity is a key indicator of nutritional status in older adults. Rural areas of Ecuador have a high prevalence of malnutrition in this group, although the associated dietary factors have been poorly documented. To evaluate the association between dietary diversity and nutritional status in older adults in rural areas of Ecuador. A community-based cross-sectional study in 316 adults over 65 years of age from the rural parishes of Sinincay, Ricaurte, and El Valle (Cuenca canton). A Dietary Diversity Score (PDD) of 0–7 points was calculated from Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) items on food groups and consumption frequencies. Overall nutritional status was determined using the full MNA. Chi-square tests and adjusted binary logistic regression were performed. The mean PDD was 5.65 ± 1.70. Inadequate dietary diversity (PDD < 5.65) was present in 50.3% of participants. A total of 43.4% were at risk of malnutrition and 14.6% had established malnutrition. A statistically significant association was found between an adequate PDD and better nutritional status (p<0.001). Logistic regression showed that an adequate PDD was a protective factor against malnutrition/risk (OR=0.26; IC95%: 0.15–0.45; p<0.001). Neuropsychological problems (OR=8.00; IC95%: 3.94–16.22; p<0.001) and difficulty swallowing (OR=3.70; IC95%: 1.58–8.64; p=0.002) were the main associated risk factors. Inadequate dietary diversity is significantly associated with a higher risk of malnutrition in older adults in rural Ecuador. Nutritional interventions should prioritize dietary variety, with an emphasis on groups with less education, low socioeconomic status, and neuropsychological problems.