Social determinants, nutritional status, and academic performance among Ecuadorian university students: a multivariate analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.118446Keywords:
Social determinants , nutritional status, academic performance, university students, multivariate analysisAbstract
Introduction: Social determinants play a significant role in students’ health, nutritional status, and academic performance, particularly in socioeconomically vulnerable university populations.
Objective: To analyze the relationship between social determinants, nutritional status, and academic performance among Ecuadorian university students using a multivariate approach.
Methods: A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 325 university students. Descriptive analyses, inferential tests (ANOVA and post hoc tests), and exploratory multivariate techniques, including Multiple Correspondence Analysis and cluster analysis, were applied using Python on the Google Colab platform.
Results: Most students presented normal weight (72.3%), while 27.7% were classified as overweight or obese. No significant differences in academic performance were found according to nutritional status; however, affiliation with health services was significantly associated with academic performance (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified three distinct student profiles based on social, nutritional, and academic characteristics.
Conclusions: Academic performance is not directly explained by nutritional status but rather by the interaction of structural social determinants. Comprehensive institutional strategies addressing nutrition, social support, and health equity are needed to improve academic outcomes in higher education.
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