Vol. 10 (2026): Identidad Bolivariana: 1era Edición Especial
Original Items

Deficient Diet and its Impact on Sustained Attention in Children Aged 4 to 5 Years

Cristina Villalba Mayorga
Universidad Bolivariana del Ecuador
María Ana Gavilanes Bautista
Universidad Bolivariana del Ecuador
Ana Isabel Tomalá Andrade
Universidad Bolivariana del Ecuador

Published 2026-06-24

Keywords

  • sustained attention,
  • child nutrition,
  • executive functions,
  • cognitive development,
  • early childhood,
  • educational intervention
  • ...More
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How to Cite

Deficient Diet and its Impact on Sustained Attention in Children Aged 4 to 5 Years. (2026). Identidad Bolivariana, 10, 731-739. https://doi.org/10.37611/IB10ol731-739

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the influence of deficient nutrition on sustained attention in children aged 4 to 5 years from the “Fray Vicente Solano” Elementary School, located in Pelileo, Tungurahua Province, Ecuador. A mixed-method approach with a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design was applied, using an observation checklist and teacher interviews. The intervention included playful activities focused on strengthening healthy eating habits. Results showed an increase of over 70% in attention levels, particularly in inhibitory control and refocusing. It is concluded that balanced nutrition and integrated pedagogical strategies contribute to improving cognitive performance in early childhood.

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