Innovation in Children’s Anthropometric and Nutritional Tracking in Ecuador: A Case Study of a Computer System’s Retrospective Cohort

Child malnutrition remains a public health challenge in Ecuador, particularly in low-income areas with limited access to continuous monitoring. This study evaluates the impact of a computer system designed to improve anthropometric and nutritional tracking of children in primary care settings in southern Guayaquil. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys administered to parents of children aged 0 to 12 years, and usability tests were conducted with health professionals and administrative staff, following the ISO/IEC 9126 standard. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was applied in ten local clinics. Results show that the system effectively automated data entry and retrieval, improved the timeliness of nutritional assessments, and facilitated vaccination and growth monitoring. Respondents reported high satisfaction levels, emphasizing ease of use, speed in accessing information, and the system’s contribution to early identification of nutritional risks. The findings suggest that implementing such a system may enhance child health services by optimizing workflows and empowering healthcare providers and families. Broader adoption of information and communication technologies in primary care could strengthen national efforts to reduce child malnutrition and improve health outcomes.