This qualitative study with ethnographic approach aimed to: Identify, analyze and understand the cultural care of mothers malnourished preschoolers in the district of Salas. The conceptual bases were sustained by: Cultural Care by Leininger, Bustamante family, food and malnutrition according Mataix according to Castro. The sample was not random saturation, being informants eleven mother-preschool children. The stage was home to every mother. The techniques and instruments for data collection:

more »

... rticipant observation, the ethnographic interview and field diary. Throughout the research process the criteria of scientific rigor and bioethical principles were applied. The data were processed according to the thematic analysis of Spradley, obtaining two issues and three sub cultural issues: 1) Customs relatives in the consumption of foods malnourished preschool. 1.1) Insufficient and improper intake of nutrients in children influenced by the customs of mothers in food preparation 1.2) Belief in the power of preschool to care / cure diseases of the area 1.3) Care in the kitchen and hygiene suitable location for food and 2) Economic needs are a constraint to adequate food in malnourished preschoolers. We conclude that mothers prefer to give best piece of food the father; meats and vegetables are consumed sparingly his way to care / cure diseases is to limit the consumption of certain nutrients, made the use of medicinal plants and finally the precarious situation is a major constraint on this issue.