Vigilância alimentar e nutricional: estudo com pré-escolares e escolares participantes do Programa Bolsa Família

Abstract

To describe the situation of food and nutritional [in]security of preschool and school children participating in the Bolsa Família Program. Methods:cross-sectional study with families of preschool and school age children. Questionnaires of socioeconomic characterization, food consumption and the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale were applied. Anthropometric and food assessment was performed following the protocols of the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System. For the statistical analysis, a chi-square test was performed with a significance level of 5%. Results:144 families and 163 children were considered. The prevalence of food insecurity was 74.3%, and 29.4% of the children were overweight. There was a high consumption of ultra-processed foods, especially sugary drinks (80.4%). A statistically significant association was identified between the use of electronic devices and the consumption of sweets. Conclusion: to expand the positive effects of the Bolsa Família Program, intersectoral action is important with a view to strengthening food security programs and regulatory actions in food.Descriptors: Child nutrition; Eating; Food security;Public health administration.Objetivo: describir la situación de [in]seguridad alimentaria y nutricional de los preescolares y escolares participantes en el Programa Bolsa Família.Método: estudio transversal con familias de niños preescolares y escolares. Se aplicaron los cuestionarios de caracterización socioeconómica, de consumo de alimentos y la Escala Brasileña de Inseguridad Alimentaria. La evaluación antropométrica y alimentaria se realizó siguiendo los protocolos del Sistema de Vigilancia Alimentaria y Nutricional. Para el análisis estadístico, serealizó la prueba de chi-cuadrado con un nivel de significación del 5%.Resultados: Se consideraron 144 familias y 163 niños. La prevalencia de la inseguridad alimentaria fue del 74,3% y el 29,4% de los niños tenían sobrepeso. Se observó un elevado consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados, especialmente de bebidas azucaradas (80,4%). Se identificó una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el uso de dispositivos electrónicos y el consumo de golosinas.Conclusión: para ampliar los efectos positivos delPrograma Bolsa Família es importante la actuación intersectorial con vistas al fortalecimiento de los programas de seguridad alimentaria y de las acciones reguladoras en la alimentación.Descriptores: Nutrición del niño;Ingestión de Alimentos; Seguridad alimentaria; Administración en salud pública.Autor Correspondente: Milena Serenini -miserenini@gmail.comto describe the situation of food and nutritional [in]security of preschool and school children participating in the Bolsa Família Program. Methods:cross-sectional study with families of preschool and school age children. Questionnaires of socioeconomic characterization, food consumption and the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale were applied. Anthropometric and food assessment was performed following the protocols of the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System. For the statistical analysis, a chi-square test was performed with a significance level of 5%. Results:144 families and 163 children were considered. The prevalence of food insecurity was 74.3%, and 29.4% of the children were overweight. There was a high consumption of ultra-processed foods, especially sugary drinks (80.4%). A statistically significant association was identified between the use of electronic devices and the consumption of sweets. Conclusion: to expand the positive effects of the Bolsa Família Program, intersectoral action is important with a view to strengthening food security programs and regulatory actions in food.