Avaliação dos hábitos alimentares de crianças e adolescentes do município de São Cristovão-SE

Abstract

This study aimed to assess dietary profile of children and teenagers, ages 7-12 years old attended the Health Basic Unit in São Cristóvão/SE. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, descriptive with cross-sectional design involving 20 children and teenagers. To this, was used as data collection instrument, a semi-structured questionnaire. Data collection was conducted between July and August 2014. Datas were analyzed using SPSS 20. Results: The average age of participants was 9.80 years, being 70% male. The education of children is the responsibility of women in 65% of cases. In relation to scholarity of mothers, 65% had elementary education. The exclusive breastfeeding‟s period of 50% of the sample was less than six months. With regard to meals, 90% are between three and five times a day, and in 70% of cases are mothers are responsible for feeding. The foods with low consumption were groups of fruits and vegetables. Regarding nutritional status, 5% were underweight, 60% with eutrophic and 35% overweight and obesity, being a higher frequency of overweight in females. Referring in to lipid profile, there was a change in both cholesterol and in triglycerides (5% and 40%, respectively). Conclusion: inadequate dietary habits indicate the need for strategic planning for adding of actions to encourage adherence of healthy habits, preventing future complications.