A STUDY ON FOOD CONSUMPTION AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF STUDENTS AT A PUBLIC SCHOOL IN SALVADOR, BA

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1593882318104

• Palavras-chave: Food, anthropometry, health, school, adolescence.

• Keywords: Food, anthropometry, health, school, adolescence.

• Abstract:

  Introduction: The dietary pattern is a crucial point in the life of human beings, it is through it that it is possible to understand how they are eating. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the nutritional status, which must be carried out according to the age group, food consumption and the lifestyle of each individual. In this sense, the school environment has proven to be a place of excellent opportunities, enabling the formation of healthy eating habits during students' stay in that space. Furthermore, the school must be a gateway and an incentive for food and nutritional education for students, through healthy eating practices and the adoption of an active lifestyle, respecting the subject's autonomy, regional culture, food sovereignty, as well as such as the importance of access to adequate food in quality and quantity. Objective: To evaluate the food consumption and nutritional status of students at a public school in Salvador-BA. Methods: This is a field research, collecting primary data (Weight, Height, Body Mass Index diagnosis and Waist Circumference) and markers of food consumption measured through the application of the Ministry of Health form. Research is based on a convenience sample; this technique is very common and consists of selecting a sample of the studied population that is accessible and has availability/interest in participating in the study. Students were invited to this research randomly, selected on average of 10 students per class from the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th year of elementary school II. In this selection, there was no distinction regarding ethnicity, family income, gender, age or any type of illness to participate in the study. The results obtained were tabulated to demonstrate the graphs and tables. Results and discussion: in relation to foods considered healthy markers, it was found that 90.3% of participants used electronic devices during meals, 61.1% consumed beans, 58.3% ate fresh fruit and 48.6% consumed vegetables the day before. In relation to ultra-processed foods, the hamburger and/or sausage group was consumed by 41.7%, with the intake of sweetened drinks being observed in 70.8%; instant noodles registered at 58.3% and stuffed biscuits were consumed by 66.7% among those interviewed. These data show that half of the public had the habit of consuming fruits and vegetables, however the presence of ultra-processed foods was observed significantly and may be contributing to the 10% prevalence of overweight and 9% of obesity among the target audience. Considering that half of the participants consumed fruit, it would be appropriate in the future to quantify this consumption pattern to better understand it. Another aspect that can favor weight gain would be the lack of regular physical and sporting activity. Final considerations: In view of the analysis of the findings, it is important to understand that food choices can directly influence students' quality of life. Even though healthy foods are present in half of those interviewed, we emphasize that the school can increase this result by adopting practices that stimulate and form healthy eating habits, aiming to improve lifestyle. Weight gain may be associated with a sedentary lifestyle, excessive use of electronic media during meals, as well as the consumption of ultra-processed foods, highlighted in this study. Therefore, the school must encourage the formation of healthy eating habits on a daily basis, with playful strategies, systematic training on food and nutritional education and the provision of healthy foods in school meals. It is expected that stimulating everyday life with examples and educational actions can effectively contribute to better food choices and, consequently, to improving the quality of life of the school community.