ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FOOD CONSUMPTION AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS

Abstract

Objective: analyze the association between food consumption and nutritional status in Community Health Workers (ACS). Materials and Methods: transversal and quantitative study carried in 40 Family Health Units belonging to the Sanitary District II in João Pessoa-PB, with 163 ACS selected for convenience. Participants answered a semi-structured questionnaire, covering socio-demographic data and Food Consumption Frequency Questionnaire (QFCA). To evaluate the nutritional status was performed anthropometry. Data were analyzed using the statistical program SPSS, version 21.0, which we used Fisher's Exact Test to compare the frequency of food consumption accordance with nutritional status and the other relationships we used the chi-square test. The significance level was 5%. Results: it was shown the prevalence of overweight (37,4%) and obesity (33,7%) among participants, and high risk (20,9%) and very high (44,2%) for cardiovascular disease, statistically related to females (p=0,028). As for food consumption, found himself a regular intake of legumes, cereals, meat and eggs, fried foods and meats, and sweets and soft drinks, not regular vegetables and dairy products. The non-regular consumption of fruit was higher in overweight group (84,5%). Conclusion: it was found in the study inappropriate feeding practices that may contribute to the prevalence of overweight and central obesity among the study subjects. DESCRIPTORS: Community Health Workers. Nutritional Status. Food Consumption.