Fatores que se interpõem a formação de hábitos alimentares saudáveis na infância e na adolescência : a visão das mães, pais ou responsáveis

Abstract

Studies are unanimous in stating that a healthy diet in childhood is crucial for growth, development, and health maintenance. At the same time, they emphasize that inadequate, unhealthy eating habits lead to immediate and lifelong health problems. When analyzing the factors that lead to the formation of inappropriate eating habits, these studies refer to physiological and environmental factors. Among the important physiological factors indicated as significant in the formation of eating habits, are included the first food experiences since the first years of life, including during pregnancy, as well as preferences for sweet taste and foods with higher energy content. Among the environmental factors, parents' level of education and information and their eating habits, socioeconomic conditions, the influence of parents, specifically mothers, and the influence of advertising through the media are the factors most evidenced by the studies. Because of this evidence, this study aimed to identify, analyze and understand the factors that interfere with the formation of healthy eating habits in childhood and adolescence, based on the social representations of parents or guardians of children and adolescents, participants in the extension project. “Socio-educational actions for children and adolescents in Elementary School in the municipal network of Recife-PE”, developed by the Center for Studies and Research in Public Policies for Children and Adolescents – NEPIAD/DCC/UFRPE. What do parents of children and adolescents think about this problem? More specifically, what is the factors that most influence or interfere with the formation of healthy habits in childhood and adolescence? This is a case study, with a qualitative approach, whose method of analysis consists of the social representations of the subjects, considering their views, conceptions, socioeconomic and cultural context, and the system of values where children and adolescents are inserted, their habits, and consumption patterns. The research sample is composed of 25 parents or guardians participating in the mentioned project. The data collection instrument consisted of an interview form integrating open and closed questions about the phenomenon that was analyzed. The results show, among other relevant factors, the preference for familiar food tastes and flavors, as influential in determining food intake. The taste and flavor of food are considered one of the central points for food selection and consumption, and that food and nutritional principles can justify the assumption that knowing healthy eating can contribute to the adoption of practices and habits. healthy food. On the other hand, the absence of this knowledge can compromise the formation of eating habits and, therefore, the practice of healthy eating in childhood and adolescence. May this study contribute to fostering reflection on the promotion of healthy food, adequate in quantity and quality, considering biological, social, and cultural aspects, with the principles of variety, balance, moderation, and pleasure. That this study contributes to encouraging governments to adopt food and nutrition policies and strategies that promote Food and Nutrition Education, to encourage the formation of healthy eating habits from childhood and appropriate development, which help in the prevention of chronic diseases not transmissible.