Qualitative Analysis of the “Healthy Growing at School Program” - Vision of Health Professionals, School Community and Family

Abstract

Introduction: At present, school institutions exert a great influence on the diet of their pupils, since they usually remain for a long time in these places. The Food and Nutrition Education can help in the creation of healthy eating habits among children.Objective: To analyze the results of the Healthy Growing in School Program with regard to encouraging healthy eating habits among preschoolers at a school in São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil).Methods: The Program lasted 1 academic year. The sample consisted of 108 children of both sexes, aged 4 to 6 years. A questionnaire was applied to those responsibler characterization and questions to measure the level of knowledge about balanced eating (score 0-37 points) at the beginning and end of the Program. Eighteen play activities were carried out with the children, and two with the parents.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the São Camilo University Center (No.2,450,931).Results: Most of the parents or guardians have a high school education, receive from 1-3 minimum salaries and have a nutritional diagnosis of eutrophic. The average score of the food knowledge questionnaire was 27.0±2.5 at the beginning of the Program and did not show a significant difference at the end (p=0,322). From the development of educational activities, it was possible to observe that the preschoolers acquired more knowledge about the fruits, vegetables and vegetables most commonly consumed in São Paulo. The vision of the school community and families was positive about the Program. Conclusion: The Program provided has increased interest in healthy eating practices among children.