Considerations for a critical food and nutrition intervention in primary health care

reflexões para intervenções em alimentação e nutrição na atenção primária à saúde

Abstract

This article aimed to delineate relevant conceptual aspects encompassed by a critical food and nutritional education. On this basis, it aims to provide a theoretical background to support food and nutrition interventions addressed to specific groups in primary health care. The study also reveals the challenges faced by the nutritionists when promoting healthy eating habits in PHC, as well as the nutritionist's role as an educator in all phases of food and nutrition interventions. Their actions should be based on pedagogical theories including health education concepts, dietary counselling, social psychology, food anthropology, and food and nutritional security. Among the challenges, the study pointed out the limitations of the professionals' training on an analytical, dynamic, creative, and critical pedagogy and the absence of a consolidated theoretical basis that would support the nutritionist's actions.