Estágios de mudança de comportamento alimentar e prática de atividade física em população adulta adscrita às Unidades Básicas de Saúde de Pelotas, RS

Abstract

The high prevalence of obesity and its consequences demand effective actions for its control, especially in Primary Health Care (PHC). During the process of modifying health behaviors, individuals go through different phases, called stages of changes - SOC. The development of specific nutritional interventions for each stage can contribute to changing habits and adopting healthy eating practices at the individual or population level. The present study aimed to evaluate PHC in an adult population assigned in basic health units in the city of Pelotas, RS and investigate the relationship of these stages with the degree of affiliation with the primary health care service. The cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in territories of Estratégia de Saúde da Família (Health Family Strategy, in Portuguese, is a local government health program) in the city of Pelotas, RS. An adapted instrument was used to investigate four health behaviors: size and quantity of portions, consumption of fruits and vegetables, amount of fat, and practice of physical activity. Participants were classified into SOC (pre-contemplation, contemplation, decision, action and maintenance) using a specific algorithm. Sociodemographic, economic, and athropometric data were collected for the purposes of association analysis. The analysis included chi-square and Poisson regression. Two hundred and thirty-two individuals participated in the study. Most were in the maintenance stage for portion size and quantity (54%), amount of fat (61%) and practice of physical activity (70%), while 43% were in pre contemplation for consumption of fruits and vegetables. The prevalence in the final stage for portion size and quantity was lower in younger and diabetic patients. Women and those who mentioned a link with the health service and a reference professional were in the final stages for the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Higher prevalence was also observed in women for the amount of fat and in individuals with PHC affiliation to practice physical activity. The importance of evaluating SOC in primary care for better guidance and monitoring of patients in this service was highlighted, with a view to adopting appropriate and healthy habits.