Freqüência de hábitos saudáveis de alimentação na população adulta de Pelotas - RS

Abstract

Objective: measure frequency and associated factors to eating habits using the 10 steps to Healthy Eating proposed by the Ministry of Health in the adult population, 20 years old or over, in Pelotas / RS. Methodology: a population based survey, with a sampling for conglomerate, was carried out. 3136 adults residents in the city of Pelotas were studied. The frequency of each step to healthy eating was collected through a pre-codified questionnaire. Results: 1,1% of the population follows all the recommended steps. The average number of steps was six. Step four, concerning the intake o salt, showed the highest frequency; step nine, concerning physical activity, showed the lowest frequency in the study. Conclusion: the frequency of healthy eating was very low. The knowledge about eating habits in the population and their distribution factors according to demographic and socio-economics variables are important to guide local and national strategies aiming to promote healthy eating habits and therefore improve life quality.