Significados e percepções do homem diante da gravidez de sua companheira com síndromes hipertensivas

The general aim of the research was to comprehend the Social Representations constructed by the man in the face of his companion s risk pregnancy caused by hypertensive syndromes. The study is of exploratory and descriptive character in a qualitative approach developed at two public maternity hospitals, both located in Natal-RN, with 65 men whose wives had undergone high-risk pregnancy. The project was submitted to the Ethics on Research Committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil (CEP-UFRN), with favorable report no. 81/07. For data collection, the following multimethods were employed: a word free association test; a projective test for registering mental images; and a semistructured interview schedule. The speech contents were analyzed in accordance with the Theory of Social Representations and complemented by the Central Nucleus Theory. The discussion of the results was grounded on literary findings of the companion s participation in pregnancy as well as in risk pregnancy associated with hypertensive syndromes. The data showed fear as representation s central nucleus, while recollections of that feeling referred to death of both companion and child in addition to fear of the unknown. The categories preoccupation and carefulness, other feelings, and clinical picture of the disease represented components of the peripheral nucleus. The results concerning mental images followed the same category criteria of the word free association test fear, other feelings, preoccupation, carefulness, and clinical picture of the disease. After being processed in accordance with the principles of content analysis, the statements originated three thematic unities: fear and insecurity in the presence of the companion s risk pregnancy; attitudes of carefulness to the risk pregnancy of the partner; and humanized assistance during the companion s risk pregnancy. Considering the results, the conclusion is that the partner s risk pregnancy caused by hypertensive syndromes represents, for the man, feelings of fear, preoccupation, insecurity, lack of acceptance and information, as well as attitudes of carefulness. The results reveal necessity of reorganizing the obstetric assistance with an eye to including the man as participant in the reproductive process. That demands extension of humanized carefulness to the companion with a view to make him an active coadjutor in the assistance of high-risk pregnant

Dança Folclórica: um estudo das qualidades físicas básicas em universitários de diferentes níveis técnicos

Health and life quality can be preserved and improved by the regular practice of physical activity. Sedentarism is an undesirable condition and represents risk for the health. This study has as objective to analyze the caloric cost and the basic physical qualities in college students of different technical levels. The research was descriptive and applied to 35 students, volunteers, from 19 to 34 years old, from both sexes, participants of the Dance Body of State University of Piauí, in the city of Teresina, in the activities of folkloric dance and walking. The caloric cost was evaluated with the accelerometer Caltrac 100/100 Plan, the basic physical qualities through the sitting and reaching test (flexibility); the vertical impulsion test, crouch (inferior members strength); the abdominal test (located muscular resistance); and the Burpee test (motor coordination). The participants were separated in two groups according to their time of practice: group 1 (beginners), group 2 (advanced). The parametric tests t by Student and correlation by Pearson were used, observing a significance p<0,05 in the sense of comparing the observed results, which showed that there are no significant differences between the two groups of students, according to the time of practice, in which concerns the caloric cost. The results of Strength, Resistance and Co-ordination test did not differ so much between the two groups. On the other hand, in the variable flexibility significant differences were observed (sig.p = 0,0022 << 0,05) between the observed groups, being Group 1 (31,5 ± 6,3) meaningfully less than Group 2 (38,1 ± 4,9), which constitutes a difference of about 21%. Such results present relations of caloric cost compensation between the studied groups, the motivation to the beginners group and flexibility to tne advanced group, justifying the lack of significant distinctions. In this sense the folkloric dance, as a physical activity, appears to be efficient, for significant co-relations are still noticed between the caloric cost levels of the dance with the walking, besides not presenting expressive differences between them.

Prevalência e fatores associados da síndrome de Osgood-Schlatter em uma amostra populacional de adolescentes brasileiros

Osgood-Schlatter (O-S) syndrome, a pathology of the musculoskeletal system, exhibits high incidence in adolescence, a phase of accelerated bone growth. Detection of physiopathological mechanisms that may cause disorders and dysfunctions in bone growth must be taken into account when planning physical activities, in order to promote normal physiological growth patterns. The aim of this epidemiological investigation was to identify and analyze the relationships between sociodemographic, anthropometric and clinical aspects and O-S. A cross-sectional design was used, with a representative sample of 956 subjects: 474 (49.6%) males and 482 (50.4%) females. Age range varied between 12 and 15 years (mean = 13.7±1.04). We used a battery of tests, previously applied in a pilot study, which met the aims of the investigation. Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean and standard deviation) were used and the odds ratio was calculated from bivariate and multivariate logistic regression (p<0.05). A prevalence of 9.8% was found (n = 94 cases): 11% males and 8.3% females. Hierarchized multivariate analysis showed a significant association between regular physical activities (OR= 1.94; CI 95%, 1.22-3.10) and shortening of the rectus femoris muscle (OR= 7.15; CI 95%, 2.86-17.86). The results may serve as a basis for therapeutic and prophylactic measures, in addition to increasing our knowledge of this syndrome in Brazilian adolescents. This investigation used a multidisciplinary approach, involving elements of anatomy, nutrition, physical education and physical therapy to elucidate the object under study related to Osgood-Schlatter syndrome

Camarão Litopenaeus vannamei: componentes de importância nutricional na carne e nos resíduos do beneficiamento

Farming of marine shrimp is growing worldwide and the Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei) shrimp is the species most widely cultivated. Shrimp is an attractive food for its nutritional value and sensory aspects, being essential the maintenance of this attributes throughout storage, which takes place largely under freezing. The aim of this research was to evaluate quality characteristics of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp, during freezing storage and to verify the effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) adding. Considering the reutilization of processing shrimp wastes, total carotenoids analysis were conducted in waste of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp and in the flour obtained after dryer. Monthly physicochemical and sensorial analysis were carried out on shrimp stored at 28,3 ± 3,8ºC for 180 days. Samples were placed in polyethylene bags and were categorized as whole shrimp (WS), peeled shrimp (PS), and PS with 0,5% dehydrated rosemary (RS). TBARS, pH, total carotenoid and sensorial Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) were carried out. Carotenoid total analysis was conducted in fresh wastes and processed flour (0 day) and after 60, 120 and 180 days of frozen storage. After 180 days, RS had lower pH (p = 0.001) and TBARS (p = 0.001) values and higher carotenoids (p = 0.003), while WS showed higher carotenoid losses. Sensory analysis showed that WS were firmer although rancid taste and smell were perceived with greater intensity (p = 0.001). Rancid taste was detected in RS only at 120 days at significantly lower intensity (p = 0.001) than WS and PS. Fresh wastes had 42.74μg/g of total carotenoids and processed flour 98.51μg/g. After 180 days of frozen storage, total carotenoids were significantly lower than 0 day (p<0,05). The addition of rosemary can improve sensory quality of frozen shrimp and reduce nutritional losses during storage. Shrimp wastes and flour of L. vannamei shrimp showed considerable astaxanthin content however, during storage it was observed losses in this pigment

HIV/AIDS e estilo de vida: parâmetros imunológicos, virológicos, síndrome lipodistrófica e sua relação com a prática de exercícios

This descriptive study aimed to investigate the relationship between expression of immunological (TCD4 +) and virological (viral load) parameters, lipodystrophy syndrome and lifestyle variables of people living with HIV who underwent a program of physicalexercise. Initially, the sample was composed by 17 persons, recorded at the Department of Giselda Trigueiro Hospital Care (GTH), Natal-RN . With the passing of the stages of intervention (physical training program- PTP) the number of participants has changed (17, 9, 8 and 7) as the training phases (I, II, III and IV). Data collected were on total cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides. The % fat (% F), body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), lean mass (LM), central fat (BF), total (TF) and peripheral (PF), weight and height were used to measure the morphological parameters. For control of variables (TCD4 +, viral load, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, HDL), the information contained in the blood tests every four months were investigated. After Phase I and II, it was used a structured interview. Then sampling was carried out considering the pre-and post-tests 1, 2, 3 and 4 (after 16, 32, 48 and 64 weeks of training, respectively). Daily, the intensity of the work was checked by the scale of perceived exertion for exercises adapted to resistance34. Procedures used were descriptive statistics (dispersion, absolute and relative frequencies, means, standard deviations and minimum and maximum values) as well as Spearman linear correlation adopting a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Positive changes were observed for TCD4 + and viral load in all phases of the PTP. For the morphological components, the loss of central subcutaneous fat (CSF) and total subcutaneous fat (TSF) for both sexes and the decrease in % BF among women were the most dramatic results after the training phase I. For men, results were more significant to % F and LM in Phases I and II and peripheral subcutaneous fat (PSF) declined in all phases of the exercise. As for women, results were more expressive for % F and TM in the phases I and II and the PSF decreased in all phases of the exercise. Whereas for women, the waist/hip ratio (WCQ) and 0% F decreased and showed a positive association with triglycerides (WHR r * 0.82, p 0.042, r 0.88 TSF *, p 0.019 and r 1.00 ** CSF, p <0.001) and among men with limb subcutaneous fat (LSF)* r 0.65, p 0.029). The PTP provided improvement in the health, self-esteem and quality of life, proving to be a possible strategy to positively influence the expression of immunological parameters (TCD4 +) and virological (viral load) and morphological components of people living with HIV causing no deleterious effects in these parameters

Aptidão física relacionada à saúde de escolares Norte- Rio-Grandenses

O sedentarismo é cada vez mais acentuado entre os adolescentes em todo o mundo. Objetivou-se neste estudo analisar o estado nutricional e a aptidão física de escolares norte-rio-grandenses. Participaram 2065 sujeitos, selecionados aleatoriamente (Masc = 1066, Fem = 999) (Natal n=1158; Mossoró n= 312; Lajes n= 231), divididos em três grupos etários pelos estágios maturacionais: 10 a 12 anos, 13 a 14 anos e _ 15 anos. Foi avaliada a composição corporal (IMC, dobras cutâneas tríceps e subescapular); o hábito alimentar (questionário de prevalência do consumo por grupo alimentar); o índice de atividade física (questionário Baeck) e o nível de aptidão física (testes do salto em distância, flexibilidade, resistência abdominal e cardiovascular). Utilizando-se a estatística descritiva, testes de médias pela análise dos intervalos de confiança, o teste de Kruskall-Wallis, teste t, o Qui2 e o coeficiente de contingência. Encontraram-se diferenças significativas com p < 0001 na distribuição do índice de massa corporal (n = 1701); Região Leste Potiguar (RLP) com excesso de peso e obesidade de 16,8 % e 15,2 %, a Região Oeste 16,3% e 9,6 % e a Região Central 10,4 % e 3,9 %, com as escolas privadas contribuindo significativamente na prevalência dessas variáveis nas RLP e ROP com p < 0,003 e p < 0,001 respectivamente. O hábito alimentar demonstrou que 98,3% dos sujeitos consomem alimentos do grupo das massas 98,3%; cereais 97,7%; laticínios 94,7%; frutas 92,3%; gorduras 88,3% e as hortaliças 61,6%, não havendo diferenças significativas no consumo alimentar entre o tipo de escolas e gênero (n = 300). No índice de atividade física habitual há diferenças entre esses respectivos extratos: 2,65±0,78 e 2,81±0,80 (p < 0,014) e 2,89±0,82 e 2,57±0,78 (p < 0,001), com as práticas de atividades esportivas, programas de exercícios físicos e lazer ativo mais significativo em escolas privadas 2,85 ± 1,06 e 3,37±1,26 (p < 0,001) em prol do sexo masculino com 3,47±1,24 e 2,75±1,03 (p <0,001). Resistência abdominal ( =19) e força de membros inferiores ( =128,5 cm) foram classificadas como muito fraco , a flexibilidade ( =26,9 cm) razoável e resistência geral ( =1439 m) como bom . Conclui-se que o hábito alimentar e o baixo índice de atividade física habitual influenciam negativamente os índices da aptidão física relacionada à saúde dos escolares, com menor incidência em instituições privadas em função das práticas esportivas. Este estudo apresenta relação de interface multidisciplinar, tendo o seu conteúdo uma aplicação nos campos da Medicina, Nutrição e Educação Física

Sanções disciplinares aplicáveis em caso de doping a atletas profissionais e não profissionais

A presente pesquisa descritiva do tipo documental centrou-se em analisar as sanções disciplinares aplicadas em caso de doping, a atletas profissionais e não profissionais que atuam no Brasil. A amostragem foi levantada através de um processo de seleção não probabilística intencional, utilizando-se como sujeitos, 18 atletas de uma modalidade esportiva dita não profissional: atletismo e 19 de uma modalidade profissional: futebol, de ambos os sexos, os quais tenham sido flagrados pelo exame de controle de dopagem da Confederação Brasileira de Atletismo (CBAt) e da Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF). Como instrumentos de análise, foram utilizados os diagnósticos de dopagem positiva, arquivados junto a CBAt e CBF; além dos processos julgados pelo Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) do atletismo entre os anos de 2003/2007 e os processos julgados pelo STJD do futebol no ano de 2007. Os resultados demonstram que as sanções aplicadas aos desportistas diferem muito entre as modalidades incluídas no estudo. Enquanto encontramos, no atletismo a aplicação de sanções em conformidade com o Código Mundial Anti Doping (CMAD) com penalidades de no mínimo de dois anos, no futebol encontrou-se grande número de absolvições ou aplicação de penalidades conforme o Código Brasileiro de Justiça Desportiva (CBJD) que prevê penalidades muito inferiores. Por outro lado verificou-se ser a modalidade Futebol a que mais realiza controles, sendo certo que durante o ano de 2007 o desporto profissional realizou 4832 testes, ao passo que o desporto dito não profissional realizou tão somente 281. O caráter multidisciplinar do trabalho 12 pôde ser caracterizado pelo emprego de técnicas que envolveram direito, educação física, farmacologia

Avaliação eletromiográfica dos músculos do assoalho pélvico na síndrome dos ovários policísticos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Percepção e realidade da política de atenção à saúde do idoso nas equipes de profissionais do programa de saúde da família do estado da Paraíba

Investigar os fatores relacionados á percepção que os profissionais das equipes do Programa de Saúde da Família (PSF) possuem frente à realidade da política de atenção à saúde do idoso nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde dos municípios litorâneos do Estado da Paraíba. Trata-se de um estudo observacional descritivo com uma amostra constituída por 120 profissionais de saúde de três categorias distintas (enfermeiro, médico e odontólogo), sendo 104 respondentes como profissionais e 16 respondentes como coordenadores de equipes. A coleta de dados foi realizada através de um questionário auto-aplicável de avaliação fechada e de questões de múltiplas escolhas. Os dados foram processados e armazenados no Programa Estatístico SPSS versão 15.0 e analisados à luz da estatística descritiva. Os resultados indicaram que os profissionais tiveram dificuldade em perceber a realidade da política integral e integrada de saúde do idoso junto aos serviços de saúde em que atuam. O estudo revelou ainda a necessidade de uma definição de estratégias para qualificação dos profissionais garantindo à atenção integral à saúde do idoso sob uma nova visão de atuação

Avaliação da qualidade da assistência a pessoas com úlceras venosas atendidas na estratégia saúde da família

A úlcera venosa constitui importante problema de saúde pública, gera repercussão social, econômica e mudanças nos hábitos de vida, dor, sofrimento, acarretando diminuição da qualidade de vida. O estudo objetivou avaliar a assistência prestada às pessoas com úlceras venosas atendidas pela Estratégia Saúde da Família. É um estudo analítico, transversal e quantitativo, realizado com 59 pessoas com úlceras venosas, atendidas em 36 unidades da Estratégia Saúde da Família. O estudo obteve aprovação do projeto de pesquisa pelo Comitê de Ética da Universidade Federal de Alagoas. Para a coleta dos dados utilizou-se instrumento testado, entrevista, exame físico e informações dos prontuários. Os dados foram organizados em planilha do Microsoft Excel 2007, exportados e analisados em software estatístico por meio de estatística descritiva e inferencial, considerando nível de significância estatística de ρ-valor < 0,05. As pessoas com úlcera venosa eram do sexo feminino (71,2%), ≥ 60 anos (67,8%) e estavam em tratamento > 1 ano (69,5%). Possuíam tempo de lesão > 6 meses (64,4%), dor na úlcera/membro (86,4%) e leito com ≤ 30% de granulação/epitelização (78,0%). A qualidade da assistência foi ruim (< 5 aspectos positivos) em 57,6% (ρ=0,000) e os aspectos que mais interferiram foram as seguintes inadequações: profissional que acompanha/realiza curativo (ρ=0,002, coeficiente de contingência (CC) =0,458, razão de chance (RC) =13,9), produtos nos últimos 30 dias (ρ=0,038, cc=0,334, RC=7,3) e acesso a consulta com angiologista (ρ=0,041, cc=0,305, RC=4,1). Os aspectos clínicos que contribuíram para o aumento do tempo de assistência foram: tempo de lesão >6 meses (ρ<0,001), dor (ρ=0,043), recidiva (ρ<0,001); nos aspectos assistenciais: inadequação dos produtos com 83,1% (ρ=0,036). Essas características dificultaram a cicatrização tecidual, prolongando o tempo de tratamento das lesões,que podem ter contribuído para a cronicidade das úlceras

Exercícios anaeróbicos, padrão morfofuncional e os marcadores hematológicos em pessoas vivendo com hiv e aids

Estudos que relacionam a atividade física e HIV/AIDS enfatizam a perspectiva biológica, demonstrando a sua relevância, apontam a preocupação em estabelecer um tipo de atividade e intensidade que não comprometa o sistema imunológico, enfatizando as melhorias do exercício sobre os parâmetros antropométricos, na aptidão física bem como um grande aumento da capacidade funcional para o grupo testado. Objetivo: O presente estudo se caracteriza como quase-experimental e objetivou analisar o padrão morfofuncional, marcadores hematológicos em pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS, através da oferta intervenção com exercícios anaérobicos (exercícios resistidos em sala de musculação) para pacientes portadores de HIV/AIDS. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 11 indivíduos do gênero masculino, com média de idade de 43,2 anos, participantes do Programa Pro-Saúde e Atividade Física da Universidade Federal do Rio grande do Norte e atendimento clínico no Hospital Giselda Trigueiro da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde Pública/RN. A coleta de dados foi composta de exames laboratoriais para medir TCD4 e Carga Viral, medidas antropométricas: Índice de Massa Corporal - IMC, Relação Cintura Quadril- RCQ, e uma annamenese sociodemográfica. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se no presente estudo a estatistica descritiva com os valores de tendecia central e seus derivados. Para as variáveis de cunho discreto utilizou-se a análise de frequencia atavés de valores percentuais de aparecimento. Resultados: Os resultados entre os Pré e o Pós teste das variáveis estudadas foram assim apresentadas: para o IMC (pré média de 24,0 Kg/m2 e pós 24,2 Kg/m2), RCQ (pré média de 0,97cm e pós 0,95 cm), Somatório de Dobras cutâneas (Pré 117,1 e Pós 102,0), Somatório da Perimetria(Pré 310,5 e Pós 313,3), Força Escapular(Pré 30,9 Kgf e Pós 30,3 Kgf), Força Pressão Manual Direita(Pre 41,2 e Pós 42,1), Força Pressão Manual esquerda(Pré 39,4 e Pos 39,9), TCD4( Pré 579 e Pós 509 céls/mm3) e Carga Viral(pré e pós <50 cópias). Esses resultados apontam para uma melhora importante das variáveis antropométricas estudadas, principalmente em relação a RCQ, na contagem dos linfócitos TCD4 e manutenção da Carga Viral em níveis abaixo do limite mínimo(<50 cópias/ml) Conclusão:O Programa de Exercícios resistidos com características anaeróbicas promove melhorias no padrão morfofuncional, manutenção das células TCD4 em níveis considerados seguros para esta população e estabilização da carga viral, não apresentando riscos à saúde dos participantes

Infecção hospitalar associada ao uso de cateter venoso central e a quebra de protocolos pelos profissionais de saúde na UTI de um hospital universitário em Natal/RN

This is a study descriptive cross-sectional and quantitative approaches, which aimed to analyze the association between hospital infection rate for insertion, maintenance of central venous catheter and the breakdown of protocols (rules and routines) by health professionals assisting patients in the ICU of a university hospital in Natal / RN. The process of data collection was through observation with structured form, refers to medical records and structured questionnaires with health professionals. The results were organized, tabulated, categorized and analyzed using SPSS 14.0. The characterization of the subjects was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics, taking into account the nature of the variables, with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Spearman correlation test, it was a discussion of the information obtained, considering the mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variance and standard error. The variables that showed a higher level of correlation were treated with the application of significance tests. As the results, 71% of participants were female and 29% male, age ranged from 18 to 85 years (52.6 ± 22.5). The insertion, there was a variation from 0 to 5 errors (1.2 ± 1.4), during maintenance, the average was 2.3 ± 0.9 errors, ranging from 0 to 4. During the insertion and maintenance of CVC, patients who had been an infection ranging from 2 to 9 mistakes (4.2 ± 1.7), since those who did not show the variation goes from 0 to 5 errors (2, 8 ± 1.5). The correlation coefficient between the risk of infection throughout the process and the risk of infection at the insertion showed strong and significant (r = 0.845 p = 0.000) and in relation to risk of infection in maintenance was moderate and significant (r = 0.551 p = 0.001). The mistakes made by professionals in the procedures for insertion and maintenance of the catheter, associated with other conditions, shown as a risk factor for the of IH

Prática desportiva e qualidade de vida de crianças do bairro de nova descoberta Natal / RN

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the contribution of sports activities for children participating in social programs. Method: It s dealt with in a survey of a descriptive nature. The sample was composed of 51 participants from the Project Nova Descoberta, ranging in ages from 8 to 17, males (n=29) and females (n=22). A semi-directed interview was applied with 10 items over a period of 2 consecutive years (2007-2008) with children and adolescents, besides obtaining documental data in the schools that have an agreement with the Project. Results: The performance of the participants in the groups that joined and did not join in terms of schoolwork production in the year 2007 did not present statistical differences (p<0,05). A significant difference (p<0,05) was observed in the discipline of Portuguese when compared between the groups, with a higher average for the students who joined in 2008. Discussion: In the face of the context found in social sports projects, emerges a series of indicators that contribute for a reliable evaluation. The manifestation of other characteristics in the environment could be interfering in the participation and involvement in physical activity and consequently in the health and quality of life situation of the children and adolescents. Conclusion: It was confirmed that the school work performance indicators can be taken together with other indicators, such as a development of various abilities, participation in other activities, motivation for the activities, behavior and attitudes at home and at school, for evaluation of social projects

Avaliação da incontinência urinária de esforço em mulheres na pós-menopausa com e sem queixa de perda urinária através da aplicação do pad-test de 1 hora

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is defined as "involuntary loss of urine" due to several processes that alter the ability of the bladder to hold urine properly, regarded as a social and hygienic problem that adversely affects quality of life. In postmenopausal women, IU is associated with atrophy and weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. The objective this study was investigate, using the onehour pad test, stress urinary leakage (SUI), evaluate and compare their results in postmenopausal and premenopausal women. The survey was characterized as a cross-sectional study. The study consisted of 60 postmenopausal women were divided into GIU - consisting of 34 volunteers complaining of involuntary loss of urine during stress - and GSIU - consisting of 26 volunteers without complaints of loss of urine during stress, and 15 women, during the premenopausal (GPM), and ovulatory with normal menstrual cycle. All volunteers were evaluated clinically, subjected to one-hour pad test, after the biochemical evaluation of blood and sex hormones. Statistical analysis was performed by descriptive analysis, ANOVA, Turkey´s post-test and Pearson correlation. The results showed that 100% of postmenopausal patients had involuntary loss of urine during one hour pad test (GIU: 4.0 g; GSIU: 4.5 g). GPM remained continent after an hour pad test (GPM: 0.4 g). In addition, Pearson showed a strong correlation between urine loss with time since menopause (r = 0.8, p <0.01) and body mass index - BMI (r = 0.7; p = 0.01). These data suggest that the one-hour pad test is a useful test to assess and quantify urinary leakage, including those volunteers who had no previous complaint of SUI

Legislação de rotulagem nutricional: instrumento de informação na promoção de escolhas alimentares - Natal-RN

Resolutions of the Board of numbers 359 and 360, of December 23, 2003, relating to Nutrition Labelling for Packaged Foods, establish quality standards and provide the education activities for health consumption, since one of the factors that enable the selection of healthier foods are the food labels as an important part in nutrition education. This is a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. To calculate sample size, it was considered a margin of error of 20%, confidence level of 95% and prevalence of 52.5% for verifying nutritional information in a pilot study conducted in 2007. A total of 145 subjects were interviewed, resulting in 371 consumers in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, in order to determine prevalence of consulting nutritional information contained on food labels as a nutritional guideline for consumers and its association with sociodemographic variables as well as identify the intervention measures suggested by intervieweds so that this information can be better used to select healthy foods. Twenty-five of the 69 supermarkets belonging to the Supermarket Association of Rio Grande do Norte (ASSURN) were randomly selected. Data collection relied on interviews and extensive direct observation, using a semi-structured form composed of eight closed questions, some of which were multiple choice, and ten open questions. The chi-square test was performed for statistical analysis, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 15.0 software. Label information most consulted was: expiry date (91.6%); product brand (49.4%); nutritional information (47.0%); zero trans fat (32.9%); zero sugar content (12.8%); zero fat content (3.0%); rich in fibers (2.7%); whether light or diet (30.4%); list of ingredients (16.8%); whether the product contained gluten or not (4.1%). When asked about the importance of nutritional information, 96.8% of the subjects responded important or very important ; of these 46.6% and 3.8% reported partially or totally understanding the information presented. It was found that 41.6% of the consumers consulted nutritional information for dietary reasons related to nontransmissible chronic diseases and 35.7% to be able to choose healthier foods. The data show a significant association between motivation to choose healthier foods and higher family income and schooling (p<0.0001). The intervention measures mentioned to make nutritional information better understood and used were: information and orientation about nutritional information, provided by qualified professionals in the supermarkets, the commercial establishment or the product manufacturer (73.9%) and media disclosure about the nature, importance and purpose of nutritional information (42.9%). In despite of communication noises the consumers use the nutrition claim for the nutritional guidance, showing association with some demographic variables. However, they desire the implementation of intervention measures that can be contextualized in the political construction of nutrition education to promote healthy food choices