Avaliação do consumo alimentar de crianças menores de dois anos no município de Palmas – TO

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months of life and the correct introduction of food are essential for the formation of the child's eating habits and good future health. The introduction of ultra-processed foods (UPF) before the age of two is harmful, relating to obesity and unhealthy habits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the food consumption of children under two years of age in the city of Palmas (TO). This is a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study, using a questionnaire, submitted to all ethical processes that involve research with humans. The sample consisted of children from zero to two years old from the city of Palmas-TO, data obtained via Google Forms and analysis using the Stata 14.0 software considering p. 5%. In the sample of 109children, AUP was introduced before the age of two in children who do not attend educational units (90.43%) and who have contact with screens (86.17%), being children of unemployed mothers (40.43 %) and low schooling (54.26%), in addition to family income of up to two minimum wages (55.06%). Early contact with ultra-processed foods, especially sugary foods, is harmful to children and their next stages of life, in view of this awakening, intervention on a municipal scale is indicated.