Demetra (May 2018)

LIMITS AND POSSIBILITIES OF THE FOOD AND NUTRITION SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM FOR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: A REPORT BY NURSING PROFESSIONALS

  • Izabella Cristina Ribeiro Alves,
  • Tiele Ferreira de Souza,
  • Maisa Tavares Souza Leite,
  • Lucinéia de Pinho

DOI
https://doi.org/10.12957/demetra.2018.31077
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 1
pp. 69 – 81

Abstract

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Introduction: Food and nutrition surveillance is an essential action within the Unified Health System, because health policies can be created while taking into account the nutrition diagnosis of the population. Objectives: To discuss limits and possibilities of the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System based on reports from health professionalswho work in Primary Health Care. Methodology: This is an exploratory and descriptive study in the municipality of Montes Claros, MG, with interviews conducted with health professionals. Results and Discussion: It was found that the health professionals recognize the importance of SISVAN, but its functioning is hampered by infrastructure conditions (difficulty in computerization and connection), human resources (workload of the nursing team and professionals specialized in the field) and logistics (information system handling and lack of user adherence). Conclusion: The operational problems are reflected in the functioning of SISVAN; therefore the management system has to invest in strategies in order to expand and qualify food and nutrition surveillance. DOI: 10.12957/demetra.2018.31077

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