Recusa alimentar em crianças de dois a quatro anos de idade nos Creis do Município De João Pessoa

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of food refusal in children aged two to four years old in the city of João Pessoa‟s CREIS, as well as to verify the strategies that have been used by educators for food introduction. Methods: This was a cross sectional field study with a quantitative approach. It was conducted in 40 previously selected CREIS, through the application of a semi-structured interview with 135 professionals responsible for offering the children‟s food. Responses regarding the eating habits of children with syndromes, neurological diseases and craniofacial deformities were excluded. Results: A sample of 3,516 children was obtained. Of these 44 were identified by the teachers as having food refusal, being the prevalence 1.25%. Among the strategies most used by teachers/caregivers were predominantly cited: talking and playing. Conclusion: The prevalence of children with food refusal was higher in males. Based on the data found, it is clear that it is essential to implement measures to promote the feeding moment in CREIS, to train professionals on what behaviors and strategies they may use. It is also emphasized the importance of actions involving food/eating and its influence on the development of oral functions. Future researches are suggested due to the lack of studies in the area