Intersectoriality of food and nutrition initiatives: relationship with the prevalence of obesity in the State of Paraíba

Abstract

Objective: To identify the managerial profile and forms of intersectoral articulation in the framework of food and nutrition carried out in Primary Health Care and verify its association with the prevalence of obesity in the three health macro-regions of the State of Paraíba. Methods: Cross-sectional survey carried out in 151 municipalities in Paraíba, nested in a national population-based survey. Variables related to the manager, managerial profile, intersectoral forms of articulation, and obesity rates among adults were evaluated according to data from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System. Results: All macro-regions presented a mean of adults obesity higher than the national reference for individual over 18 years of age described in the National Health Plan 2020-2023. The presence of the technician responsible for food and nutrition actions was associated with higher rates of obesity. The performance of food and nutrition education actions, and intersectoral practices related to the Food and Nutrition Security sector were associated with lower prevalence of obesity. Conclusion: The effectiveness of the actions cannot be guaranteed by the presence of a specific position for the actions. Food and Nutrition Education actions are recommended to reduce the prevalence of obesity.