Nutritional status of children who are recipients of the Family Allowance Program followed up by the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System in the State of Minas Gerais

Abstract

Introduction: The Family Allowance Program (PBF) consists of a direct transfer of income benefiting families in poverty and extreme poverty in the country. Objective: this study aims to characterize the nutritional state of children less than seven years of age, beneficiaries of PBF and followed up by the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN) in the State of Minas Gerais (MG). Methods: the data were obtained from the SISVAN WEB platform from the database comprising information related to the Basic Health Units of MG for the years 2008 to 2011. The nutritional status of these children was evaluated by anthropometric indexes of weight-age, height-age, and body mass indexage (BMI/age). Results: the number of children in the age group from zero to seven years, benefited in the State of Minas Gerais, accounted for 10.5% of the number of total residents in the State in the same age group in 2008; 13.7% in 2009; 19.8% in 2010; and 18.6% in 2011. The most prevalent disturbance of nutritional status among users was excessive weight (average of 26.5% according to the BMI/age indicator); this status became more prevalent over the years whereas low weight and short stature declined in the age range. Conclusions: the beneficiaries of PBF showed reduced incidence of low birth weight and increased incidence of excessive weight. These findings reveal the need for the implementation of nutrition education programs for PBF beneficiary families.

Comparison of the nutritional status in children aged 5 to 10 years old on the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme in the States of Acre and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

“…Saldanha et al 31 found similar results in children of a capital in the southeast, concluding that the population covered by the Family Grant Programme is going through the process of nutritional transition. This change in food pattern reflects the increase in overall food consumption, including processed foods of high caloric density and low nutritional quality.…”

Nutritional deviations in children: comparative analysis of data from the food and nutrition surveillance system and those obtained by anthropometrists

“…6,7 Studies have indicated higher prevalence rates of stunting and overweight/obesity among children from families benefiting from this program. 18,24 These families are more vulnerable to food and nutrition insecurity, with possible losses for the child's nutritional status, both in linear growth potential and weight gain. [24][25][26][27] The relationship between the findings and the greater use of health services by children with nutritional problems might also be possible.…”

Exclusive Breastfeeding and Underweight in Children Under Six Months Old Monitored in Primary Health Care in Brazil, 2017

“…In line with these data, another study carried out with children aged 0-7 years benefiting from the Bolsa Família Program (PBF) in Minas Gerais , monitored by SISVAN in 2008-2011, highlighted the prevalence of low W/A in 2011 of 3.0% of the 11,880 children evaluated. 20 Despite the discording age group, one realizes that in the most vulnerable populations, such as PHC users and PBF recipients, the prevalence of low weight have remained significant over time.…”