The importance of nutritional education in High School in the interior of Amazonas

Abstract

Introduction: Knowledge about food and nutrition is essential to promote healthy eating habits. Objective: To understand the eating habits of high school students and to promote a discussion on topics related to healthy eating. Methods: This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach, developed at a state school in the city of São Sebastião do Uatumã, Amazonas, Brazil. A survey with 10 multiple-choice questions with three answer options (“a”, “b” and “c”) related to eating habits was used for 67 students aged between 15 and 18 years. Four lectures were also held, one per week, with topics related to the questionnaire answers. Results: The percentages obtained in the results demonstrate that the students do not have such a deficient diet, however, they still need to improve to avoid health risks. Approximately 60% (44) of the students said they eat 3 times a day, as recommended by the Brazilian Food Guide, others drink a minimum amount of water and eat a small amount of regional fruit. The socioeconomic factor and the lack of knowledge on the subject also contribute to these results. Furthermore, few people practice physical activity at school. Conclusion: knowledge about nutrition does not guarantee healthy choices; however, it is the beginning of a transformation of values ​​and concepts into long-term attitudes. These adolescents' diets were within the guidelines recommended by the literature, without presenting behaviors that indicate health risks.