RIBEIRO, Daniela    LOURENCO, Sandra. Nutritional counseling in a family health unit. []. , 14, pp.39-41. ISSN 2182-7230.

Introduction: The high prevalence of chronic diseases and situations where the Nutrition is crucial, as well as the extent and continuity of care that characterize the primary health care, forces these health professionals to be involved in nutritional counseling (NC) of the community they serve. Objectives: Quantification of the time available for the NC, on medical and nursing care; identification of the themes most frequently discussed; classification of the approach: therapeutic or preventive. Methodology: Observational analitic review. Population: Physicians and nurses of the USF in study. The time dedicated to NC was classified as Grade 0, not addressed, Grade I, 1-3 min; Grade II, more than 3 min. The approach was classified as therapeutic in the context of illness / problem and Prevention in the absence of disease / problem. Results: Ninety consultations were observed (43 medical and 47 nursing) and 53,3% have NC. From the total of consultations, 67,8% were scheduled appointments, of these, 72,1% were classified as grade I / II, namely: Consultation of Children: 100%; consultation of Diabetes: 92,3%; consultation of hypertension: 88,9%, consultation of pregnancy: 80%; consultation of family planning: 42,9%; consultation of Adult: 23,1%. The approach was preventive in 43,7% of consultations and therapeutic in 56,3%. The three most frequently discussed topics were: time/number of meals/day, increased intake of water and "restrict consumption of sweets". Discussion and Conclusions: The results show the sensitivity of these health professionals to NC, especially in vulnerable and risk groups, and point to the need to improve performance in some consultations, such as Adult health. The frequency of visits over the life and schedule appointments for groups with common characteristics are aspects that make primary care ideal for nutrition education.

: Counseling; Nutrition; Food; Primary health care.

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