The place of nutritionist in the Support Centers for the Family Health Strategy

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to understand perceptions and experiences of nutritionits who work at the Support Centers for Family Health about their inclusion in the Family Health Strategy.

Methods
This investigation was guided by a qualitative approach, grounded in epistemological foundations of critical and interpretative aspects. The empirical material resulted from the coordination between the in-depth interviews and the free observations conducted with the dieticians inserted in Support Centers for Family Health, Ceara.

Results
The processing of the empirical data revealed three central axes of which the theme “The Nutritionits in the Family Health Strategy” was elected as the focus of this article. The professionals have structured their work process mostly taking individualizing and technicist practices, with little reflection on their performance.  Conducting activities in a community basis intending to prevent diseases was considered the primary responsibility of the Support Centers for Family Health. A big part of informants conceived the place of nutritionist in the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders related to food, through a rationalization of resources focused on nutrition education. However, even though a minority, experiences reveal other ways of perceiving
the place of nutritionits, reassembling the realization of health care consistent with the principles of the Unified Health Care System.

Conclusion
The results show professional attitudes little connected with the basic Unified Health Care System principles and policies for food and nutrition security, pointing out inconsistencies between these and the real health needs of the population.