Evaluation of nutritional care for addressing obesity in Santa Catarina

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the degree of implementation of nutritional care for addressing obesity within primary health care in Santa Catarina and to analyze contextual aspects. This is an evaluative study, specifically an implementation analysis, using a previously validated model. The parameters for making a value judgment were defined based on normative standards, scientific evidence, and expert assessments consolidated in a consensus workshop. The degree of implementation was classified as incipient in 76.4% of the primary health care units analyzed, intermediate in 18.2%, and advanced in 5.4%. Among the subdimensions assessed, care delivery showed the best performance, while management showed the worst. Significant deficiencies were identified, particularly regarding infrastructure, access conditions, care flows and standardization, territorial engagement, and organization of care for people with obesity. The actions observed were focused and poorly integrated. An association was found between the degree of implementation and the municipality’s population size. Overcoming the identified challenges is essential to structure integrated and effective nutritional care in addressing obesity, thereby consolidating a care model guided by comprehensiveness and coordinated by primary health care.