CHARACTERIZATION OF EATING HABITS OF CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OLD IN THE DISTRICT OF NAMACURRA, ZAMBÉZIA PROVINCE IN MOZAMBIQUE.

Abstract

The comunity of Vuruca, in the administrative post of Malei, district of Namacurra, province of Zambézia, is an area with great potential for agricultural production. However, it is notorious and frequent to find children whose nutritional status is insufficient. Eating habits are essential for good growth and health; therefore, this work aims to investigate the characterization of the eating habits of children in that region of the country. To carry out the work, data collection was carried out through interviews composed of semi-structured questionnaires for those
responsible for children under 5 years of age and public managers (District nutritionist). A descriptive analysis of the critical evaluation of the recommendations for adequate eating habits recommended by the Ministry of Health and other authors was carried out. The village of Vuruca, Malei, although being an area with high agricultural production, has a low literacy rate and health coverage, and eating habits have shown to be outside the normal dietary pattern for good nutrition. It is concluded that these habits are related to the lack of food education policies, through government agencies, as well as the low level of economic development and health coverage.