Práticas integrativas e complementares na promoção de hábitos saudáveis e prevenção da obesidade em pré- escolares.

Abstract

Integrative and Complementary Practices in Health (PICS) are non-pharmacological therapeutic resources that, since 2006, have become public policy in Brazil within the scope of the Unified Health System (SUS). They refer to health care actions aimed at preventing diseases, promoting, and maintaining health, and are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This research aimed to analyze the perception of teachers and primary caregivers of preschool children regarding the contributions of PICS in incorporating healthy behaviors through an educational intervention. It is an intervention-research with a quantitative/qualitative approach, derived from a cluster-randomized multicenter clinical trial conducted in northeastern Brazil. The participants included 14 mothers/teachers as agents of change through a formative workshop on some PICS (Aromatherapy, Music Therapy, Meditation, and Shantala Therapy) and 99 children aged two to five years who received alternative care in the school environment. The intervention-research was conducted in two Early Childhood Education Centers (CEI), selected through random sampling, in the municipality of Sobral, Ceará. Data collected included sociodemographic characterization, eating habits, anthropometric data of the child/caregiver, as well as the child’s physical activity, screen time, and sleep. Perceptions of PICS were gathered through interviews with primary caregivers and teachers before and after the intervention. Quantitative data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to Bardin's Content Analysis. Interviews with teachers and caregivers revealed positive expectations regarding the educational intervention results, including increased knowledge about child health care and its application in daily routines. It was identified that most evaluated children (73%) maintained a Body Mass Index (BMI) within the normal range for their age, while 27% were overweight or obese. The presence of both parents in 62% of households seemed to contribute positively to these results. However, inadequate eating habits, such as low vegetable consumption (47%) and high intake of ultra-processed foods, were identified, especially during the week. Additionally, 87% of children exceeded the recommended screen time, which could be associated with sedentary behavior and obesity risk. In terms of physical activity, 60% of children did not reach the recommended level during the week. The intervention with children was supported and supervised by teachers, enabling their effective participation through playfulness, relaxation, and concentration during activities. However, the training on PICS for parents/teachers had low adherence, yet participants evaluated the intervention as an innovative and necessary educational modality. This research highlighted the importance of PICS as a strategy for promoting healthier lifestyle practices, focusing on improving quality of life and preventing obesity in early childhood through promoting adequate eating habits, regular physical activity, and relaxation techniques. These include the use of PICS such as Shantala Therapy, meditation, aromatherapy, and music therapy.