Estado nutricional das crianças e adolescentes matriculados nas escolas pactuadas do Programa Saúde na Escola em Araguari: um estudo transversal

Abstract

Objective: To describe the nutritional status of children and teenagers enrolled in schools that took part in the School Health Program (PSE) in the city of Araguari in 2024. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with students from public schools (both city and state-run) in Araguari that joined the PSE in 2024. Data collected included weight (kg), height (cm), sex, and date of birth. The total sample had 3,454 students, aged between 9 months and 19 years. Age group, sex, and school location were compared using the t-test, and differences in nutritional status by age group, school location, and sex were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results: The results showed that children over 5 years old had higher rates of thinness, overweight, and obesity than those under 5. There were no significant differences between boys and girls. Comparing rural and urban areas, children from rural areas had fewer cases of healthy weight and more cases of overweight and obesity than children from urban areas. Conclusion: This study describes the nutritional status of children and teenagers in schools and early education centers (CMEIs) that participated in the School Health Program in Araguari in 2024. The study showed a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity when compared to thinness.