Profile and performance of managers of food and nutrition actions in Paraíba State, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of the study was to describe the profile and performance of municipal coordinators of food and nutrition actions at Primary Health Care. This is a cross-sectional study was conducted, attended by 74 managers in the state of Paraíba. Were collected information about demographic, labor and training characteristics, the knowledge and use of essential bibliography for the work in Primary Health Care, the actuation in management actions, the factors that hinder the development of actions and job satisfaction. Of the total, there was only 19 coordinators graduated in nutrition and 13 men, many of whom (n = 46) with a bond without being public tender. Nutritionists were better qualified to work on nutrition issues in public health during graduation. Several technical documents of the area were referred as not known and not used, in some of which nutritionists presented better situation; what was similar for the development of some actions. In addition to the importance of the nutritionist, the results highlighted structural problems, poorly trained professionals, lack of articulation (intersectoral and between municipal and local levels), insufficient remuneration and inappropriate management mechanisms. As conclusion, the coordinators lack the link, training, knowledge and performance adequate to the management of the nutrition area at the Primary Health Care.

Keywords: Primary Health Care; Nutrition Programs and Policies; Work Performance.