Banca de DEFESA: JOANA MARIA SOARES DOS SANTOS

Uma banca de DEFESA de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : JOANA MARIA SOARES DOS SANTOS
DATE: 18/09/2024
TIME: 14:00
LOCAL: CPF -Sede (sala virtual- https://meet.google.com/ixa-ocjo-juw )
TITLE:

Green spaces and the eating behavior of preschool children: an analysis from the One Health perspective

KEY WORDS:

Green Areas; Feeding Behavior; Child Development; Preschool.

PAGES: 20
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Saúde Coletiva
SUMMARY:

Introduction: The proximity of green spaces has been associated with positive outcomes in children's healthy development. In this context, children with feeding problems form a heterogeneous group, given the biological, behavioral, and psychosocial complexity of eating. Understanding pediatric feeding issues requires a comprehensive model that integrates genetic, biological, psychological, sociocultural, family, and environmental factors. Considering that green spaces can provide greater sensory experiences for children, this study aims to investigate the influence of urban and rural green spaces on the eating behavior of children aged 2 to 5 years and 11 months. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that combines quantitative and qualitative methods. Data collection was conducted through a structured questionnaire, applied in ten schools located in the rural and urban areas of Eunápolis, BA, targeting caregivers of children aged 2 to 5 years and 11 months. A total of 120 interviews were conducted, but 9 participants were excluded for not meeting the eligibility criteria. In the end, the sample consisted of 111 participants, with 46 from the rural area and 64 from the urban area. Results and Discussion: The first chapter introduces, through a systematic review, the concept of One Health and feeding difficulties, the latter considering four domains: medical, nutritional, psychosocial, and feeding skills. In investigating whether exposure to green spaces impacts the eating behavior of preschool children, it was observed that the interaction between environmental influences and ecosystem services demonstrates benefits for children's health and well-being. Although the literature is scarce, the few identified studies suggest that the issue is multifactorial, influenced by geographical, cultural, sanitary, socioeconomic conditions, lifestyle, and human behaviors within ecosystems. Therefore, it is essential to rethink conceptual models focused on the health-disease dichotomy, as understanding the causes of illness through the traditional medical lens is no longer sufficient to address contemporary challenges. The second chapter explores the human relationship with nature through a literature review, highlighting the concepts of biophilia and changes in children's eating behavior. Although biophilia suggests an innate predisposition of children to connect with nature and many studies discuss the health benefits of green spaces, the relationship with children's eating behavior is underexplored, especially in terms of sensory experiences. The third chapter presents a descriptive cross-sectional study investigating the influence of rural and urban green spaces on the eating behavior of children aged 2 to 5 years and 11 months in the municipality of Eunápolis, BA. The study involved two independent groups, rural (ZR) and urban (ZU) areas, and analyzed sociodemographic data, reasons, and frequency of children's contact with green spaces, in addition to classifying changes in eating behavior using the score from the Brazilian Infant Feeding Scale (EBAI). The analyses indicate that most children in both groups do not show alterations in eating behavior; however, children from ZU have significantly higher scores on the EBAI, ranging from 13 to 65 points, compared to children from ZR. Factors such as parental education, family income, and race/color do not relate to changes in eating behavior in either group. The results indicated no significant impact of geographic location on the likelihood of children visiting green spaces; however, in the ZR group, 72.3% of the children visit green spaces daily, while in the ZU group, weekly (35.9%) and monthly (17.2%) visits are more common. The most common reason for using green spaces in both groups was 'Play,' with 93.6% in ZR and 78.1% in ZU. Conclusion: The environment in which children grow up has a profound impact on their physical and mental health, as well as their overall quality of life. The lack of access to green spaces can hinder the neurological development necessary for the proper functioning of feeding skills, highlighting the importance of these areas as promoters of children's health. With the expansion of urban areas, it is essential that children have access to nature to reap these benefits and develop a biophilic relationship with the natural environment. Therefore, it is crucial to preserve the diversity and balance of nature. Additionally, natural environments do not need to be remote or untouched; their value is also found in everyday green spaces, such as urban parks, street trees, and residential gardens, which play a significant role in people's wellbeing.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Externa à Instituição - ANA PAULA RAMOS DE SOUZA - UFRGS
Interna - 1623806 - GRASIELY FACCIN BORGES
Presidente - 1352016 - ITA DE OLIVEIRA E SILVA
Externo ao Programa - 1782304 - JAILSON SANTOS DE NOVAIS - null