Influências socioculturais e parentais na alimentação complementar no primeiro ano de vida: um estudo qualitativo com mães de crianças menores de dois anos de idade

Abstract

The complementary feeding is defined as feeding in the period in which other foods or liquids are offered to the child in addition to breast milk. The young children feeding practice are far from desirable in Brazil. The objective of this study was to understand the sociocultural and parental factors that influence the complementary feeding in the first year of life, based on the perspective of mothers of children under two years old. The aim was to identify and analyze the sociocultural aspects that influence the introduction of complementary feeding in the first year of life; to know the sense attributed by the mothers about the introduction of ultra-processed foods in complementary feeding in the first year of life and to know the parental aspects that influence the complementary feeding in the first year of life. The mothers who participated in the study were identified through contact with key actors in the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Engenheiro Paulo de Frontin. The method chosen to analyze the interviews was the Content Analysis, in the Thematic Analysis modality. Among the sociocultural factors, the beliefs associated with feeding, the sense of child food and the influences of social relations were identified. From the perspective of the mothers interviewed, the food culture is permeated by popular knowledge, resulting in the classification of foods into strong, light, heavy, calming, etc. Therefore, foods were also classified as recommendable and not recommended for the age group. Emerged in the common sense the portuguese expression aguar, which was referred to some foods. The mothers also revealed that the child food was made up of in natura foods that presented the sense of healthy food that promoted growth and development, and by ultra-processed foods, whose senses were to please of to promote their sustenance. Besides, according to the mothers, the father and the maternal and paternal grandparents of the child, other mothers, health professionals, day care and the Internet, also influenced their food choice process and, consequently, the children feeding. Regarding the senses attributed by mothers to ultra-processed foods, in addition to child food, their practicality and the credibility of the brands were relevant to their choice, but also the health risks attributed to the presence of "chemistry", excess sodium and sugar in its composition, and its association with the onset of chronic diseases. Regarding parental practices, they emerged in the process of complementary feeding: mothers' responsiveness and autonomy. The results of this study pointed to the importance of understanding sociocultural and parental factors and the meanings attributed to food for the formulation of public policies. They also pointed the need for actions and public policies aimed at the empowerment of the mother and the family with regard to infant feeding. They also indicated the necessary task of health professionals in provide information directed to the families, that should promote healthy food consumption instead of the unhealthy ones. Regulatory actions are required to promote the uncovering of ultra-processed food composition and label warnings about ingredients that are harmful to health