O peso da obesidade na infância: cuidadores e atenção primária à saúde.

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease that often leads to the development of other health conditions and represents an increasing public health problem, especially among children. Families play a crucial role in care and behavior change, but there are gaps in their understanding of obesity and its impact. Primary Health Care and nurses are essential for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, helping to bridge these gaps and improve the quality of life for children and their caregivers. The aim is to understand the perceptions and feelings of parents/caregivers regarding obesity as a chronic disease and the role of Primary Health Care in managing this condition in childhood. This qualitative research was conducted with 10 parents/caregivers of children aged 0 to 9 years and 11 months with obesity, residing in the municipality of Cuité in Paraíba. Data collection was done through interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data were transcribed and subjected to textual lexicographic analysis using the IRAMUTEQ software, followed by Bardin’s Content Analysis. Virginia Henderson's theory of basic human needs was used as theoretical support. The analysis of Descending Hierarchical Classification resulted in a dendrogram containing 7 classes that expressed the feelings and understanding of caregivers about the concept of obesity, its role in caring for their children, and the challenges faced by this group, also reflecting the participation of primary care in this care. It concludes that caregivers of children with obesity face barriers in the caregiving process related to family involvement in lifestyle changes and difficulties in being role models for physical activity. Furthermore, feelings of fear, sadness, helplessness, stress, and embarrassment weigh heavily on their responsibility to care in a global context that promotes the consumption of ultra-processed foods, often interrupting treatment and generating compassion for the children. It is also understood that Primary Health Care is perceived in discourse as diligent in monitoring weight, but does not engage in medium- and long-term care, leading caregivers to only recognize the risks associated with obesity when faced with abnormal lab results or when other chronic diseases related to obesity develop. There is a need for training healthcare professionals to work with caregivers of children with obesity so that they understand the complexities and risks associated with the disease.