Anthropometry training as basis for strengthening the Brazilian Food and Nutritional Surveillance System

Abstract

Objective
This study provides recommendations for planning anthropometry training in primary healthcare to improve nutrition information quality and strengthen nutrition surveillance.

Methods
Since there are no official documents establishing a periodicity, methodology, content and other relevant aspects for planning and performing local anthropometry training, this manuscript offers recommendations based on the successful experiences of an anthropometric laboratory skilled in training human resources. The laboratory belongs to a federal institution in Rio de Janeiro.

Results
Refresher courses should be included in the health service schedule and offered at least once per semester for small groups. Anthropometric devices should be available at all times. A training course involving weight, height and waist circumference measurements should contain at least 1 scale, 1 stadiometer and 2 anthropometric tapes for every 6 trainees. A course including 3 body measurements should last at least 4 hours, 2 dedicated to increasing awareness, exchange of experiences and reviewing techniques and 2 dedicated to training, error identification and correction, assessment of measurement quality and discussion of the results. These activities should constitute a space for the exchange of experiences that improve techniques, considering
the context of the trainees’ work and the difficulties they face daily at work. Emphasis should be given to supervised measurement collection, since it allows the identification and correction of errors and assessment of the trainees’ precision and accuracy.

Conclusion
Improvement and standardization of anthropometry training can promote learning and professional development, and ensure the accomplishment of the Unified Healthcare System’s objectives, which are to promote and surveil health.