Structure and adequacy of work processes in the care of obesity in Brazilian Primary Care

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the availability of structure and adequacy of the work process in the care of obesity in Primary Care (PC) in Brazil and regions. To this end, a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was carried out based on secondary data from the external evaluation component available in the NPIAQ-PC, cycle 2. Data analysis started from three dimensions: food and nutritional surveillance; coordination of care and assistance; and health promotion and education actions. The results point to high values regarding the availability of infrastructure to care for obesity, although in none of the variables it reaches 100%. Regarding the adequacy of care work processes to obesity, however, smaller proportions were identified, indicating an incipient performance in the three dimensions. The analysis suggest that obesity care has been benefited from the provision of resources for structuring Basic Health Units and that sustaining this investment in PC is relevant for maintaining the structure and for qualifying work processes. The development of evaluative studies on this theme can play an important role in the planning of actions.