Nutritional labeling as an educational resource in an extension project in Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases (NCDs) across different age groups has negatively impacted global public health. It is known that there is a direct correlation between the level of education and the prev-alence of such diseases, making it essential to develop outreach activities that combine academic and popular knowledge into practical actions with a transfor-mative role for society. The extension project addressed this theme with the goal of promoting awareness and sensitivity about the impact of dietary choices on the development of NCDs, fostering education on habits that help prevent these conditions. Nutritional labeling is a crucial tool in this context, as it provides clear and accessible information that helps the population make healthier food choices. However, it is recognized that the public may face difficulties in understanding nutritional labels due to the technical structure of this tool. To ensure the effectiveness of the pedagogical strategies employed, the specificities of each age group were considered. Puppet theater techniques were used for early childhood education, while playful games were applied in primary education, and par-ticipatory and dialogical approaches were prioritized for adults. These activities focused on encouraging the reinterpretation of potential actions to promote au-tonomy within the scope of public health, fostering a broader sense of well-being. In 2023, the activities reached more than 1.000 children, using playful methods to teach nutritional information found in everyday foods and unraveling simple information to promote health. Subtle changes were observed in children's behavior, as reported spontaneously by their caregivers, as well as the inclusion of nutrition-related topics in various subjects within the school curriculum. The educational material presented combined the practical learning of undergraduates with the strengthening of academic and community knowledge, providing a transformative interaction for all involved.