OBJECTIVE: This work consisted of a research carried out in the Primary Health Network of the municipalities located in the metropolitan region of Campinas and the objective was to describe and evaluate actions developed by nutritionists. METHODS: The research method used was the quantitative and qualitative method twelve interviews were done with nutritionists from the Primary Health Network of 8 municipalities located in the metropolitan region of Campinas. The instrument used was a semi-structured questionnaire with open and closed questions. Following the individual interviews, the focal group technique was applied to 5 nutritionists from different municipalities. RESULTS: The professionals have varied work contracts. The following functions performed by the professionals stand out: individual prescriptions and dietary guidance, speeches for groups, campaigns, participation in supplementation programs, sanitary surveillance and home visits. CONCLUSION: We conclude that less than half of the municipalities have a nutritionist available at the Primary Health Network: the number of nutritionists is insufficient, the nutritionists tend to accumulate functions in different sectors and there is a prevalence of assistance activities in detriment of health promotion activities.
nutrition; nutritionist; health promotion; public health; food security
