Public consultation in the construction of the District Food and Nutrition Policy

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to analyze the content of the District Food and Nutrition Policy’s public consultation, present the participants’ profiles, and report the systematization of the analysis performed. This is a documentary, exploratory, cross-sectional study with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The initial sample consisted of 115 inputs, with 59 exclusions and 56 retained for the content analysis described by Bardin and multivariate analysis by frequency (p<0.05) in the IRaMuTeQ software. The guiding axes defined for the content analysis were Food and Nutritional Insecurity, Equity, School Environment, Importance of Primary Care, Responsibility for Policy Assurance, and Food and Nutrients. The overall profile of the participants was heterogeneous concerning the activity segment, with the highest representation being education and research institutions (38%). The inputs highlighted the concern of civil society in assuring food and nutrition security for the population of the Federal District. We observed that the diverse inputs associated with systematic analysis could support the elaboration of public policies more consistent with reality and strengthen its implementation, making it more tangible. Thus, society’s participation in political decisions must be encouraged and expanded, as it is essential for democratization and equity.

KEYWORDS
Qualitative analysis; Public consultation; Nutrition and food policy; Public health policies