Perceptions of primary health care professionals from Brazil about the food and nutrition monitoring system

The main factors related to the lack of coverage in Health Information Systems are concentrated in the scarce and incipient training of health professionals regarding the collection and typing of data, as well as the importance of using information. The aim of this study was to analyze the perceptions of primary health care professionals from Brazil about the functioning of the Food and Nutritional Monitoring System (SISVAN). Multicentric qualitative study, carried out with 38 health professionals in Basic Health Units (BHU) in five regions around the country. Data collection took place through interviews, which were submitted to content analysis, using the thematic modality. The treatment of the results and interpretation of the themes were carried out using the theoretical framework of the philosopher Michel Foucault. Four themes emerged: (Lack of) knowledge of SISVAN; SISVAN and the conditional income transfer program; Difficulties in the execution and use of SISVAN information; and Strengths. Some of the interviewees recognized the purpose of SISVAN’s functioning. The collection of anthropometric data was related to the conditions of the Bolsa Família Program. Ignorance of the system and/or limited perception emerged as obstacles in the operability, use and quality of the data. The participants recognize that professional training is necessary to optimize the strengths of the system.