Terapia nutricional enteral domiciliar com crianças e adolescentes: custos envolvidos e características clínicas e nutricionais

Abstract

Objective: to characterize the clinical nutritional status of children and adolescents assisted by the program and the costs involved in dispensing therapy supplies. Method: this is a retrospective and analytical longitudinal study, carried out with data collection from the medical records of 53 children and adolescents, covered by the Nutrition Therapy program in the Federal District. Descriptive and statistical analysis was performed considering 5% statistical significance and 95% confidence interval. Costs were analyzed according to established retail values and by bidding. Result: the Program proved to be a health action with positive results, by guaranteeing access to adequate nutrition with consequent mainte‑nance or recovery of the nutritional status, it also showed a high use of specialized formulas, which have a high cost, not being the family’s responsibility and caregivers the costs of nutritional therapy, as the State was financially responsible. Conclusion: the Federal District has a peculiar, consolidated program, with positive results, which can help reduce possible expenses with hospital admissions and contribute to adequate nutritional status.