The nutrition school: a social marketing tool in the Rafael Caldera community, Valera municipality, Trujillo – Venezuela

Abstract

Nutritional education plays a crucial role in promoting healthy, sufficient, and balanced eating habits. Many efforts have been made that have not yielded positive results. In fact, social marketing offers a combination of the best elements for traditional approaches to social change, integrated planning, and a framework for action, based on advances in communication technology and its own inherent skills. With this purpose, a study was conducted based on qualitative research, specifically action research, in the Rafael Caldera community of Valera, Trujillo state. A purposive sample was taken (34 food handlers and 6 focus group representatives). The community was characterized using socio-indicators and participatory focus group diagnosis. During a diagnostic clinical visit, two mixed-methods surveys validated by specialists were administered: one for medical history and another for safe food handling (knowledge, skills, and practices), in addition to clinical and nutritional assessments, blood pressure, pulse, and capillary blood glucose levels. The hygiene practices of the studied groups were evaluated through participant observation and technological records, followed by corrective workshops. Basic bioethical principles (informed consent) were considered in all activities. Results were triangulated to propose "The Nutrition School" as a social marketing plan, culminating in a gastronomic festival. This festival not only showcased the knowledge acquired but also featured prepared products and a theatrical performance, demonstrating effective networking for the implementation and acceptance of the proposal.