Implementation and impact of the culinary medicine discipline in the fourth year of the medical course at the University of São Paulo, USP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Culinary medicine has become an expanding area in the world and in Brazil in the last 5 years. The first steps as an elective and optional subject were taken in 2018, in 2023 it will be consolidated as a mandatory subject. Objective: Reporting this achievement is of fundamental importance for understanding and consolidating Culinary Medicine in our country. Method: The course was developed within the previous optional experience of the University of São Paulo and the social determinants of health in our country that impose on us the need to develop content that encompasses our pillars of: sustainability with waste minimization, full use of food , nutritional density and good eating habits for our planetary health. 20 hours of classes and fourth-year students were made available for implementation. Theoretical-practical environment with active methodologies were employed. Students assessed in three periods: zero, 3 months and 6 months. Quali and quantitative analyzes were carried out. Result: All 57 students regularly enrolled in the fourth year participated in the courses. They received educational material on healthy eating, social determinants, and full use of the foods included in the Metabolism course. They were assessed regarding their curricular knowledge with open medical exams of 85%. They had 90% attendance in all activities. Of the questionnaire participants, the first evaluation after 3 months of the responses sent aimed to evaluate the personal and professional practical application. More than 50% answered with a score of 10 the importance for their professional practice and with an average of 64% changes in their own habits, mainly in the type of food consumed and the habit of cooking at home. Conclusion: The results show that the implementation of the culinary medicine course had a positive impact, was identified as important by the students, served in the capacity to guide patients, assist in clinical practices and also became a powerful vehicle for self-care, contributing to the health of the students involved.