Escolhas alimentares entre as beneficiárias do programa Bolsa Família

Abstract

Objective: To know the determinants of food choices among the beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família Program in a city in the State of Bahia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, conducted with adult women who were beneficiaries of the Program. Interviews were conducted by the application of dietary intake markers questionnaire, the registration form, and the nutritional monitoring of Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, and the questionnaire exploring the reason for food choices. Results: fourty women participated in the study, all of them were considered to be low income, 90% were black and brown 57.5% aged 20 to 39 years old, and 62.5% had more than four years of education. Higher consumption of beans, fruits and sweetened beverages and low intake of vegetables and ultra-processed foods were observed. The most important food choices reasons were sensory appeal, health and food prices; the least relevant were convenience and mood. Conclusion: A set of determinants is responsible for food choices: some related to food, others are individual-related, and still are related to social, cultural, and ethical factors, among others. Hence, it is fundamental to know the main determinants in order to understand the food consumption of Bolsa Família beneficiaries and the impacts on nutritional status, helping nutritionists, health professionals, and public managers when it comes to adopting strategies that promote Food and Nutrition Security of low income families.

Keywords

• programas e políticas de nutrição e alimentação. preferências alimentares. consumo de alimentos. segurança alimentar e nutricional.