Einstein (São Paulo) (Sep 2021)

Ultra-processed foods consumption among children and associated socioeconomic and demographic factors

  • Eveline Costa Cainelli,
  • Brunna Verna Castro Gondinho,
  • Danielle da Costa Palacio,
  • Daniele Boina de Oliveira,
  • Roberta Andrade Reis,
  • Karine Laura Cortellazzi,
  • Luciane Miranda Guerra,
  • Denise de Fátima Barros Cavalcante,
  • Antonio Carlos Pereira,
  • Jaqueline Vilela Bulgareli

DOI
https://doi.org/10.31744/einstein_journal/2021ao5554
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19

Abstract

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ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the consumption of ultra-processed foods among children, and to investigate associations with socioeconomic and demographic factors. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study with 599 children aged 6 months to 2 years, and listed as users of Family Health Units, in a medium-size city. Mothers were approached at home by researchers and community health workers from the Family Health Units, for data collection. Two questionnaires were used: the socioeconomic and demographic questionnaire, and the form Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional of Ministério da Saúde do Brasil , for children aged 6 months to 2 years. Ultra-processed food consumption and socioeconomic and demographic factors were defined as dependent and independent variables, respectively. Multiple regression analysis with a significance level of 5% was used to test associations between ultra-processed food consumption and socioeconomic and demographic variables. Results Ultra-processed food consumption was associated with child age between 1 and 2 years (OR=3.89; 95%CI: 2.32-6.50 and OR=3.33; 95%CI: 2.00-5.56, respectively), number of people living in the same household (OR=1.94; 95%CI: 1.23-3.05), and recipients of government benefits (OR=1.88; 95%CI: 1.15-3.04). Conclusion Ultra-processed food consumption among children undergoing complementary feeding may be influenced by socioeconomic and demographic factors.

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