Lunch quality and sociodemographic conditions between Brazilian regions

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the quality of lunch consumed by adults in Brazil and its sociodemographic determinants in each Brazilian region. A cross-sectional study was carried out and a representative sample of regional populations was used. The sample comprised of 16,096 adults from the Brazilian National Dietary Survey, part of the Brazilian Household Budget Survey (POF). The lunch quality was evaluated by applying the main meal quality index (MMQI), comprised of 10 items of equal weights that resulted in a score that ranged from zero to 100 points. Linear regression models measured the association between lunch quality and sociodemographic factors. The average energy consumption at lunch was 704kcal (SD = 300), and the meal quality score mean was 57 points (SE = 0.30). The North Region had the worst MMQI score (56 points, SE = 0.07), while the Central had the best MMQI adjusted score (59 points, SE = 0.05). The MMQI final score was positively associated with male gender and ages between 20-39 years, and was inversely associated with having eight years or more of education, per capita income of at least three minimum wages, and with the consumption of meals prepared away from home. Despite differences among sociodemographic factors, all Brazilian regions had a lunch composed of foods rich in sugars and fats, with insufficient portions of fruits and vegetables, resulting in a low meal quality.

Keywords

• Almoço
• Comportamento Alimentar
• Refeições
• Indicadores Demográficos