einstein (São Paulo). 25/Aug/2021;19:eAO5554.
Ultra-processed foods consumption among children and associated socioeconomic and demographic factors
DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2021AO5554
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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