[Trends and factors associated with food insecurity in Brazil: the National Household Sample Survey, 2004, 2009, and 2013]

Household food insecurity before and during COVID-19 pandemic and its association with perceived stress: population-based studies

The growing prevalence of food insecurity observed in the last years, has been favored by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to mental health issues, such as stress. We aim to analyze the prevalence of household food insecurity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with perceived stress. We analyzed data from two population-based studies conducted in 2019 and 2020-2021 in the municipality of Criciúma, State of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil. Food insecurity and perceived stress were assessed with the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale. The covariables were sex, age, skin color, schooling level, income, job status, marital status, household crowding, overweight, and diet quality. Crude and adjusted associations between food insecurity and perceived stress were assessed using Poisson regression. A total of 1,683 adult individuals were assessed. Prevalence of food insecurity was 25.8% in 2019, decreasing to 21.6% in 2020. Prevalence of perceived stress was about 38% for both years. Before the pandemic, food insecurity increased the prevalence of perceived stress by 29% (PR = 1.29; 95%CI: 1.02; 1.63), but no association was found during COVID-19. We found a worrying prevalence of food insecurity before and after de pandemic, nonetheless food insecurity and perceived stress were associated only in 2019. An assessment of these aspects after COVID-19 is needed to ensure basic life rights for all.

Regional and social inequalities in food insecurity in Brazil, 2013-2018

This study aims to analyze the association between social indicators and the worsening of food insecurity in 2013 and 2018 in different regions of Brazil. Data from the Brazilian National Household Sample Survey (2013) and Brazilian Household Budgets Survey (2018) were analyzed, considering nationally representative samples of 110,750 and 57,920 households, respectively. Food insecurity was assessed using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale by estimating the percentage changes in food insecurity levels between 2013 and 2018, according to sociodemographic variables. The association between social indicators and food insecurity disaggregated by region was estimated using multinomial logistic regression models. Although North and Northeast regions had higher proportions of food insecurity, the Southeast and Central-West regions had the highest increase in food insecurity in the same periods. Income was the indicator with the highest association with food insecurity both in 2013 and 2018. We also observed the association between the presence of three or more residents aged under 18 in a household and a higher risk of food insecurity in North and South regions. Food insecurity increased unevenly among regions during the Brazilian economic crisis, which reinforced regional inequality. Moreover, food insecurity was greater among households with worse social and economic living conditions, contributing to social inequality in the country. Thus, strengthening public policies to promote food security and nutrition according to regional social inequities is necessary.

Brazilian National Food and Nutritional Security System: what are the similarities in the decentralization process?

This study aimed to analyze the multiple characteristics of the decentralization of the Brazilian National Food and Nutritional Security System (SISAN) in a period before the institutional dismantling. Data from the 26 Brazilian states were collected in two public information systems, referring to the years 2017/2018. An exploratory and descriptive study was performed using a hierarchical cluster analysis, based on an analysis model with multiple characteristics of the system decentralization. The results indicated the formation of three clusters, showing the similarity among states with greater intersectoral and participatory character, better relationship with municipalities, and allocation of resources. On the other hand, states with less intersectoral and participatory character, linked to the low allocation of resources, execution of food security actions, and municipal support were clustered. These clusters composed mainly of North and Northeastern states, with a lower Gross Domestic Product, average Human Development Index, and a higher occurrence of food insecurity, expressed characteristics that may be related to greater obstacles in the system decentralization process. This information can help in the decision-making about the SISAN in a more equitable manner, supporting the actors involved in its maintenance and defense, at a time when the country presents an austere political and economic situation, marked by the progressive worsening of food insecurity.

Social network of malnourished children and its association with family’s food and nutritional security

Abstract Objectives: evaluate the relationship between family’s food and nutrition insecurity (FNI) and the social network of malnourished children. Methods: cross-sectional study with 92 children, included in the economic class D-E. For the analysis of the children’s social network, the mothers answered four simple questions. To investigate the FNI, the Brazilian Scale of Food Insecurity was used. The association between variables was analyzed by Poisson regression with robust analysis of variances. Results: 56.5% of the children had a weak social network (<10 individuals), and the prevalence of FNI was 72.8%. An inverse association was observed between children of the daily social network and FNI family (OR=0.94; CI95%=0.89-0.99], p=0.03). The number of individuals in the children’s daily social network was negatively associated with the likelihood of FNI. The mother’s educational level was also related to FNI (OR=2.20 [CI95%=1.11-4.34]; p=0.02), being the child up to 2.2 times more likely to be in FNI when the mother has less than four years of study. Conclusion: these results suggest that social network is associated with the FNI of malnourished children. Interventions designed to strengthen instrumental and other forms of support among small social networks can improve the health/nutrition of malnourished children with FNI.

[Validity of an instrument for screening households at risk of food insecurity in different strata of the Brazilian population]

The absence of risk screening tools for food insecurity compromises the ability to assess, monitor, and provide immediate assistance to those in hunger, especially during emergencies such as the COVID-19 crisis. Hence, this study sought to test the validity of an instrument for Screening Households at Risk of Food Insecurity (TRIA) in different strata of the Brazilian population TRIA uses questions 2 and 4 of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), originally validated using data from the Brazilian National Survey of Demography and Health of Children and Women (PNDS 2006). In this study, using data from the Brazilian National Household Sample Survey (PNAD 2013), its reproducibility was tested by repeating the original combinatorial procedures, examining whether the parameters of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive values (PPV) and negative values (NPV) would result in the same arrangement of questions. Moreover, convergent validity was analyzed by comparing the strength of association between food insecurity and dietary variables using two binomial regression models (TRIA x EBIA). Results indicated that the combination of questions 2 and 4 performed best among the population strata studied, and presented optimal convergent validity. PPV and NPV adjusted for food insecurity prevalence in states ranged from 42.8% (Santa Catarina) to 87.6% (Amazonas) and 95.8% (Amazonas) to 99.5% (Santa Catarina), respectively. In conclusion, besides being reproducible, TRIA presented excellent validity parameters, especially among vulnerable groups. It can thus be used in care practice and as an instrument of food and nutritional surveillance in Brazil.

Hunger and its associated factors in the western Brazilian Amazon: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Hunger affects millions of people worldwide. In the current pandemic scenario of coronavirus Brazil has experienced an epidemic peak of hunger, amplifying existing prepandemic vulnerabilities, mainly in the North Region of the country. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of food insecurity and its associated factors in homes with children under 5 years of age in an urban area of a municipality of the western Brazilian Amazon.

METHODS

A household survey was conducted with a probabilistic sample of 557 children and their families. Food insecurity (FI) was determined using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Associations between variables were analyzed based on the prevalence ratio (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated through multiple Poisson regression analysis. Variables with a P value < 0.05 after adjustments were considered significantly associated with the outcome.

RESULTS

A prevalence of 76.5% (CI 1.36-2.67) food insecurity was found among the families in the study; 42.9% had moderate (CI 1.31-2.83) and severe (CI 1.10-1.83) food insecurity. Moderate and severe FI was associated with low family income (P = 0.00), participation in governmental income transfer programs (P = 0.01), and heads of household with less than 7 years of schooling (P = 0.02). Moreover, substantial frequencies of height deficit and being overweight were found among the children.

CONCLUSIONS

The high prevalence of hunger and food insecurity and its associated factors reflects the context of geographic isolation and social exclusion in which these families live, suggesting that a substantial portion of the population under 5 years of age had experienced episodes of hunger in the 90 days prior to the survey. The prevalence of height deficit and being overweight among the children reveals a scenario of epidemiological/nutritional polarization, requiring the formulation of specific public policies for this population.

Chronic diseases and emotional disorders are associated with low perception of quality of life in food insecurity/security

Understanding individual perception of Quality of Life (QoL) can help combat social and health inequalities. We aimed to identify factors associated with Low Perceived Quality of Life (LPQoL) in 295 adults and older adults with food security and food insecurity, in the city of Natal, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2019, with collection of data on socioeconomic demographic status, lifestyle information, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and risk factors, emotional disorders, food (in) security and quality of life. To assess food insecurity, the Brazilian Scale of Food Insecurity—EBIA was used, and the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. Poisson's Regression was used to verify associations between variables and LPQoL, stratifying the sample into food secure (FS) and food insecure (FI) groups. In the FI group, being overweight, older adult, having no partner, drinking alcoholic beverages twice a week or more, and not having daily availability of water were associated with LPQoL, and in the FS group, having diabetes, monthly family income in the 1st and 2nd tertiles, and never having studied was associated with LPQoL. Reporting emotional disorders and sleeping &lt; 7 h/day were associated with LPQoL in both FI and FS groups. LPQoL was associated with the occurrence of NCDs and risk factors, and emotional disorders, regardless of the food security measure. However, the lack of adequate access to water highlights the social vulnerability of the FI group.

A methodological proposal for assessing food insecurity from a multidimensional perspective

The aim of this study was to develop a methodological proposal for the assessment of food and nutritional insecurity (FNiS) in adults and older adults (Vigi-FNiS). The proposal was developed using data from the BRAZUCA Natal survey, a cross-sectional study with 411 people living in Natal in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The association between sociodemographic, health and nutrition variables and food insecurity (FI) was tested using Poisson multiple regression. Overall prevalence of FI was 42.1% (37.4%-46.9%) and was higher in women (47.5%), adults (48.2%) and black people (52.7%). The following variables were included in the Vigi-FNiS: people aged <18 years living in the household (A) (AdjPR=1.3; 1.1-1.6); family income (B) in quintiles (Q1: AdjPR=5, 4; 2.5-11.7; Q2: AdjPR=4.8; 2.2-10.5; Q3: AdjPR=3.8; 1.8-8.5; Q4 AdjPR=2.2; 1.0-5.1); inadequate treatment of drinking water (C) (AdjPR=1.3; 1.1-1.5); presence of chronic non-communicable diseases (D) (AdjPR=1.3; 1.1-1.7); not eating fruit for breakfast (E) (AdjPR=1.7; 1.3-2.5);eating meals on the couch or in bed (F) (AdjPR=1.3; 1.1-1.6); and skipping either lunch or dinner or dinner (G) (AdjPR=1.4; 1.2-1.7). A cutoff point for FNiS of 2.3 was adopted (Kappa=0.47; sensitivity=0.82; specificity=0.67; PPV=0.64; NPV=0.83).

Food insecurity in households in Pernambuco, Northeast region of Brazil: contributions to the discussion on the violation of the right to adequate food

Abstract This study aimed to investigate factors associated with food insecurity in households in the state of Pernambuco, in the Northeast region of Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in 1,008 private households. The investigation used the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) and analyzed associations with socioeconomic and demographic variables, as well as practices related to eating. Prevalence ratio and adjustment were calculated using Poisson regression, and associations where p ≤ 0.05 were statistically significant. Food insecurity prevalence was 68.4%. Variables associated with insecurity were: education of the head of the family; per capita income; participation in the Bolsa Família Program; number of residents; occupation of the household; social class; practices and opinions about family eating habits. The greatest insecurity risk was found in those with the worst economic conditions, in beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família Program and in those who considered the lack of ultra-processed products to improve the family’s diet. Food insecurity was linked to conditions of social vulnerability and to those who did not perceive that they had a good diet. Most of the subjects reported using resources of the Bolsa Família program to purchase food, which reinforces the importance of this strategy in promoting access to food.

A cor e o sexo da fome: análise da insegurança alimentar sob o olhar da interseccionalidade

Este trabalho objetiva analisar a (in)segurança alimentar domiciliar sob o olhar da interseccionalidade. Para isso, foram analisados 14.713 domicílios, utilizando-se um questionário estruturado e a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar, além dos dados do estudo transversal Qualidade do Ambiente Urbano de Salvador - QUALISalvador, realizado entre 2018 e 2020 em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. A variável desfecho foi a situação de segurança alimentar (insegurança alimentar leve, moderada ou grave) e a variável exposição de interesse foi o cruzamento de raça/cor e sexo autodeclarado (homem branco, mulher branca, homem negro, mulher negra). Modelos de regressão logística multinominal foram usados para estimar a associação entre a exposição de interesse e o desfecho, ajustada a partir de questões socioeconômicas estratificadas segundo escolaridade e renda familiar per capita. Diante disso, concluiu-se que domicílios chefiados por mulheres negras apresentaram maior chance de insegurança alimentar leve (OR = 1,39; IC95%: 1,15-1,68; p = 0,001) e moderada ou grave (OR = 1,94; IC95%: 1,49-2,52; p < 0,001) em relação aos domicílios chefiados por homens brancos, além de maior chance de insegurança alimentar moderada ou grave em todos os níveis de escolaridade e nas faixas de até 1/2 salário mínimo e > 1 salário mínimo. Quando os responsáveis foram homens negros, a maior chance se apresentou na faixa > 1 salário mínimo. A insegurança alimentar nos domicílios chefiados por mulheres negras, mesmo em condições socioeconomicamente favoráveis, revela-se como uma das consequências da interação estrutural do racismo e do sexismo.

A methodological proposal for assessing food insecurity from a multidimensional perspective

Abstract The aim of this study was to develop a methodological proposal for the assessment of food and nutritional insecurity (FNiS) in adults and older adults (Vigi-FNiS). The proposal was developed using data from the BRAZUCA Natal survey, a cross-sectional study with 411 people living in Natal in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The association between sociodemographic, health and nutrition variables and food insecurity (FI) was tested using Poisson multiple regression. Overall prevalence of FI was 42.1% (37.4%-46.9%) and was higher in women (47.5%), adults (48.2%) and black people (52.7%). The following variables were included in the Vigi-FNiS: people aged <18 years living in the household (A) (AdjPR=1.3; 1.1-1.6); family income (B) in quintiles (Q1: AdjPR=5, 4; 2.5-11.7; Q2: AdjPR=4.8; 2.2-10.5; Q3: AdjPR=3.8; 1.8-8.5; Q4 AdjPR=2.2; 1.0-5.1); inadequate treatment of drinking water (C) (AdjPR=1.3; 1.1-1.5); presence of chronic non-communicable diseases (D) (AdjPR=1.3; 1.1-1.7); not eating fruit for breakfast (E) (AdjPR=1.7; 1.3-2.5);eating meals on the couch or in bed (F) (AdjPR=1.3; 1.1-1.6); and skipping either lunch or dinner or dinner (G) (AdjPR=1.4; 1.2-1.7). A cutoff point for FNiS of 2.3 was adopted (Kappa=0.47; sensitivity=0.82; specificity=0.67; PPV=0.64; NPV=0.83).

Fatores demográficos e socioambientais associados à insegurança alimentar domiciliar nos diferentes territórios da cidade de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil

O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar a prevalência da insegurança alimentar domiciliar em diferentes territórios da cidade de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil, e analisar fatores demográficos e socioambientais a ela associados. Os dados utilizados são de uma pesquisa maior denominada Qualidade do Ambiente Urbano de Salvador - QUALISalvador, realizada entre 2018 e 2020 em Salvador. A insegurança alimentar foi avaliada por meio da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. Foram analisados 15.171 domicílios. Modelos de regressão logística multinominal foram utilizados para analisar a associação de variáveis demográficas e socioambientais com insegurança alimentar leve (IAL) e moderada ou grave (IAMG), para Salvador e macrozonas. Salvador apresentou 40,96% de insegurança alimentar. Nas macrozonas, as prevalências se diferenciaram: Orla Atlântica (25,8%), Área Urbana Consolidada (33%), Subúrbio (45,7%) e Miolo (47,9%). Todos os fatores analisados apresentaram associação com IAL e/ou IAMG no modelo para Salvador, entre eles estão o responsável pelo domicílio ter escolaridade ≤ 4 anos (IAL: OR = 2,00; IC95%: 1.61-2,47/IAMG: OR = 4,94; IC95%: 3,83-6,35), renda familiar per capita de até 1/2 salário mínimo (IAL: OR = 2,62; IC95%: 2,37-2,93/IAMG: OR = 4,03; IC95%: 3,53-4,60), percepção sobre a qualidade do ambiente urbano como ruim (IAL: OR = 1,57; IC95%: 1,36-1,81/IAMG: OR = 2,03; IC95%: 1,73-2,38), com maior prevalência de insegurança alimentar em cenários de pior situação sociodemográfica. Na macrozona Miolo todos os fatores também se mantiveram associados à insegurança alimentar. Assim, os fatores de vulnerabilidade social estão associados à insegurança alimentar na capital e macrozonas, mas apresentam-se de formas especificas segundo características de cada território.

Situação de insegurança alimentar em domicílios de Pernambuco, Região Nordeste do Brasil: contribuições para discussão da violação do direito à alimentação

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os fatores associados à insegurança alimentar em domicílios do Estado de Pernambuco, localizado na região Nordeste do Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado em 1.008 domicílios particulares. Para a investigação, utilizou-se a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA) e foram analisadas associações com variáveis socioeconômicas, demográficas e práticas relacionadas à alimentação. Calculou-se razão de prevalência e ajuste por meio da regressão de Poisson, sendo estatisticamente significantes aquelas associações cujo p≤0,05. Encontrou-se prevalência de 68,4% de insegurança alimentar. Apresentaram associação com insegurança: escolaridade do chefe da família; renda per capita; participação no programa Bolsa Família; número de moradores; regime de ocupação do domicílio; classe social; práticas; e opiniões acerca da alimentação da família. O maior risco de insegurança foi encontrado naqueles com pior condição econômica, em beneficiários do Bolsa Família e naqueles que indicavam a falta de produtos ultraprocessados para melhorar a alimentação da família. Observou-se insegurança alimentar atrelada às condições de vulnerabilidade social e àqueles que não consideravam ter uma boa alimentação. Grande parte dos sujeitos referiram utilizar os recursos do Bolsa Família para aquisição de alimentos, o que reforça a importância dessa estratégia na promoção do acesso à alimentação.

Use Database to Evaluate the Prevalence of Hunger Among Adolescents in Brazil

Food insecurity and malnutrition have become serious problems in many countries. In recent years, Brazil has experienced an increase in the prevalence of food insecurity and hunger. However, there is limited information on the status of these issues, and food security assessments are only performed as household measures. Therefore, the use of available databases is essential to expand information and support decision-making in the fight against food insecurity. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between reports of hunger among adolescents and their sociodemographic characteristics. We used data from the 2015 National School Health Survey. The main variable of interest was obtained from responses to the following question: “Over the past 30 days, how often have you gone hungry because you did not have enough food at home?”. The responses were separately gathered from those who reported going hungry and those who did not. Socioeconomic characteristics were evaluated simultaneously. For statistical analysis, a Pearson chi-square test and multiple analyses were performed using Poisson regression models. A total of 101,888 adolescents were evaluated. The variable used to measure hunger was associated with maternal education, internet access, and fruit intake. The results showed a positive association between adolescents who reported going hungry and women, black and indigenous adolescent students living in households with more than five people, adolescents not living with their father, and adolescents planning to work or not knowing what they will do after completing the ninth grade. The results demonstrate that it is possible to use secondary data with a single question to assess, monitor, and provide insights into how food security impacts the sociodemographic groups differently.

[Trends and inequalities in food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic: results of four serial epidemiological surveys]

The objective was to analyze trends and inequalities in the prevalence of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic according to sociodemographic factors and social distancing measures. We analyzed data from four serial epidemiological surveys on COVID-19 in May and June 2020, with adults and elderly living in Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Food insecurity was assessed with the short version of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), with the recall period adapted to the beginning of the social distancing period in the city. Sociodemographic characteristics and the adoption of social distancing measures were analyzed, and their associations with food insecurity were assessed with chi-square test. The temporal trend in food insecurity according to these characteristics was assessed via linear regression. Inequalities in food insecurity were assessed with the angular inequality index and concentration index. Of the 1,550 individuals studied, 29.4% (95%CI: 25.0; 34.4) presented food insecurity. Analysis of inequality showed higher concentration of food insecurity among the younger and less educated and those living with five or more residents in the same household. Over the course of the four surveys, prevalence of food insecurity decreased most sharply among the younger, those living in households with up to two residents, and those with two or more workers. There was a strong association between food insecurity and sociodemographic factors, which may indicate the pandemic´s potential economic impact on households' food situation.

Food Insecurity among Low-Income Food Handlers: A Nationwide Study in Brazilian Community Restaurants

This study aims to evaluate food insecurity (FI) among Brazilian Community restaurant food handlers and its associated factors. This cross-sectional study was performed with a representative sample of 471 food handlers working in community restaurants (CR) from all Brazilian regions. Participants are mostly female (62.2%), ≤40 years old (67.7%), with a partner (52.0%), and with up to eight years of education (54.1%). Predictors of participants' socioeconomic status and CR geographic location are associated with the household food insecurity categories (p < 0.05). The predictors of socioeconomic conditions are associated with mild and moderate/severe FI category. Workers with less education are twice as likely to belong to the category with the highest FI severity. Lower per capita household income increased the chances of belonging to the mild insecurity category by 86%. It more than doubled the chance to be in the category of moderate/severe insecurity. Predictors of health status, lifestyle, and work are not associated with any multinomial outcome categories. However, working in the South, Southeast, or Midwest regions of Brazilian decreased the chances of belonging to one of the FI categories, with significance only for the mild category. Variables that show an association for this population are per capita household income for the different levels of FI and the CR region for mild FI. A high prevalence of FI in this population points to the need for more studies with low-income workers to prevent FI and its health consequences.

Individual and contextual predictors of children's hemoglobin levels from Southern Brazilian municipalities in social vulnerability

Few studies have investigated the simultaneous effect of individual and contextual factors on the occurrences of anemia. This study aims to evaluate the variability of children's hemoglobin levels from municipalities in social vulnerability and its association with factors of individual and municipal nature. This is a cross-sectional, multi-center study, with children data (12-59 months) collected from 48 municipalities of the Southern region of Brazil, that were included in the Brazil Without Poverty Plan. Individuals' data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and secondary and ecological data of children's municipalities were collected via national surveys and institutional websites. The outcome was defined as the hemoglobin level obtained by HemoCue. A multilevel analysis was performed using Generalized Linear Models for Location Scale and Shape using R, with a 5% significance level. A total of 1,501 children were evaluated. The mean hemoglobin level was 12.8g/dL (95%CI: 12.7-12.8), with significant variability between municipalities. Lower values of hemoglobin were observed in children who lived in municipalities with a higher urbanization rate and a lower number of Community Health Agents, in relation to the reference categories. At the individual level, lower hemoglobin values were identified for children under 24 months, not enrolled at daycares, who were beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer program and diagnosed with underweight. The results shed light on important factors at the municipal and the individual levels that were associated to the hemoglobin levels of children living in municipalities in social vulnerability.

Food insecurity, food expenses and consumption of sugar and soft drinks in households with and without children and/or adolescents

ABSTRACT Objectives To estimate the frequency of food insecurity in households with and without children/adolescents; compare food expenses, sugar and soft drinks consumption in these households; and to analyze the relationship between food insecurity and demographic/socioeconomic variables with food expenses, and sugar and soft drinks consumption in households with and without children/adolescents. Methods Cross-sectional study with 628 households in Campinas, SP, Brazil. Food insecurity was estimated by the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale. The dependent variables were the proportion of food expenses, and consumption of sugar and soft drinks; and the independent ones included food security/insecurity condition, monthly family income, gender, age and education of the household head. Results The frequency of food insecurity was higher in households with children/adolescents than in households without minors (41.4% vs. 27.9%). The proportion of food expenses was higher in households with children/adolescents and in all households it was associated with lower family income and, in households with minors, to the presence of a female householder. Soft drinks consumption was higher in households with children/adolescents; and was related to higher income in all households, and to the presence of male householder in households with minors. Sugar consumption in households with children/adolescents was associated with higher income, male gender and education level of the household head (<12 years). In households without children/adolescents, the higher sugar consumption was associated with food insecurity and the household head’s education (<8 years). Conclusion In households with children/adolescents there was a greater frequency of food insecurity and a greater commitment of income with food. Food insecurity was associated with increased sugar consumption in households without children/adolescents.

Food Security and coexistence with the semiarid zone in areas affected by drought in the backlands of Pernambuco

ABSTRACT Objective Between 2010 and 2017, it was registered one of the most intense droughts in the Brazilian Northeastern Semiarid region, when the rainfall was below the historical level for the region. This context was related to water scarcity for human consumption and productive activities in this territory, where the semiarid backlands of the state of Pernambuco are located. The objective of this study was to assess the condition of food security and its associated factors in areas affected by drought in the semiarid zone of Pernambuco, Brazil. Methods It was a cross-sectional study on a populational base. Data were collected by socioeconomic and demographic surveys, and the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, which were applied to 252 households, from September to October 2015. The data was analyzed by socioeconomic and demographic characterization of the households, and the identification of the food insecurity prevalence and its associated factors, by Poisson regression. Results The prevalence of food insecurity was high (74.6%). Among those, 9,1% were on starvation, which means severe insecurity. Food insecurity was statistically associated to sanitation, per capita income, and the number of household residents. Lack of money was the main self-reported cause to food insecurity. Conclusion The high prevalence of food insecurity being associated to indicators of great social vulnerability shows the role of social and economic inequities on the inadequate access to food amongst families in the semiarid zone on a nearly generalized low-income context. These findings corroborate to the evident need of expanding and reinforcing public policies, as well sustainable development models to prioritize and promote social inclusion of communities at greater vulnerabilities in the Brazilian semiarid area. Thus, the need of these economic and social public strategies is highlighted by the worsening of historical vulnerable conditions due to the cycles of droughts on this region.

Maternal mental health modifies the association of food insecurity and early child development

We examined the association between household food insecurity and early child development and whether or not maternal depression and anxiety modifies this association. The cross-sectional study included 468 mother-infant pairs recruited at primary health centers of the Federal District, Brazil. Mothers answered a questionnaire that evaluated early child development (outcome), household food insecurity (independent variable), maternal depression and trait anxiety (effect modifiers). Variables were collected with validated questionnaires for the Brazilian population. Pearson's χ2 test and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Infants who lived in a moderate or severe food insecure household had 2.52 times (95% confidence interval [CI] [1.13, 5.65]) the odds of having early child development delays compared with infants in secure households. Maternal depression and anxiety modified the strength of association between household food insecurity and early child development, which is an innovative finding. Among infants with depressed mothers, those experiencing mild (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.33, 95% CI [1.17, 9.46]) and moderate/severe household food insecurity (aOR 10.13, 95% CI [2.18, 47.10]) had higher odds of having early child development delays, compared with infants in food secure households. Among infants with both anxious and depressed mothers, these associations were even stronger for mild (aOR 4.69, 95% CI [1.41, 15.59]) and moderate/severe household food insecurity (aOR 16.07, 95% CI [2.70, 95.66]). In conclusion, household food insecurity is a risk factor for early child development delays, and this association is modified by maternal depression and anxiety. Future studies should evaluate the impact of intervention packages that address maternal depression and anxiety and household food insecurity on preventing early child development delays.

[Regime of scarcity: food in the female penitentiary system]

The female prison population is on the increase in the world. This population is being exposed to precarious conditions of confinement that often prevent or hinder access to food of effective and equitable quality, thereby representing a considerable problem within the scope of public health. This paper aims to understand the aspects of food in the female penitentiary system of the state of Paraíba. It involved research with a qualitative approach, developed in all the female prisons in the state of Paraíba. The participants of this research are 16 women in the prison context. These results show that the context of incarceration makes it impossible to guarantee the right to food, concerning food availability, adequacy, accessibility and stability of supply. The condition of incarcerated women affects the dimension of the right of access to adequate food. Food for human beings must be understood as a process of using nature to produce healthy and civilized people. For this, it is essential that practices that promote the right to healthy food should consider the principles that relate to it and, thus, overcome discriminatory and authoritarian practices.

Insegurança alimentar e nutricional de famílias usuárias da Estratégia Saúde da Família em dois municípios paraibanos, Brasil

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar fatores associados à insegurança alimentar e nutricional de famílias com crianças menores de 5 anos de idade residentes em áreas de abrangência da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Estudo transversal que envolveu 406 famílias de dois municípios da Região Metropolitana de João Pessoa, Paraíba. Para a avaliação da segurança alimentar e nutricional das famílias foi utilizada a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. Os determinantes da insegurança alimentar moderada/grave foram analisados por meio de Árvore de Decisão. A insegurança alimentar e nutricional atingiu 71,4% das famílias. A insegurança alimentar moderada/grave (32%) associou-se, primeiramente, ao benefício do Programa Bolsa Família, além de à família constituída por crianças menores de 2 anos, ao menor nível socioeconômico e à disfunção familiar. Os resultados mostram prevalências elevadas de insegurança alimentar e nutricional, cujos graus mais graves sugerem a importância de intervenções direcionadas a melhorias do Programa Bolsa Família, nas condições dos domicílios com crianças menores de 2 anos, na situação socioeconômica das famílias e na funcionalidade familiar.

Relationship between social indicators and food insecurity: a systematic review

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The relationships between the social indicators (SIs) that determine food insecurity (FI) have not been described yet. This systematic review aims to identify which SIs are associated with FI in Brazilian households and how these relationships are explained. Methods: The research protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO - CRD42018106527). Three independent researchers performed the search in the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) and National Library of Medicine (PubMed) databases (June/2018). The study included articles that used the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar - EBIA) to assess FI and that evaluated the association between SIs and FI. Results: We included 18 articles in this review. The Kappa concordance index between the researchers was 0.72 (95%CI 0.42 - 1.00). Most articles were cross-sectional and used multivariate regression for the statistical analysis. At least one income-related SI had a significant association with FI, and, in most studies, they presented the highest values of association measures. We organized the authors’ explanation about the relationships between SIs and FI in a conceptual model. The study identified three possible justifications for the association between SIs and FI: direct relationship, relationship mediated by income, or relationship mediated by another SI and income. Conclusion: Income assumed a central role in the mediation between several SIs and FI. However, the analysis methods of the studies did not allow us to investigate this mediation. Therefore, improving data analysis to isolate and understand the effect of SIs on FI is still necessary.

Effects of family income and conditional cash transfers on household food insecurity: evidence from a longitudinal study in Northeast Brazil

Objective:

Food insecurity (FI) is a challenge to policy makers worldwide, who need to understand which polices and programmes are effective at overcoming FI. The present study aimed to examine the impact of family income and conditional cash transfers on changes in household FI status in a highly vulnerable municipality in Northeast Brazil.

Design:

A population-based longitudinal cohort study among families in a municipality in the semi-arid area in Northeast Brazil (2011 and 2014). FI was estimated with the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (EBIA). The effects of family income and cash transfer on changes in FI were estimated using logistic regression models and the population-attributable risk fraction.

Setting:

Households in Cuité, Paraíba, Brazil.

Participants:

Household respondents interviewed in 2011 (n 358) and 2014 (n 326).

Results:

There was a reduction in FI prevalence of 17·5 % across time; 24·5 % of families who were food insecure in 2011 became food secure in 2014. After adjustment, families that did not experience an increase in their total household income or a reduction in the cash transfer amount were at increased risk of persistent FI across time. If the cash transfer programme had not been in place, about 10 % of the families that switched from food insecure to food secure across time would have remained in FI instead.

Conclusions:

The decrease of FI occurred in an area of extreme climatic and social vulnerability. These changes were more related to the cash transfer than the increase in family income over time.

[A convergence of "adequate" and "healthy": an analysis of the notion of adequate and healthy diet in public policies in Brazil]

Since the turn of this century, quality of diet is no longer described only as "healthy", but also as "adequate", in the scope of Brazilian public policies for food and nutrition and for food and nutrition security. These notions have been developed and defended socially and historically and have undergone expansions and redefinitions over time. The study proposed to analyze how the expression "adequate and healthy diet" was established in Brazil. We performed a document analysis, aimed at elucidating the conceptual development of the two terms in the Brazilian context. Institutional documents were analyzed, such as original texts from the fields of food and nutrition security and food and nutrition. A transition was observed in the way of conceiving healthy eating in the field of food and nutrition, previously focused on nutrient composition. We are currently experiencing an expanded understanding of the notion of diet, based on the debate to overcome the focus on foods' nutritional composition and including an understanding of a fundamental human right, as well as the understanding of sociocultural and affective issues in eating and issues of environmental sustainability in food production based on food production models oriented by agroecological and food sovereignty principles. The article argues that the combination of the two expressions reflects the effort to incorporate the understandings and debates in the fields of food and nutrition security and food and nutrition as regards the polysemous notion of eating.

Social, environmental and microbiologic aspects of endemic mycoses in Brazil

Many factors that lead to host immunosuppression are clearly known to predispose the host to fungal diseases, significantly influencing the occurrence of mycoses. However, little or nothing has been discussed regarding social or economic factors that can influence the occurrence of diseases caused by fungi. In this minireview, we discuss several factors that may affect the occurrence of mycoses in Brazil, a continentally extended country that is marked by large climatic variations and severe socioeconomic distortions that may limit access to health services for the population.