Anthropometric indicators in traditional peoples and communities in Brazil: analysis of individual records from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, 2019

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of underweight and obesity indicators among individuals registered as traditional peoples and communities in the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, across Brazil, in 2019.

METHODS

This was a descriptive study using individual secondary data from participants receiving care in the Primary Health Care within the Brazilian National Health System.

RESULTS

In the study population (N = 13,944), there was a higher prevalence of short stature among male children and adolescents (14.2%), when compared to their female counterparts (11.8%); in the adult female population, there was a higher prevalence of obesity (23.0%), when compared to the male population (11.3%); the prevalence of low height-for-age in riverine communities (18.5%) and obesity in the adult faxinalense population (75.1%) stood out.

CONCLUSION

Anthropometric disparities between different communities require tailored responses, emphasizing targeted primary health care and programs to ensure food and nutrition security.

MAIN RESULTS

It was possible to identify a higher prevalence of low weight and height-for-age in the child population of riverine communities, while faxinalense communities showed a higher prevalence of obesity in adults.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES

Continuous improvement in the implementation of SISVAN protocols is recommended, as well as strengthening the assistance provided to communities with the worst indicators.

PERSPECTIVES

Studies assessing the potential impact of interventions to mitigate the effects of malnutrition in communities, through in-depth qualitative research or probabilistic quantitative studies using primary data.

Factors Associated with Adherence to the Brazilian Food Guide in Food Service Workers

The present study aimed to evaluate factors associated with adherence to the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population (GAPB) among food service workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 421 employees from 43 food service establishments located in a capital of Brazil. Health and lifestyle data were collected, including the continuous use of medication, smoking, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. An instrument based on the GAPB was utilized, covering the domains of planning, household organization, eating habits, and food choices, according to GAPB recommendations. The findings revealed a direct association between the quality of life scores and the total GAPB adherence score (β = 1.17; p < 0.001), as well as the domains of planning (β = 0.53; p < 0.001), household organization (β = 0.22; p = 0.001), and eating habits (β = 0.38; p < 0.001). Adherence to the GAPB among food service workers was strongly linked to their perception of quality of life, in addition to other factors such as gender, age, education, type of work activity, and variables of lifestyle. Therefore, the eating practices of these employees need to be assessed comprehensively, and enhancing their quality of life can encourage proper and healthy eating.

Local Food Environment and Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods: Cross-Sectional Data from the Nutritionists' Health Study-NutriHS

This study aimed to analyze whether community food environments are associated with individual food consumption among nutrition students and newly graduated nutritionists. This cross-sectional study used data from the Nutritionists' Health Study cohort, which included 357 undergraduate nutrition students from the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Exposure to the food environment was defined as the proximity and availability of food outlets within a 500 m buffer from the participants' homes. Food consumption was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire and analyzed according to the NOVA classification. Multi-level linear regression models with fixed effects were used to estimate the presence of food outlets within the buffer and their association with food consumption. The presence of mini-markets in the buffer in the fourth quartile was associated with lower consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) when observing socioeconomic and lifestyle conditions (β = -3.29; 95% CI = -6.39 to -0.19). The presence of bakeries and coffee shops was related to lower consumption of ultra-processed foods among participants when observing socioeconomic conditions (β = -3.10; 95% CI = -6.18 to -0.02). There was no clear evidence of an association between the type of food outlet and UPF consumption. The community food environment seemed to influence food consumption among study participants, although clearer and more consistent evidence on this subject is needed.

Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN) coverage, nutritional status of older adults and its relationship with social inequalities in Brazil, 2008-2019: an ecological time-series study

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the temporal trend of Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional - SISVAN) coverage and the nutritional status of older adults, and its correlation with indicators of social inequality in Brazil between 2008-2019.

METHODS

this was an ecological study using records from SISVAN, related to the population aged 60 years and older; the temporal trend of coverage and the correlation between indicators of social inequality and increment rate of nutritional status were analyzed; slope index of inequality and concentration index were used to measure absolute and relative inequalities.

RESULTS

11,587,933 records were identified; national coverage increased from 0.1% (2008) to 2.9% (2019), with a statistically significant upward trend; a moderate inverse correlation with an annual increment rate of overweight between human development index and gross domestic product per capita, was found.

CONCLUSION

there was an increasing trend in SISVAN coverage; the increase in overweight was associated with social inequality.