Influence of food environment on ultra-processed drinks consumption among an economically vulnerable population in a metropolitan area in Brazil: A multilevel analysis.

Abstract

Ultra-processed drinks (UPDs) consumption is increasing, and this intake has been associated with the risk of illness and death. Data on individuals (n=430) and food stores (n=231) were collected in an economically vulnerable area in Recife-Brazil, and multilevel regression models were applied to assess the association between UPDs consumption with food environment characteristics. The results show 29.5% of individuals consume UPDs, higher UPD consumption was significantly associated with age (OR: 0.96), lower educational levels (OR:2.06), high density of stores predominantly selling UPFs (OR:2.34) and lower availability of FV in stores (OR:0.49). The applied methodology can inform food environment interventions to reduce UPDs consumption.