Social inequalities in the food consumption profile of the Brazilian population: National Health Survey, 2013.

Lhais De Paula Barbosa Medina,Celia Landmann Szwarcwald,Margareth Guimarães Lima,Marilisa Berti De Azevedo Barros,Neuciani Ferreira Da Silva Sousa,Tássia Fraga Bastos

doi:10.1590/1980-549720190011.supl.2

Abstract

High income concentration prevails in Brazil and socioeconomic status influences living and health conditions, including dietary quality. To measure the magnitude of social inequalities in the food quality profile of the Brazilian population. We analyzed data from 60,202 adults who participated in the 2013 National Health Survey. The prevalence of indicators of food quality was estimated according to gender, ethnicity, income, schooling, and health insurance. We calculated prevalence ratios using multiple Poisson regression. Healthy food consumption was more prevalent among females, white people, and individuals with higher socioeconomic status. However, we also found a higher prevalence of some foods considered unhealthy, such as sweets, sandwiches, snacks, and pizzas, among the most favored social segments, in women, and white people, expressing the concomitance of healthy and unhealthy eating habits. The comparison between the consumption of skim and low-fat milk according to income (prevalence ratio - PR = 4.48) presented the most significant difference. In addition to the expressive social inequality identified in the Brazilian food profile, mixed patterns were detected, including healthy and unhealthy foods. These results point out the need for monitoring and promoting healthy eating habits, taking into account the social inequalities and contradictions concerning food intake.

Highlights

High income concentration prevails in Brazil and socioeconomic status influences living and health conditions, including dietary quality
We also found a higher prevalence of some foods considered unhealthy, such as sweets, sandwiches, snacks, and pizzas, among the most favored social segments, in women, and white people, expressing the concomitance of healthy and unhealthy eating habits
As recomendações atuais preveem redução gradativa do consumo de carne vermelha, e o Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira orienta que apenas um terço das refeições inclua esse item, sendo considerada alternativa saudável a substituição por peixes, frango e ovos[6]

Summary

Introduction

High income concentration prevails in Brazil and socioeconomic status influences living and health conditions, including dietary quality. As análises segundo o sexo (Tabela 1) revelam que as mulheres apresentaram melhor perfil alimentar em comparação aos homens, por consumirem mais verduras e legumes crus e cozidos, frutas, suco natural, leite semidesnatado e desnatado, carne vermelha sem gordura aparente e frango sem pele.

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Conclusion