Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Research Articles

Análise exploratória da associação entre estatura, obesidade e insegurança alimentar em adultos no Inquérito Nacional de Alimentação 2017-2018

ABSTRACT Objective Evaluate short stature as a possible explanation for obesity, and identify if consumption of energy, protein, carbohydrate, and lipids were associated to higher risk for obesity in Brazilian adults (20-59 y) living in household food insecurity. Methods Cross-sectional study from 2017/2018 Household Budget Survey (N=28,112). Food insecurity was measured with the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale. Short stature was used as an indicator of malnutrition at the beginning of life, which characterizes metabolic alterations resulting from the presence of food insecurity (cuts off women ≤149cm; men ≤160cm). Body mass index (kg/m2) was estimated from self-reported weight and body height. The average food intake was estimated from a 24-hr recall. The weighted means and standard error of the food security/insecurity categories were assessed according to height, mean energy intake and protein(g), carbohydrate(g) and lipids(g) intake, stratified by gender and nutritional status. Results Both men and women with obesity and food insecurity had significantly lower average height in comparison with those in food security status (p-value <0.01). The prevalence of obesity 1 (BMI 30-34.9kg/m2) increased significantly with the food insecurity among women. There was a trend towards short stature among obese women from families with food insecurity, as well as lower intake of energy. Among both men and women, the lowest intakes of protein and the highest intake of carbohydrates were observed in the underweight group (BMI <18.5kg/m2). Conclusion In women, the risk of obesity may depend on the metabolic background, since who presents food insecurity and develop obesity have low stature and lower energy intake.

Time living with food insecurity and socio-demographic factors: longitudinal analysis in a city in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil.

Food insecurity (FI) is the lack of daily access for everyone to quality food in sufficient quantity. In many populations, it presents as a chronic and persistent condition. This study analysed the association between the length of time living with FI and socio-demographic conditions in households in a semi-arid municipality in the Brazilian Northeast between 2011 and 2019. This is a population-based cohort study among families in the municipality in Northeast Brazil (2011, 2014 and 2019). FI was estimated through the Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA, Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale), and the longitudinal category of time of living with FI was adopted to classify them according to the time they remained in FI during the cohort. The association with the socio-demographic profiles of the population was verified through multinomial logistic regression. Households in semi-arid, Northeast of Brazil. Household respondents interviewed in 2011, 2014 and 2019 (n 274). Sixty-seven percentage (67 %) of families lived in FI in this period. Rural residence, low monthly per capita income and low schooling of the household reference person increased the chances of these families living longer in FI. These overlapping conditions increased the odds of FI in the household. Coping with FI requires intersectoral intervention that improves the socio-demographic conditions of the population.

Gender, skin color, and household composition explain inequities in household food insecurity in Brazil.

It is well known that female-headed households (FHHs) are more likely to experience food insecurity (FI) than male-headed households (MHHs), however there is a dearth of evidence on how gender intersects with other social determinants of FI. Thus, this paper investigated changes in the prevalence of household FI in Brazil from 2004 to 2018 by the intersection of gender, race/skin color and marital status of the household reference person. Data from three cross-sectional nationally representative surveys that assessed the status of FI using the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale were analyzed (N2004 = 107,731; N2013 = 115,108, N2018 = 57,204). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between profiles of gender, race/skin color, marital status of the head of the household with household FI stratified by the presence of children <5 years of age. Over time, FHHs had a higher prevalence of mild and moderate/severe FI than did households headed by men. Food security prevalence increased from 2004 to 2013 and decreased between 2013 and 2018 for households headed by men and women. In 2018, households headed by black/brown single mothers with children < 5 years of age were at the highest FI risk. The probability of reporting moderate/severe FI in these households were 4.17 times higher (95% CI [2.96-5.90]) than for households headed by married white men. The presence of children in the household was associated with a higher probability of moderate/severe FI, especially for households headed by black/brown individuals regardless of the reference person's gender. The results suggest that gender inequities combined with darker skin color and the presence of children at home potentiate the risk of moderate/severe FI. Policy makers need to consider the principles of intersectionality when investing in codesigning, implementing, evaluating, and scaling up evidence-based programs to reduce FI.

Food insecurity and social inequalities in households headed by older people in Brazil: a secondary cross-sectional analysis of a national survey

BackgroundThe presence of food insecurity in households headed by older people is related to social inequalities. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with moderate/severe food insecurity in households headed by older people.MethodsA cross-sectional study based on a nationally representative sample of older adults aged ≥ 60 years was conducted using data from the 2017/2018 Family Budget Survey. In the study, moderate/severe food insecurity was the dependent variable, with food insecurity assessed with the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale. Prevalence and odds ratio estimates were generated with 99% confidence intervals. Data analysis was performed using STATA software.FindingsA total of 16,314 households headed by older people were identified. Approximately 10.1% of these households were in the moderate/severe range for food insecurity. The majority are female (11.9%)and self-declared indigenous people (25.5%), with a lack of schooling (18.3%) and a per capita income of up to half of one minimum wage (29.6%). The analysis model found that color/race, region, schooling, per capita household income, and social benefits received in the household were statistically significant factors (p value < 0.01).ConclusionModerate/severe food insecurity in households headed by older people is associated with the pronounced social inequalities present in Brazil, and these findings intensify the need for additional study of the challenges faced by this age group.

Modeling Optimal Cutoffs for the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale in a Nationwide Representative Sample

Modeling Optimal Cutoffs for the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale in a Nationwide Representative Sample

National Trends and Disparities in Severe Food Insecurity in Brazil between 2004 and 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (EBIA) is the main tool for assessing household food insecurity (FI) in Brazil and facilitates the monitoring and improvement of national public policies to promote food security. Since 2004, the Brazilian government has conducted National Household Sample Surveys, and in 2018, the government carried out the last national evaluation of FI.ObjectivesTo describe trends in severe FI in Brazil from 2004 to 2018.MethodsData from 3 cross-sectional Brazilian National Household Sample Surveys (sample sizes: 2004 = 112,530; 2009 = 120,910; 2013 = 116,196) and from the last Household Budget Survey (sample size = 57,920) that assessed the status of FI using the EBIA were analyzed. Changes in severe FI during 2 periods (2004–2013; 2013–2018) were estimated while considering sociodemographic factors.ResultsThe period between 2004 and 2013 was marked by a significant decrease in severe FI (–53.6%), but this trend reversed in 2013–2018 (+43.8%). The greatest decrease in severe FI occurred in the Northeast (–57.6%) among households where the reference person was a man (–57.6%) and self-identified as white (–58.1%) (2004–2013). In 2013–2018, households with children aged ≤4 y (+6.3%) and members aged ≥65 y (+12.5%) experienced the lowest increases in severe FI.ConclusionsAfter a significant reduction from 2004 to 2013, severe FI increased sharply from 2013 to 2018, likely due to disruptions in public policies aimed at reducing hunger and unemployment rates.

Psychometric properties of a modified version of Brazilian household food insecurity measurement scale - Pró-Saúde study.

We present results of initial steps of the psychometric evaluation of a proposed modified version of the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale aimed at assessing adults' recall of food insecurity at age 12. Data were obtained through self-administered questionnaires from civil servants at university campuses in Rio de Janeiro, who participated in the first and fourth waves of the longitudinal Pró-Saúde Study. We evaluated test-retest reliability (n=58), internal consistency, factor structure, convergent, discriminant validity (n=3,253). Test-retest reliability kappa coefficients were above 0.65; Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.84. Factor loadings were above 0.800. The composite reliability was above 0.90. The square root values of the Average Variance Extracted were positive and statistically significant. Household food insecurity during childhood was strongly associated with larger family size and several sociodemographic conditions at age 12: female head of household, residence in rural area or small town, worse standard of living, and insufficient food due to lack of money. This initial evaluation suggests good performance. Further investigation should include additional psychometric properties and other population contexts.

Social inequalities and household food insecurity in quilombola communities in Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and food insecurity in quilombola communities in Brazil. Methods Microdata from the 2011 Quilombola Census “Assessment of the food and nutritional security situation in titled quilombola communities” were evaluated. The Brazilian household food insecurity measurement scale was used to evaluate household food insecurity status. Multinomial regression models were used to test the association between sociodemographic characteristics and food insecurity. Results The prevalence of food insecurity was 86.1% (mild: 30.2%; moderate/severe: 55.9%). In the final adjusted model, the factors significantly associated with moderate/severe food insecurity (p-value&lt;0.001) were: head of household being single or divorced, head of household with 1-7 years of schooling, a larger domicile size, households with children under 5 years of age, precarious sanitation, a household income of less than the minimum wage, and being from a quilombola communities in the North of the country. Conclusion The results indicated that the prevalence of food insecurity among quilombola households is high, requiring the implementation of public policies to promote food and nutritional security and to mitigate the historical social injustices suffered by this population.

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 (&lt;12 years). In households without children/adolescents, the higher sugar consumption was associated with food insecurity and the household head’s education (&lt;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.

Governmental programmes associated with food insecurity among communities of descendants of enslaved blacks in Brazil.

To assess the access to government programmes and their association with food insecurity (FI) in families from quilombolas communities in Brazil. An analysis of secondary data from the 2011 Quilombolas Census was performed in Brazilian territories. The Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar, EBIA) was used to assess the household FI status. The relationships of governmental programmes with the levels of FI were estimated using logistic regression models. Greater national survey census of food and nutritional security of the recognised Quilombolas Brazilian territories. Totally, 8743 quilombolas families. The prevalence of household FI was 86·1 % (moderate/severe FI: 55·9 %, 95 % CI 54·8, 56·9). After adjustment for socio-demographic variables, access to rural development programmes (Food Acquisition Program: OR: 0·6, 95 % CI 0·4, 0·8, P-value < 0·01) and health programmes (Center for Family Health Support: OR: 0·5, 95 % CI 0·5, 0·7, P-value < 0·001) is inversely and significantly associated with moderate/severe FI. The Brazilian conditional cash transfer programme (Bolsa Família) was associated with quilombolas families with moderate/severe levels of FI (OR: 3·3, 95 % CI 2·8, 4·0, P-value < 0·001). The prevalence of FI was high among quilombolas families. Despite reduced participation in governmental programmes, rural development, agriculture and conditional cash transfer programmes are fundamental to the autonomy of quilombolas communities. In spite of the low participation, when families are able to access these programmes, the study revealed the importance of these initiatives in reducing the likelihood of severe levels of FI.

Multisectoral government programs and household food insecurity: evidence from a longitudinal study in the semiarid area of northeast, Brazil

Food insecurity (FI) is a major social and public health problem worldwide. Hence, it is crucial to understand the effects of different government programs on overcoming FI. The present population-based longitudinal cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between government programs and household FI among families in a municipality in a semiarid area in Northeast, Brazil. We collected data on 358 families (2011) at baseline and 326 at follow-up (2014). FI was measured with the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (EBIA). The access to 27 governmental programs was assessed. The association of 15 programs with FI was estimated using logistic regression models and corresponding marginal effects and predicted probabilities. About 24.5% of families who were food insecure in 2011 became food secure in 2014 and 37.4% of families remained food secure across time. More than 90% of families accessed at least one program at baseline, and during follow-up there was an increase in the number of programs received per family. Programs in the areas of health protection, food and water assistance, poverty reduction, and rural developmentwere associated with remaining food secure over time and overcoming FI between baseline and follow-up. In conclusion, access to diverse health, food and social government programs was related to reduced risk of FI. This evidence strongly supports the need to for multisectoral approaches to address the social determinants of health to confront FI.

Association between iron deficiency anaemia and complementary feeding in children under 2 years assisted by a Conditional Cash Transfer programme.

To evaluate the association between Fe deficiency anaemia (IDA) and complementary feeding in children under 2 years old assisted by the Conditional Cash Transfer programme, Bolsa Família (BFP). Cross-sectional study. Data were obtained through a standardised form, questionnaire to assess the eating habits of children under 2 years of age, capillary Hb (HemoCue®) and the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale. Associations were calculated using hierarchical Poisson regression, adjusted at the last level by socio-economic, demographic and environmental variables from previous hierarchical levels. Six municipalities from the State of Alagoas, Brazil. Children aged 6-24 months assisted by BFP. A total of 1604 children were evaluated, among whom 58·1 % had anaemia. A higher number of food groups consumed (prevalence ratio (PR) = 0·97; 95 % CI 0·95, 0·99; P = 0·009), the consumption of dairy (PR = 0·86; 95 % CI 0·79, 0·84; P = 0·001) and meat (PR = 0·90; 95 % CI 0·83, 0·99; P = 0·030) in addition to bottle feeding (PR = 0·88; 95 % CI 0·82, 0·96; P = 0·004) were associated with a lower prevalence of IDA. IDA is still a serious public health problem in children under 2 years old assisted by BFP in Alagoas. We highlight the importance of promoting complementary feeding based on a diversified dietary intake, as well strengthening prophylactic supplementation programmes to increase children's adherence in conjunction with the implementation of food and nutrition education to help reduce the prevalence of this condition.

Relationship between social indicators and food insecurity: a systematic review.

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. 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. 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. 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.

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. 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. Households in Cuité, Paraíba, Brazil. Household respondents interviewed in 2011 (n 358) and 2014 (n 326). 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. 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.

Temporal Changes in the Association Between Food Insecurity and Socioeconomic Status in Two Population-Based Surveys in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Food insecurity (FI) is a global problem, and it is important to understand its several determinants, especially those related to poverty and social inequalities. This study aims to analyse the changes in the association of FI with socioeconomic conditions in a municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This is a study of two waves of data developed with representative samples conducted through probabilistic sampling by clusters of 1085 (2005) and 1121 (2010) families. FI was estimated by the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale to evaluate the association between FI and social indicators by using Poisson regression. Univariate models were tested and adjusted to obtain prevalence ratios (PR) and respective confidence intervals (95% CIs). The results showed a reduced FI (− 11.6%) and the improvement of some social indicators. After adjustment, a greater number of people per household ([2005: PR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.10;1.50], [2010: PR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.09;1.71]), lower socioeconomic classification ([2005: PR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.01;5.30], [2010: PR = 3.98, 95% CI 1.55;10.23]) and participation in the Brazilian cash transfer programme ([2005: PR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.13;1.65], [2010: PR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.20;1.88]) remained significantly associated with FI in both years. The absence of treated water in the household for consumption was associated in 2010 (PR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.24; 1.83). Adult education, although significant in the bivariate analysis, did not remain associated with FI after adjustment. The social conditions remained strongly associated with FI in the population studied, which highlights the importance of social policies to minimize the consequences of FI in populations exposed to poverty.

Suitability of the eight-item version of the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale to identify risk groups: evidence from a nationwide representative sample.

The Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (EBIA) has eight general/adult items applied in all households and six additional items exclusively asked in households with children and/or adolescents (HHCA). Continuing an investigation programme on the adequacy of model-based cut-off points for EBIA, the present study aims to: (i) explore the capacity of properly stratifying HHCA according to food insecurity (FI) severity level by applying only the eight 'generic' items; and (ii) compare it against the fourteen-item scale. Latent class factor analysis (LCFA) models were applied to the answers to the eight general/adult items to identify latent groups corresponding to FI levels and optimal group-separating cut-off points. Analyses involved a thorough classification agreement evaluation and were performed at the national level and by macro-regions. Data derived from the cross-sectional Brazilian National Household Sample Survey of 2013. A nationally representative sample of 116 543 households. In all households and investigated domains, LCFA detected four distinct household food (in)security groups (food security and three levels of severity of FI) and the same set of cut-off points (1/2, 4/5 and 6/7). Misclassification in the aggregate data was 0·66 % in adult-only households and 1·06 % in HHCA. Comparison of the scale reduced to eight items with the 'original' fourteen-item scale demonstrated consistency in the classification. In HHCA, the agreement between both classifications was 96·2 %. Results indicate the eight 'generic' items in HHCA can be reliably used when it is not possible to apply the fourteen-item scale.

Socioeconomic, demographic, and obstetric inequalities in food insecurity in pregnant women

Abstract Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of Food Insecurity (FI) in pregnant women and to identify its association with demographic, socioeconomic, obstetric, and anthropometric variables in female users of Family Health Units (FHUs) in the city of Colombo, state of Paraná, South Region of Brazil. Methods: a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of pregnant women from 17 FHUs in Colombo. We used the short version of the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (EBIA). In addition, we used Poisson Regression Models with robust, crude, and adjusted variance to investigate the association between FI and exposure variables. Results: 316 pregnant women participated in the study. The prevalence of FI was 45.1% (CI95% = 39.6-50.6). Adjusted analysis showed higher prevalence of FI in pregnant women with 30 years of age or older (PR = 1.66; IC95% = 1.02-2.69), with black skin or indigenous background (PR= 1.39; CI95%= 1.08-1.79), with 7 years of education or less (PR = 1.58; CI95% = 1.14-2.19), and with lower income (PR = 2.07; CI95% = 1.36-3.14). Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of FI among pregnant women, particularly among those of older age and with worse socioeconomic conditions, a group that should be considered a priority for actions aimed at promoting food security.

Relation of Food Insecurity and Hemoglobin Level in Preschool Aged Children.

Background The iron deficiency anemia is a worldwide public problem, especially in developing countries, related to increased body needs and inadequate supply of iron from the diet. Objective To analyze the association of food insecurity with hemoglobin concentration and the prevalence of anemia in preschool aged children in the city of Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 306 children of preschool age. The nutritional status was assessed according to hemoglobin level and anthropometric indicators. Socioeconomic data and Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (EBIA) results were obtained from interview with parents. Results The prevalence of anemia was around 19% of preschool aged children and 41.2% families presented food insecurity. The anthropometric indicators were not associated with food insecurity and even though the bivariate analysis demonstrated that mild food insecurity affects the hemoglobin level, after adjusting the multivariate model this association lost significance (p > 0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of anemia of 19.2% and the household food insecurity was found among 42.2% of the population.

Modeling Optimal Cutoffs for the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale in a Nationwide Representative Sample.

Background: This is the second part of a model-based approach to examine the suitability of the current cutoffs applied to the raw score of the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale [Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA)]. The approach allows identification of homogeneous groups who correspond to severity levels of food insecurity (FI) and, by extension, discriminant cutoffs able to accurately distinguish these groups.Objective: This study aims to examine whether the model-based approach for identifying optimal cutoffs first implemented in a local sample is replicated in a countrywide representative sample.Methods: Data were derived from the Brazilian National Household Sample Survey of 2013 (n = 116,543 households). Latent class factor analysis (LCFA) models from 2 to 5 classes were applied to the scale's items to identify the number of underlying FI latent classes. Next, identification of optimal cutoffs on the overall raw score was ascertained from these identified classes. Analyses were conducted in the aggregate data and by macroregions. Finally, model-based classifications (latent classes and groupings identified thereafter) were contrasted to the traditionally used classification.Results: LCFA identified 4 homogeneous groups with a very high degree of class separation (entropy = 0.934-0.975). The following cutoffs were identified in the aggregate data: between 1 and 2 (1/2), 5 and 6 (5/6), and 10 and 11 (10/11) in households with children and/or adolescents <18 y of age (score range: 0-14), and 1/2, between 4 and 5 (4/5), and between 6 and 7 (6/7) in adult-only households (range: 0-8). With minor variations, the same cutoffs were also identified in the macroregions. Although our findings confirm, in general, the classification currently used, the limit of 1/2 (compared with 0/1) for separating the milder from the baseline category emerged consistently in all analyses.Conclusions: Nationwide findings corroborate previous local evidence that households with an overall score of 1 are more akin to those scoring negative on all items. These results may contribute to guide experts' and policymakers' decisions on the most appropriate EBIA cutoffs.

A Model-Based Approach to Identify Classes and Respective Cutoffs of the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale

Background: The Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (EBIA) is the main tool for assessing household food insecurity (FI) in Brazil, assisting in monitoring and improving national public policies to promote food security. Based on the sum of item scores, households have been classified into 4 levels of FI, with the use of cutoffs arising from expert discussions informed by psychometric analyses and policy considerations.Objectives: This study aimed to identify homogeneous latent groups corresponding to levels of FI, examine whether such subgroups could be defined from discriminant cutoffs applied to the overall EBIA raw score, and compare these cutoffs against those currently used.Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study with a representative sample of 1105 households from a low-income metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro was conducted. Latent class factor analysis (LCFA) models were applied to the answers to EBIA’s items to identify homogeneous groups, obtaining the number of latent classes for FI measured by the scale. Based on this and a thorough classification agreement evaluation, optimal cutoffs for discriminating between different severity levels of FI were ascertained. Model-based grouping and the official EBIA classification cutoffs were also contrasted.Results: LCFA identified 4 homogeneous groups with a very high degree of class separation (entropy = 0.906), endorsing the classification of EBIA as a 4-level measure of FI. Two sets of cutoffs were identified to separate such groups according to household type: 1/2, 5/6, and 10/11 in households with children and adolescents (score range: 0–14); and 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6 in adult-only households (score range: 0–7).Conclusion: Although roughly classifying EBIA as in previous studies, the current approach suggests that, in terms of raw score, households endorsing only one item of the scale would be better classified by being placed in the same stratum as those remaining negative on all items.