(In)Segurança alimentar e perfil de consumo alimentar e antropométrico de escolares e seus fatores associados em dois municípios do semiárido de minas gerais

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the situation of food (in)security, food consumption profile and anthropometric profile of schoolars and its associated factors in two municipalities in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais to contribute to local policies for food and nutritional Security. Methodology: This is an observational epidemiologic population based study, Cross-sectional type, with scholars by the age of six to 14 years-old 549 in Francisco Badaró and 585 in Novo Cruzeiro. The stratified sample considered the urban and rural strata and area of the Family Health Strategy. An adapted pre-coded semi-structured questionnaire was applied. The measurement instruments were: Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, BFIS, Semi-quantitative Food Frequency questionnaire (SFFQ); Estimated Average Requirements (EAR); WHO recommendations; direct food weighting and weight and height measurements. The anthropometric data found were compared with growth charts for WHO reference population. Statistical analysis was based on logistic regression model. Results: Food insecurity was more pronounced in rural areas in both municipalities, except for a serious condition at Novo Cruzeiro which was higher in urban areas (19.2%). Prevalence rates in rural areas were 55.5 and 49.6% mild, moderate 19.5 and 24.6% and severe 4.5 and 14.8% in Francisco Badaró and Novo Cruzeiro, respectively. Some parameters were associated with food (in)security in Francisco Badaró: skin color, social class, number of household members and Family Assistance Program; in Novo Cruzeiro: number of household and social class. There was low energy, fruits and vegetables intake, and high intake of sugar and candies with a strong variation according to the strata analyzed. The relative share of macronutrients was adequate according to the WHO recommendation, but stratified analysis revealed inadequacies and inequities for all these nutrients and insufficient intake of vitamins A and C and iron. In Francisco Badaró, some parameters were associated with stunting: living with more than six people and be in the lower social classes, with a stunting prevalence of 4.6% and 10.7% of overweight/obesity in girls and 8,3% in boys. Socioeconomic, demographic, environmental, ethnic, access to social programs and age were associated with overweight/obesity. In Novo Cruzeiro, were associated with stunting: living up to three people, white skin color and diarrhea, with a prevalence of 8.1%; overweight/obesity with 10.2% in girls and 3.7% in boys (p = 0.007). Higher social status and increased severity of food insecurity was positively associated with overweight/obesity. Conclusion: In these municipalities, the growth deficit is a relevant condition between the schoolars, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity is lower than in other regions. However, to reverse the food insecurity and poor dietary and nutritional conditions, these two municipalities are required: the adoption of social and economic policies that guarantee the Human Right to Adequate Food and equity investments in actions that promote practices and healthy eating habits with constant epidemiological and nutritional surveillance to improve the quality of life of these populations.