Food Insecurity and Micronutrient Deficiency in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Food insecurity is a public health problem as it affects a wide array of individuals in the population. It can be characterized by food deprivation, lack of essential nutrition, lack of dietary education, lack of adequate storage conditions, poor absorption, and poor overall nutrition. The relationship between food insecurity and micronutrient deficiency requires more effort to deepen and discuss the relationship. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between food insecurity and micronutrient deficiency in adults. The research was conducted according to PRISMA using the Medline/Pubmed, Lilacs/BVS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cinahl databases. Studies carried out with male and female adults were included, which investigated the correlation or association between food insecurity and the nutritional status of micronutrients. There were no publication year, country, or language restrictions. A total of 1148 articles were found, and 18 of these were included, carried out mainly on the American continent and with women. The most evaluated micronutrients were iron and vitamin A. Food insecurity was associated with nutrient deficiency in 89% (n = 16) of the studies. As a result of the meta-analysis, it was observed that there is a greater chance of anemia and low levels of ferritin among food insecure individuals. It is concluded that food insecurity is associated with micronutrient deficiency. Understanding these problems allows the creation of public policies capable of contributing to changes. Protocol registration: This review was registered on the PROSPERO-International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database-CRD42021257443.

Body Fat Is Superior to Body Mass Index in Predicting Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Excess adiposity is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The purpose of this study is to compare cardiometabolic risk factors in eutrophic adolescents with a high body fat percentage (%BF) with eutrophic adolescents with adequate %BF and those with excess weight and %BF. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 1043 adolescents. This study presented power equal to 99.75%. Body fat and anthropometric, clinical and biochemical indicators were evaluated. Participants were grouped according to body composition classified by body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. Statistical analyses were performed using R software version 4.0.2, adopting a significance level of 5%. The Mann-Whitney test, principal components analysis and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: It was observed that the SG was more similar to GC2 than to GC1 for both sexes, demonstrating that there was a greater similarity between these groups in relation to the evaluated factors. Higher values for TC, SBP and TG were associated with the SG when the CG1 was used as reference, controlled for sex and age. Likewise, higher TC values and lower levels of SBP, TG and LDL were related to SG when the CG2 was used as reference. CONCLUSION: Body fat assessment is more effective in predicting risk factors and cardiometabolic diseases than BMI alone.

Food insecurity and its socioeconomic and health determinants in pregnant women and mothers of children under 2 years of age, during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced access to adequate food in terms of quality and quantity, especially for the most vulnerable population groups. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Food Insecurity and its main socioeconomic and health determinants in pregnant women and mothers of children under 2 years of age, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42021278033). The descriptors "Pregnant Woman", "Postpartum Women", "Breastfeeding Women", "COVID-19", "Food Insecurity", "Food Security" were combined in Scopus (Elsevier), Medline/PubMed (via National Library of Medicine), Embase (Elsevier), Web of Science and Science Direct independently by two researchers in September 2022. Original articles about Food Insecurity in households with pregnant women and mothers of children under 2 years of age during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. The meta-analysis of the prevalence of Food Insecurity was conducted using the RStudio software (4.0.4). Results: The initial search resulted in 539 records, and 10 articles met the proposed criteria and were included in this review. The prevalence of Food Insecurity ranged from 11.5 to 80.3% and in the meta-analysis it was 51% (IC: 30-71) (I 2 = 100.0%). The main socioeconomic and health determinants were ethnicity, domain language, low education, low income, informal employment, unemployment, occurrence of mental disorders, domestic violence, in addition to the unavailability of food in markets and lack of transport. The inclusion of studies with data collection by telephone stands out as a limitation, due to the non-inclusion of vulnerable groups without access to this means of communication. Conclusion: It is necessary to implement and strengthen specific public policies for the maternal and child group with the objective of protecting and strengthening the rights of women to maintain the physical and mental integrity of this group and guarantee Food Security.

Nutritional indicators of food and nutrition security of families: 2008/2009 Household Budget Survey / Indicadores nutricionais da segurança alimentar e nutricional de famílias: Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares 2008/2009

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the food and nutrition insecurity of Brazilian families, according to indicators of food consumption and nutritional status, by location and situation of the households investigated using the 2008/2009 Household Budget Survey. Methods Inadequate consumption of macronutrients and nutritional dystrophies (underweight, short stature or overweight) in at least one family member were used as indicators, according to location and geographical situation of households. The prevalence of food and nutritional insecurity and their confidence intervals were calculated. Results Food consumption was assessed in a total of 13,569 households; a total of 67.55%, 43.96% and 6.85% revealed inadequacy for lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, respectively. Among the 53,640 households assessed by nutritional status, 15.10%, 35.15% and 45.50% had, at least one resident with low weight, short stature or overweight respectively. The Northeastern Region showed statistically higher prevalence than other Brazilian macro-regions for inadequate lipids (24.88%) and carbohydrates (15.32%), as well as for the presence of underweight (6.15%), overweight (14.77%) and short stature (15.17%), in at least one of the residents of the household. Conclusion Assessing the nutritional aspect of food insecurity allows for a better understanding of the dimensions of this situation by considering the effects of access and availability of food, as well as biological use and stability, based on indicators of inadequate food consumption and the presence of nutritional dystrophy. The results found in this study enhance the need to include nutritional indicators in the assessment of food security.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a insegurança alimentar e nutricional de famílias brasileiras segundo indicadores de consumo alimentar e estado nutricional, por localização e situação dos domicílios investigados pela Pesquisa de Orçamento Familiar 2008/2009. Métodos Foram utilizados, como indicadores de insegurança alimentar e nutricional, o consumo inadequado de macronutrientes e distrofias nutricionais (baixo peso, baixa estatura ou excesso de peso) em pelo menos um membro da família, conforme localização e situação geográfica dos domicílios. Calculou-se a prevalência de insegurança alimentar e nutricional e seus intervalos de confiança. Resultados Foram avaliados 13.569 domicílios pelo consumo alimentar, sendo que 67,55%, 43,96% e 6,85% apresentaram inadequação para lipídios, carboidratos e proteínas, respectivamente. Entre os 53.640 domicílios avaliados pelo estado nutricional, 15,10%, 35,15% e 45,50% apresentam, respectivamente, pelo menos um morador com baixo peso, baixa estatura ou excesso de peso. O Nordeste apresentou prevalências estatisticamente maiores do que as demais macrorregiões para as inadequações de lipídios (24,88%) e de carboidratos (15,32%), bem como para presença de baixo peso (6,15%), excesso de peso (14,77%) e baixa estatura (15,17%), em pelo menos um dos moradores do domicílio. Conclusão Avaliar a vertente nutricional da insegurança alimentar permite maior compreensão das dimensões dessa situação por considerar os reflexos do acesso e disponibilidade de alimentos, bem como a utilização biológica e estabilidade, a partir dos indicadores de consumo alimentar inadequado e presença de distrofia nutricional. Os resultados encontrados reforçam a necessidade de incluir indicadores nutricionais na avaliação da segurança alimentar.

Factors Associated with Anemia among Adults and the Elderly Family Farmers.

The majority of studies on anemia are focused on children and women of reproductive age. Although the disease is a widespread public health problem, studies that include the rural population are scarce. This study determined the prevalence of anemia and associated factors in adults and the elderly living in the rural area of a municipality in Minas Gerais. Twelve rural communities were included. During home visits, hemoglobin levels were measured using a hemoglobinometer to check for the presence or absence of anemia. Additionally, anthropometric data and food insecurity data based on the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) were collected. A questionnaire about socioeconomic, demographic, and housing conditions was applied. Analyses were performed using the Stata software version 13.0. Spearman correlation and regression analysis logistics were performed (p < 0.05) on 124 families (n = 297 farmers). The prevalence of anemia was 41.1%, being higher among women (55.7%). Additionally, 40.1% of the farmers were food insecure; 52.7% and 80.5% presented excess weight and cardiovascular risk, respectively. Poverty was a reality for 39.7% of individuals. A positive correlation between hemoglobin levels and per capita income was found as well as a negative correlation with EBIA scores and cardiovascular risk. Multivariate analysis showed that individuals experiencing food insecurity, the elderly, and those who do not own a property, were more likely to be anemic. Farmers with per capita income above 1/2 minimum wage were less likely to have anemia. The prevalence of anemia in the group studied was higher than previous studies. The disease is associated with factors that also predispose to food insecurity. The improvement of the determinants of insecurity can contribute to the fight against anemia.

Breastfeeding versus free distribution of infant formulas by the Public Health System.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the situation of breastfeeding and the adequacy of prescription of infant formulas to infants assisted by a secondary care program of the Public Health System. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with analysis of medical records of 350 infants from zero to 6 months, followed up between February to April 2019. RESULTS: The possibility of breastfeeding was present in 97.0% of mothers and no infant presented an acceptable medical condition for proscription of breastfeeding. Despite this, only 47.2% of cases were on exclusive breastfeeding before being referred to the program. Regarding the reasons for the introduction of infant formulas, complementation to breast milk was the most present (75.8%), followed by mothers returning to the job market (20.1%). The general rates of inadequacy of those prescribed were 65% before arriving at the program, increasing to 69% (standard formulas) and 80% (formulas for special purposes) during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The low rate of exclusive breastfeeding and the indiscriminate prescription of infant formulas are a concern for damage to maternal-child healthcare and sound finances of the Public Health System.

Breastfeeding versus free distribution of infant formulas by the Public Health System / Aleitamento materno versus distribuição gratuita de fórmulas infantis pelo Sistema Único de Saúde

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the situation of breastfeeding and the adequacy of prescription of infant formulas to infants assisted by a secondary care program of the Public Health System. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with analysis of medical records of 350 infants from zero to 6 months, followed up between February to April 2019. Results: The possibility of breastfeeding was present in 97.0% of mothers and no infant presented an acceptable medical condition for proscription of breastfeeding. Despite this, only 47.2% of cases were on exclusive breastfeeding before being referred to the program. Regarding the reasons for the introduction of infant formulas, complementation to breast milk was the most present (75.8%), followed by mothers returning to the job market (20.1%). The general rates of inadequacy of those prescribed were 65% before arriving at the program, increasing to 69% (standard formulas) and 80% (formulas for special purposes) during follow-up. Conclusion: The low rate of exclusive breastfeeding and the indiscriminate prescription of infant formulas are a concern for damage to maternal-child healthcare and sound finances of the Public Health System.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar a situação de aleitamento materno e da adequação de prescrição de fórmulas infantis a lactentes assistidos por um programa de Atenção Secundária do Sistema Único de Saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal pela análise de prontuários de 350 lactentes de zero a 6 meses, acompanhados entre fevereiro a abril de 2019. Resultados: A possibilidade de aleitamento materno esteve presente em 97,0% das mães, e nenhum lactente apresentou condição médica aceitável para a proscrição do aleitamento materno. Apesar disso, apenas 47,2% dos casos estavam em aleitamento materno exclusivo antes do encaminhamento ao programa. Em relação aos motivos da introdução das fórmulas infantis, a complementação ao leite materno foi o mais presente (75,8%), seguido da volta da mãe ao mercado de trabalho (20,1%). As taxas gerais de inadequação dentre os prescritos foram de 65% antes da chegada ao programa, passando para 69% (fórmulas padrão) e 80% (fórmulas para fins especiais) durante o acompanhamento. Conclusão: A baixa taxa de aleitamento materno exclusivo e a prescrição indiscriminada de fórmulas infantis são preocupantes por causar prejuízos à saúde maternoinfantil e financeira do Sistema Único de Saúde.

[Evaluation indicators of Food and Nutritional Insecurity and associated factors: systematic review]. / Indicadores de avaliação da Insegurança Alimentar e Nutricional e fatores associados: revisão sistemática.

The scope of this paper was to systematically investigate the indicators used in the evaluation of food and nutritional insecurity and associated factors in Brazilian studies. After selection in the databases using search terms and reverse search, 89 articles were included. The majority of the articles evaluated food and nutritional insecurity according to the indicator of perception, using the Brazilian Scale of Food Insecurity (83.1%), the American Scale (5.62%) and isolated questions (2.25%). The other articles evaluated the presence of malnutrition among children (1.12%), expenditure on food (1.12%), adult-equivalent dietary intake (1.12%), protocols (2.25%), and prediction models (2.25%). Food and nutritional insecurity (measured by the different indicators) was associated with socioeconomic and demographic factors, health and lifestyle conditions, food consumption and nutritional status, based on families, specific age groups, beneficiaries of government programs, among others, as sample units. The majority of the studies merely evaluated the food dimension of the insecurity, thereby increasing the difficulty in evaluating this complex situation.

Objetivou-se investigar sistematicamente os indicadores utilizados na avaliação da insegurança alimentar e nutricional e os fatores associados, em estudos brasileiros. Após seleção nas bases de dados e busca reversa, utilizando os termos de busca, incluiu-se 89 artigos. A maioria destes avaliou a insegurança segundo indicador de percepção, utilizando Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (83,1%), Escala Americana (5,62%) e perguntas isoladas (2,25%). Os demais avaliaram pela presença de desnutrição em crianças (1,12%), gastos com alimentação (1,12%), consumo alimentar de adulto equivalente (1,12%), protocolos (2,25%) e modelos de predição (2,25%). A insegurança alimentar e nutricional, mensurada pelos distintos indicadores, associou-se a fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos, condições de saúde e estilo de vida, consumo alimentar e estado nutricional, tendo como unidade amostral famílias, grupos etários específicos, beneficiários de programas governamentais, entre outros. A maioria dos estudos avaliou apenas a dimensão alimentar da insegurança, reforçando a dificuldade de avaliação desta complexa situação.

Association of the degree of food processing with the consumption of nutrients and blood pressure / Associação do grau de processamento de alimentoscom o consumo de nutrientes e pressão arterial

There are many causes for hypertension, but among the modifiable factors, inadequate lifestyle is related to the higherprevalence of the disease. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association between macro andmicronutrient intake and blood pressure levels with the degree of food processing. Sixty-four adults from the rural areaof Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil were evaluated. Food consumption was assessed by a dietary recall using AVANUTRISoftware, and the foods consumed were classified into three groups: in natura or minimally processed, processed andultra-processed. Blood pressure was measured using an automatic inflation monitor. The data were analyzed in the StataSoftware by means of the Student’s T test. Most of the sample consisted of female adults (64.1%) and the mean systolicand diastolic blood pressure was 122.8 mmHg (±17.1) and 77.7 mmHg (±10.9), respectively. The group of in natura orminimally processed food was responsible for the largest contribution (85.2%) of the average caloric intake (1,793.1 kcal/day), while the consumption of ultra-processed foods was only 7.7%. In addition, there was a higher intake of carbohydrate,lipid, cholesterol, polyunsaturated fat, vitamin E, potassium and sodium among individuals who consumed only in naturaor minimally processed foods. Individuals who did not consume ultra-processed foods had higher intakes of vitamin Eand sodium. It was concluded that there was an association between the degree of food processing and nutrient intake,however, no association was found among blood pressure levels

São muitos os motivos desencadeadores da hipertensão arterial, mas dentre os fatores modificáveis, o estilo de vidainadequado está relacionado com a maior prevalência da doença. Portanto, objetivou-se avaliar a associação entre aingestão de macro e micronutrientes e os níveis de pressão arterial com o grau de processamento de alimentos. Avaliouse64 adultos da área rural de Viçosa, Minas Gerais. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado pelo recordatório habitualno Software AVANUTRI, e os alimentos consumidos foram classificados em três grupos: in natura ou minimamenteprocessados, processados e ultraprocessados. A pressão arterial foi aferida utilizando monitor de suflação automática. Osdados foram analisados no Software Stata por meio do teste t de student. A maioria da amostra foi constituída por adultosdo sexo feminino (64,1%) e a média da pressão arterial sistólica foi de 122,8 mmHg (±17,1) e da diastólica 77,7 mmHg(±10,9). O grupo de alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados foi o responsável pela maior contribuição (85,2%)do aporte calórico médio (1.793,1 kcal/dia), enquanto que o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados foi de apenas7,7%. Ainda, houve maior ingestão de carboidrato, lipídio, colesterol, gordura poli-insaturada, vitamina E, potássio esódio entre os indivíduos que consumiram apenas alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados. Já os indivíduosque não consumiram alimentos ultraprocessados apresentaram maior ingestão de vitamina E, e sódio. Conclui-se quehouve associação entre o grau de processamento de alimentos com a ingestão de nutrientes, entretanto a mesma não foiverificada entre os níveis de pressão arterial

[Food and nutritional insecurity in families in the Brazilian rural environment: a systematic review]. / Insegurança alimentar e nutricional em famílias do meio rural brasileiro: revisão sistemática.

This review sought to analyze food and nutritional insecurity in the Brazilian rural environment, and the measurement instruments used to assess this situation. A systematic review was conducted in the SciELO, PubMed and CAPES databases, using the search terms: 'food security' and 'rural,' Subsequently, a reverse search was performed in the 12 articles selected. The inclusion criteria were: original articles related to food and nutritional (in)security in the Brazilian rural population. Twelve studies were included. Most of them used the Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar - EBIA (Brazilian Scale for Food Insecurity) and socioeconomic questionnaires to assess food insecurity (FI), an association being found between them. Five studies addressed the nutritional aspect by anthropometry but found no association with FI. Food consumption was assessed by four studies and an association was detected. The results show a high prevalence of FI in rural areas in relation to the population analyzed in the Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio - PNAD (National Household Sample Survey) in the years 2009 and 2013, as well as a high prevalence of severe FI. The conclusion reached is that the rural environment is vulnerable, mainly regarding food and nutritional issues and the associated socioeconomic determinants.

Esta revisão objetivou analisar a insegurança alimentar e nutricional no meio rural brasileiro, bem como os instrumentos de mensuração utilizados na avaliação dessa situação. Realizou-se revisão sistemática nas bases de dados SciELO, Pubmed e o portal de periódicos da CAPES, usando os termos de busca: 'segurança alimentar' e 'rural'. Posteriormente foi realizada busca reversa dentro dos artigos selecionados. Os critérios de inclusão foram: artigos originais, relacionados à (in) segurança alimentar e nutricional na população rural brasileira. Foram incluídos 12 estudos. A maioria utilizou a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar-EBIA e questionários socioeconômicos para avaliar a insegurança alimentar (IA), sendo encontrada associação entre eles. Cinco estudos abordaram o aspecto nutricional pela antropometria, porém não encontraram associação com a IA. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado por quatro estudos e foi observada associação. Os resultados mostram alta prevalência de IA no meio rural em relação à população analisada na Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio-PNAD nos anos de 2009 e 2013, assim como alta prevalência de IA grave. Conclui-se que o meio rural se apresenta em vulnerabilidade, principalmente quanto à questão alimentar e nutricional e aos determinantes socioeconômicos atrelados.

Insegurança alimentar e nutricional em famílias do meio rural brasileiro: revisão sistemática / Food and nutritional insecurity in families in the Brazilian rural environment: a systematic review

Resumo Esta revisão objetivou analisar a insegurança alimentar e nutricional no meio rural brasileiro, bem como os instrumentos de mensuração utilizados na avaliação dessa situação. Realizou-se revisão sistemática nas bases de dados SciELO, Pubmed e o portal de periódicos da CAPES, usando os termos de busca: 'segurança alimentar' e 'rural'. Posteriormente foi realizada busca reversa dentro dos artigos selecionados. Os critérios de inclusão foram: artigos originais, relacionados à (in) segurança alimentar e nutricional na população rural brasileira. Foram incluídos 12 estudos. A maioria utilizou a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar-EBIA e questionários socioeconômicos para avaliar a insegurança alimentar (IA), sendo encontrada associação entre eles. Cinco estudos abordaram o aspecto nutricional pela antropometria, porém não encontraram associação com a IA. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado por quatro estudos e foi observada associação. Os resultados mostram alta prevalência de IA no meio rural em relação à população analisada na Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio-PNAD nos anos de 2009 e 2013, assim como alta prevalência de IA grave. Conclui-se que o meio rural se apresenta em vulnerabilidade, principalmente quanto à questão alimentar e nutricional e aos determinantes socioeconômicos atrelados.

Abstract This review sought to analyze food and nutritional insecurity in the Brazilian rural environment, and the measurement instruments used to assess this situation. A systematic review was conducted in the SciELO, PubMed and CAPES databases, using the search terms: 'food security' and 'rural,' Subsequently, a reverse search was performed in the 12 articles selected. The inclusion criteria were: original articles related to food and nutritional (in)security in the Brazilian rural population. Twelve studies were included. Most of them used the Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar - EBIA (Brazilian Scale for Food Insecurity) and socioeconomic questionnaires to assess food insecurity (FI), an association being found between them. Five studies addressed the nutritional aspect by anthropometry but found no association with FI. Food consumption was assessed by four studies and an association was detected. The results show a high prevalence of FI in rural areas in relation to the population analyzed in the Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio - PNAD (National Household Sample Survey) in the years 2009 and 2013, as well as a high prevalence of severe FI. The conclusion reached is that the rural environment is vulnerable, mainly regarding food and nutritional issues and the associated socioeconomic determinants.

Contribution of the production for self-consumption to food availability and food security in households of the rural area of a Brazilian city.

Production for self-consumption can meet the principles of food safety such as respect for food habits and diversity. The participation of production for self-consumption in food availability was compared to the purchase of food for 30 days in 79 households (272 inhabitants) of the rural area of a Brazilian city in 2012. The food security was evaluated by the method "Food energy deficiency in the domicile" that classified 12.7% of the households as insecure. In all households, staple foods (rice, pasta, corn, beans, milk, eggs, meats) were available and more than 60% had processed foods (cookies, soft drinks). Only 22.7% of the calories came from production for own consumption and the biggest expense was the purchase of carbohydrates (91.1%), mainly sugar (12.2%). Evaluating only the energy availability of food is not sufficient since the quality and origin of food is of great relevance in the food security condition.

[Perception scales of validated food insecurity: the experience of the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean]. / Escalas de percepção da insegurança alimentar validadas: a experiência dos países da América Latina e Caribe.

The scope of this systematic review was to compare the food insecurity scales validated and used in the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and analyze the methods used in validation studies. A search was conducted in the Lilacs, SciELO and Medline electronic databases. The publications were pre-selected by titles and abstracts, and subsequently by a full reading. Of the 16,325 studies reviewed, 14 were selected. Twelve validated scales were identified for the following countries: Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Mexico, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Argentina and Guatemala. Besides these, there is the Latin American and Caribbean scale, the scope of which is regional. The scales ranged from the standard reference used, number of questions and diagnosis of insecurity. The methods used by the studies for internal validation were calculation of Cronbach's alpha and the Rasch model; for external validation the authors calculated association and /or correlation with socioeconomic and food consumption variables. The successful experience of Latin America and the Caribbean in the development of national and regional scales can be an example for other countries that do not have this important indicator capable of measuring the phenomenon of food insecurity.

Objetivou-se nesta revisão sistemática comparar as escalas de insegurança alimentar validadas e utilizadas nos países latino-americanos e caribenhos, e analisar os métodos empregados nos estudos de validação. Realizou-se busca nas bases eletrônicas Lilacs, SciELO e Medline. As publicações foram pré-selecionas pelos títulos e resumos, e posteriormente pela leitura integral. Dos 16.325 estudos revisados, selecionou-se 14. Foram identificadas 12 escalas validadas para os seguintes países: Venezuela, Brasil, Colômbia, Bolívia, Equador, Costa Rica, México, Haiti, República Dominicana, Argentina e Guatemala. Além dessas, tem-se a escala latino-americana e caribenha cuja abrangência é regional. As escalas variaram em relação ao padrão de referência utilizado, número de questões e diagnóstico da insegurança. Os métodos empregados pelos estudos para validação interna foi o cálculo do coeficiente alfa de Cronbach e o modelo Rasch; para validação externa os autores calcularam associação e/ou correlação com variáveis socioeconômicas e de consumo alimentar. A exitosa experiência da América Latina e Caribe no desenvolvimento de escalas nacionais e regionais pode ser exemplo para outros países que ainda não possuem esse importante indicador capaz de dimensionar o fenômeno da insegurança alimentar.

Escalas de percepção da insegurança alimentar validadas: a experiência dos países da América Latina e Caribe / Perception scales of validated food insecurity: the experience of the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean

Resumo Objetivou-se nesta revisão sistemática comparar as escalas de insegurança alimentar validadas e utilizadas nos países latino-americanos e caribenhos, e analisar os métodos empregados nos estudos de validação. Realizou-se busca nas bases eletrônicas Lilacs, SciELO e Medline. As publicações foram pré-selecionas pelos títulos e resumos, e posteriormente pela leitura integral. Dos 16.325 estudos revisados, selecionou-se 14. Foram identificadas 12 escalas validadas para os seguintes países: Venezuela, Brasil, Colômbia, Bolívia, Equador, Costa Rica, México, Haiti, República Dominicana, Argentina e Guatemala. Além dessas, tem-se a escala latino-americana e caribenha cuja abrangência é regional. As escalas variaram em relação ao padrão de referência utilizado, número de questões e diagnóstico da insegurança. Os métodos empregados pelos estudos para validação interna foi o cálculo do coeficiente alfa de Cronbach e o modelo Rasch; para validação externa os autores calcularam associação e/ou correlação com variáveis socioeconômicas e de consumo alimentar. A exitosa experiência da América Latina e Caribe no desenvolvimento de escalas nacionais e regionais pode ser exemplo para outros países que ainda não possuem esse importante indicador capaz de dimensionar o fenômeno da insegurança alimentar.

Abstract The scope of this systematic review was to compare the food insecurity scales validated and used in the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and analyze the methods used in validation studies. A search was conducted in the Lilacs, SciELO and Medline electronic databases. The publications were pre-selected by titles and abstracts, and subsequently by a full reading. Of the 16,325 studies reviewed, 14 were selected. Twelve validated scales were identified for the following countries: Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Mexico, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Argentina and Guatemala. Besides these, there is the Latin American and Caribbean scale, the scope of which is regional. The scales ranged from the standard reference used, number of questions and diagnosis of insecurity. The methods used by the studies for internal validation were calculation of Cronbach's alpha and the Rasch model; for external validation the authors calculated association and /or correlation with socioeconomic and food consumption variables. The successful experience of Latin America and the Caribbean in the development of national and regional scales can be an example for other countries that do not have this important indicator capable of measuring the phenomenon of food insecurity.

Comparison of different household food security assessment methods in the rural area of a Brazilian city / Comparação dos diferentes métodos de avaliação da segurança alimentar e nutricional domiciliar na zona rural de uma cidade brasileira / Comparación de los diferentes métodos de evaluación de la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional domiciliar en el área rural de una ciudad brasileña

To evaluate and compare household food security situations in the rural area of a Brazilian city by three different methods: Availability of food energy at home, nutritional status and Perception of food insecurity. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 79 families living in 19 rural communities in a small city in Minas Gerais, Brazil, including a total of 272 residents. Families were selected by drawing lots, respecting the proportionality of families per community. The inclusion criteria included living in rural areas, inhabiting a selected household, and using food products available for consumption, by purchase and production. During family visits, nutritional status was analyzed by anthropometry, the perception of food insecurity by Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) and availability of food energy at household for 30 days. Results: Of the 79 families of family farmers, 12.7% were considered to be unsafe for availability of food energy at household, 24.0% due to the presence of low weight at the household and 49.5% by EBIA. There was a low correlation among the methods, with differences between them (Kendall W 0.162 p <0.001). Food insecurity was associated to the presence of at least one individual aged less than 18 years old in the household. Food security classified according to EBIA was associated with an increase in the number of people living in the household, the production of vegetables and fruits. Conclusions: No single indicator can cover several dimensions of food security. Food Security involves a broad and multifaceted approach; therefore, its thorough evaluation requires different classification methods.

O objetivo do artigo é avaliar e comparar a situação de segurança alimentar domiciliar por três diferentes métodos, em área rural de uma cidade brasileira: disponibilidade de energia alimentar em casa; estado nutricional; e percepção de insegurança alimentar. Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado com 79 famílias residentes em 19 comunidades rurais de um município de Minas Gerais, totalizando 272 moradores. Durante as visitas familiares, o estado nutricional foi analisado por antropometria, a percepção de insegurança alimentar pela Escala de Insegurança Alimentar (Ebia) e a disponibilidade de energia alimentar no domicílio por 30 dias. Os resultados mostraram que, das 79 famílias de agricultores familiares, 12,7% foram consideradas inseguras para a disponibilidade de energia alimentar, 24,0% devido à presença de baixo peso em casa e 49,5% por Ebia. Houve baixa correlação entre os métodos, com diferenças entre eles (Kendall W 0,162 p <0,001). A insegurança alimentar esteve associada à presença de pelo menos um indivíduo com idade inferior a 18 anos no domicílio. A segurança alimentar classificada de acordo com a Ebia foi associada a um aumento no número de pessoas que vivem no domicílio, na produção de vegetais e frutas. Concluiu-se que nenhum indicador isolado pode cobrir várias dimensões da segurança alimentar, a qual envolve uma abordagem ampla e multifacetada; portanto, sua avaliação completa requer diferentes métodos de classificação.

Objetivo: evaluar y comparar la situación de seguridad alimentaria domiciliaria en el área rural de una ciudad brasileña mediante tres métodos diferentes: disponibilidad de energía alimentaria en el domicilio, estado nutricional y percepción de inseguridad alimentaria. Métodos: estudio transversal realizado con 79 familias residentes en 19 comunidades rurales de un municipio de Minas Gerais, que abarca un total de 272 habitantes. Las familias fueron seleccionadas por sorteo y se respetó la proporcionalidad por comunidad. Los criterios de inclusión fueron residir en áreas rurales, vivir en un domicilio seleccionado y usar alimentos disponibles para el consumo. Durante las visitas familiares, el estado nutricional fue analizado por antropometría, la inseguridad alimentaria percibida por la escala de inseguridad alimentaria (EBIA) y la disponibilidad de energía alimentaria en casa por treinta días. Resultados: de las 79 familias de agricultores familiares, el 12,7% se consideró con inseguridad de disponibilidad de energía alimentaria, del cual el 24% tenía presencia de bajo peso en el domicilio y el 49,5% en EBIA. Hubo una baja correlación entre los métodos, con diferencias entre ellos (Kendall W 0,162 p <0,001). La inseguridad alimentaria estuvo asociada a la presencia de por lo menos un individuo con menos de 18 años en casa. La seguridad alimentaria clasificada de acuerdo con EBIA estaba asociada a un aumento en el número de personas que vivían en casa, en la producción de hortalizas y frutas. Conclusiones: ningún indicador aislado puede cubrir varias dimensiones de la seguridad alimentaria. La seguridad alimentaria implica un enfoque amplio y multifacético, por lo que su evaluación completa requiere diferentes métodos de clasificación.

Methodological aspects of dietary quality assessment in Brazil: systematic review. / Aspectos metodológicos da avaliação da qualidade da dieta no Brasil: revisão sistemática.

This systematic review analyzes the methodologies of Brazilian studies that have used indices to evaluate dietary quality. A systematic search was performed of electronic databases (Lilacs, Medline, SciELO and Scopus) with no restriction on the year of publication of the studies. Original, Brazilian articles were selected that assessed dietary quality using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) or its revised versions. The descriptors were as follows: dietary quality; healthy eating index; and dietary quality index. Atotal of 45 articles were selected, of which 60% analyzed dietary quality using an instrument called the Healthy Eating Index and the rest used an index of dietary quality. Of the analyzed studies, 68.9% classified dietary quality. Most of the studies used ten items to evaluate dietary quality and were not standardized regarding methodologies. A total of 33.3% of the studies related the index to socioeconomic and demographic factors, food items and health conditions. Differences in terms of nomenclature and methodologies made it difficult to compare these studies of dietary quality.

Aspectos metodológicos da avaliação da qualidade da dieta no Brasil: revisão sistemática / Methodological aspects of dietary quality assessment in Brazil: systematic review

Resumo Esta revisão sistemática objetivou analisar metodologias de estudos brasileiros que utilizam índices para avaliação da qualidade da dieta. Realizou-se busca sistemática em bases eletrônicas de dados (Lilacs, Medline, SciELO e Scopus), sem fazer restrição ao ano de publicação dos estudos. Foram selecionados artigos originais, nacionais, que avaliassem a qualidade da dieta pelo Healthy Eating Index (HEI) ou suas versões revisadas. Utilizou-se os descritores: qualidade da dieta, índice de alimentação saudável, índice de qualidade da dieta e respectivos termos em inglês. Foram selecionados 45 artigos, dos quais, 60% analisaram a qualidade da dieta por instrumento denominado índice de alimentação saudável e o restante por índice de qualidade da dieta. Dos estudos analisados, 68,9% classificaram a qualidade da dieta. A maioria dos estudos utilizou 10 itens para avaliação da qualidade da dieta e não apresentaram padronização quanto às metodologias. Dos estudos, 33,3% relacionaram o índice com fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos, itens alimentares e condições de saúde. Diferenças de nomeação e metodologias dificultam comparações entre os estudos de avaliação da qualidade da dieta.

Abstract This systematic review analyzes the methodologies of Brazilian studies that have used indices to evaluate dietary quality. A systematic search was performed of electronic databases (Lilacs, Medline, SciELO and Scopus) with no restriction on the year of publication of the studies. Original, Brazilian articles were selected that assessed dietary quality using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) or its revised versions. The descriptors were as follows: dietary quality; healthy eating index; and dietary quality index. Atotal of 45 articles were selected, of which 60% analyzed dietary quality using an instrument called the Healthy Eating Index and the rest used an index of dietary quality. Of the analyzed studies, 68.9% classified dietary quality. Most of the studies used ten items to evaluate dietary quality and were not standardized regarding methodologies. A total of 33.3% of the studies related the index to socioeconomic and demographic factors, food items and health conditions. Differences in terms of nomenclature and methodologies made it difficult to compare these studies of dietary quality.

[Food insecurity and anthropometric, dietary and social indicators in Brazilian studies: a systematic review]. / Insegurança alimentar e indicadores antropométricos, dietéticos e sociais em estudos brasileiros: uma revisão sistemática.

The scope of this systematic review was to relate food insecurity, detected using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), with anthropometric, dietary and social indicators. The search was conducted in electronic databases (ScieLO, LILACS, MEDLINE), with a selection of studies by titles and abstracts, and later full reading. Studies identified in bibliographic references were included. Of the 215 reviewed, 15 fulfilled inclusion criteria (association between insecurity and anthropometric, dietary or social indicators, detected by the EBIA), whereby three had more than one variable of interest. A relationship was observed between food insecurity and height/age and weight/age of child indices, as well as obesity in women. Lower consumption of regulating, tissue-building food products and iron, and higher carbohydrate intake are associated with food insecurity. There was a relationship between social indicators, such as lower income and education, lack of employment and basic sanitation. The EBIA was associated in some studies with nutritional and social indicators, but should be used in conjunction with other tools in order to cover the multiple dimensions of food and nutrition security.

Insegurança alimentar e indicadores antropométricos, dietéticos e sociais em estudos brasileiros: uma revisão sistemática / Food insecurity and anthropometric, dietary and social indicators in Brazilian studies: a systematic review

Objetivou-se nesta revisão sistemática relacionar situação de insegurança alimentar, detectada pela Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA), com indicadores antropométricos, dietéticos e sociais. Realizou-se busca em bases eletrônicas (ScieLO, LILACS, MEDLINE), com seleção dos estudos pelos títulos e resumos, e posteriormente por leitura integral. Incluiu-se estudos identificados nas referências bibliográficas. Dos 215 revisados, 15 contemplaram critérios de inclusão (associação entre indicadores antropométricos, dietéticos ou sociais com insegurança alimentar, detectada pela EBIA), sendo que três contemplaram mais de uma variável de interesse. Observou-se relação entre insegurança alimentar e índices estatura/idade e peso/idade em crianças, e para obesidade em mulheres. Menor consumo de alimentos reguladores, construtores e ferro, e maior consumo de carboidratos associou-se à insegurança alimentar. Houve relação entre indicadores sociais, como menor renda e escolaridade, ausência de vínculo empregatício e saneamento básico. A EBIA apresentou associação, em alguns estudos, com indicadores nutricionais e sociais, mas deve ser utilizada conjuntamente com outros instrumentos, visando abranger múltiplas dimensões da segurança alimentar e nutricional.

The scope of this systematic review was to relate food insecurity, detected using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), with anthropometric, dietary and social indicators. The search was conducted in electronic databases (ScieLO, LILACS, MEDLINE), with a selection of studies by titles and abstracts, and later full reading. Studies identified in bibliographic references were included. Of the 215 reviewed, 15 fulfilled inclusion criteria (association between insecurity and anthropometric, dietary or social indicators, detected by the EBIA), whereby three had more than one variable of interest. A relationship was observed between food insecurity and height/age and weight/age of child indices, as well as obesity in women. Lower consumption of regulating, tissue-building food products and iron, and higher carbohydrate intake are associated with food insecurity. There was a relationship between social indicators, such as lower income and education, lack of employment and basic sanitation. The EBIA was associated in some studies with nutritional and social indicators, but should be used in conjunction with other tools in order to cover the multiple dimensions of food and nutrition security.