Ultra-processed foods consumption among children and associated socioeconomic and demographic factors.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the consumption of ultra-processed foods among children, and to investigate associations with socioeconomic and demographic factors. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study with 599 children aged 6 months to 2 years, and listed as users of Family Health Units, in a medium-size city. Mothers were approached at home by researchers and community health workers from the Family Health Units, for data collection. Two questionnaires were used the socioeconomic and demographic questionnaire, and the form Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional of Ministério da Saúde do Brasil , for children aged 6 months to 2 years. Ultra-processed food consumption and socioeconomic and demographic factors were defined as dependent and independent variables, respectively. Multiple regression analysis with a significance level of 5% was used to test associations between ultra-processed food consumption and socioeconomic and demographic variables. RESULTS: Ultra-processed food consumption was associated with child age between 1 and 2 years (OR=3.89; 95%CI 2.32-6.50 and OR=3.33; 95%CI 2.00-5.56, respectively), number of people living in the same household (OR=1.94; 95%CI 1.23-3.05), and recipients of government benefits (OR=1.88; 95%CI 1.15-3.04). CONCLUSION: Ultra-processed food consumption among children undergoing complementary feeding may be influenced by socioeconomic and demographic factors.