Complex intertwined association between breastfeeding practices and household food insecurity: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Breastfeeding offers ideal food and nutrition for infants; however, structural barriers may amplify breastfeeding inequities. We aimed to identify whether household food insecurity (HFI) is associated with exclusive and continued breastfeeding (EBF and CBF) as recommended by the World Health Organization/United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, literature searches using 'breastfeeding', 'food insecurity' and 'infant' terms were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health and LILACS from inception through November 2023, without language restrictions, yielding 1382 publications (PROSPERO:CRD42022329836). Predetermined eligibility criteria yielded the 12 included studies (nine cross-sectional and three cohorts). The risk of bias was assessed through the Effective Public Health Practice Project. Meta-analysis was performed for studies assessing EBF (n = 10), and metaregression was used to explore heterogeneity across studies. Prevalence of EBF ranged from 1.6% to 85.3%, with a lower prevalence among HFI. The pooled effect of the association between HFI and EBF presented an odds ratio (OR) of 0.61 (95% CI = 0.49-0.76) with consistent results across marginal (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.55-0.94), moderate (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.41-0.84) and severe HFI (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.32-0.76). High heterogeneity was found only when HFI was dichotomized. The prevalence of CBF ranged from 35.4% to 78.0%, with inconsistent prevalence among HFI; a meta-analysis was not performed due to the low number of studies (n = 3). We concluded that HFI levels are associated with lower odds of EBF. Integrating service and policy-level strategies, such as screening, referrals, skilled breastfeeding counseling and access to comprehensive nutrition and social programs, could reduce structural inequities and promote adherence to the World Health Organization/UNICEF breastfeeding recommendations among food-insecure families.

Factors associated with infant feeding styles in the Federal District, Brazil.

Responsive feeding is currently the recommended feeding style, in which the key principle is reciprocity between the child and the caregiver. The lack of reciprocity characterizes non-responsive feeding styles, which are associated with unhealthy eating behaviors, losses in the regulation of hunger and satiety, and childhood obesity. To assess factors associated with feeding styles between infants aged 6-12 months old, a cross-sectional study with 474 pairs of mothers and infants from 6 to 12 months old was conducted in Public Health Units in the Federal District, Brazil. The questionnaire applied to mothers evaluated four feeding styles from nine subconstructs (Infant Feeding Style Questionnaire), breastfeeding, bottle use, maternal depression and anxiety, household food insecurity (HFI), and prematurity. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed using the automated backward method. Bottle use was positively associated with feeding styles Laissez-faire (Attention) (ß:0.56), Pressuring (Cereal) (ß:0.58) and Restrictive (Quantity) (ß:0.26). Breastfeeding was negatively associated with Laissez-faire (Attention) (ß:-0.29) and Pressuring (Cereal) (ß:-0.50). Higher maternal education was negatively associated with Pressuring (Cereal) (ß:-0.34) and Pressuring (Soothing) (ß:-0.36). HFI is positively associated with Restrictive (Quantity) (ß:0.25), and Prematurity is negatively associated with Laissez-faire (Attention) (ß:-0.33). An important positive association was found between non-responsive styles and both bottle use and HFI, while breastfeeding and higher maternal education exhibited a negative association. Therefore, feeding styles and their associated factors should be considered in the design of interventions that promote a healthy diet for infants.

Prioritizing nurturing care at the municipal and district level with the Brazilian Early Childhood Friendly Municipal Index (IMAPI).

The Brazilian Early Childhood Friendly Municipal Index (IMAPI) is a population-based approach to monitor the nurturing care environment for early childhood development (ECD) using routine information system data. It is unknown whether IMAPI can be applied to document metropolitan urban territorial differences in nurturing care environments. We used Brasilia, Brazil's capital with a large metropolitan population of 2,881,854 inhabitants divided into 31 districts, as a case study to examine whether disaggregation of nurturing care data can inform a more equitable prioritization for ECD in metropolitan areas. IMAPI scores were estimated at the municipal level (IMAPI-M, 31 indicators) and at the district level (IMAPI-D, 29 indicators). We developed a quantitative prioritization process for indicators in each IMAPI analysis, and those selected were jointly mapped in the socioecological model for the role of indicators in relation to the enabling environment for nurturing care. Out of 28 common nurturing care indicators across IMAPI analysis, only four were prioritized in both analyses: one from the Adequate nutrition, two from the Opportunities for early learning, and one from the Responsive caregiving domains. These four indicators were mapped as enabling policies, supportive services, and caregivers' capabilities (socioecological model) and Effort, Coverage, and Quality (indicator's role). In conclusion, the different levels of nurturing care data disaggregation in the IMAPI can better inform decision-making than each one individually, especially in metropolitan areas where municipalities and districts within metropolitan areas have relative decision-making autonomy.

Household food insecurity and early childhood development in Brazil: an analysis of children under 2 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if household food insecurity (HFI) is associated with the risk of developmental delays. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of a representative sample of children under 2 years old. Risk of developmental delays was assessed with the Denver Developmental Screening Test II. HFI was measured with the Brazilian Food Insecurity Measurement Scale. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association between HFI (food secure/insecure) and risk of developmental delays, adjusting for household, maternal and child variables. SETTING: Community Health Centers in the Federal District, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: 1004 children under 2 years old. RESULTS: Among participants, 15 % were at risk of developmental delays and about 40 % of children lived in food-insecure households. HFI was associated with the risk of developmental delays (adjusted OR 2·61; 95 % CI 1·42, 4·80) compared with food-secure households after adjusting for key confounders. CONCLUSIONS: HFI was strongly associated with the risk of developmental delays in children under 2 years. Investments that prevent or mitigate HFI are likely to be key for improved human and national development.

Indexes to assess feeding practices of children under 2 years old: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review studies that used indexes to assess feeding practices of children under 2 years. DESIGN: Seven databases were searched with no limit on language or publication date. SETTING: The reviewed studies included thirteen Asian, ten Latin American, four European, four North American, three Oceanian and three African. PARTICIPANTS: Children under 2 years. RESULTS: We analysed thirty-six studies: twenty-two presenting original indexes and fourteen using adapted indexes. Among the original indexes, thirteen assess breast-feeding, fourteen food consumption, ten food groups, and ten other feeding practices. Original indexes were mainly adapted to fit the data available in the study, to update for current nutritional recommendations or to add components not present in the original indexes. Seven studies evaluated the associations between the indexes and nutrient intake or nutritional status. The main limitations cited by the authors were: flaws in the definition of the index components, criteria for cut-off points and weighting of the evaluated index components. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of feeding practices for young children and its comparison across countries remains a challenge, especially due to the lack of consensus on the construction of indexes and regional differences in dietary recommendations and practices. Lack of validation for some indexes also makes it difficult to choose the most appropriate index for a given objective. Adapting existing indexes is a viable option. We point out relevant recommendations that may contribute to future research. Validation and longitudinal studies in diverse populations are favourable to qualify the assessment of feeding practices in this group.

Household food insecurity in black-slaves descendant communities in Brazil: has the legacy of slavery truly ended?

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with food insecurity among Quilombolas communities in Brazil. DESIGN: An analysis of secondary data assessed in the 2011 Quilombolas Census was performed. The Brazilian Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar, EBIA) was used to assess household food security status. Sociodemographic conditions and access to social programmes and benefits were also evaluated. SETTING: National survey census from recognized Quilombolas Brazilian territories. SUBJECTS: Quilombolas households (n 8846). RESULTS: About half (47·8 %) of the Quilombolas lived in severely food-insecure households, with the North and Northeast regions facing the most critical situation. Households located in North Brazil, whose head of the family had less than 4 years of education, with a monthly per capita income below $US 44, without adequate sanitation and without adequate water supply had the greatest chance of experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity. Households that had access to a water supply programme for dry regions (Programa Cisternas) and an agricultural harvest subsidy programme (Programa Garantia Safra) had less chance of experiencing moderate and severe food insecurity. Households that did not have access to health care (Programa Saúde da Família) had greater chance of suffering from moderate or severe food insecurity. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions are urgently needed to strengthen and promote public policies aimed to improve living conditions and food security in Quilombolas communities.

Breastfeeding in children under 2 years old and household food and nutrition security status.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between household food and nutrition security status and breastfeeding among children under 2 years old. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 1,635 children under 2 years old who had participated in the Brazilian National Demographic and Health Census in 2006. The outcome (breastfeeding) was evaluated according to data on the children's food intake on the day before the interview and food insecurity was assessed using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. RESULTS: Approximately 58% of children were breastfeeding and 47% were living in households with food insecurity. There was an association between breastfeeding and households in a state of food insecurity, but only for children older than 12 months. In this age group, breastfeeding prevalence was higher (41%) among children living in households with food and nutrition insecurity than among those who lived in households considered secure (29%). There were no associations between food insecurity and breastfeeding in the first year of life or early introduction of foods other than breastmilk. CONCLUSION: Food insecurity is associated with a higher prevalence of breastfeeding in the second year of life.

Aleitamento materno em crianças menores de 2 anos e situação domiciliar quanto à segurança alimentar e nutricional / Breastfeeding in children under 2 years old and household food and nutrition security status

OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre situação domiciliar quanto à segurança alimentar e nutricional e a prática do aleitamento materno em crianças menores de 2 anos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas as informações de 1.635 crianças menores de 2 anos que participaram da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde de 2006. O desfecho (aleitamento materno) foi avaliado por meio da informação do consumo alimentar da criança no dia anterior à entrevista e da insegurança alimentar pela Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. RESULTADOS: Aproximadamente 58% das crianças estavam sendo amamentadas e 47% residiam em domicílio com insegurança alimentar. Foi constatada associação entre prática do aleitamento materno e condição de insegurança alimentar domiciliar apenas em crianças maiores de 12 meses. Nessa faixa etária, a prevalência de aleitamento materno foi maior entre as crianças residindo em domicílios com insegurança alimentar e nutricional (41%) quando comparadas às que residiam em domicílios considerados seguros (29%). Não houve associação entre insegurança alimentar e prática do aleitamento materno no primeiro ano de vida ou introdução precoce de alimentos diferentes do leite materno. CONCLUSÃO: A insegurança alimentar está associada com maior prevalência de aleitamento materno no segundo ano de vida.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between household food and nutrition security status and breastfeeding among children under 2 years old. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 1,635 children under 2 years old who had participated in the Brazilian National Demographic and Health Census in 2006. The outcome (breastfeeding) was evaluated according to data on the children's food intake on the day before the interview and food insecurity was assessed using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. RESULTS: Approximately 58% of children were breastfeeding and 47% were living in households with food insecurity. There was an association between breastfeeding and households in a state of food insecurity, but only for children older than 12 months. In this age group, breastfeeding prevalence was higher (41%) among children living in households with food and nutrition insecurity than those who lived in households considered secure (29%). There were no associations between food insecurity and breastfeeding in the first year of life or early introduction of foods other than breastmilk. CONCLUSION: Food insecurity is associated with a higher prevalence of breastfeeding in the second year of life.