Social inequities in food deserts and food swamps in a northeastern Brazilian capital.

This study identified food deserts and swamps, investigating their associations with socioeconomic and demographic conditions. This ecological study was conducted using data from urban census tracts in the city of Recife, which were considered the unit of analysis. Information on food retail was obtained from government sources in 2019. Census tracts below the 25th percentile in the density of healthy food retail (i.e., those that predominantly sell natural or minimally processed foods, mixed businesses, and super- and hypermarkets) were classified as food deserts. Census tracts above the 25th percentile in the density of unhealthy food retail (i.e., those selling primarily ultra-processed foods) were considered food swamps. The socioeconomic and demographic conditions of the census tracts were evaluated using variables from the 2010 census (per capita income, average income, race, literacy of the head of household, and the availability of essential services) and the Health Vulnerability Index. Census tracts considered food deserts (28.5%) were more vulnerable, characterized by lower income and access to essential services, more illiterate residents and more minorities (Black/Indigenous/mixed race). Food swamps (73.47%) were more prevalent in less vulnerable neighbourhoods characterized by higher percentages of literate residents and Whites, greater purchasing power, and better basic sanitation. The characteristics of Recife's food deserts and swamps demonstrate social inequalities in the food environment. Public facilities could play a vital role in promoting healthy eating within food deserts. Additionally, future implementation of taxes on ultra-processed foods and the provision of tax subsidies to natural or minimally processed food sellers might contribute to fostering healthier dietary choices.

A scoping review of physical activity interventions for older adults.

BACKGROUND: To inform implementation and future research, this scoping review investigates the volume of evidence for physical activity interventions among adults aged 60+. Our research questions are: (1) what is the evidence regarding interventions designed to increase total physical activity in adults aged 60+ years, in accordance with three of the four strategic objectives of GAPPA (active societies, active environments, active people); (2) what is the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of physical activity programmes and services designed for older adults?; and (3) What are the evidence gaps requiring further research? METHODS: We searched PEDro, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Cochrane from 1 January 2010 to 1 November 2020 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of physical activity interventions in adults aged 60+. We identified interventions designed to: (1) increase physical activity; and (2) deliver physical activity programmes and services in home, community or outpatient settings. We extracted and coded data from eligible reviews according to our proposed framework informed by TIDieR, Prevention of Falls Network Europe (PROFANE), and WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). We classified the overall findings as positive, negative or inconclusive. RESULTS: We identified 39 reviews of interventions to increase physical activity and 342 reviews of programmes/services for older adults. Interventions were predominantly structured exercise programmes, including balance strength/resistance training, and physical recreation, such as yoga and tai chi. There were few reviews of health promotion/coaching and health professional education/referral, and none of sport, workplace, sociocultural or environmental interventions. Fewer reported outcomes of total physical activity, social participation and quality of life/well-being. We noted insufficient coverage in diverse and disadvantaged samples and low-middle income countries. CONCLUSIONS: There is a modest but growing volume of evidence regarding interventions designed to increase total physical activity in older adults, although more interventional studies with long term follow-up are needed, particularly for GAPPA 1. Active Societies and GAPPA 2. Active Environments. By comparison, there is abundant evidence for GAPPA 3. specific programmes and services, but coverage of sport and workplace interventions, and diverse samples and settings is lacking. Comprehensive reviews of individual studies are now needed as well as research targeting neglected outcomes, populations and settings.

Factors Associated With Ongoing Participation in Structured Exercise Among People Aged 50 Years and Older.

To document the characteristics of participants aged 50 years and older in a local government group exercise program (Strong Seniors), to investigate the motivators and barriers to ongoing exercise, and to identify factors associated with more frequent exercise class attendance. Ninety-three participants completed a survey about exercise class attendance, motivators and barriers to participation, and exercise perceptions and self-reported exercise. The authors conducted a mixed-methods study involving both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Personal benefits of exercise and social influences were the most common motivators for regular exercise. Barriers to participation included health problems and lack of time (competing priorities). A higher score on the perceived exercise benefits scale is the only factor associated with a higher frequency of attendance at Strong Seniors classes. Exercise programs for people aged 50 years and older that emphasize associated health benefits and promote social support may be more likely to facilitate long-term attendance.

The Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents--ERICA: rationale, design and sample characteristics of a national survey examining cardiovascular risk factor profile in Brazilian adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents (Portuguese acronym, "ERICA") is a multicenter, school-based country-wide cross-sectional study funded by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, which aims at estimating the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, including those included in the definition of the metabolic syndrome, in a random sample of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in Brazilian cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. Approximately 85,000 students were assessed in public and private schools. Brazil is a continental country with a heterogeneous population of 190 million living in its five main geographic regions (North, Northeast, Midwest, South and Southeast). ERICA is a pioneering study that will assess the prevalence rates of cardiovascular risk factors in Brazilian adolescents using a sample with national and regional representativeness. This paper describes the rationale, design and procedures of ERICA. METHODS/DESIGN: Participants answered a self-administered questionnaire using an electronic device, in order to obtain information on demographic and lifestyle characteristics, including physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, sleeping hours, common mental disorders and reproductive and oral health. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall. Anthropometric measures (weight, height and waist circumference) and blood pressure were also be measured. Blood was collected from a subsample of approximately 44,000 adolescents for measurements of fasting glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glycated hemoglobin and fasting insulin. DISCUSSION: The study findings will be instrumental to the development of public policies aiming at the prevention of obesity, atherosclerotic diseases and diabetes in an adolescent population.

Consumption of in natura and ultra-processed foods in adults: an analysis of social, metabolic, and lifestyle determinants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the social, metabolic, and lifestyle determinants of consumption of fruits, vegetables, and greens (FVG) and ultra-processed food (ULT) in adults from Pernambuco. METHODS: Cross-sectional and analytical study, conducted in 2015/2016. In addition to sociodemographic variables, the determinants of lifestyle were level of physical activity, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and metabolic variables were self-reported hypertension, blood glucose, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Consumption was measured by the Food Frequency Questionnaire, then created the Frequency of Consumption Index (SFI) of the mean intake of ULT and FVG foods. The indices of FVG and ULT consumption were transformed into quartiles and these variables were included in the multinomial logistic regression, considering their determinants when p<0.05. RESULTS: The sample was representative of the state, with 1,067 people being interviewed, whose intake of ULT was higher than that of FVG in the lowest and highest quartile of the consumption index. Consumption of fruit and vegetables was higher in higher consumption of alcoholic beverages (p=0.031) and BMI>25 kg/m2 (p=0.047); and lower in the lowest income (p=0.001). ULT intake was higher in young adults (p=0.005), lower income (p=0.044), and controlled blood glucose (p=0.021). Rural areas were 52% less exposed to medium-high ULT consumption (p<0.006). CONCLUSION: Higher rate of ULT consumption in relation to fresh foods, with income as a common determinant, inversely associated with ULT intake and directly related to FVG, which demands structuring policies.

Social inequities in the food retail patterns around schools in Recife, Brazil.

This study aimed to describe the community food environment surrounding schools and its association with territorial socio-environmental vulnerability in the city with the highest intraurban social inequity index in Brazil. METHODS: this ecological observational study includes data on the presence and type of food retail in a 400 m buffer surrounding public and private schools in Recife. We have also described the Health Vulnerability Index (HVI) of census tracts and conducted multivariate analyses. RESULTS: through factor analysis, we observed two grouping patterns of food retail. The "diverse food outlets" pattern was positively associated with middle HVI (ß 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.11; 0.16) and higher HVI areas (ß 0.15, 95%CI - 0.11; 0.17), while "the large food retail chains" pattern was inversely associated with middle HVI (ß -0.42, 95% CI - 0.53; -0.30) and high HVI areas (ß -0.32, 95%CI - 0.45; -0.18) and positively associated with private schools (ß 0.15, 95%CI - 0.030; 0.27). CONCLUSION: the greatest variety in food retail is in high HVI areas, and large food retail chains prevail around private schools, especially in low HVI areas.

[From production to impacts on health and the environment: an analysis of food systems in Brazil, Colombia and Panama]. / Da produção aos impactos na saúde e no ambiente: uma análise dos sistemas alimentares de Brasil, Colômbia e Panamá.

The scope of this article is to describe the main components of the food systems of Brazil, Colombia and Panama. It involved a narrative review of the literature from 2000 to 2022, based on the concept of food systems proposed by the Committee on World Food Security. A system of agro-industrial production, monoculture, use of pesticides and exploitation of natural resources predominates in all three countries, and the area occupied by family farmers is reduced. Multinational supermarket chains dominate food distribution, essentially in large urban centers, despite the increasing search for alternative models. Advances have been made in food labeling regulation (Colombia and Brazil) and in the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages (Panama). The predominant food systems in these countries generate a significant and negative environmental impact, favor the consumption of ultra-processed foods, high prevalence of obesity and chronic non-transmissible diseases and increase in hunger, violating the human right to adequate food.

O objetivo deste artigo é descrever os principais componentes dos sistemas alimentares de Brasil, Colômbia e Panamá. Revisão narrativa de literatura dos anos 2000 a 2022, ancorada no conceito de sistemas alimentares do Comitê de Segurança Alimentar Mundial. Nos três países, predomina um sistema de produção agroindustrial, monocultura, uso de agrotóxicos e exploração dos recursos naturais. A área ocupada por produtores familiares é reduzida. As redes multinacionais de supermercados dominam a distribuição dos alimentos, essencialmente nos grandes centros urbanos, apesar da crescente busca por modelos alternativos. Nota-se avanços na regulamentação da rotulagem de alimentos (Colômbia e Brasil) e na tributação de bebidas açucaradas (Panamá). Os sistemas alimentares predominantes nesses países geram importante e negativo impacto ambiental, favorecem o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados, a elevada prevalência de obesidade e doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e o aumento da fome, violando o direito humano à alimentação adequada.

Influence of food environment on ultra-processed drinks consumption among an economically vulnerable population in a metropolitan area in Brazil: A multilevel analysis.

Ultra-processed drinks (UPDs) consumption is increasing, and this intake has been associated with the risk of illness and death. Data on individuals (n = 430) and food stores (n = 231) were collected in an economically vulnerable area in Recife-Brazil, and multilevel regression models were applied to assess the association between UPDs consumption with food environment characteristics. The results show 29.5% of individuals consume UPDs, higher UPD consumption was significantly associated with age (OR: 0.96), lower educational levels (OR:2.06), high density of stores predominantly selling UPFs (OR:2.34) and lower availability of FV in stores (OR:0.49). The applied methodology can inform food environment interventions to reduce UPDs consumption.

Independent predictors of insulin resistance in Brazilian adolescents: Results of the study of cardiovascular risk in adolescents-Brazil.

Considering the current changes in dietary patterns and the increasing prevalence of excess weight throughout the world, several studies have reported insulin resistance, which is a key driver of many chronic diseases, to be an important public health problem in all age groups. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence and independent predictors of insulin resistance in Brazilian adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a probabilistic, representative sample of Brazilian adolescents (n = 37,023) who participated in the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents. Data were collected on demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, anthropometric, and biochemical characteristics as well as antioxidant micronutrient intake (vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and selenium). Insulin resistance was determined using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and classified based on the 75th percentile of the sample distribution. Insulin resistance was detected in 27% of the adolescents and was more prevalent among those aged 12 to 14 years (PR: 1.26 [95%CI: 1.13;1.41]), those residing in the southern and south-eastern regions of the country (PR: 1.47 [95%CI: 1.27;1.70]), those who were physically inactive (PR: 1.12 [95%CI: 1.02;1.23]), and those did not consume alcohol (PR: 1.50 [95%CI: 1.13;1.99]). The prevalence of insulin resistance was 2.5-fold higher among individuals with severe obesity (PR: 2.49 [95%CI: 2.07;3.00]). Waist circumference indicative of cardiovascular risk and high serum triglyceride levels increased the likelihood of insulin resistance (PR: 1.37 [95%CI: 1.19;1.59] and 1.60 [95%CI: 1.45;1.78], respectively). The prevalence of the outcome was higher among adolescents in the lower quartiles of vitamin E intake (p<0.05). In the present study, the prevalence of insulin resistance was high among Brazilian adolescents and we identified sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary predictors of this outcome.

[Lifestyle of adolescent students from public and private schools in Recife: ERICA]. / Estilo de vida de adolescentes estudantes de escolas públicas e privadas em Recife: ERICA.

This study analyzes the behavior patterns related to the lifestyle of adolescents in Recife, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the Cardiovascular Risk Study among Adolescents (ERICA) and 2400 students aged 12 to 17 were interviewed. The prevalence of physical activity, eating behavior, smoking and alcohol consumption were analyzed. The Chi-square test and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were used to evaluate the statistical significance of the measurements. It was observed that 60% of the adolescents presented inadequate eating behaviors regarding the consumption of breakfast, daily water intake and meals eaten in front of the TV. About 40% (95%CI: 39.7-45) did not sit down to meals with their parents or guardians. The prevalence of physical inactivity was 52.4% (95%CI: 50-55). Female adolescents were more inactive (68.7%, 95%CI: 65-72) than males (36.4%, 95%CI: 33-40). Teenagers of economic classes D and E were the most inactive (60.7%, 95%CI: 46-73). Alcohol consumption was 18.7% (95%CI: 2.6-5.6) and smoking was prevalent in 3.8% (95%CI: 2-6) of the individuals. Inadequate eating behaviors and physical inactivity were the main areas responsible for an unhealthy lifestyle, followed by alcohol consumption and smoking.

Este estudo analisa os comportamentos relacionados ao estilo de vida de adolescentes em Recife, Brasil. Estudo transversal com dados do Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes (ERICA). 2.400 estudantes de 12 a 17 anos foram entrevistados. Foram analisadas as prevalências de atividade física, comportamento alimentar, tabagismo e consumo de álcool. O teste Qui-quadrado e Intervalo de confiança 95% (IC95%) foram usados para avaliar a significância estatística das medidas. Observou-se 60% dos adolescentes com comportamentos alimentares inadequados quanto ao consumo de café da manhã, água/dia e refeições em frente à TV. Cerca de 40% (IC95%: 39,7-45) não realizavam refeições com os pais ou responsáveis. A prevalência de inatividade física foi de 52,4% (IC95%: 50-55). Adolescentes do sexo feminino foram mais inativas (68,7%; IC95%: 65-72) em relação aos meninos (36,4%; IC95%: 33-40). Adolescentes das classes econômicas D e E foram os mais inativos (60,7%; IC95%: 46-73). O consumo de bebida alcoólica foi de 18,7% (IC95%: 2,6-5,6) e o tabagismo foi de 3,8% (IC95%: 2-6) dos indivíduos. Comportamentos alimentares inadequados e a inatividade física foram os principais domínios responsáveis por um estilo de vida não saudável, seguidos pelo consumo de álcool e tabagismo.

Excess weight in adolescents and associated factors: data from the ERICA study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of excessive weight and to identify associations with socioeconomic, demographic, biological, and lifestyle factors in adolescents. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional school-based study, with a stratified and complex sample. The evaluated individuals were adolescents (2404), aged 12-17 years old, participating in the Study of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents (ERICA). Demographic, socioeconomic, biological, anthropometric, and lifestyle variables were assessed. Poisson regression was used to verify the association between excess weight and independent variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of excessive weight was 26.3% in the study population, being 16.3% for overweight and 10% for obesity. In the multivariate analysis (hierarchical model), were associated with excessive weight: private education network, a higher number of televisions in the residence, eating habits related to the breakfast consumption, snacks purchase in the canteen, snacks in front to screens consumption and consumption of carbohydrates and lipids, in addition to age group (12-14 years) and sexual maturation (post-pubertal). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of excessive weight among the school adolescents studied is high, with a value higher than the national average and the results of previous studies with adolescents. Its distribution is associated with different factors, which are socioeconomic, demographic, biological, and related to lifestyle, reinforcing the complexity of this condition, which deserves a broad coping approach, involving not only individual efforts but social and public ones as well.

[Perception of body weight above the ideal, anthropometric profile and lifestyle among adolescents in the city of Recife, Brazil]. / Percepção do peso corporal acima do ideal, perfil antropométrico e estilo de vida em adolescentes de Recife, PE, Brasil.

This study investigated the perception of above ideal body weight among adolescents in the city of Recife, Brazil, and its association with anthropometric profile and lifestyle. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 2480 adolescents from the "Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents." The conceptual model also assessed demographic and socioeconomic variables. Body weight perception was analyzed by asking the question: "In your opinion, your current body weight is … ?" Answers included: below ideal, ideal and above ideal body weight. Statistics were identified using Poisson Regression analysis. The mean age was 14.7 years (SD = 1.6), 53.7% were female, and 70.7% were eutrophic according to the body mass index/age (BMI/A). Perception of body weight was answered by 48.8% of the adolescents. 36.8% and 63.2% saw themselves as below and above their ideal weight, respectively. After adjustments, the variables associated with the perception of body weight above the ideal (outcome variable) were the female sex, age 12 to 14 years, mother's schooling > 8 years, BMI/A in the ideal range, being postpubescent, having breakfast and meals with parents occasionally. Demographic, anthropometric and lifestyle variables were more likely to be associated with body weight perception above the ideal.

O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a percepção do peso corporal acima do ideal em adolescentes de Recife/PE e sua associação com o perfil antropométrico e estilo de vida. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 2.480 escolares participantes do Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes (Erica). O modelo conceitual também considerou variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas. A percepção do peso foi analisada por meio da pergunta "Na sua opinião o seu peso atual é?", sendo as respostas: "abaixo do ideal", "ideal" e "acima do ideal". As associações foram identificadas por meio da regressão de Poisson. A média da idade foi de 14,7 anos (DP = 1,6), 53,7% eram do sexo feminino e 70,7% eram eutróficos, de acordo com o índice de massa corporal/idade (IMC/I). A percepção do peso foi respondida por 48,8% dos adolescentes. Desses, 36,8% e 63,2% se percebiam com baixo peso e peso acima do ideal, respectivamente. Após os ajustes, as variáveis associadas à percepção do peso acima do ideal foram: sexo feminino, idade entre 12 e 14 anos, escolaridade materna maior que oito anos, IMC/I de eutrofia e de excesso de peso, estágio pós-púbere e realização de café da manhã e refeição com os pais ocasionalmente. Portanto, variáveis demográficas, antropométricas e do estilo de vida se associaram à maior chance de percepção do peso corporal acima do ideal.

BIRTH WEIGHT AND OVERWEIGHT IN ADOLESCENTS: THE ERICA PROJECT IN THE CITY OF RECIFE, PERNAMBUCO.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association of anthropometric parameters at birth, socioeconomic and biological variables, physical activity, and parental nutritional status with overweight and abdominal obesity in adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 39 public and private schools in Recife (state of Pernambuco, Brazil). The sample consisted of 1,081 teenagers aged from 12 to 17 years. Data were collected from the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA). Body mass index according to age (BMI-for-age), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) were considered as outcome variables, whereas the explanatory variables were birth weight, Röhrer's Ponderal Index (RPI), biological and socioeconomic variables, physical activity, and parental nutritional status. The crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) for the studied association were estimated by Poisson Regression. RESULTS: The multivariate Poisson regression showed that the variable that remained significantly associated with overweight in adolescence was maternal overweight, PR=1.86 (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.09-3.17). High birth weight also remained significantly associated with abdominal obesity assessed by WC, PR=3.25 (95%CI 1.0-9.74). CONCLUSIONS: High birth weight may be a marker for abdominal obesity in adolescence; and high maternal BMI, for overweight.

Severity of obesity is associated with worse cardiometabolic risk profile in adolescents: Findings from a Brazilian national study (ERICA).

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of obesity and severe obesity among adolescents has increased dramatically in developing countries. However, the distribution of cardiometabolic risk factors through the severity of obesity continuum is relatively unknown among youth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of weight categories with cardiometabolic risk factors among Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: ERICA (The Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents) was a multicenter, school-based, cross-sectional study composed of Brazilian adolescents (12-17 y of age). Severity of obesity was classified according to the International Obesity Task Force reference values for body mass index (BMI) and several cardiometabolic risk factors were measured after clinical and biochemical exams and categorized using standard definitions of abnormal values. RESULTS: Among the 37 892 adolescents enrolled, 8708 had excess weight, being classified with overweight (17.2%), obesity (5.6%), and severe obesity (1.3%). Increasing severity of obesity was associated with a worse cardiometabolic profile in the overall sample. Multivariable models that controlled for age, sex, skin color, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and total energy intake, showed that individuals in higher categories of severity of obesity tended to have higher prevalence ratios of most cardiometabolic risk factors compared with the other weight groups, except for high fasting blood glucose among boys. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive degrees of excess weight are positively associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in youth from a middle-income country, indicating the importance in classifying the severity of weight excess among adolescents and considering this to plan prevention programs against early development of obesity-related diseases.

PREVALENCE OF INSULIN RESISTANCE AND ASSOCIATION WITH METABOLIC RISK FACTORS AND FOOD CONSUMPTION IN ADOLESCENTS - RECIFE/BRAZIL.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of insulin resistance in adolescents and its associations with metabolic factors and food intake. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted with a stratified, complex, school-based sample. The subjects were adolescents (n=1,081) who participated in the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents in the city of Recife (Pernambuco, Brazil). We analyzed demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary variables. Insulin resistance was defined as HOMA-IR>75th percentile. A Poisson multivariate regression model with robust variance adjustment was used, and variables with p≤0.05 in the final model were considered statistically associated with insulin resistance. RESULTS: Median age was 14 years (interquartile range: 13-16 years), and 25.3% of the sample showed insulin resistance. The variables associated with insulin resistance in the final model were age, body mass index-for-age (BMI/A), biochemical markers (triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and saturated fat intake, with insulin resistance being more prevalent in individuals whose consumption of this type of fat was below the median of the sample distribution. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance was prevalent in the adolescents analyzed and was significantly associated with metabolic variables and saturated fat intake.

OVERWEIGHT IN ADOLESCENTS: FOOD INSECURITY AND MULTIFACTORIALITY IN SEMIARID REGIONS OF PERNAMBUCO.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate context of overweight adolescents from the semiarid and rural areas of Pernambuco, considering the multifactorial nature of the determinants of being overweight, and the food and nutritional insecurity conditions of the region. METHODS: A population based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2015. The nutritional status of adolescents was assessed by body mass index (BMI) and classified by the BMI/Age indicator, according to sex. To analyze the factors associated with being overweight, the variables were grouped into: socioeconomic, demographic, environmental, lifestyle, psychological, biological and food and nutritional security. Poisson regression was used to verify the association between being overweight and independent variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of excessive weight found was 20.1%, namely: 13.4% overweight and 6.7% obese. After adjusting for the confounding variables, the variables: occupancy situation (rented house), alcohol consumption, food security and light food insecurity, body perception (overweight and obese) and age range (10 to 14 years), were associated with being overweight. High food and nutritional insecurity was identified in 80.4% of the population. The moderate and severe forms were more frequent, and precarious social conditions were still prevalent in the region. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of being overweight was high, exceeding the expected for a population with better living conditions. The determinants of being overweight were: alcohol consumption, occupancy situation, self-perceived weight, age and food security/mild food insecurity.

Prevalence of Systemic Arterial Hypertension and Associated Factors Among Adults from the Semi-Arid Region of Pernambuco, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Systemic arterial hypertension is a substantial public health problem responsible for millions of deaths per year worldwide. However, little is known about the epidemiology of this disease in areas distant from large urban centers in Brazil. Such information is necessary to plan health promotion strategies. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of hypertension and determine its associated factors in adults residing in the semi-arid region of the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with a random sample of male and female adults. Individuals with systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm/Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm/Hg and those who reported being under treatment with antihypertensive drugs were considered hypertensive. We collected data on demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and anthropometric characteristics, as well as health and nutrition. The statistical analysis used Pearson's chi-square test, the chi-square test for trend, and multivariate Poisson regression analysis. A p-value < 0.05 in the final model was considered indicative of statistical significance. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 416 individuals, and the prevalence of hypertension was 27.4% (95%CI 23.2 - 32.0). In the final model, the independent predictors of hypertension were age of 40 years or older (p = 0.000), low economic class (p = 0.007), smoking (p = 0.023), overweight determined by the body mass index (p = 0.003), and reduced glucose tolerance/diabetes mellitus (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension was high and related to important risk factors. Thus, prevention and control strategies are recommended.

Consumption of in natura and ultra-processed foods in adults: an analysis of social, metabolic, and lifestyle determinants / Consumo de alimentos in natura e ultraprocessados em adultos: uma análise dos determinantes sociais, metabólicos e de estilo de vida

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the social, metabolic, and lifestyle determinants of consumption of fruits, vegetables, and greens (FVG) and ultra-processed food (ULT) in adults from Pernambuco. Methods: Cross-sectional and analytical study, conducted in 2015/2016. In addition to sociodemographic variables, the determinants of lifestyle were level of physical activity, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and metabolic variables were self-reported hypertension, blood glucose, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Consumption was measured by the Food Frequency Questionnaire, then created the Frequency of Consumption Index (SFI) of the mean intake of ULT and FVG foods. The indices of FVG and ULT consumption were transformed into quartiles and these variables were included in the multinomial logistic regression, considering their determinants when p<0.05. Results: The sample was representative of the state, with 1,067 people being interviewed, whose intake of ULT was higher than that of FVG in the lowest and highest quartile of the consumption index. Consumption of fruit and vegetables was higher in higher consumption of alcoholic beverages (p=0.031) and BMI>25 kg/m2 (p=0.047); and lower in the lowest income (p=0.001). ULT intake was higher in young adults (p=0.005), lower income (p=0.044), and controlled blood glucose (p=0.021). Rural areas were 52% less exposed to medium-high ULT consumption (p<0.006). Conclusion: Higher rate of ULT consumption in relation to fresh foods, with income as a common determinant, inversely associated with ULT intake and directly related to FVG, which demands structuring policies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os determinantes sociais, metabólicos e de estilo de vida do consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLV) e ultraprocessados (ULT) em adultos de Pernambuco. Métodos: Estudo transversal e analítico, realizado em 2015/2016. Além de variáveis sociodemográficas, os determinantes do estilo de vida foram nível de atividade física, doses de bebida alcoólica e uso de tabaco e os metabólicos foram hipertensão autorreferida, glicemia e Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC). O consumo foi mensurado por questionário de frequência alimentar, e, em seguida, criou-se Índice da Frequência de Consumo (IFC) da média de ingestão dos alimentos ULT e FVL. Os índices de consumo de FLV e ULT foram transformados em quartis e essas variáveis incluídas na regressão logística multinomial, considerando seus determinantes quando p<0,05. Resultados: A amostra foi representativa do estado, sendo entrevistadas 1.067 pessoas, cuja ingestão de ULT foi superior à de FVL no menor e no maior quartil do índice de consumo. O consumo de FLV foi superior no maior consumo de bebida alcoólica (p=0,031) e IMC>25 kg/m2 (p=0,047); e inferior na menor renda (p=0,001). O consumo de ULT foi maior em adultos jovens (p=0,005), menor renda (p=0,044) e glicemia controlada (p=0,021). A área rural estava 52% menos exposta ao consumo médio-alto de ULT (p<0,006). Conclusão: Maior índice de consumo de ULT em relação aos alimentos in natura, tendo a renda como um determinante comum, inversamente associada à ingestão de ULT e diretamente relacionada a FVL, o que demanda políticas estruturantes.