A longitudinal analysis of the fluctuation of food stores in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Changes in food environments have the potential to affect consumption, nutritional status, and health, and understanding these changes is of utmost importance. This study, therefore, aimed to examine the fluctuation of food stores that sell fruits and vegetables over five years in the health promotion service area of Primary Health Care (PHC) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: This was an ecological study that used data from a food environment audit conducted in the realm of Brazilian PHC. Buffers of 1 mile (equivalent to 1600 m) were created around health promotion services to define food environments. All food stores and open-air food markets that sold fruits and vegetables (FV) within this buffer area were considered eligible. The data collection was performed during two periods: the baseline, in 2013, and after five years, in 2018. This study compares the fluctuation by the type of stores and according to the health vulnerability index (HVI). RESULTS: After 5 years, 35.2% of the stores were stable; 154 stores were closed, and 155 were opened. The stability was greater in low-vulnerability areas, and the fluctuation differed by type of store only for areas with high vulnerability. The number of supermarket decreased in high HVI territories; and local stores, showed greater stability when compared to specialized FV markets. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in store fluctuations according to the vulnerability of areas demonstrate the importance of food supply policies considering the local characteristics to reduce inequities of access to healthy foods.

Is neighbourhood social deprivation in a Brazilian city associated with the availability, variety, quality and price of food in supermarkets?

OBJECTIVE: To verify differences in the availability, variety, quality and price of unprocessed and ultra-processed foods in supermarkets and similar establishments in neighbourhoods with different social deprivation levels at Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: The Obesogenic Environment Study in São Paulo's Food Store Observation Tool (ESAO-S) was applied in thirty-three supermarket chains, wholesale and retail supermarkets. RESULTS: Fruits, vegetables and ultra-processed foods were available in almost all establishments, without differences according to Health Vulnerability Index (HVI; which varies from 0 to 1 point and the higher the worse; P > 0·05). Most establishments were concentrated in low vulnerability areas and offered healthy foods with greater variety and quality, despite higher prices. The Healthy Food Store Index (HFSI; which varies from 0 to 16 points and the higher the best) was calculated from the ESAO-S and the mean score was 8·91 (sd 1·51). The presence and variety of unprocessed foods count as positive points, as do the absence of ultra-processed products. When HFSI was stratified by HVI, low HVI neighbourhoods presented higher HFSI scores, compared with medium, high and very high HVI neighbourhoods (P = 0·001). CONCLUSIONS: Supermarkets and similar establishments are less dense in areas of greater social deprivation and have lower prices of healthy foods, but the variety and quality of those foods are worse, compared with areas of low vulnerability. We found worse HFSI for supermarkets located in areas with greater vulnerability. Those findings can guide specific public policies improving the urban food environment.

Individual and food environmental factors: association with diet.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations of individual and food environmental factors with fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake in a city in a low-to-middle-income country (LMIC). DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Representative sample of the Brazilian Primary Care service known as the Health Academy Program (HAP) in Belo Horizonte, a Brazilian city. SUBJECTS: Using a conceptual model as a guide, individual and food environment data were obtained through: (i) face-to-face interviews with participants aged 20 years or older; and (ii) F&V food store audits. A broad set of individual, household, and community and consumer nutrition environment variables was investigated. Multilevel linear regression was used to quantify area-level variations in F&V intake and to estimate associations with the factors. RESULTS: Eighteen HAP centres were selected and 2944 participants and 336 food stores were included. F&V intake varied between contexts, being higher in areas with better socio-economic conditions and food store quality, such as specialised F&V markets. Individual-level factors, including age, income, food insecurity, stage of change, self-efficacy and decisional balance, were significantly associated with F&V intake. After controlling for individual-level characteristics, greater F&V intake was also associated with higher quality of food stores. CONCLUSIONS: In one of the first studies to comprehensively assess the food environment in an LMIC, individual-level factors accounted for the largest variation in F&V intake; however, the food environment was also important, because area-level variables explained 10·5 % of the F&V intake variation. The consumer nutrition environment was more predictive of healthy eating than was the community nutrition environment. The findings suggest new possibilities for interventions.

Availability and price of fruits and vegetables in the surroundings of food and nutrition public establishments.

BACKGROUND: Inequalities of access to healthy food reinforce the need to strengthen public policies on Food and Nutritional Security. In this context, Food and Nutrition Public Establishments, which are public spaces for distribution and commercialization of healthy foods, stand out. However, in middle-income countries there is little monitoring of the impacts of public policies on food environments, which are fundamental for strengthening these actions. Thus, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the availability and price of fruits and vegetables in areas with and without Food and Nutrition Public Establishments. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study carried out in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Audits were conducted in the retail food environment of a representative sample of Food and Nutrition Public Establishments (n = 10) and corresponding census sectors, without Food and Nutrition Public Establishments (n = 10). Information was collected on the availability and price of the most consumed fruits and vegetables in Belo Horizonte. The food retailers were grouped into fresh food retailers and mixed food retailers. The Chi-Square test was used to compare the availability of fruits and vegetables between areas. The Mann Whitney test was used to compare the prices of fruit and vegetables and the price differences between fresh food retailers and mixed food retailers between areas. RESULTS: 148 food retailers were audited, including 17 Food and Nutrition Public Establishments. In fresh food retailers, the availability of vegetables was higher in areas with Food and Nutrition Public Establishments (p = 0.024). In mixed food retailers there was low availability of fruit and vegetables in both areas (34.0% vs. 26.2%; p>0.05). The price difference between fresh food retailers and mixed food retailers differed significantly between areas (p<0.001). In general, fresh food retailers had lower prices than mixed food retailers only in areas with Food and Nutrition Public Establishments. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Food and Nutrition Public Establishments was associated with the availability of vegetables, and with lower prices in fresh food retailers compared with mixed food retailers. Monitoring and understanding the impacts of public policies on the food environment are essential to register trends and provide relevant information to civil society and government authorities.

Food and nutrition public establishments: assessment of the food environment.

This article aims to assess the community food environment around areas with and without Food and Nutrition Public Establishments (FNPE). Cross-sectional study carried out in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The unit of analysis was the buffer (500m) around the FNPE and the census tracts without FNPE. The investigated establishments should market food for consumption at home and be located within the buffer of the areas with and without FNPE. Data collection performed by direct observation (active search) in August to October 2019. Data collected were location and type of commercial establishments, the density of the establishments was calculated. Descriptive analysis, spatial distribution (Kernel estimator) and Nearest Neighbor analysis were performed. Of the evaluated establishments, 60.5% were in the areas without FNPE and 39.6% in the areas with FNPE, showing a random distribution pattern. Of these, 24.2% were convenience stores and bakeries, 21.0% butcher stores, and 19.0% street markets. Seven FNPE were close to commercial establishments. There were fewer establishments around the FNPE, with convenience stores and bakeries predominating.

Obesity among government-backed economy restaurant workers in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Introduction: This food service sector produces nutritionally balanced meals and its workers eat their meals in this environment. Since they work with nutritionally adequate meals, would these workers have a lower prevalence of obesity? Objectives: The present study aimed to describe the prevalence of obesity among government-backed economy restaurant workers in a Brazilian state capital with analysis of sociodemographic and occupational factors and associated health factors. Methods: Two hundred and fifteen (215) workers from four government-backed economy restaurants operating in the city of Belo Horizonte were evaluated. Only workers who were active during the study period were eligible for the analysis. Anthropometric data were collected for investigation in relation to sociodemographic variables and work and health conditions. Results: The sample of government-backed economy restaurant workers was 37.2% female and had a mean age of 41.9 ± 10.9 years. Based on body mass index, we found that one third of the workers were obese. Obesity was more prevalent among women, workers who were dissatisfied with their bodies, workers who mainly perform tasks in a sitting position, and workers who perform strenuous tasks. Obese people have difficulties performing physical movements, classify their tasks as arduous, and opt for more sedentary tasks. Conclusions: Three out of 10 workers in the government-backed economy restaurants were obese. Programs and actions aimed at prevention and control of obesity are needed in this sector in order to improve the physical and mental capacities of its workers, avoiding attrition of the workforce and major health problems.

Availability of food stores around Brazilian schools.

The aim of this study was to analyze the availability of food stores in the territory of schools. Ecological study conducted in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with all schools (N=42) and food stores (N=656). Data were collected through the objective evaluation of the environment, and the stores were categorized into healthy, unhealthy, mixed and supermarkets. Bivariate Ripley´s K function assessed the existence of clustering of categories of stores in the territory of schools. All the schools had at least one food store in their territory. Unhealthy stores were the most common and closest to the schools. There were more stores around private schools, offering high school education, located in the central region and in the highest per capita income tercile. The bivariate Ripley´s K function showed evidence of clustering of stores at all analyzed distances (400 to 1.5 km) with up to 3 times more establishments than would be expected if they were randomly distributed. Therefore, schoolchildren were likely exposed to unhealthy food environments, regardless of neighborhood income and location, which may contribute to inadequate food choices.

Ultra-processed foods increase noncommunicable chronic disease risk.

Several studies have associated the food processing classification - NOVA - and health, but this is not true for all noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to systematically review the association between the intake of NOVA food groups and NCDs. We hypothesized that ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPFD) and processed foods (PF) could increase the risk of NCDs, and that unprocessed (UPF) and minimally processed foods (MPF) may provide protection. We carried out a systematic review of observational studies in January 2021. Searches were performed in SCOPUS, MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE, SCIELO, related articles, hand-searching of reference lists, and direct author contact. In all, 2217 citations were identified and 38 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. Among the analyzed food groups, higher UPFD consumption was positively associated with obesity and associated with the development of all NCDs, mainly hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. However, only a few studies have demonstrated the protective effect of natural foods and MPF consumption on the occurrence of NCDs. In conclusion, UPF may increase the risk of NCDs, and natural foods and MPF may reduce it. Our results reinforce the need for the implementation of policies to mitigate the intake of UPF by the population, as it would improve the quality of the dietary patterns, and directly impact on the incidence of NCDs.

Binge Drinking Among Public Sector Food Service Workers in Brazil: Physical and Psychosocial Demands on Focus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate occupational risk factors associated with binge drinking (BD) among public sector food service workers in a Brazilian capital. METHODS: All workers from the Government-backed Economy Restaurant Program (GbERP) in Belo Horizonte city were evaluated. BD was defined as consumption of five or more doses (male) or four or more doses (female) of alcoholic beverages on a single occasion within 30 days. Occupational psychosocial and physical stressors were the main exposure variables; sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle variables were inserted as potential confounding factors. We performed logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 214 people participated in the study and 30.7% reported BD. Psychosocial (violence and high demands) and ergonomic aspects were associated with the outcome. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of BD among GbERP workers. Actions are necessary to reduce violence and high strain and consequently BD.

[Community food environment and presence of food swamps around schools in a Brazilian metropolis]. / O ambiente alimentar comunitário e a presença de pântanos alimentares no entorno das escolas de uma metrópole brasileira.

The study aimed to assess the community food environment and the existence of food swamps around schools in a Brazilian metropolis. This was an ecological study in public and private schools in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, with a 250-meter buffer as the analytical unit. The study included all preschool, elementary, and middle schools. In relation to the schools, the study evaluated administrative regimen (public versus private), type of teaching, and per capita income in the schools' census tracts. Information was also compiled on the retail food establishments inside the buffer zone around the schools. The food environment was characterized only according to the establishments around the schools that sold food for immediate consumption. Analysis of the buffers revealed that 97.4% of the schools had at least one establishment in the vicinity that sold food for immediate consumption. The most available establishments around schools were snack bars, restaurants, and bars. Schools located in higher-income census tracts showed higher mean numbers of all establishments in their vicinity, except for grocery stores and supermarkets. In addition, 54.6% of the schools were in neighborhoods classified as food swamps. The results that the among the target categories, there was a predominance of establishments that mainly sell ultra-processed foods such as bars and snack bars in the vicinity of schools in Belo Horizonte, which exposes children and adolescents to an unhealthy food environment.

O objetivo foi avaliar o ambiente alimentar comunitário e a existência de pântanos alimentares no entorno das escolas de uma metrópole brasileira. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico realizado em escolas públicas e privadas de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, e teve como unidade de análise o buffer de 250m. Foram incluídas no estudo todas as escolas de Educação Infantil, de Ensinos Fundamental e Médio. Em relação às escolas, foram avaliadas a dependência administrativa e o tipo de ensino ofertado, bem como a renda per capita dos setores censitários das escolas. Contabilizou-se também as informações sobre os estabelecimentos de venda de alimentos para o consumo imediato que estavam dentro do buffer no entorno das escolas. Em relação ao ambiente alimentar foram avaliados apenas os estabelecimentos que comercializam alimentos para o consumo imediato no entorno escolar. A análise dos buffers revelou que 97,4% das escolas tinham ao menos um desses estabelecimentos no seu entorno. Os estabelecimentos mais disponíveis no entorno da escola foram lanchonetes, restaurantes e bares. As escolas localizadas em setores censitários de maior renda apresentavam maior média de todos os estabelecimentos no seu entorno, exceto das mercearias e supermercados. Ademais, 54,6% das escolas estavam em vizinhanças que são classificados como pântanos alimentares. Os resultados revelam que entre as categorias avaliadas ocorre um predomínio dos estabelecimentos que comercializam, predominantemente, alimentos ultraprocessados, como os bares e lanchonetes no entorno das escolas de Belo Horizonte, o que expõe as crianças e os adolescentes a um ambiente alimentar não saudável.

El objetivo fue evaluar el ambiente alimentario comunitario y la existencia de establecimientos de comida ultraprocesada en el entorno de las escuelas de una metrópoli brasileña. Se trata de un estudio ecológico, realizado en escuelas públicas y privadas de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, y tuvo como unidad de análisis una zona de influencia de 250m. Se incluyeron en el estudio todas las escuelas de educación infantil, enseñanza fundamental y media. En relación con las escuelas, se evaluó la dependencia administrativa y el tipo de enseñanza ofertada, así como la renta per cápita de los sectores censitarios de las escuelas. Se contabilizó también información sobre establecimientos de venta de alimentos para consumo inmediato que estaban dentro de la zona de influencia en el entorno de las escuelas. En relación con el ambiente alimentario, se evaluaron solamente los establecimientos que comercializan alimentos para consumo inmediato en el entorno escolar. El análisis de las zonas de influencia reveló que un 97,4% de las escuelas poseían al menos un establecimiento en su entorno que comercializa alimentos para el consumo inmediato. Los establecimientos más disponibles en el entorno de la escuela fueron cafeterías, restaurantes y bares. Las escuelas localizadas en sectores censitarios de mayor renta presentaban mayor media de todos los establecimientos en su entorno, excepto tiendas de alimentación y supermercados. Además, un 54,6% de las escuelas estaban en vecindarios que se clasifican como zonas con abundancia de locales con comida ultraprocesada. Los resultados revelan que entre las categorías evaluadas se produce un predominio de establecimientos que comercializan, predominantemente, alimentos ultraprocesados, como bares y cafeterías, en el entorno de las escuelas de Belo Horizonte, lo que expone a niños y adolescentes a un ambiente alimentario no saludable.

Retail food environment around schools and overweight: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: The presence of retail food establishments around schools can be a potentiating or protective factor for overweight in students, depending on access to these places as well as types of foods available therein. The hypothesis for this study was that a greater density and proximity of retail food establishments around schools influence the weight of students. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the available observational literature on the association between retail food establishments around schools and the occurrence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren and adolescents. DATA SOURCES: Observational studies were searched in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases published until May 2019. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data. DATA ANALYSIS: Data on the 31 included studies were summarized with narrative synthesis according to meta-analyses of observational studies in epidemiology, exploring the type of food establishments around schools and analyzing qualitatively the impact of proximity or density on overweight and obesity rates. CONCLUSION: Of the 31 articles, a direct association between proximity or density of establishments (mainly fast food restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores) around schools and overweight and obesity in children and adolescents were found in 14 studies. However, authors of 13 papers found no association and inverse association was presented in 4 papers. The studies presented different methods of classification, location, and analysis of retail food establishments, making it difficult to conclude the real influence that the presence of these establishments near schools have on the nutritional status of children and adolescents. Therefore, future studies should consider the use of longitudinal designs and standardized analysis of the food environment around schools to better understand this food environment and its influence on health-related behaviors.

Weight gain in public hospital workers: a retrospective cohort study. / Ganho de peso por década entre trabalhadores de um hospital público: estudo de coorte histórica.

This study assessed changes in the nutrition profile of public hospital workers over a period of three decades and the association between nutritional status and occupational factors. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with staff taken on in 1980, 1990, and 2000 still working in the hospital in 2013. The following data was obtained from staff records: sociodemographic characteristics; and body weight and height, recorded during pre-employment and periodic medical examinations. The latter was used to calculate body mass index (BMI).The final sample consisted of 386 workers (76.4% women and 88.1% white) with a mean age of 29.3 ± 7.3 years. Mean body weight and BMI at admission were highest in the 2000 cohort (W = 66.3 ± 12.5kg; BMI = 21.3 ± 2.5 kg/m2), compared to 1980 (W = 56.7 ± 10.2 kg; BMI = 21.3 ± 2.5 kg/m2)and 1990 (W = 62.2 ± 11.5 kg; BMI = 22.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2) cohorts. Variation in weight and BMI between the pre-employment examination and final periodic examination was highest in the 2000 cohort. When stratified by sex, this difference in variation was observed only in men. No association was found between variation in body weight and BMI and work shift and occupation. The increase in weight and BMI reflects the nutritional transition in Brazil, underscoring the need for nutritional surveillance and the implementation of health education programs directed at staff.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as modificações no perfil nutricional dos trabalhadores de um hospital público por três décadas e sua associação com fatores ocupacionais. Estudo de coorte histórica com trabalhadores ativos em 2013 admitidos em três períodos. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, de peso e de estatura, e calculado o índice de massa corporal (IMC) do exame admissional e de dois exames periódicos/década. Avaliados 386 trabalhadores (76,4% mulheres, 88,1% de cor de pele branca e 29,3±7,3 anos). A média do peso corporal e do IMC da admissão foram maiores naqueles admitidos em 2000 (P = 66,3 ± 12,5 kg; IMC = 21,3 ± 2,5 kg/m2), em comparação àqueles admitidos em 1980 (P = 56,7 ± 10,2 kg; IMC=21,3 ± 2,5 kg/m2) e 1990 (P = 62,2 ± 11,5 kg; IMC = 22,9 ± 3,3 kg/m2). A variação do peso e do IMC/década foi maior nos trabalhadores admitidos em 2000, em comparação com aqueles admitidos em 1990 e 1980. Quando essa comparação foi estratificada por sexo, a diferença na variação do peso e do IMC/década foi observada apenas nos homens. Turno de trabalho e categoria profissional não foram associados com a variação do peso corporal e IMC. O aumento ponderal e do IMC refletem a transição nutricional observada no País, o que reforça a necessidade de vigilância nutricional e educação continuada desses trabalhadores.

[Food environment: validation of a method for measurement and characterization in the territory with the Health Academy Program]. / Ambiente alimentar: validação de método de mensuração e caracterização em território com o Programa Academia da Saúde.

The study aimed to verify the validity of secondary data in the investigation of the food environment and to analyze the characteristics of the community environment and consumers in territories covered by a health promotion service. This was an ecological study in 18 units of the Health Academy Program in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, selected by simple cluster sampling. Validation of the establishments marketing fruits and vegetables, obtained from public databases, was done via telephone contact, Google Street View, and on-site audit. The following variables were investigated in the community food environment: type and location of the establishment; consumer's environment: availability, variety, price, and advertising of fruits and vegetables; availability and variety of ultra-processed foods; and hygienic and sanitary conditions. The access to healthy foods index was used to measure access to these foods. The on-site audit revealed weak concordance (45.7%) with the secondary databases. Of the 298 establishments, the majority were bulk grocery stores and open-air markets (61.3%), which showed the highest availability of healthy foods, but also marketed large amounts of ultra-processed foods (60.7%). One-third of the establishments showed substandard hygienic and sanitary conditions. The secondary databases showed low validity, emphasizing the need to audit the establishments. The establishments also showed a striking presence of ultra-processed foods and poor hygiene and sanitation.

O objetivo foi verificar a validade de dados secundários na investigação do ambiente alimentar e analisar as características do ambiente da comunidade e do consumidor em territórios de serviço de promoção da saúde. Estudo ecológico desenvolvido em 18 unidades do Programa Academia da Saúde de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, selecionadas por amostragem de conglomerado simples. A validação dos estabelecimentos que comercializam frutas e hortaliças, obtidos valendo-se de bases de dados públicas, foi realizada por contato telefônico, uso da ferramenta Google Street View e auditoria. As variáveis do ambiente alimentar da comunidade investigadas foram: tipo de estabelecimento e localização; e do ambiente do consumidor: disponibilidade, variedade, preço e propaganda de frutas e hortaliças, e disponibilidade e variedade de alimentos ultraprocessados; e aspectos higiênico-sanitários. Para mensurar o acesso a alimentos saudáveis, utilizou-se o índice de acesso a estes alimentos. A auditoria revelou concordância fraca (45,7%) das bases secundárias de dados. Dos 298 estabelecimentos auditados, a maioria era sacolões e feiras-livres (61,3%), que apresentavam maior disponibilidade de alimentos saudáveis, mas também comercializavam de forma expressiva alimentos ultraprocessados (60,7%). Quanto às condições sanitárias, 1/3 dos estabelecimentos foi reprovado. Foi baixa a validade das bases secundárias, reforçando a necessidade de realizar auditoria nos estabelecimentos. Ademais, os estabelecimentos investigados apresentaram presença marcante de alimentos ultraprocessados e inadequadas condições higiênico-sanitárias.

El objetivo fue verificar la validez de los datos secundarios en la investigación sobre el ambiente alimentario, así como analizar las características del ambiente de la comunidad y del consumidor, en territorios con servicios de promoción de la salud. Estudio ecológico, desarrollado en 18 unidades del Programa Academia de la Salud de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, seleccionadas por muestreo de conglomerado simple. La validación de los establecimientos que comercializan frutas y hortalizas, se obtuvo valiéndose de bases de datos públicas, se realizó por contacto telefónico, además del uso de la herramienta Google Street View y auditorías. Las variables del ambiente alimentario de la comunidad investigadas fueron: tipo de establecimiento y localización; ambiente del consumidor: disponibilidad, variedad, precio y propaganda de frutas y hortalizas, disponibilidad y variedad de alimentos ultraprocesados, además de aspectos higiénico-sanitarios. Para medir el acceso a alimentos saludables, se utilizó el índice de acceso a estos alimentos. La auditoría reveló una concordancia débil (45,7%) de las bases secundarias de datos. De los 298 establecimientos auditados, la mayoría era tiendas de comestibles y mercados al aire libre (61,3%), que presentaban una mayor disponibilidad de alimentos saludables, pero también comercializaban de forma expresiva alimentos ultraprocesados (60,7%). En cuanto a las condiciones sanitarias, 1/3 de los establecimientos suspendió. La validez de las bases secundarias fue baja, reforzando la necesidad de realizar auditorías en los establecimientos. Además, los establecimientos investigados presentaron una presencia expresiva de alimentos ultraprocesados e inadecuadas condiciones higiénico-sanitarias.

Food and nutrition public establishments: assessment of the food environment / Equipamentos públicos de segurança alimentar e nutricional: avaliação do ambiente alimentar

Abstract This article aims to assess the community food environment around areas with and without Food and Nutrition Public Establishments (FNPE). Cross-sectional study carried out in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The unit of analysis was the buffer (500m) around the FNPE and the census tracts without FNPE. The investigated establishments should market food for consumption at home and be located within the buffer of the areas with and without FNPE. Data collection performed by direct observation (active search) in August to October 2019. Data collected were location and type of commercial establishments, the density of the establishments was calculated. Descriptive analysis, spatial distribution (Kernel estimator) and Nearest Neighbor analysis were performed. Of the evaluated establishments, 60.5% were in the areas without FNPE and 39.6% in the areas with FNPE, showing a random distribution pattern. Of these, 24.2% were convenience stores and bakeries, 21.0% butcher stores, and 19.0% street markets. Seven FNPE were close to commercial establishments. There were fewer establishments around the FNPE, with convenience stores and bakeries predominating.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar o ambiente alimentar comunitário de áreas com e sem estabelecimentos públicos de segurança alimentar e nutricional (EPSAN). Estudo transversal realizado em Belo Horizonte, Brasil. Unidade de análise foi o buffer (500m) no entorno dos EPSAN e dos setores censitários sem EPSAN. Os estabelecimentos investigados deveriam comercializar alimentos para consumo no domicílio e localizar-se dentro do buffer das áreas com e sem EPSAN. Coleta de dados realizada por observação direta (busca ativa) de agosto a outubro de 2019. Os dados coletados foram localização e tipo dos estabelecimentos comerciais, e também foi calculada a densidade dos estabelecimentos. Foram feitas análise descritiva, distribuição espacial (estimador de Kernel) e análise do vizinho mais próximo. Dos estabelecimentos avaliados, 60,5% estavam nas áreas sem EPSAN, e 39,6% nas áreas com EPSAN, apresentando padrão de distribuição aleatório. Desses, 24,2% eram lojas de conveniência e padarias, 21,0% açougues e 19,0% feiras-livres. Sete EPSAN encontravam-se próximos aos estabelecimentos comerciais. Havia menor número de estabelecimentos no entorno dos EPSAN, com predominância de lojas de conveniência e padaria.

[Analysis of TV food advertising in the context of recommendations by the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population]. / Análise da publicidade televisiva de alimentos no contexto das recomendações do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira.

This study aimed to analyze TV food advertising in Brazil based on the recommendations of the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population, 2014. Programming from the four most popular TV channels was recorded on two non-consecutive days in January 2014. The commercials were categorized in (i) foods and beverages, (ii) restaurants, and (iii) non-food services, goods, and products, with those in the first category subdivided according to recommendations in the food guide. The commercials' categories were described by means of their frequency (and 95% confidence interval), for all the records and according to the day of the week. Of the 2,732 commercials that were identified, food and beverage advertising was the third largest category, with 10.2% of the total. In this category, ultra-processed foods accounted for 60.7% of the commercials, while fresh or minimally processed foods at around 7%. The findings run counter to the guide's recommendations, reinforcing the importance of measures to regulate food advertising in Brazil.

Availability of food stores around Brazilian schools / Disponibilidade de estabelecimentos de venda de alimentos no entorno de escolas brasileiras

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the availability of food stores in the territory of schools. Ecological study conducted in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with all schools (N=42) and food stores (N=656). Data were collected through the objective evaluation of the environment, and the stores were categorized into healthy, unhealthy, mixed and supermarkets. Bivariate Ripley´s K function assessed the existence of clustering of categories of stores in the territory of schools. All the schools had at least one food store in their territory. Unhealthy stores were the most common and closest to the schools. There were more stores around private schools, offering high school education, located in the central region and in the highest per capita income tercile. The bivariate Ripley´s K function showed evidence of clustering of stores at all analyzed distances (400 to 1.5 km) with up to 3 times more establishments than would be expected if they were randomly distributed. Therefore, schoolchildren were likely exposed to unhealthy food environments, regardless of neighborhood income and location, which may contribute to inadequate food choices.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a disponibilidade de estabelecimentos de venda de alimentos no território das escolas. Estudo ecológico conduzido em Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil, com todas as escolas (N=42) e estabelecimentos de venda de alimentos (N=656). Dados foram coletados através de avaliação objetiva do ambiente, e estabelecimentos foram categorizados em saudáveis, não saudáveis, mistos e supermercados. Função K de Ripley bivariada avaliou a existência de agrupamento das categorias de estabelecimentos no território das escolas. Todas as escolas tinham no mínimo um estabelecimento de venda de alimentos em seu território. Estabelecimentos não saudáveis foram mais frequentes e próximos das escolas. Havia mais estabelecimentos no entorno de escolas particulares com ensino médio, localizadas na região central e de maior tercil de renda per capita. A função K de Ripley bivariada evidenciou o agrupamento de estabelecimentos em todas as distâncias analisadas (400 a 1,5 km), com três vezes mais estabelecimentos do que o esperado em uma distribuição aleatória. Portanto, escolares provavelmente estavam expostos a um ambiente alimentar não saudável, independentemente da renda da vizinhança e da localização das escolas, o que pode contribuir para escolhas alimentares inadequadas.

[Food prices in Brazil: prefer cooking to ultra-processed foods]. / Preço dos alimentos no Brasil: prefira preparações culinárias a alimentos ultraprocessados.

This study aims to describe the prices of food groups consumed in Brazil considering the nature, extent, and purpose of their processing. Data were obtained from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey for 2008-2009. The mean prices of the groups (natural, cooking ingredients, processed, and ultra-processed) and their respective food subgroups were estimated for Brazil according to income, region, and area. Natural products and cooking ingredients showed lower prices per calorie when compared to the other groups, suggesting an economic advantage to preparing meals at home when compared to replacing them with ultra-processed foods. Families with the highest income paid the highest prices for their food, while families in the Northeast and North regions and rural areas paid the lowest. While fresh foods (meat, milk, fruit, and vegetables) tend to cost more than ultra-processed foods, dry grains (like rice and beans) are a more economical alternative for adopting healthy eating practices.

Regular consumption of fruit and vegetables by the Judiciary's public servers of the Minas Gerais State, Brazil / Consumo regular de frutas e hortaliças por servidores públicos do Poder Judiciário de Minas Gerais, Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables by the civil servants of the Minas Gerais State Judicial System. Methods This is a cross-sectional analytical study, with a representative sample (n=1.005) of the Minas Gerais State Judicial System's civil servants. The outcome variable "regular fruit and vegetable consumption" refers to fruit and vegetable consumption on five or more days per week. The explanatory variables were divided into three blocks: (1) sociodemographic (gender, age, education, race/skin color; income); (2) health conditions and life habits (chronic diseases, absenteeism due to illness, consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking, physical activity and nutritional status); and (3) work characteristics and psychosocial factors (weekly workload, position, overtime, use of the electronic Judicial Process, county, psychological demand and control). Hierarchical Poisson regression by blocks was used to analyze potential factors associated with the outcome. Results The prevalence of regular consumption of fruits and vegetables was 55.3%. Associations were found with female gender, income above 12 minimum wages, sufficient physical activity, use of Electronic Judicial Process, while there was a negative association with alcohol abuse. Conclusion Regular consumption of fruit and vegetable among civil servants in the Judiciary was positively associated with female gender, higher incomes and physical activity. The consumption of alcoholic beverages was negatively associated with the outcome. Educational actions and programs aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyle habits are recommended, in order to raise awareness and involve public servants at all stages of the process.

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao consumo regular de frutas e de hortaliças dos servidores do Judiciário mineiro. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal analítico, com amostra representativa (n=1.005) de servidores do Judiciário mineiro. A variável desfecho "consumo regular de Frutas e Hortaliças" se refere ao consumo de frutas e de hortaliças em cinco ou mais dias da semana. As variáveis explicativas foram divididas em três blocos: (1) sociodemográficos (sexo, idade, escolaridade, raça/cor; renda); (2) condições de saúde e hábitos de vida (doenças crônicas, absenteísmo-doença, consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, tabagismo, prática de atividade física e estado nutricional); e (3) características do trabalho e fatores psicossociais (carga horária semanal, cargo, hora extra, utilização do Processo Judicial Eletrônico, comarca, demanda psicológica e controle). Foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson hierárquica por blocos para analisar possíveis fatores associados ao desfecho. Resultados A prevalência do consumo regular de frutas e de hortaliças foi de 55,3%. Foram verificadas associações positivas com sexo feminino, renda acima de 12 salários-mínimos, atividade física suficiente e utilização do Processo Judicial Eletrônico; em contrapartida, foi encontrada associação negativa com o consumo abusivo de bebidas alcoólicas. Conclusão O consumo regular de frutas e de hortaliças entre os servidores do Judiciário foi associado positivamente com sexo feminino, maiores rendas e prática de atividade física. O consumo de bebidas alcoólicas foi negativamente associado ao desfecho. Recomenda-se ações e programas educativos voltados para o estímulo de hábitos de vida saudáveis, de maneira a sensibilizar e envolver os servidores públicos em todas as etapas do processo.

Perfil alimentar e percepção de escolares sobre alimentação servida em escolas municipais segundo a vulnerabilidade à saúde / Food pattern and perception of students about food served in municipal schools according to health vulnerability

Objetivo: Analisar o perfil alimentar e a percepção de escolares sobre a alimentação servida nas escolas, segundo a vulnerabilidade à saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal, realizado com uma amostra representativa de alunos do Ensino Fundamental da rede municipal de Belo Horizonte. A vulnerabilidade à saúde foi determinada pelo Índice de Vulnerabilidade à Saúde dos setores censitários das escolas. Foram coletadas informações referentes ao perfil alimentar e à percepção sobre a alimentação escolar. Foi utilizado o Teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson para determinar diferenças segundo o Índice de Vulnerabilidade à Saúde. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 3.557 alunos. Os alunos das escolas com menor vulnerabilidade apresentaram o hábito de comprar alimentos em estabelecimentos próximos à escola (p=0,01); perceberam em menor proporção a alimentação escolar como variada (p<0,001), o tempo para comer como suficiente (p<0,001) e a importância da alimentação escolar (p=0,02). Conclusão: O perfil alimentar e a percepção da alimentação variaram segundo a vulnerabilidade das escolas. Nas escolas de menor vulnerabilidade, os alunos compraram mais alimentos no entorno e apresentaram menor aceitação e valorização da alimentação escolar. Sugere-se a investigação de fatores associados (socioeconômicos e ambientais) para compreensão das condições que influenciam o adequado fornecimento da alimentação escolar a todos os estudantes.

Objective: analyze the dietary profile and perception of students about the food served in schools, according to health vulnerability. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out with a representative sample of Elementary School students from the Municipal Network of Belo Horizonte. Health vulnerability was determined by the Health Vulnerability Index (HVI) of the census sectors of schools. Eating habits and perceptions of meals served in the school were collected. Pearson's Chi-squared test was used to determine differences according to the Health Vulnerability Index. Results: 3,557 students were interviewed. Students from schools with less vulnerability had the habit of buying food in stores close to the school (p = 0.01); a smaller proportion of the students perceived the school meals as varied (p <0.001), the eating time as sufficient (p<0.001), and the importance of food served in municipal schools (p=0.02). Conclusion: The food profile and perception of food varied according to the school's vulnerability. In schools with less vulnerability, students bought more food in the surroundings and showed less acceptance and appreciation of school food. The investigation of socio-economic and environmental factors is warranted to understand the conditions that may influence the adequate supply of school meals to all students.

O ambiente alimentar comunitário e a presença de pântanos alimentares no entorno das escolas de uma metrópole brasileira / Community food environment and presence of food swamps around schools in a Brazilian metropolis / El ambiente alimentario comunitario y la presencia de establecimientos de comida ultraprocesada en el entorno de las escuelas de una metrópoli brasileña

O objetivo foi avaliar o ambiente alimentar comunitário e a existência de pântanos alimentares no entorno das escolas de uma metrópole brasileira. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico realizado em escolas públicas e privadas de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, e teve como unidade de análise o buffer de 250m. Foram incluídas no estudo todas as escolas de Educação Infantil, de Ensinos Fundamental e Médio. Em relação às escolas, foram avaliadas a dependência administrativa e o tipo de ensino ofertado, bem como a renda per capita dos setores censitários das escolas. Contabilizou-se também as informações sobre os estabelecimentos de venda de alimentos para o consumo imediato que estavam dentro do buffer no entorno das escolas. Em relação ao ambiente alimentar foram avaliados apenas os estabelecimentos que comercializam alimentos para o consumo imediato no entorno escolar. A análise dos buffers revelou que 97,4% das escolas tinham ao menos um desses estabelecimentos no seu entorno. Os estabelecimentos mais disponíveis no entorno da escola foram lanchonetes, restaurantes e bares. As escolas localizadas em setores censitários de maior renda apresentavam maior média de todos os estabelecimentos no seu entorno, exceto das mercearias e supermercados. Ademais, 54,6% das escolas estavam em vizinhanças que são classificados como pântanos alimentares. Os resultados revelam que entre as categorias avaliadas ocorre um predomínio dos estabelecimentos que comercializam, predominantemente, alimentos ultraprocessados, como os bares e lanchonetes no entorno das escolas de Belo Horizonte, o que expõe as crianças e os adolescentes a um ambiente alimentar não saudável.

The study aimed to assess the community food environment and the existence of food swamps around schools in a Brazilian metropolis. This was an ecological study in public and private schools in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, with a 250-meter buffer as the analytical unit. The study included all preschool, elementary, and middle schools. In relation to the schools, the study evaluated administrative regimen (public versus private), type of teaching, and per capita income in the schools' census tracts. Information was also compiled on the retail food establishments inside the buffer zone around the schools. The food environment was characterized only according to the establishments around the schools that sold food for immediate consumption. Analysis of the buffers revealed that 97.4% of the schools had at least one establishment in the vicinity that sold food for immediate consumption. The most available establishments around schools were snack bars, restaurants, and bars. Schools located in higher-income census tracts showed higher mean numbers of all establishments in their vicinity, except for grocery stores and supermarkets. In addition, 54.6% of the schools were in neighborhoods classified as food swamps. The results that the among the target categories, there was a predominance of establishments that mainly sell ultra-processed foods such as bars and snack bars in the vicinity of schools in Belo Horizonte, which exposes children and adolescents to an unhealthy food environment.

El objetivo fue evaluar el ambiente alimentario comunitario y la existencia de establecimientos de comida ultraprocesada en el entorno de las escuelas de una metrópoli brasileña. Se trata de un estudio ecológico, realizado en escuelas públicas y privadas de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, y tuvo como unidad de análisis una zona de influencia de 250m. Se incluyeron en el estudio todas las escuelas de educación infantil, enseñanza fundamental y media. En relación con las escuelas, se evaluó la dependencia administrativa y el tipo de enseñanza ofertada, así como la renta per cápita de los sectores censitarios de las escuelas. Se contabilizó también información sobre establecimientos de venta de alimentos para consumo inmediato que estaban dentro de la zona de influencia en el entorno de las escuelas. En relación con el ambiente alimentario, se evaluaron solamente los establecimientos que comercializan alimentos para consumo inmediato en el entorno escolar. El análisis de las zonas de influencia reveló que un 97,4% de las escuelas poseían al menos un establecimiento en su entorno que comercializa alimentos para el consumo inmediato. Los establecimientos más disponibles en el entorno de la escuela fueron cafeterías, restaurantes y bares. Las escuelas localizadas en sectores censitarios de mayor renta presentaban mayor media de todos los establecimientos en su entorno, excepto tiendas de alimentación y supermercados. Además, un 54,6% de las escuelas estaban en vecindarios que se clasifican como zonas con abundancia de locales con comida ultraprocesada. Los resultados revelan que entre las categorías evaluadas se produce un predominio de establecimientos que comercializan, predominantemente, alimentos ultraprocesados, como bares y cafeterías, en el entorno de las escuelas de Belo Horizonte, lo que expone a niños y adolescentes a un ambiente alimentario no saludable.