Gender differences in the prevalence of household food insecurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The present review aimed to identify and synthesize literature on household food insecurity with respect to whether the respondent was male or female. DESIGN: A systematic review of prevalence studies followed by a meta-analysis was conducted between 28 August 2014 and 19 October 2014 in seven electronic databases. The search was updated in April 2016. The included studies used experience-based measures to assess household food insecurity. Dichotomous measures of food insecurity were used. Pooled odds ratios of household food insecurity prevalence in women v. men were obtained through random-effect modelling. Quality assessment, publication bias diagnostics and subgroup analysis were also performed. SETTING: Population-based studies (i.e. non-clinical populations). SUBJECTS: Participants aged 18 years or over. RESULTS: Out of the 5145 articles initially identified, forty-two studies with a total population of 233 153 were included. In general, results showed that the odds for household food insecurity was 40 % higher in studies where women were the respondent (95 % CI 1·27, 1·54; P<0·001). Besides, subgroup analysis revealed that female-headed households were 75% (95 % CI 49-96%) more likely to be food insecure than male-headed households. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the existence of gender differences in reporting household food insecurity. Furthermore, they indicate that households headed by women constitute a segment of the population that is particularly vulnerable to food insecurity.

[Self-reported prevalence of hypertension and associated factors in quilombola communities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil]. / Prevalência autorreferida de hipertensão e fatores associados em comunidades quilombolas do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

The study sought to identify the prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) and possible associated factors in adults residing in quilombola communities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). A transversal population-based study, carried out in 2011, included 589 adult households in quilombola communities in the State of RS, by sampling proportional to the size. The outcome was obtained by the question: "Has a doctor ever told you that you have hypertension?" Poisson regression with robust variance and hierarchical input variables were used. Finally, the population attributable fractions per component (PAFC) were calculated for modifiable factors associated to AH. The self-reported prevalence of AH was 38.3% (CI95% 31.4%-45.1%). Adjusted analysis revealed an association of the outcome with age group, education, excessive alcohol consumption, waist circumference and the presence of diabetes. PAFC analysis revealed that if the individuals had greater schooling, the prevalence of AH would be reduced. Given the high prevalence of AH and the extreme social vulnerability of this population, public policies that guarantee their access to fundamental rights (health, income and schooling) could have a significant impact in reducing this outcome.

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a prevalência e fatores associados à hipertensão arterial (HA) em adultos quilombolas do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Trata-se de um estudo transversal de base populacional, realizado em 2011, com 589 adultos responsáveis por domicílios e amostragem proporcional ao tamanho. O desfecho foi obtido com a pergunta: "Algum médico já lhe disse que você tem hipertensão?". Foi empregada regressão de Poisson, com variância robusta e entrada hierarquizada das variáveis. Por fim, foram calculadas as frações atribuíveis populacionais por componente (FAPC) para fatores modificáveis associados à HA. A prevalência autorreferida de HA foi de 38,3% (IC95% 31,4%-45,1%). A análise ajustada revelou associação do desfecho com faixa etária, escolaridade, consumo excessivo de álcool, circunferência da cintura acima do adequado e presença de diabetes. A análise dos FAPC revelou que, se os indivíduos tivessem maior escolaridade, a prevalência de HA seria reduzida. Diante da elevada prevalência de HA e da extrema vulnerabilidade social dessa população, políticas públicas que garantam seu acesso a direitos fundamentais (saúde, renda e escolaridade) poderiam ter impacto importante na diminuição desse desfecho.

[Nutritional status of first to fourth-grade students of urban schools in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil]. / Estado nutricional de escolares de 1 feminine a 4 feminine séries do Ensino Fundamental das escolas urbanas da cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

This cross-sectional study included 20,084 students from urban schools (first to fourth-grade) in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Weight and height were measured, and nutritional status was classified according to the World Health Organization (height deficit) and International Obesity Task Force (overweight and obesity) criteria. The study also recorded the variables age, gender, type of school, and schooling (grade-for-age adequacy). Prevalence of height-for-age deficit was 3.5% (3.9% in boys and 3.1% in girls). Prevalence rates for overweight and obesity were 29.8% and 9.1%, respectively. Overweight and obesity were more frequent in private schools, while height-for-age deficit was more frequent in municipal or State schools. For both boys and girls, age was positively associated with underweight and inversely related to overweight and obesity. Inadequate schooling was associated with increased risk of height deficit and decreased risk of overweight and obesity. In conclusion, primary students' nutritional status depends not only on demographic and socioeconomic factors, but also on type of school.

Diagnosis of overweight and obesity in adolescents from the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil: comparison of two diagnostic criteria.

Various cut-off points for body mass index have been proposed to assess nutritional status in adolescents. The aim of this study was to compare two methods for evaluating overweight and obesity. In 2004-5, 4,452 adolescents from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study were evaluated, representing 87.5% of the original cohort. Overweight and obesity were evaluated using the methods proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). Prevalence of overweight was similar when comparing the two methods (WHO: 23.2%; IOTF: 21.6%). Prevalence of obesity was higher according to the WHO criterion (total sample: 11.6%; boys: 15.1%; girls: 8.2%) as compared to IOTF (total sample: 5.0%; boys: 5.6%; girls: 4.4%). The kappa statistic was around 0.9 for determining overweight and 0.4 for obesity. The IOTF classification showed high specificity in comparison to the WHO criterion for determining overweight and obesity. However, sensitivity was high for overweight but low for obesity. Our data show that the IOTF classification underestimates the prevalence of obesity in early adolescence.

[Frequency of high-fat and low-fiber diets among adolescents]. / Freqüência de consumo de dietas ricas em gordura e pobres em fibra entre adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency and associated factors of high-fat and low-fiber diets among adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in adolescents aged 10-12 years in Pelotas, southern Brazil, in 2004 and 2005. Dietary patterns in the previous 12 months were evaluated using the Block questionnaire comprising 24 food items scored according to the frequency of consumption of high-fat and low-fiber food. In the crude analysis, the prevalence of high-fat and low-fiber diets were compared according to subgroups of independent variables (sex, skin color, socioeconomic condition, maternal schooling and adolescent's nutritional status). In order to adjust for confounders, multivariable analysis using Poisson's regression was carried out for each outcome. RESULTS: There were 4,452 adolescents included in the study, most of them (83.9%) had low-fiber diets and more than one third (36.6%) had high-fat diets. Socioeconomic condition and maternal schooling were directly associated with consumption of high-fat diets. Adolescents from socioeconomic groups A+B and C had lower prevalence of low-fiber diet. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of low-fiber and high-fat diets was high in this population of adolescents. Public policies targeting the determinants of dietary habits are necessary and urgent.

Prevalence and factors associated with exposure to sunlight and sunscreen among physical education teachers in Pelotas, southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Decreasing the time of exposure to the sun and increasing sunscreen use are important actions to prevent skin cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify the prevalence of exposure to the sun and the use of sunscreen, as well as associated factors among physical education teachers of the basic education network from city of Pelotas, southern Brazil. METHODS: A census type study was conducted with physical education teachers of the basic education network from Pelotas. This study assessed the time of exposure to the sun in the workplace for at least 20 min, between 10am and 4pm, and the use of sunscreen during the workday. RESULTS: 188 teachers answered the questionnaire. The prevalence of exposure to the sun between 10:00am and 4:00pm was 89.2% (95% CI of 83.8% -93.3%), while sunscreen use was 63.3% (95% CI of 56.0% -70.2%). However, when the sample was stratified by sex, women reported a higher rate of sunscreen use (78.5% -95% CI of 72.2-84.3) than men (38.9% -95% CI of 31.8-46.2) (p<0.001). Teachers with longer work weeks were at greater risk of exposure to the sun. In addition, women, with normal weight and who worked less hours, were more likely to use sunscreen. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional study and lack of information on the proper use and frequency of use of sunscreen. CONCLUSION: Physical education teachers were highly exposed to solar radiation, and less than two-thirds used sunscreen during the workday. Interventions with this professional group are necessary to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Oral health self-perception in quilombola communities in Rio Grande do Sul: a cross-sectional exploratory study. / Autopercepção de saúde bucal em comunidades quilombolas no Rio Grande do Sul: um estudo transversal exploratório.

OBJECTIVE:: There's a shortage of evidence on the oral health of quilombolas. This study aims to describe oral health self-perception, as well as to verify its associated factors in quilombola communities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. METHODS:: The data for this cross-sectional health survey were collected by application of a questionnaire. Since this study was part of a survey on nutritional security, the probabilistic cluster sample was estimated for the outcome of nutritional insecurity, comprising 583 individuals across quilombola communities in Rio Grande do Sul. The association between the outcome of negative oral health self-perception and sociodemographic, general health, and oral health variables was measured by prevalence ratios obtained through Poisson regressions with robust variance and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS:: Negative self-rated oral health was reported by 313 (53.1%) of the individuals. Satisfaction with chewing ability and satisfaction with oral appearance were associated with a higher prevalence of negative perception of oral health, while there was no association between the outcome and number of teeth. Use of alcohol had a borderline association with the outcome. CONCLUSION:: Satisfaction with appearance and chewing ability are factors associated with oral-health self-perception of the quilombolas in Rio Grande do Sul.

Methodological aspects of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study.

This paper describes the main methodological aspects of a cohort study, with emphasis on its recent phases, which may be relevant to investigators planning to carry out similar studies. In 1993, a population based study was launched in Pelotas, Southern Brazil. All 5,249 newborns delivered in the city's hospitals were enrolled, and sub-samples were visited at the ages of one, three and six months and of one and four years. In 2004-5 it was possible to trace 87.5% of the cohort at the age of 10-12 years. Sub-studies are addressing issues related to oral health, psychological development and mental health, body composition, and ethnography. Birth cohort studies are essential for investigating the early determinants of adult disease and nutritional status, yet few such studies are available from low and middle-income countries where these determinants may differ from those documented in more developed settings.

[Utilization and coverage of a Food and Nutritional Surveillance System in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil]. / Utilização e cobertura do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

This article seeks to describe the utilization and coverage percentage of the Nutritional and Food Surveillance System (SISVAN-Web) in the Regional Health Offices of Rio Grande do Sul in 2010 and to assess its correlation with socio-economic, demographic and health system organization variables at the time. It is an ecological study that used secondary data from the SISVAN-Web, the Department of Primary Health Care, the IT Department of the Unified Health System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The evaluation of utilization and coverage data was restricted to nutritional status. The percentage of utilization of SISVAN-Web refers to the number of cities that fed the system. Total coverage was defined as the percentage of individuals in all stages of the life cycle monitored by SISVAN-Web. It was found that 324 cities fed the application, corresponding to a utilization percentage of 65.3%. Greater system coverage was observed in all Regional Health Coordination (RHC) Units for ages 0 to 5 years and 5-10 years. There was a significant association between the percentage of utilization of SISVAN-Web and Family Health Strategy coverage in each RHC Unit. The results of this study indicated low percentages of utilization and coverage of SISVAN-Web in Rio Grande do Sul.

[Factors associated with the consumption of high-fat foods among adults in a Southern Brazilian city]. / Fatores associados ao consumo de dietas ricas em gordura em adultos de uma cidade no sul do Brasil.

The scope of this study was to describe the frequency of consumption of high-fat foods among adults aged 20 to 69 years and to identify associated factors. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 972 adults in Pelotas, Southern Brazil. The consumption of high-fat foods in the previous twelve months was evaluated using the Block questionnaire comprising fifteen food items scored according to the frequency of consumption of high-fat foods. Approximately one in every three adults (32.7%) reported the regular consumption of high-fat diets. Among individuals of both sexes, the regular consumption of fat was associated with younger ages and the regular intake of non-diet soft drinks, and only for men, to the A/B economic levels. The conclusion reached is that the consumption of high-fat food among adults is above current Ministry of Health recommendations. Interventions aimed at stimulating healthy diets are urgently needed.

[Frequency of adherence to the "10 Steps to Healthy Eating" among school-aged adolescents]. / Frequência de adesão aos "10 Passos para uma Alimentação Saudável" em escolares adolescentes.

The scope of this study was to evaluate the frequency of adherence to "10 Steps to Healthy Eating" of the Ministry of Health in adolescents from high schools in Pelotas in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted, including 1233 adolescents (13-19 years of age). The frequency of each step was evaluated through a questionnaire on food frequency and other issues included in the "10 Steps." The average number of steps achieved was 1.8. It is noteworthy that none of the subjects achieved entirely all the recommended steps. The highest frequency of compliance was found in step 4, referring to the consumption of the rice and beans. Lower frequencies of adherence were found for step 7, related to consumption of soft drinks, processed juices, sweets and snacks, and also step 3 on the consumption of fruit/vegetables/greens. Adherence to the "10 steps to Healthy Eating" by adolescents was very low. Considering the importance of healthy eating in adolescence, greater investment in public policies in the area of food and nutrition is strongly recommended.

Dietary patterns and hypertension: a population-based study with women from Southern Brazil.

This study investigated the association between dietary pattern and hypertension using the rank reduced regression (RRR). It was a cross-sectional population-based study with a representative sample of 1,026 women living in the city of São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. In order to identify dietary patterns, dietary variables from a dietary frequency questionnaire were used as predictors and sodium, potassium and saturated fat consumption were selected as response variables. The RRR identified three dietary patterns: Factor 1, Factor 2 and Factor 3. The association between hypertension and factors 1, 2 and 3, after adjustment for socio-demographic, behavioral and obesity variables, was not significant. After stratification by age, the association between hypertension and factor 2 was present in 40-60 year-old women (tertile 2 compared to 3 RP = 0.62, 95%CI: 0.43-0.91; p = 0,05). The new statistical method (RRR), proved to be a useful tool for identifying dietary patterns. In this study, healthier dietary pattern was directly associated with hypertension in women between 40 and 60 years of age.

Prevalência autorreferida de hipertensão e fatores associados em comunidades quilombolas do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Self-reported prevalence of hypertension and associated factors in quilombola communities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a prevalência e fatores associados à hipertensão arterial (HA) em adultos quilombolas do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Trata-se de um estudo transversal de base populacional, realizado em 2011, com 589 adultos responsáveis por domicílios e amostragem proporcional ao tamanho. O desfecho foi obtido com a pergunta: "Algum médico já lhe disse que você tem hipertensão?". Foi empregada regressão de Poisson, com variância robusta e entrada hierarquizada das variáveis. Por fim, foram calculadas as frações atribuíveis populacionais por componente (FAPC) para fatores modificáveis associados à HA. A prevalência autorreferida de HA foi de 38,3% (IC95% 31,4%-45,1%). A análise ajustada revelou associação do desfecho com faixa etária, escolaridade, consumo excessivo de álcool, circunferência da cintura acima do adequado e presença de diabetes. A análise dos FAPC revelou que, se os indivíduos tivessem maior escolaridade, a prevalência de HA seria reduzida. Diante da elevada prevalência de HA e da extrema vulnerabilidade social dessa população, políticas públicas que garantam seu acesso a direitos fundamentais (saúde, renda e escolaridade) poderiam ter impacto importante na diminuição desse desfecho.

Abstract The study sought to identify the prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) and possible associated factors in adults residing in quilombola communities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). A transversal population-based study, carried out in 2011, included 589 adult households in quilombola communities in the State of RS, by sampling proportional to the size. The outcome was obtained by the question: "Has a doctor ever told you that you have hypertension?" Poisson regression with robust variance and hierarchical input variables were used. Finally, the population attributable fractions per component (PAFC) were calculated for modifiable factors associated to AH. The self-reported prevalence of AH was 38.3% (CI95% 31.4%-45.1%). Adjusted analysis revealed an association of the outcome with age group, education, excessive alcohol consumption, waist circumference and the presence of diabetes. PAFC analysis revealed that if the individuals had greater schooling, the prevalence of AH would be reduced. Given the high prevalence of AH and the extreme social vulnerability of this population, public policies that guarantee their access to fundamental rights (health, income and schooling) could have a significant impact in reducing this outcome.

[Food consumption and dietary factors involved in health and disease in Nikkeis: systematic review]. / Consumo alimentar e fatores dieteticos envolvidos no processo saude e doenca de Nikkeis: revisao sistematica.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze food consumption and dietary factors involved in the Nikkei population's health and disease processes METHODS: A systematic review of observational studies that described Nikkeis' food intake was carried out in electronic databases Lilacs, SciELO and PubMed/Medline databases, from 1997 to 2012. Initially, 137 titles and abstracts were analyzed, excluding intervention studies, those which only presented metabolite and vitamin plasma levels and those which did not meet the objective of this study. Of these, 38 studies were selected and evaluated using a method based on Downs & Black (1998), adapted for observational studies, leaving 33 studies to be analyzed. RESULTS: Few studies about Nikkei food intake were found outside of Hawaii, in the United States, and Sao Paulo (mainly in the city of Bauru) in Brazil. The total energy intake of Japanese-Brazilians had an elevated fat contribution, decreasing carbohydrate and protein intake. In the United States, the prevalence of Japanese-Americans who consumed high density energy food was elevated. The Niseis (children of immigrants) presented, on average, higher intake of Japanese food products, while the Sanseis (grandchildren of immigrants) showed more Westernized dietary habits. CONCLUSIONS: Although some Japanese food habits have been maintained, the Nikkeis' dietary intake reveals a high prevalence of typical Westernized food intake (high in processed food, fat and sodium, and poor in fiber), that may be contributing to the increasing development of chronic disease in this population.

Tracking of dietary patterns from childhood to adolescence.

OBJECTIVE: To review the scientific literature on the tracking of dietary patterns from childhood to adolescence. METHODS: A search of the MEDLINE/PubMed, Lilacs and SciELO databases was performed, using the following key words: "tracking", "dietary patterns" and "childhood/adolescence" and their respective synonyms. A total of 45 abstracts were found and, after the inclusion criteria were applied, 13 articles were included. The tracking of dietary patterns was assessed by three main statistical analyses: (Pearson or Spearman) correlation coefficients, kappa coefficient and probability analysis. RESULTS: The tracking of dietary patterns ranged from weak to moderate between the childhood-childhood and childhood-adolescence periods. During adolescence, there appears to be no tracking. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary patterns in childhood may continue until adolescence, although such patterns may be changed or discontinued throughout adolescence.

Prevalence and factors associated with exposure to sunlight and sunscreen among physical education teachers in Pelotas, southern Brazil

Abstract: Background: Decreasing the time of exposure to the sun and increasing sunscreen use are important actions to prevent skin cancer. Objective: This study aimed to verify the prevalence of exposure to the sun and the use of sunscreen, as well as associated factors among physical education teachers of the basic education network from city of Pelotas, southern Brazil. Methods: A census type study was conducted with physical education teachers of the basic education network from Pelotas. This study assessed the time of exposure to the sun in the workplace for at least 20 min, between 10am and 4pm, and the use of sunscreen during the workday. Results: 188 teachers answered the questionnaire. The prevalence of exposure to the sun between 10:00am and 4:00pm was 89.2% (95% CI of 83.8% -93.3%), while sunscreen use was 63.3% (95% CI of 56.0% -70.2%). However, when the sample was stratified by sex, women reported a higher rate of sunscreen use (78.5% -95% CI of 72.2-84.3) than men (38.9% -95% CI of 31.8-46.2) (p<0.001). Teachers with longer work weeks were at greater risk of exposure to the sun. In addition, women, with normal weight and who worked less hours, were more likely to use sunscreen. Study limitations: Cross-sectional study and lack of information on the proper use and frequency of use of sunscreen. Conclusion: Physical education teachers were highly exposed to solar radiation, and less than two-thirds used sunscreen during the workday. Interventions with this professional group are necessary to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Autopercepção de saúde bucal em comunidades quilombolas no Rio Grande do Sul: um estudo transversal exploratório / Oral health self-perception in quilombola communities in Rio Grande do Sul: a cross-sectional exploratory study

RESUMO: Objetivo: Há escassez de literatura sobre a saúde bucal dos quilombolas. O presente estudo procurou descrever a autopercepção de saúde bucal, bem como verificar fatores a ela associados em comunidades quilombolas no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: Os dados para este estudo transversal foram coletados por meio da aplicação de um questionário. Posto que o estudo fez parte de um levantamento sobre segurança alimentar, a amostra probabilística por conglomerado foi estimada para o desfecho de insegurança alimentar, consistindo de 583 indivíduos de comunidades quilombolas no Rio Grande do Sul. A associação entre o desfecho de autopercepção de saúde bucal negativa e variáveis sociodemográficas, de saúde geral e bucal foi aferida por intermédio de razões de prevalência obtidas por meio de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Autopercepção negativa de saúde bucal foi reportada por 313 (53,1%) indivíduos. Satisfação com mastigação e com aparência bucal esteve relacionada com maior prevalência de percepção negativa de saúde bucal, não havendo associação entre o número de dentes e o desfecho. Uso de álcool teve uma associação fraca com o desfecho. Conclusão: Satisfação com aparência e mastigação é fator associado com autopercepção de saúde bucal dos quilombolas no Rio Grande do Sul.

ABSTRACT: Objective: There’s a shortage of evidence on the oral health of quilombolas. This study aims to describe oral health self-perception, as well as to verify its associated factors in quilombola communities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: The data for this cross-sectional health survey were collected by application of a questionnaire. Since this study was part of a survey on nutritional security, the probabilistic cluster sample was estimated for the outcome of nutritional insecurity, comprising 583 individuals across quilombola communities in Rio Grande do Sul. The association between the outcome of negative oral health self-perception and sociodemographic, general health, and oral health variables was measured by prevalence ratios obtained through Poisson regressions with robust variance and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Negative self-rated oral health was reported by 313 (53.1%) of the individuals. Satisfaction with chewing ability and satisfaction with oral appearance were associated with a higher prevalence of negative perception of oral health, while there was no association between the outcome and number of teeth. Use of alcohol had a borderline association with the outcome. Conclusion: Satisfaction with appearance and chewing ability are factors associated with oral-health self-perception of the quilombolas in Rio Grande do Sul.

Factors associated with regular non-diet soft drink intake among adults in Pelotas, Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with regular intake of non-diet soft drinks among adults. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study including 972 adults (aged 20 to 69) in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil, conducted in 2006. The frequency of non-diet soft drink intake in the 12 months prior to the study was evaluated by the question: "In general since last , how many times did you have a non-diet soft drink?". The answers were dichotomized for the analysis. Intake of non-diet soft drinks five times or more per week was considered regular intake. The association between the outcome and sociodemographic, behavioral and nutritional variables was tested using the chi-square test for heterogeneity and linear trend and a multivariate analysis was performed through Poisson regression with a robust variance. RESULTS: Approximately one in every five adults (20.4%) reported regular intake of non-diet soft drinks. Males (PR 1.50; 95%CI 1.20;2.00), smokers (RP 1.60; 95%CI 1.20;2.10) and those reporting weekly intake of snacks (PR 2.10; 95%CI 1.60;2.70) had higher prevalence of non-diet soft drink intake in the adjusted analysis. The analysis stratified by gender showed that in women regular intake of fruits and vegetables was protective against soft drinks consumption (PR 0.50; 95%CI 0.30;0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Regular intake of non-diet soft drinks among adults was high, particularly among men, young adults and smokers.

Dietary assessment in the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study: comparing energy intake with energy expenditure.

The study aims to describe and compare two methods of energy intake assessment and one measure of energy expenditure applied in adolescents from a birth cohort. In a sub-sample of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort, followed up in 2006-7, information on intake was obtained through a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and three 24-hour-recalls (24hR), while energy expenditure was assessed using an accelerometer. Bland & Altman plots were used in the analyses in order to compare the methods. The mean difference between FFQ and 24hR was 592 ± 929cal/day. Compared to energy expenditure, intake was overestimated when measured by FFQ (357 ± 968cal/day) and underestimated by 24hR (-278 ± 714cal/day). In spite of the great differences between energy intake obtained using the two methods, lower differences were observed when these methods were compared to expenditure.

[Factors associated with fruit and vegetable intake among adults in a southern Brazilian city]. / Fatores associados ao consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras em adultos de uma cidade no Sul do Brasil.

The study aimed to describe the frequency of fruit and vegetable intake among adults (20-69 years of age) and to identify associated factors. This population-based study in 2006 included 972 adults in Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was evaluated with three questions on habitual food intake during the year prior to the interview. The outcome variable was regular consumption of fruits and vegetables. Only one in five adults (20.9%) reported consuming fruits and vegetables regularly. Female gender, age 60 years or older, higher socioeconomic status, former smoking, and physical activity were associated with the outcome variable. According to the results, fruit and vegetable intake among adults fails to meet current Ministry of Health recommendations, particularly among male, young, poor, and physically inactive adults. Interventions to encourage healthy diet are urgently needed.