Food insecurity and sociodemographic factors in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To understand the association of food insecurity with sociodemographic factors in a sample population in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 10 countries in Latin America using an online survey through various digital platforms from October 14, 2020 to February 15, 2021. Statistical analysis of data was performed by applying descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis. Results: Of a total of 6 357 surveys, 58.2% of respondents experienced food security, 29.3% were slightly food insecure, 9.2% were moderately food insecure, and 3.3% were severely food insecure. Concerning the association food insecurity and sociodemographic variables, there is a significant association in the variables studied, including area of residence, education level, occupation, number of persons in the household, household with children younger than 10 years of age, and socioeconomic level. Conclusions: These findings indicate that sociodemographic factors associated with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America were rural residence; complete and incomplete basic and secondary schooling; occupation (homemaker, unemployed, and self-employed); low, medium-low, and medium socioeconomic level; household with more than four persons; and household with children younger than 10 years of age.

Food insecurity and sociodemographic factors in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic / Inseguridad alimentaria y factores sociodemográficos en América Latina durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Insegurança alimentar e fatores sociodemográficos na América Latina durante a pandemia de COVID-19

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To understand the association of food insecurity with sociodemographic factors in a sample popu- lation in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 10 countries in Latin America using an online survey through various digital platforms from October 14, 2020 to February 15, 2021. Statistical analysis of data was performed by applying descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis. Results. Of a total of 6 357 surveys, 58.2% of respondents experienced food security, 29.3% were slightly food insecure, 9.2% were moderately food insecure, and 3.3% were severely food insecure. Concerning the association food insecurity and sociodemographic variables, there is a significant association in the variables studied, including area of residence, education level, occupation, number of persons in the household, house- hold with children younger than 10 years of age, and socioeconomic level. Conclusions. These findings indicate that sociodemographic factors associated with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America were rural residence; complete and incomplete basic and secondary schooling; occupation (homemaker, unemployed, and self-employed); low, medium-low, and medium socioeco- nomic level; household with more than four persons; and household with children younger than 10 years of age.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar la asociación de la inseguridad alimentaria con factores sociodemográficos en una muestra de población de América Latina durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal multicéntrico en diez países de América Latina mediante una encuesta en línea a través de diversas plataformas digitales, entre el 14 de octubre del 2020 y el 15 de febrero del 2021. Se realizó un análisis estadístico de los datos usando procedimientos de estadística descriptiva, la prueba ji al cuadrado y un análisis de regresión logística. Resultados. En un total de 6 357 encuestas, el 58,2% de las personas encuestadas gozaba de seguridad ali- mentaria, el 29,3% tenía una inseguridad alimentaria leve, el 9,2% una inseguridad alimentaria moderada y el 3,3% una inseguridad alimentaria grave. Por lo que respecta a la asociación entre la inseguridad alimentaria y las variables sociodemográficas, hay una asociación significativa para algunas de las variables estudiadas, como la zona de residencia, el nivel de estudios, la actividad laboral, el número de personas en el hogar, el hogar con menores de 10 años y el nivel socioeconómico. Conclusiones. Estos resultados indican que los factores sociodemográficos asociados a la inseguridad alimentaria durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en América Latina fueron la residencia en zonas rurales; la edu- cación primaria y secundaria completa o no; la actividad laboral (trabajo doméstico, personas desempleadas y trabajadores autónomos); el nivel socioeconómico bajo, medio bajo, y medio; el hogar con más de cuatro personas; y el hogar con menores de 10 años.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Compreender a relação entre insegurança alimentar e fatores sociodemográficos em uma amostra populacional da América Latina durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos. Estudo transversal multicêntrico realizado em 10 países da América Latina por meio de uma pesquisa on-line conduzida em diferentes plataformas digitais de 14 de outubro de 2020 a 15 de fevereiro de 2021. A análise estatística dos dados foi realizada por meio da aplicação de estatísticas descritivas, teste qui-quadrado e análise de regressão logística. Resultados. De um total de 6 357 questionários, 58,2% dos entrevistados afirmaram ter segurança alimentar, 29,3% indicaram um nível de insegurança alimentar leve, 9,2% tinham insegurança alimentar moderada e 3,3%, insegurança alimentar grave. No que diz respeito à relação entre insegurança alimentar e variáveis sociodemográficas, há uma relação significativa com as variáveis estudadas, incluindo área de residência, nível de escolaridade, ocupação, número de pessoas no domicílio, domicílio com crianças com menos de 10 anos de idade e nível socioeconômico. Conclusões. Os achados apontam que os fatores sociodemográficos associados à insegurança alimentar durante a pandemia de COVID-19 na América Latina foram residência em zona rural; ensino fundamental e médio completo e incompleto; ocupação (do lar, desempregado(a) e autônomo(a)); nível socioeconômico baixo, médio-baixo e médio; domicílio com mais de quatro pessoas; e domicílio com crianças menores de 10 anos de idade.

Prácticas de estudiantes universitarios relacionados con la alimentación de sus hijos preescolares / Practices of college students related to the feeding of their preschool children

RESUMEN Introducción: Diferentes estilos de crianza pueden o no, favorecer en los niños conductas saludables sobre la alimentación. La restricción, presión para comer, y el uso de alimentos como control comportamental, generan respuestas negativas hacia los alimentos. El enrolamiento positivo, puede favorecer una alimentación saludable. La adopción de un estilo de crianza particular puede estar mediado por factores demográficos y socioeconómicos. Objetivo: Identificar las prácticas parentales de estudiantes universitarios relacionados con la alimentación de sus hijos, y evaluar si hubo diferencias según características socio-demográficas y económicas. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal analítico en 43 estudiantes de pregrado de una universidad pública colombiana, con hijos en edad preescolar y convivencia permanente. Se identificó el estilo parental mediante el cuestionario de prácticas parentales alimentarias -Parental Feeding Practices-. Se analizó la edad, nivel e ingreso socio económico, el peso y talla del estudiante universitario, entre otros. Resultados: Las prácticas de los estudiantes se orientaron al enrolamiento positivo. La edad y factores de tipo demográfico y socioeconómico determinaron la orientación respecto al tipo de práctica. Conclusión: Este estudio proporciona información sobre el estilo de educación en relación con algunos factores demográficos y socioeconómicos en una población poco explorada, que servirá de referencia para futuros estudios.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Different parenting styles may or may not favor healthy eating behaviors in children. Restriction, pressure to eat, and the use of food for behavioral control generate negative responses to food. Positive role modeling can promote a healthy diet. The adoption of a particular parenting style may be mediated by demographic and socioeconomic factors. Objective: We identified the parenting practices of college students related to the feeding of their children and evaluated if there were differences according to socio-demographic and economic characteristics. Methodology: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in 43 undergraduate students of a Colombian public university with children of preschool age and permanent cohabitation. Parenting style was identified using the Parental Feeding Practices questionnaire. Age, socioeconomic level and income, weight and height of the university student, among others, were analyzed. Results: The students' practices were oriented to positive role modeling. Age, demographic and socioeconomic factors related to type of parenting practice. Conclusion: This study provides information on the style of upbringing in relation to some demographic and socioeconomic factors in a population little explored, which will serve as a reference for future studies.

Factores asociados al consumo de frutas y verduras en Bucaramanga, Colombia / Associated factors to dietary intake of fruits and vegetables in Bucaramanga, Colombia

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar los factores asociados al consumo de Frutas y Verduras (FV) en población adulta de todos los niveles socioeconómicos (NSE), de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Se realizó un corte transversal analítico en una muestra de 317 personas y se midieron variables sociodemográficas, económicas, antropométricas, alimentarias y factores relacionados con la compra y consumo de FV. Se realizó una encuesta, un recordatorio de alimentos consumidos durante 24 horas últimas y toma de medidas antropométricas. Los tamaños de porción fueron estimados con un set de menaje estandarizado y atlas de fotografías de alimentos. Se establecieron frecuencias, medidas de tendencia central y dispersión y se usaron modelos de Regresión Logística para el análisis bi y multivariado. El consumo promedio de FV fue 162.6 g/día, (188.5 g en NSE alto y 145.7 g en NSE bajo; p=0.056). En promedio 2 porciones/día de FV (2.3 porciones en NSE alto y 1.5 en NSE bajo; p=0.055). La prevalencia de consumo adecuado de FV (más de 5 porciones/día) fue 8.6% (8.9% en NSE alto y 8.4% en NSE bajo; p=0.896). El factor asociado al consumo de FV fue IMC> 25 (OR: 0.31, IC(95%): 0.11-0.89; p=0.030), ajustado por ocupación, ingresos económicos, NSE y número de integrantes de la familia. El consumo de FV es bajo; el exceso de peso es la única variable asociada al no consumo de cinco o más porciones; causas: el costo para el consumo de frutas y el sabor en el caso de las verduras.

The objective of this study was to determine associated factors to the consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV) in the adult population of each socioeconomic status (SES) in Bucaramanga, Colombia. We conducted a cross-sectional in a sample of 317 people and we measured socio-demographic, economic and anthropometric variables and dietary factors related to the purchase and consumption of FV. We made a survey, a 24-Hour dietary recall and we did anthropometric measurements. Portion sizes were estimated with a standardized set of utensils and food-photography atlas. Frequencies, measures of central tendency and dispersion were established and Logistic Regression models were used for the bi and multivariate analysis. Average consumption of FV was 162.6 g / day (188.5 g in high SES and 145.7 g in low SES, p= 0.056). On average 2 servings per day of FV (2.3 servings in high SES and 1.5 in low SES, p = 0.055). The prevalence of adequate intake of FV (more than 5 servings / day) was 8.6% (8.9% in high SES and 8.4% in low SES, p = 0.896). The associated factor to consumption of FV was BMI > 25 (OR: 0.31, CI (95%): 0.11-0.89, p = 0.030), adjusted for occupation, income, SES, and number of family members. FV consumption is low; excess weight is the only variable associated to no-consumption of five or more servings; causes: cost to the consumption of fruit and flavor in the case of vegetables.

Caracterización del consumo de alimentos en familias desplazadas del municipio de Lebrija, Santander. Colombia. 2006 / Characterization of the intake of foods in displaced families of the municipality of Lebrija, Santander. Colombia. 2006

OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar el consumo de alimentos en las familias desplazadas del municipio de Lebrija y describir la percepción que tienen con respecto a la inseguridad alimentaria. METODOLOGÍA: Durante 2004-2005, 61 familias desplazadas del municipio de Lebrija contestaron una encuesta para determinar el gasto mensual en alimentos y la frecuencia de compra. Se utilizó un recordatorio del consumo de alimentos en las últimas 24 horas. Para determinar la cantidad y tipo de alimentos consumidos se aplicó una encuesta sobre la percepción de la seguridad alimentaria. El proceso de los datos se realizó con SICI, Epi Info 6,04d y Stata STATA/SE v. 8,2. RESULTADOS: El ingreso promedio mensual de los hogares es de 0.67 SMMLV, en el 83,6% de las familias sólo trabaja un miembro. El 88,0% de las familias presenta inseguridad alimentaría leve y el 12,0% moderada. El 100% de las familias argumentó falta de dinero para comprar alimentos. El consumo de frutas y lácteos sólo cubre el 25,0% de las recomendaciones establecidas y el de verduras un 15,0%. CONCLUSIÓN: Las familias de este estudio muestran una proporción de Inseguridad Alimentaria mucho mayor a los estudios nacionales, esto es evidenciado en la defciente calidad de la dieta consecuente con el bajo ingreso y el desconocimiento de alternativas nutricionales.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the intake of foods in the displaced families of the municipality of Lebrija and to describe the perception that they have regarding the food insecurity. METHODOLOGY: During 2004-2005, 61 displaced families of the municipality of Lebrija answered a survey to determine the monthly expense in foods and the purchase frequency. A recall of the consumption of foods in the last 24 hours was used. To determine the quantity and type of consumed foods was applied a survey about the perception of the food security. The process of the data was carried out with SICI, Epi Info 6.04d and STATA/SE v. 8.2. RESULTS: The entrance monthly average of the homes is of 0.67 SMMLV, in 83.6% of the families a member only works. 88.0% of the families presents insecurity it would feed light and 12.0 moderate%. 100% of the families argued lack of money to buy foods. The consumption of fruits and milky it only covers 25.0% of the established recommendations and that of vegetables 15.0%. CONCLUSION: The families of this study show a proportion of foods insecurity much bigger to the national studies, this is evidenced in the faulty quality of the consequent diet with the low income and the ignorance of alternative nutritional.

[Associated factors to dietary intake of fruits and vegetables in Bucaramanga, Colombia]. / Factores asociados al consumo de frutas y verduras en Bucaramanga, Colombia.

The objective of this study was to determine associated factors to the consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV) in the adult population of each socioeconomic status (SES) in Bucaramanga, Colombia. We conducted a cross-sectional in a sample of 317 people and we measured socio-demographic, economic and anthropometric variables and dietary factors related to the purchase and consumption of FV. We made a survey, a 24-Hour dietary recall and we did anthropometric measurements. Portion sizes were estimated with a standardized set of utensils and food-photography atlas. Frequencies, measures of central tendency and dispersion were established and Logistic Regression models were used for the bi and multivariate analysis. Average consumption of FV was 162.6 g/day (188.5 g in high SES and 145.7 g in low SES, p = 0.056). On average 2 servings per day of FV (2.3 servings in high SES and 1.5 in low SES, p = 0.055). The prevalence of adequate intake of FV (more than 5 servings / day) was 8.6% (8.9% in high SES and 8.4% in low SES, p = 0.896). The associated factor to consumption of FV was BMI > or =25 (OR: 0.31, CI (95%): 0.11-0.89, p = 0.030), adjusted for occupation, income, SES, and number of family members. FV consumption is low; excess weight is the only variable associated to no-consumption of five or more servings; causes: cost to the consumption of fruit and flavor in the case of vegetables.

[Dietary patterns and access to food among displaced families in the municipality of Girón, Santander, Colombia]. / Patrón alimentario y acceso a los alimentos en familias desplazadas en el municipio de Girón, Santander, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the dietary patterns and extent of access to food among families displaced by armed conflict in a locality of the Santander department of Colombia. METHODS: A descriptive study of the food consumption of 101 families living in forced displacement in the urban and suburban areas of the municipality of Girón, Santander department, Colombia. During the second half of 2003, the person in charge of the family's food preparation completed a sociodemographic survey with questions on the monthly food expenditure, where the food was bought and with what frequency, and a log of food consumption during the preceding 24 hours. The dietary pattern was established according to the frequency of food consumption and preparation through a linear regression model that used the expenditure as a dependent variable. RESULTS: Of all the families, 34.7% reported not having access to food shopping and 13.9% received food donations. The average expenditure on food was 0.52 of the standard minimum wage. The only variable associated with expenditure was the number of family members working and contributing to the family budget (P = 0.037); for each working member, expenditure rose by increments of 0.07 of the minimum wage (95% confidence interval: 0.004- 0.149). No association was found between the length of time of the displacement and the food expenditure. The overall quality of the diet was deficient given that the recommended allowances of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products were not being met. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity encompassed 95.0% of the study families, even though they had been living as refugees for three years. The diet quality was substandard. The principal causes were low household income and a lack of knowledge regarding how to choose nutritionally superior foods. In addition to food donations, relief programs caring for displaced families should provide practical and educational training on nutrition, and thus, successful alternatives.

Patrón alimentario y acceso a los alimentos en familias desplazadas en el municipio de Girón, Santander, Colombia / Dietary patterns and access to food among displaced families in the municipality of Girón, Santander, Colombia

OBJETIVO: Describir el patrón alimentario y la capacidad de acceso a los alimentos de las familias desplazadas por el conflicto armado en una localidad del departamento de Santander, Colombia. MÉTODOS: Estudio dietético descriptivo en 101 familias que vivían en condiciones de desplazamiento forzado en la zona urbana y suburbana del municipio de Girón, departamento de Santander, Colombia. Durante el segundo semestre de 2003, el responsable de preparar los alimentos contestó una encuesta sociodemográfica con preguntas sobre el gasto mensual en alimentos, el lugar y la frecuencia de compra, y un recordatorio del consumo de alimentos en las 24 horas previas. El patrón alimentario se estableció según la frecuencia del consumo de alimentos y preparaciones mediante modelos de regresión lineal con el gasto como variable dependiente. RESULTADOS: De las familias, 34,7 por ciento manifestaron no tener acceso a la compra de alimentos y 13,9 por ciento los recibía como obsequios. El gasto promedio en alimentos fue de 0,52 salarios mínimos vigentes (SMV). La única variable asociada con el gasto fue el número de miembros de la familia que trabajaban y aportaban al presupuesto familiar (P = 0,037); por cada miembro que trabajaba, el gasto aumentó en 0,07 unidades de SMV (intervalo de confianza de 95 por ciento: 0,004 a 0,149). No se encontró asociación entre el tiempo de desplazamiento y el gasto en alimentos. La calidad de la dieta fue deficiente, ya que no se cumplió la norma recomendada de consumo de frutas, verduras y productos lácteos. CONCLUSIONES: La inseguridad alimentaria abarcó a 95,0 por ciento de las familias estudiadas aún después de tres años de vivir en condiciones de desplazamiento. La calidad de la dieta era insatisfactoria. Las causas principales de esta situación eran los bajos ingresos familiares y el desconocimiento de alternativas nutricionales más ventajosas. Además de la ayuda alimentaria, los programas de atención a las familias...

OBJECTIVES: Describe the dietary patterns and extent of access to food among families displaced by armed conflict in a locality of the Santander department of Colombia. METHODS: A descriptive study of the food consumption of 101 families living in forced displacement in the urban and suburban areas of the municipality of Girón, Santander department, Colombia. During the second half of 2003, the person in charge of the family's food preparation completed a sociodemographic survey with questions on the monthly food expenditure, where the food was bought and with what frequency, and a log of food consumption during the preceding 24 hours. The dietary pattern was established according to the frequency of food consumption and preparation through a linear regression model that used the expenditure as a dependent variable. RESULTS: Of all the families, 34.7 percent reported not having access to food shopping and 13.9 percent received food donations. The average expenditure on food was 0.52 of the standard minimum wage. The only variable associated with expenditure was the number of family members working and contributing to the family budget (P = 0.037); for each working member, expenditure rose by increments of 0.07 of the minimum wage (95 percent confidence interval: 0.004- 0.149). No association was found between the length of time of the displacement and the food expenditure. The overall quality of the diet was deficient given that the recommended allowances of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products were not being met. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity encompassed 95.0 percent of the study families, even though they had been living as refugees for three years. The diet quality was substandard. The principal causes were low household income and a lack of knowledge regarding how to choose nutritionally superior foods. In addition to food donations, relief programs caring for displaced families should provide practical and educational training on...

[Displaced and local children's alimentary patterns and nutritional state in Piedecuesta, Colombia]. / Patrón Alimentario y Estado Nutricional en Niños Desplazados en Piedecuesta, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at establishing displaced and local children's alimentary patterns amongst the school-age population from the Guatiguará area (Piedecuesta) and correlating their nutritional state with chosen socioeconomic and nutritional factors. METHODS: This descriptive transversal study of 89 displaced and local school-aged children (6 to 12 years of age) from the Guatiguará area (population=258) was carried out in 2004. Data was collected from socio-demographic and nutritional surveys as well as a food intake questionnaire (SICI). Twenty-four hour dietary recall, standardised kitchen item games and photographic models of the size of food portions were also used. The children's height and weight were measured. SICI, Excel, Epi Info 6.04d and Stata 8.0 software were used for processing the data. RESULTS: Nutritional state (weight per age - W/A) was as follows: 25,8 % deficit and 14,6 % risk of deficit. Low vegetable, fruit and protein consumption was found. The lowest percentages regarding consumption of needed items pertained to calcium, vitamin B6, iron, zinc and niacin. The relationship between receiving a monthly family income of less than Col $150 000 and nutritional deficit was (OR=2.76 CI(95 %) 0,92-8,44, p=0,040). Nutritional deficit protection factors consisted of having an employed mother (OR=0.29 CI(95 %) 0,09-0,84, p=0,012) and families having 2 or 3 employed members covering household expenses (OR=0.17 CI(95 %) 0,03-0,69 p=0,0052). CONCLUSION: Selected socioeconomic factors influenced the studied population's alimentary pattern and nutritional state.

Patrón Alimentario y Estado Nutricional en Niños Desplazados en Piedecuesta, Colombia / Displaced and local children's alimentary patterns and nutritional state in Piedecuesta, Colombia

Objetivos: Determinar el patrón alimentario en la población de niños en edad escolar del sector Guatiguará (Piedecuesta), evaluar su estado nutricional y la asociación con los factores socioeconómicos y alimentarios. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en 89 niños desplazados y no desplazados en edad escolar (6 a 12 años) del sector Guatiguará (población: 258), realizado en 2004. Se aplicó una Encuesta Sociodemográfica y Nutricional y un Formato de Consumo de Alimentos (SICI); Se utilizó el método recordatorio de 24 horas, juegos de menaje y gráficas representativas del tamaño de porción de alimentos. Se tomó el peso y la talla de los niños. Procesamiento en programas SICI, Excel, Epi Info 6.04d y Stata 8.0. Resultados: Estado Nutricional (P/E): Déficit 25,8 por ciento y Riesgo de Déficit 14,6 por ciento; déficit T/E 25,7 por ciento y déficit P/T 4,3 por ciento. Se observa un bajo consumo de verduras, frutas y alimentos proteicos. Los porcentajes más bajos de adecuación del consumo correspondieron a calcio, vitamina B6, hierro, cinc y niacina. Se encontró Asociación entre recibir ingresos familiares mensuales menores de $150 000 y déficit nutricional (OR=2,76 IC(95 por ciento) 0,92-8,44, p=0,040). Factores protectores para déficit nutricional: ser madre empleada (OR=0,29, IC(95 por ciento) 0,09-0,84, p=0,012) y familias con 2 o 3 miembros trabajadores y aportantes a los gastos del hogar (OR=0,17 IC(95 por ciento) 0,03-0,69 p=0,005). Conclusión: En la población de estudio, el factor socioeconómico es determinante del patrón alimentario y del estado nutricional.

Objectives This study was aimed at establishing displaced and local children's alimentary patterns amongst the school-age population from the Guatiguará area (Piedecuesta) and correlating their nutritional state with chosen socioeconomic and nutritional factors. Methods This descriptive transversal study of 89 displaced and local school-aged children (6 to 12 years of age) from the Guatiguará area (population=258) was carried out in 2004. Data was collected from socio-demographic and nutritional surveys as well as a food intake questionnaire (SICI). Twenty-four hour dietary recall, standardised kitchen item games and photographic models of the size of food portions were also used. The children's height and weight were measured. SICI, Excel, Epi Info 6.04d and Stata 8.0 software were used for processing the data. Results Nutritional state (weight per age - W/A) was as follows: 25,8 percent deficit and 14,6 percent risk of deficit. Low vegetable, fruit and protein consumption was found. The lowest percentages regarding consumption of needed items pertained to calcium, vitamin B6, iron, zinc and niacin. The relationship between receiving a monthly family income of less than Col $150 000 and nutritional deficit was (OR=2.76 CI(95 percent) 0,92-8,44, p=0,040). Nutritional deficit protection factors consisted of having an employed mother (OR=0.29 CI(95 percent) 0,09-0,84, p=0,012) and families having 2 or 3 employed members covering household expenses (OR=0.17 CI(95 percent) 0,03-0,69 p=0,0052). Conclusion Selected socioeconomic factors influenced the studied population's alimentary pattern and nutritional state.

Representaciones sociales sobre alimentación saludable en población vulnerable. Bucaramanga, Santander. Colombia / Social representations about healthy feeding in vulnerable population in Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia

Con el objetivo de describir e interpretar las representaciones sociales y los puntos críticos de una alimentación saludable, se realizó en el año de 2003, un estudio cualitativo en población de bajos ingresos de la ciudad de Bucaramanga. Se conformaron 25 grupos focales con escolares, adolescentes, adultos jóvenes y adultos mayores; participaron un total de 245 sujetos. Las entrevistas fueron grabadas y transcriptas en un procesador de texto y analizadas con el software Ethnograph 5.0; el análisis comprendió un nivel descriptivo y otro interpretativo. La información fue validada mediante la técnica de triangulación. Los resultados muestran que la alimentación saludable es considerada por la población como aquella que contiene una gran variedad y una suficiente cantidad de alimentos. Las grasas y dulces se consideran como los alimentos con mayores efectos perjudiciales para la salud y las frutas y verduras como los mejores alimentos. Los factores que interfieren la práctica de una alimentación saludable son, el desconocimiento del valor nutricional de los alimentos y de las recetas, los bajos ingresos; la falta de equipo y tiempo para la preparación. Las mujeres manifiestan mayor interés y responsabilidad hacia la alimentación familiar. Los agentes más importantes en la educación nutricional son, la familia, las instituciones de sector salud y educación.

To describe and to interpret the social representations and the critical points of a healthy feeding, a qualitative study was carried out in population of low incomes of the city of Bucaramanga in 2003. 25 focal groups were conformed and classified in children that attend the school, teenagers, young adults and older adults, a total of 245 subjects participated. The interviews were recorded and transcribed in a word processor, and they were analyzed with software called Ethnograph 5.0. The analysis included a descriptive level and other interpretive, to validate the information, the triangulation technique was used. The population considers that a healthy feeding must contain variety and quantity of food. The fat and sweet are considered as the foods with moredangerous effects for health, fruits and vegetables as the better foods. The critical points that interfere in their practice are the absence of knoweledgement of the recipes and of the nutritional value, the low incomes, the lack of time and equipment for the preparation. The women show more interest and responsibility toward the family feeding. The most important agents in the nutritional education are, the family, the health sector Institutions and education.

Alimentos índices: comportamientos de los precios en Santander, 1999-2000 / Food Indexes: behavior of prices in Santander, 1999-2000

Objetivo: establecer indicadores de seguridad alimentaria (SA) para las familias de dos municipios colombianos, basados en el precio de dos alimentos indices (AI) y su variacion, Materiales y Metodos: en 1999-2000 se realizó un estudio descriptivo, que determino el costo de los AI, para estimar indices de precios (IPC), su variacion e indicadores de SA relacionados con salario mínimo legal vigente (SMLV) y horas de la jornada laboral necesarias para acceder a energía y proteínas. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias en los IPC acumulados por municipio (p>0,05. Los IPC acumulados año son de un digito. La leche, la carne y los cereales representaron mas de la mitad del costo total de la canasta basica de alimentos (CBA). Las leguminosas se situan en terminos de inversion de horas labolares como una alternativa media para satisfacer la necesidad de energia y proteinas. Las mayores variaciones de precios se presentaron en el huevo, leguminosas, frutas, versuras y energeticos. La carne fue el AI, que presntó mayor estabilidad relativa de los precios. Conclusiones: Las diferencias del gasto, no se dan en la CBA como un conjunto, sino al interior de cada grupo de alimentos (AI).

Objective: To establish indicators for food security (FS) for the families of two Colombian towns, based on the price of the index foods (AI) and their variation, Materials and Methods: In 1999-2000, a descriptive study was carried, which determined the cost of AI, to estimate price indices (CPI), its variation and SA-related statutory minimum wage (minimum wage of) and hours of working time required for access to energy and protein. Results: No differences were found in the municipality accumulated CPI (p> 0.05. The annual cumulative CPI is a digit. Milk, meat and cereals accounted for over half the total cost of the basic food basket (CBA). legumes are placed in terms of investment labolares hours as an alternative means to satisfy the need for energy and protein. The highest price changes were made in the egg, legumes, fruits, versura and energetics. The meat was the AI, which presntó greater relative stability of prices. Conclusions: The differences in expenditure, not found in the CBA as a whole but within each food group (AI).

[Alimentary basic basket and index of prices in Santander, Colombia, 1999-2000]. / Canasta básica alimentaria e índice de precios en Santander, Colombia, 1999-2000.

OBJECTIVE: To establish indicators for food security (FS) in two Colombian municipalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 1999-2000, a descriptive study was carried out in two municipalities of the department of Santander, Colombia, that determined the cost of basic food baskets (BFB), to estimate price indices (PI), their variation, and indicators of FS related to the legally set minimum wage (MW). RESULTS: No differences were found in the PI by municipality (p > 0.05). The annual cumulative price indices were a single digit. The percentages of food insecurity (FI) were upwards of 50%, differing by municipality, in 1999 (p = 0.04), and 2000 (p = 0.88). The FI increased five points on average for the period 1999-2000. An average minimum wage of 1.24 per month is needed for a family to have access to a BFB. CONCLUSIONS: The purchasing power of the current MW doesn't satisfy the caloric nor nutritional requirements of a family. The local FS will continue deteriorating, given the behavior of its determinants.

Canasta básica alimentaria e índice de precios en Santander, Colombia, 1999-2000 / Alimentary basic basket and index of prices in Santander, Colombia, 1999-2000

OBJETIVO: Establecer indicadores de seguridad alimentaria (SA) en dos municipios colombianos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: En el periodo 1999-2000 se realizó un estudio descriptivo en dos municipios del departamento de Santander, Colombia, que determinó el costo de canastas básicas alimentarias (CBA), para estimar índices de precios (IPC), su variación, e indicadores de SA relacionados con el salario mínimo legal vigente (SMLV). Se calcularon estadísticos de tendencia central y dispersión según el tipo de variables. Para el cálculo de los índices de precios al consumidor se utilizó el método de Laspayres. Para la comparación de éstos se utilizaron coeficientes de correlación de Pearson y de Sperman. RESULTADOS: No se encontraron diferencias en los IPC por municipio (p>0.05). Los IPC acumulados año son de un dígito. Los porcentajes de inseguridad alimentaria (IA) estuvieron por encima de 50 por ciento, encontrándose diferencias por municipio, en 1999 (p=0.04), en 2000 (p=0.88). La IA aumentó en promedio cinco puntos para el periodo 1999- 2000. Se necesita en promedio 1.24 SMLV por mes para acceder a una CBA familiar. CONCLUSIONES: La capacidad de compra del SMLV no satisface los requerimientos familiares de energía y nutrientes. La SA local seguirá deteriorándose, debido al comportamiento de sus determinantes