Poverty-Food Insecurity Nexus in the Post-Construction Context of a Large Hydropower Dam in the Brazilian Amazon.

Within the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, large hydropower dams are positioned as a sustainable energy source, notwithstanding their adverse impacts on societies and ecosystems. This study contributed to ongoing discussions about the persistence of critical social issues, even after the investments of large amounts of resources in areas impacted by the construction of large hydropower dams. Our study focused on food insecurity and evaluated this issue in the city of Altamira in the Brazilian Amazon, which has been profoundly socially and economically impacted by the construction, between 2011 and 2015, of Brazil's second-largest dam, namely, Belo Monte. A survey in Altamira city featured a 500-household random sample. Structural equation modeling showed conditioning factors of 60% of the population experiencing varying food insecurity degrees. Poverty, female-led households, lower education, youth, and unemployment were strongly linked to higher food insecurity. Crowded, officially impacted, and resettled households also faced heightened food insecurity. Our findings underscore the food insecurity conditions in the region impacted by the Belo Monte dam, emphasizing the need to take into account this crucial issue while planning and implementing hydropower dams.

[Validity of an instrument for screening households at risk of food insecurity in different strata of the Brazilian population]. / Validade do instrumento para triagem de domicílios em risco de insegurança alimentar em diversos estratos da população brasileira.

The absence of risk screening tools for food insecurity compromises the ability to assess, monitor, and provide immediate assistance to those in hunger, especially during emergencies such as the COVID-19 crisis. Hence, this study sought to test the validity of an instrument for Screening Households at Risk of Food Insecurity (TRIA) in different strata of the Brazilian population TRIA uses questions 2 and 4 of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), originally validated using data from the Brazilian National Survey of Demography and Health of Children and Women (PNDS 2006). In this study, using data from the Brazilian National Household Sample Survey (PNAD 2013), its reproducibility was tested by repeating the original combinatorial procedures, examining whether the parameters of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive values (PPV) and negative values (NPV) would result in the same arrangement of questions. Moreover, convergent validity was analyzed by comparing the strength of association between food insecurity and dietary variables using two binomial regression models (TRIA x EBIA). Results indicated that the combination of questions 2 and 4 performed best among the population strata studied, and presented optimal convergent validity. PPV and NPV adjusted for food insecurity prevalence in states ranged from 42.8% (Santa Catarina) to 87.6% (Amazonas) and 95.8% (Amazonas) to 99.5% (Santa Catarina), respectively. In conclusion, besides being reproducible, TRIA presented excellent validity parameters, especially among vulnerable groups. It can thus be used in care practice and as an instrument of food and nutritional surveillance in Brazil.

A ausência de instrumentos de triagem de risco para insegurança alimentar compromete a capacidade de avaliar, monitorar e ofertar assistência imediata a pessoas em situação de fome, especialmente durante emergências, como a crise da COVID-19. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi testar a validade do instrumento de Triagem para Risco de Insegurança Alimentar (TRIA), em diversos estratos da população brasileira. A TRIA é composta pelas questões 2 e 4 da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA), validada, originalmente, a partir de dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde da Criança e da Mulher (PNDS 2006). Neste estudo, utilizando dados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD 2013), testou-se sua reprodutibilidade por meio da repetição dos procedimentos combinatórios originais, examinando se os parâmetros de sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia e valores preditivos positivo (VPP) e negativo (VPN) resultariam no mesmo arranjo de questões. Ainda, analisou-se a validade convergente comparando a força de associação entre insegurança alimentar e variáveis alimentares por meio de dois modelos de regressão binomial (TRIA x EBIA). Os resultados indicaram que a combinação das questões 2 e 4 apresentou melhor desempenho entre os estratos populacionais estudados, além de ótima validade convergente. O VPP e VPN ajustado pela prevalência de insegurança alimentar nos estados variou de 42,8% (Santa Catarina) a 87,6% (Amazonas) e 95,8% (Amazonas) a 99,5% (Santa Catarina), respectivamente. Em conclusão, além de ser reprodutível, a TRIA apresentou excelentes parâmetros de validade, sobretudo em grupos vulnerabilizados. Assim, seu uso pode ser recomendado na prática assistencial e como instrumento de vigilância alimentar e nutricional no Brasil.

La ausencia de instrumentos de triaje de riesgo para la inseguridad alimentaria compromete la capacidad de evaluar, monitorear y brindar asistencia inmediata a las personas en situación de hambre, especialmente durante emergencias como la crisis de la COVID-19. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue probar la validez del instrumento de Triaje para Riesgo de Inseguridad Alimentaria (TRIA) en diferentes estratos de la población brasileña. El TRIA consta de las preguntas 2 y 4 de la Escala Brasileña de Inseguridad Alimentaria (EBIA), originalmente validada con base en datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud de la Mujer y el Niño (PNDS 2006). En este estudio, utilizando datos de la Encuesta Nacional por Muestra de Domicilios (PNAD 2013), se probó su reproducibilidad repitiendo los procedimientos combinatorios originales, examinando si los parámetros de sensibilidad, especificidad, exactitud y valores predictivos positivos (VPP) y negativo (VPN) resultarían en el mismo arreglo de preguntas. Además, se analizó la validez convergente comparando la fuerza de asociación entre la inseguridad alimentaria y las variables alimentarias por medio de dos modelos de regresión binomial (TRIA x EBIA). Los resultados indicaron que la combinación de las preguntas 2 y 4 presentó el mejor desempeño entre los estratos poblacionales estudiados, además de excelente validez convergente. El VPP y el VPN ajustado por la prevalencia de inseguridad alimentaria en los estados osciló entre el 42,8% (Santa Catarina) y el 87,6% (Amazonas) y entre el 95,8% (Amazonas) y el 99,5% (Santa Catarina), respectivamente. En conclusión, además de ser reproducible, el TRIA presentó excelentes parámetros de validez, especialmente en grupos en situación de vulnerabilidad. Por lo tanto, se puede recomendar su uso en la práctica asistencial y como instrumento para la vigilancia alimentaria y nutricional en Brasil.

National Trends and Disparities in Severe Food Insecurity in Brazil between 2004 and 2018.

Background: The Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (EBIA) is the main tool for assessing household food insecurity (FI) in Brazil and facilitates the monitoring and improvement of national public policies to promote food security. Since 2004, the Brazilian government has conducted National Household Sample Surveys, and in 2018, the government carried out the last national evaluation of FI. Objectives: To describe trends in severe FI in Brazil from 2004 to 2018. Methods: Data from 3 cross-sectional Brazilian National Household Sample Surveys (sample sizes: 2004 = 112,530; 2009 = 120,910; 2013 = 116,196) and from the last Household Budget Survey (sample size = 57,920) that assessed the status of FI using the EBIA were analyzed. Changes in severe FI during 2 periods (2004-2013; 2013-2018) were estimated while considering sociodemographic factors. Results: The period between 2004 and 2013 was marked by a significant decrease in severe FI (-53.6%), but this trend reversed in 2013-2018 (+43.8%). The greatest decrease in severe FI occurred in the Northeast (-57.6%) among households where the reference person was a man (-57.6%) and self-identified as white (-58.1%) (2004-2013). In 2013-2018, households with children aged ≤4 y (+6.3%) and members aged ≥65 y (+12.5%) experienced the lowest increases in severe FI. Conclusions: After a significant reduction from 2004 to 2013, severe FI increased sharply from 2013 to 2018, likely due to disruptions in public policies aimed at reducing hunger and unemployment rates.

Validade do instrumento para triagem de domicílios em risco de insegurança alimentar em diversos estratos da população brasileira / Validity of an instrument for screening households at risk of food insecurity in different strata of the Brazilian population / Validez del instrumento de triaje de hogares en riesgo de inseguridad alimentaria en diferentes estratos de la población brasileña

A ausência de instrumentos de triagem de risco para insegurança alimentar compromete a capacidade de avaliar, monitorar e ofertar assistência imediata a pessoas em situação de fome, especialmente durante emergências, como a crise da COVID-19. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi testar a validade do instrumento de Triagem para Risco de Insegurança Alimentar (TRIA), em diversos estratos da população brasileira. A TRIA é composta pelas questões 2 e 4 da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA), validada, originalmente, a partir de dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde da Criança e da Mulher (PNDS 2006). Neste estudo, utilizando dados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD 2013), testou-se sua reprodutibilidade por meio da repetição dos procedimentos combinatórios originais, examinando se os parâmetros de sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia e valores preditivos positivo (VPP) e negativo (VPN) resultariam no mesmo arranjo de questões. Ainda, analisou-se a validade convergente comparando a força de associação entre insegurança alimentar e variáveis alimentares por meio de dois modelos de regressão binomial (TRIA x EBIA). Os resultados indicaram que a combinação das questões 2 e 4 apresentou melhor desempenho entre os estratos populacionais estudados, além de ótima validade convergente. O VPP e VPN ajustado pela prevalência de insegurança alimentar nos estados variou de 42,8% (Santa Catarina) a 87,6% (Amazonas) e 95,8% (Amazonas) a 99,5% (Santa Catarina), respectivamente. Em conclusão, além de ser reprodutível, a TRIA apresentou excelentes parâmetros de validade, sobretudo em grupos vulnerabilizados. Assim, seu uso pode ser recomendado na prática assistencial e como instrumento de vigilância alimentar e nutricional no Brasil.

The absence of risk screening tools for food insecurity compromises the ability to assess, monitor, and provide immediate assistance to those in hunger, especially during emergencies such as the COVID-19 crisis. Hence, this study sought to test the validity of an instrument for Screening Households at Risk of Food Insecurity (TRIA) in different strata of the Brazilian population TRIA uses questions 2 and 4 of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), originally validated using data from the Brazilian National Survey of Demography and Health of Children and Women (PNDS 2006). In this study, using data from the Brazilian National Household Sample Survey (PNAD 2013), its reproducibility was tested by repeating the original combinatorial procedures, examining whether the parameters of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive values (PPV) and negative values (NPV) would result in the same arrangement of questions. Moreover, convergent validity was analyzed by comparing the strength of association between food insecurity and dietary variables using two binomial regression models (TRIA x EBIA). Results indicated that the combination of questions 2 and 4 performed best among the population strata studied, and presented optimal convergent validity. PPV and NPV adjusted for food insecurity prevalence in states ranged from 42.8% (Santa Catarina) to 87.6% (Amazonas) and 95.8% (Amazonas) to 99.5% (Santa Catarina), respectively. In conclusion, besides being reproducible, TRIA presented excellent validity parameters, especially among vulnerable groups. It can thus be used in care practice and as an instrument of food and nutritional surveillance in Brazil.

La ausencia de instrumentos de triaje de riesgo para la inseguridad alimentaria compromete la capacidad de evaluar, monitorear y brindar asistencia inmediata a las personas en situación de hambre, especialmente durante emergencias como la crisis de la COVID-19. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue probar la validez del instrumento de Triaje para Riesgo de Inseguridad Alimentaria (TRIA) en diferentes estratos de la población brasileña. El TRIA consta de las preguntas 2 y 4 de la Escala Brasileña de Inseguridad Alimentaria (EBIA), originalmente validada con base en datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud de la Mujer y el Niño (PNDS 2006). En este estudio, utilizando datos de la Encuesta Nacional por Muestra de Domicilios (PNAD 2013), se probó su reproducibilidad repitiendo los procedimientos combinatorios originales, examinando si los parámetros de sensibilidad, especificidad, exactitud y valores predictivos positivos (VPP) y negativo (VPN) resultarían en el mismo arreglo de preguntas. Además, se analizó la validez convergente comparando la fuerza de asociación entre la inseguridad alimentaria y las variables alimentarias por medio de dos modelos de regresión binomial (TRIA x EBIA). Los resultados indicaron que la combinación de las preguntas 2 y 4 presentó el mejor desempeño entre los estratos poblacionales estudiados, además de excelente validez convergente. El VPP y el VPN ajustado por la prevalencia de inseguridad alimentaria en los estados osciló entre el 42,8% (Santa Catarina) y el 87,6% (Amazonas) y entre el 95,8% (Amazonas) y el 99,5% (Santa Catarina), respectivamente. En conclusión, además de ser reproducible, el TRIA presentó excelentes parámetros de validez, especialmente en grupos en situación de vulnerabilidad. Por lo tanto, se puede recomendar su uso en la práctica asistencial y como instrumento para la vigilancia alimentaria y nutricional en Brasil.

Validity of a 2-item screening tool to identify families at risk for food insecurity in Brazil.

This manuscript aimed to develop a brief 2-item screening tool to identify Brazilian households that include families with children at risk for food insecurity. Psychometric analyses including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, accuracy, and ROC curves were used to test combinations of questions to determine the most effective screener to assess households at risk for food insecurity when compared to a gold standard scale. Participants included Brazilian National Survey of Demography and Health on Women and Children (PNDS) surveyed households with a valid Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) response. The sample included 3,920 households representing 11,779,686 households when expanded using PNDS sample weights. With overall prevalence of food insecurity at 21%, a Brazilian 2-item food-insecurity screen showed sensitivity of 79.31%, specificity of 92.95%, positive predictive value of 74.62%, negative predictive value of 94.5% and ROC area 86.13%. This screen also presented high convergent validity for children's nutrition and health variables when compared with the gold standard, the EBIA full scale. Based on its ability to detect households at risk for food insecurity, a 2-item screening tool is recommended for widespread adoption as a screening measure throughout Brazil, especially when rapid decision-making has been made fundamental, as under the COVID-19 pandemic. This screener can enable providers to accurately identify families at risk for food insecurity and promptly intervene to prevent or ameliorate adverse health and developmental consequences associated with food insecurity and swiftly respond to crises.

Validity of a 2-item screen to identify families at risk for food insecurity in Brazil

This manuscript aimed to develop a brief 2-item screening tool to identify Brazilian households that include families with children at risk for food insecurity. Psychometric analyses including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, accuracy, and ROC curves were used to test combinations of questions to determine the most effective screener to assess households at risk for food insecurity when compared to a gold standard scale. Participants included National Demographic Health Survey on Women and Children (PNDS-2006) surveyed households with a valid Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (EBIA) response. The sample included 3,920 households representing 11,779,686 households when expanded using PNDS sample weights. With overall prevalence of food insecurity at 21%, a Brazilian 2-item food-insecurity screen showed sensitivity of 79.31%, specificity of 92.95%, positive predictive value of 74.62%, negative predictive value of 94.50% and ROC area 86.13%. This screen also presented high convergent validity for children's nutrition and health variables when compared with the gold standard, the EBIA full scale. Based on its ability to detect households at risk for food insecurity, a 2-item screening tool is recommended for widespread adoption as a screening measure throughout Brazil, especially when rapid decision-making has been made fundamental, as under the COVID-19 pandemic. This screener can enable providers to accurately identify families at risk for food insecurity and promptly intervene to prevent or ameliorate adverse health and developmental consequences associated with food insecurity and swiftly respond to crises.

Food insecurity, food expenses and consumption of sugar and soft drinks in households with and without children and/or adolescents / Insegurança alimentar, gasto com alimentos e consumo de açúcar e refrigerante em domicílios com e sem crianças e/ou adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objectives To estimate the frequency of food insecurity in households with and without children/adolescents; compare food expenses, sugar and soft drinks consumption in these households; and to analyze the relationship between food insecurity and demographic/socioeconomic variables with food expenses, and sugar and soft drinks consumption in households with and without children/adolescents. Methods Cross-sectional study with 628 households in Campinas, SP, Brazil. Food insecurity was estimated by the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale. The dependent variables were the proportion of food expenses, and consumption of sugar and soft drinks; and the independent ones included food security/insecurity condition, monthly family income, gender, age and education of the household head. Results The frequency of food insecurity was higher in households with children/adolescents than in households without minors (41.4% vs. 27.9%). The proportion of food expenses was higher in households with children/adolescents and in all households it was associated with lower family income and, in households with minors, to the presence of a female householder. Soft drinks consumption was higher in households with children/adolescents; and was related to higher income in all households, and to the presence of male householder in households with minors. Sugar consumption in households with children/adolescents was associated with higher income, male gender and education level of the household head (<12 years). In households without children/adolescents, the higher sugar consumption was associated with food insecurity and the household head's education (<8 years). Conclusion In households with children/adolescents there was a greater frequency of food insecurity and a greater commitment of income with food. Food insecurity was associated with increased sugar consumption in households without children/adolescents.

RESUMO Objetivos Estimar a frequência de insegurança alimentar em domicílios com e sem crianças/adolescentes; comparar o gasto com alimentos e o consumo de açúcar e de refrigerante nestes domicílios; e analisar a relação da insegurança alimentar e de variáveis demográficas/socioeconômicas com o gasto com alimentos e com o consumo de açúcar e de refrigerante em domicílios com e sem crianças/adolescentes. Métodos Estudo transversal com 628 domicílios de Campinas, SP, Brasil. A insegurança alimentar foi estimada pela Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. As variáveis dependentes foram proporção de gasto com alimentos e consumo de açúcar e refrigerante; as independentes incluíram condição de segurança/insegurança alimentar, renda familiar mensal, sexo, idade e escolaridade do chefe da família. Resultados A frequência de insegurança alimentar foi maior nos domicílios com crianças/adolescentes do que nos domicílios sem menores (41,4% vs. 27,9%). A proporção de gasto com alimentos foi superior nos domicílios com crianças/adolescentes; em todos esteve associada ao menor rendimento familiar e, nos domicílios com menores, à presença de chefe da família do sexo feminino. O consumo de refrigerante foi maior em domicílios com crianças/adolescentes, relacionou-se à maior renda em todos os domicílios e à presença de chefe da família do sexo masculino em domicílios com menores. O consumo de açúcar nos domicílios com crianças/adolescentes associou-se à maior renda, sexo masculino e escolaridade do chefe <12 anos. Nos domicílios sem crianças/adolescentes, o maior consumo de açúcar esteve associado à insegurança alimentar e à escolaridade do chefe da família <8 anos. Conclusão Nos domicílios com crianças/adolescentes, houve maior frequência de insegurança alimentar e maior comprometimento da renda com a alimentação. A insegurança alimentar associou-se ao aumento do consumo de açúcar em domicílios sem crianças/adolescentes.

Validity of a 2-item screening tool to identify families at risk for food insecurity in Brazil / Validade de um instrumento de triagem com dois itens para identificar famílias em risco de insegurança alimentar no Brasil / Validez de un instrumento de 2-ítems para identificar a familias en riesgo de inseguridad alimentaria en Brasil

This manuscript aimed to develop a brief 2-item screening tool to identify Brazilian households that include families with children at risk for food insecurity. Psychometric analyses including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, accuracy, and ROC curves were used to test combinations of questions to determine the most effective screener to assess households at risk for food insecurity when compared to a gold standard scale. Participants included Brazilian National Survey of Demography and Health on Women and Children (PNDS) surveyed households with a valid Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) response. The sample included 3,920 households representing 11,779,686 households when expanded using PNDS sample weights. With overall prevalence of food insecurity at 21%, a Brazilian 2-item food-insecurity screen showed sensitivity of 79.31%, specificity of 92.95%, positive predictive value of 74.62%, negative predictive value of 94.5% and ROC area 86.13%. This screen also presented high convergent validity for children's nutrition and health variables when compared with the gold standard, the EBIA full scale. Based on its ability to detect households at risk for food insecurity, a 2-item screening tool is recommended for widespread adoption as a screening measure throughout Brazil, especially when rapid decision-making has been made fundamental, as under the COVID-19 pandemic. This screener can enable providers to accurately identify families at risk for food insecurity and promptly intervene to prevent or ameliorate adverse health and developmental consequences associated with food insecurity and swiftly respond to crises.

O estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver um instrumento de triagem breve com dois itens para identificar famílias brasileiras com filhos em risco de insegurança alimentar. Foram utilizadas análises psicométricas, inclusive sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo, acurácia e curvas ROC, para testar as combinações de perguntas e determinar o instrumento mais eficaz para avaliar as famílias com risco de insegurança alimentar, comparado a uma escala padrão-ouro. Os participantes pertenciam aos domicílios da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde da Criança e da Mulher (PNDS), usando a resposta à Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA). A amostra incluiu 3.920 domicílios, representando 11.779.686 domicílios quando expandida com os pesos amostrais da PNDS. Com uma prevalência geral de insegurança alimentar de 21%, o instrumento brasileiro de dois itens para avaliação de insegurança alimentar mostrou sensibilidade 79,31%, especificidade 92,95%, valor preditivo positivo 74,62%, valor preditivo negativo 94,5% e área ROC 86,13%. O instrumento também apresentou validade convergente alta para as variáveis de nutrição e saúde das crianças, comparado ao padrão-ouro, a EBIA completa. Com base na capacidade de detectar domicílios com risco de insegurança alimentar, esse instrumento de triagem com dois itens é recomendado para adoção geral, enquanto medida de triagem em todo o Brasil, sobretudo durante a pandemia da COVID-19, quando as decisões rápidas são fundamentais. O instrumento pode permitir que os profissionais identifiquem com precisão as famílias em risco de insegurança alimentar e intervenham prontamente para prevenir ou mitigar as consequências adversas para a saúde e o desenvolvimento, associadas à insegurança alimentar, respondendo rapidamente às crises.

Este trabajo tuvo el objetivo de desarrollar un instrumento breve de 2 ítems para identificar a los hogares brasileños que incluyen a familias con niños en riesgo de inseguridad alimentaria. Los análisis psicométricos incluyendo sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y negativo, precisión, y curvas ROC fueron usados para probar combinaciones de preguntas, con el fin de determinar el instrumento más efectivo para evaluar hogares en riesgo de inseguridad alimentaria, cuando se compararon con una escala de estándar de oro. Los participantes incluyeron a los hogares encuestados de la Encuesta Nacional Demográfica sobre la Salud de Mujeres y Niños (PNDS) con una respuesta válida en la Escala de Brasileña de Inseguridad Alimentaria (EBIA). La muestra incluyó 3.920 hogares, representando 11.779.686 hogares, cuando se amplió usando las ponderaciones de la muestra del PNDS. Con la prevalencia general de la inseguridad alimentaria a un 21%, el instrumento de 2 ítems brasileño sobre inseguridad alimentaria mostró una sensibilidad de un 79,31%, especificidad de un 92,95%, un valor predictivo positivo de 74,62%, un valor negativo predictivo de un 94,50% y un área ROC de 86,13%. Este instrumento también presentó una validez convergente alta para la nutrición de los niños y variables de salud, cuando se comparó la escala completa EBIA, el estándar de oro. Basada en su habilidad para detectar hogares en riesgo por inseguridad alimentaria, la herramienta de instrumento de 2 ítems está recomendada para su amplia adopción, como medida de cribado en todo Brasil, especialmente cuando la toma de decisiones rápidas se ha hecho fundamental, como ante la pandemia de COVID-19. Este método de cribado puede permitir a los proveedores de cuidados identificar con precisión a las familias en riesgo de inseguridad alimentaria e intervenir prontamente para prevenir o mejorar salud adversa y las consecuencias en el desarrollo, relacionadas con la inseguridad alimentaria, así como responder con prontitud a las crisis.

Comparing food environment and food purchase in areas with low and high prevalence of obesity: data from a mapping, in-store audit, and population-based survey.

Our study aimed to compare key aspects of the food environment in two low-income areas in the city of Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil: one with low and the other with high prevalence of obesity. We compared the availability of retail food establishments, the types of food sold, and the residents' eating habits. Demographic and socioeconomic data and eating habits were obtained from a population-based health survey. We also analyzed local food environment data collected from remote mapping of the retail food establishments and audit of the foods sold. For comparison purposes, the areas were selected according to obesity prevalence (body mass index - BMI ≥ 30kg/m²), defined as low prevalence (< 25%) and high prevalence (> 45%). Only 18 out of the 150 points of sale for food products sold fruits and vegetables across the areas. Areas with high obesity prevalence had more grocery stores and shops specialized in fruits and vegetables, as well as more supermarkets that sold fruits and vegetables. With less schooling, residents in the areas with high obesity prevalence reported purchasing food more often in supermarket chains and specialized shops with fruits and vegetables, although they consumed more sodas when compared with residents of areas with low obesity prevalence. Our results suggest interventions in low-income areas should consider the diverse environmental contexts and the interaction between schooling and food purchase behaviors in settings less prone to healthy eating.

Food security status in times of financial and political crisis in Brazil.

This study sought to describe the changes in the food security status in Brazil before and during its most recent financial and political crisis, as well as to explore associations between food security and socioeconomic factors during the crisis. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from two different sources: the Brazilian National Household Sample Survey for 2004 (n = 112,479), 2009 (n = 120,910), and 2013 (n = 116,192); and the Gallup World Poll for 2015 (n = 1,004), 2016 (n = 1,002), and 2017 (n = 1,001). Household food security status was measured by a shorter version of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, consisting of the first 8 questions of the original 14-item scale. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the changes in food security and their association with socioeconomic factors. Results suggest that during the crisis the percentage of households classified as food secure declined by one third (76% in 2013 to 49% in 2017) while severe food insecurity tripled (4% in 2013 to 12% in 2017). Whereas before the crisis (2013) 44% of the poorest households were food secure, by 2017 this decreased to 26%. Household income per capita was strongly associated with food security, increasing by six times the chances of being food insecure among the poorest strata. Those who reported a low job climate, social support or level of education were twice as likely to be food insecure. Despite significant improvements between 2004 and 2013, findings indicate that during the crisis Brazil suffered from a great deterioration of food security, highlighting the need for emergency policies to protect and guarantee access to food for the most vulnerable.

Comparing food environment and food purchase in areas with low and high prevalence of obesity: data from a mapping, in-store audit, and population-based survey / Uma comparação do ambiente alimentar e da compra de alimentos entre áreas com prevalência de obesidade baixa e alta: dados de mapeamento, auditoria de lojas hortifruti e inquérito populacional / Comparando entornos alimentarios y adquisición de alimentos en áreas con baja y alta prevalencia de obesidad: datos procedentes de un mapeo, auditoría en tiendas y encuesta de base poblacional

Abstract: Our study aimed to compare key aspects of the food environment in two low-income areas in the city of Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil: one with low and the other with high prevalence of obesity. We compared the availability of retail food establishments, the types of food sold, and the residents' eating habits. Demographic and socioeconomic data and eating habits were obtained from a population-based health survey. We also analyzed local food environment data collected from remote mapping of the retail food establishments and audit of the foods sold. For comparison purposes, the areas were selected according to obesity prevalence (body mass index - BMI ≥ 30kg/m²), defined as low prevalence (< 25%) and high prevalence (> 45%). Only 18 out of the 150 points of sale for food products sold fruits and vegetables across the areas. Areas with high obesity prevalence had more grocery stores and shops specialized in fruits and vegetables, as well as more supermarkets that sold fruits and vegetables. With less schooling, residents in the areas with high obesity prevalence reported purchasing food more often in supermarket chains and specialized shops with fruits and vegetables, although they consumed more sodas when compared with residents of areas with low obesity prevalence. Our results suggest interventions in low-income areas should consider the diverse environmental contexts and the interaction between schooling and food purchase behaviors in settings less prone to healthy eating.

Resumo: Nosso estudo teve como objetivo comparar alguns aspectos do ambiente alimentar de duas áreas de baixa renda no município de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, sendo uma com baixa e a outra com alta prevalência de obesidade. Nós comparamos a disponibilidade de estabelecimentos comerciais vendendo alimentos, tipos de alimentos vendidos e hábitos alimentares dos residentes. Dados demográficos, socioeconômicos e de hábitos alimentares foram obtidos de um inquérito de saúde de base populacional. Também analisamos dados locais de ambiente alimentar coletados através de um mapeamento remoto dos estabelecimentos comerciais vendendo alimentos e auditoria dos alimentos vendidos. Para fins comparativos, as áreas foram selecionadas de acordo com a prevalência de obesidade (índice de massa corporal - IMC ≥ 30kg/m²), definida como baixa (< 25%) e alta (> 45%). Dos 150 pontos de venda de produtos alimentares, apenas 18 vendiam frutas e vegetais em todas as áreas. Áreas com alta prevalência de obesidade tinham mais mercearias e lojas especializadas em frutas e vegetais, bem como maior número de comércios vendendo frutas e verduras. Com menor escolaridade, os residentes das áreas de prevalência alta de obesidade reportaram comprar alimentos mais frequentemente em hipermercados e lojas especializadas em frutas e vegetais, embora consumissem mais refrigerantes em comparação aos residentes das áreas de baixa prevalência. Nossos resultados sugerem que as intervenções em áreas carentes devem considerar os seus diversos contextos ambientais e a interação entre escolaridade e comportamentos de compra de alimentos em ambientes menos propícios à alimentação saudável.

Resumen: El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue comparar algunos aspectos del entorno alimentario de dos áreas de baja renta en el municipio de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, existiendo en una baja y en otra alta prevalencia de obesidad. Comparamos la disponibilidad de establecimientos comerciales vendiendo alimentos, los tipos de alimentos vendidos, así como los hábitos alimentarios de los residentes. Se obtuvieron datos demográficos, socioeconómicos y hábitos alimentarios de una encuesta de salud de base poblacional. También analizamos datos locales sobre el entorno alimentario, recogidos a través de un mapeo remoto de los establecimientos comerciales que vendían alimentos, así como una auditoría de los alimentos vendidos. Para fines comparativos, las áreas se seleccionaron de acuerdo con la prevalencia de obesidad (índice de masa corporal - IMC ≥ 30kg/m²), definida como baja (< 25%) y alta (> 45%). De los 150 puntos de venta de productos alimenticios, solamente 18 vendían frutas y verduras en todas las áreas. Las áreas con alta prevalencia de obesidad tenían más tiendas de comestibles y tiendas especializadas en frutas y verduras, así como un mayor número de comercios vendiendo frutas y verduras. Con menor escolaridad, los residentes de las áreas de prevalencia alta de obesidad informaron comprar alimentos más frecuentemente en hipermercados y tiendas especializadas en frutas y verduras, aunque consumieron más refrescos, en comparación con los residentes de las áreas de baja prevalencia. Nuestros resultados sugieren que las intervenciones en áreas de escasos recursos deben considerar sus diversos contextos ambientales y la interacción entre la escolaridad y los comportamientos de compra de alimentos en entornos menos propicios para la alimentación saludable.

Food security status in times of financial and political crisis in Brazil / A segurança alimentar em tempos de crise financeira e política no Brasil / Estado de la seguridad alimentaria en la era de la crisis política y financiera brasileña

This study sought to describe the changes in the food security status in Brazil before and during its most recent financial and political crisis, as well as to explore associations between food security and socioeconomic factors during the crisis. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from two different sources: the Brazilian National Household Sample Survey for 2004 (n = 112,479), 2009 (n = 120,910), and 2013 (n = 116,192); and the Gallup World Poll for 2015 (n = 1,004), 2016 (n = 1,002), and 2017 (n = 1,001). Household food security status was measured by a shorter version of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, consisting of the first 8 questions of the original 14-item scale. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the changes in food security and their association with socioeconomic factors. Results suggest that during the crisis the percentage of households classified as food secure declined by one third (76% in 2013 to 49% in 2017) while severe food insecurity tripled (4% in 2013 to 12% in 2017). Whereas before the crisis (2013) 44% of the poorest households were food secure, by 2017 this decreased to 26%. Household income per capita was strongly associated with food security, increasing by six times the chances of being food insecure among the poorest strata. Those who reported a low job climate, social support or level of education were twice as likely to be food insecure. Despite significant improvements between 2004 and 2013, findings indicate that during the crisis Brazil suffered from a great deterioration of food security, highlighting the need for emergency policies to protect and guarantee access to food for the most vulnerable.

O estudo teve como objetivos descrever as mudanças na segurança alimentar no Brasil antes e durante a mais recente crise financeira e política do país, além de explorar as associações entre segurança alimentar e fatores socioeconômicos durante a crise. Este estudo transversal analisou os dados de duas fontes diferentes: a Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios de 2004 (n = 112.479), 2009 (n = 120.910) e 2013 (n = 116.192) e a Pesquisa Mundial Gallup de 2015 (n = 1.004), 2016 (n = 1.002) e 2017 (n = 1.001). O nível de segurança alimentar domiciliar foi medido utilizando uma versão reduzida da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA), com as primeiras oito perguntas da escala original de 14 itens. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e de regressão logística para avaliar as mudanças na segurança alimentar e a associação com fatores socioeconômicos. Os resultados sugerem que durante a crise, o percentual de domicílios com segurança alimentar diminuiu em um terço (de 76% em 2013 para 49% em 2017), enquanto a insegurança alimentar grave triplicou (de 4% em 2013 para 12% em 2017). Antes da crise (2013), 44% dos domicílios apresentavam segurança alimentar, mas até 2017 essa proporção havia diminuído para 26%. A renda per capita domiciliar mostrou forte associação com a segurança alimentar, aumentando em seis vezes a probabilidade de insegurança alimentar entre os mais pobres. Aqueles que relatavam piores níveis de emprego, apoio social e escolaridade tiveram duas vezes mais probabilidade de sofrer de insegurança alimentar. Apesar de melhoras significativas entre 2004 e 2013, os achados indicam que durante a crise, o Brasil sofreu uma piora grave na segurança alimentar, reforçando a necessidade de políticas emergenciais para proteger e garantir o acesso à alimentação para os mais vulneráveis.

El objetivo de este estudio es describir los cambios en el estado de la seguridad alimentaria en Brasil antes y durante su más reciente crisis política y financiera, así como también analizar las asociaciones entre seguridad alimentaria y factores socioeconómicos durante la crisis. Este estudio transversal analizó datos de dos fuentes diferentes: la Encuesta Brasileña por Muestra de Domicilios en 2004 (n = 112.479), 2009 (n = 120.910) y 2013 (n = 116.192); y la Encuesta Mundial Gallup en 2015 (n = 1.004), 2016 (n = 1.002) y 2017 (n = 1.001). El estado de la seguridad alimentaria por hogar se midió mediante una versión acortada de la Escala Brasileña de Inseguridad Alimentaria, que consiste en las 8 primeras preguntas de la escala original con 14-ítems. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y por regresión logística para evaluar los cambios en la seguridad alimentaria y su asociación con factores socioeconómicos. Los resultados sugieren que durante la crisis el porcentaje de hogares clasificados como seguros respecto a la alimentación disminuyó en un tercio (del 76% en 2013 al 49% en 2017) mientras que la inseguridad alimentaria severa se triplicó (de un 4% en 2013 al 12% en 2017). Asimismo, antes de la crisis (2013) un 44% de los hogares más pobres contaban con seguridad alimentaria, pero en 2017 este número disminuyó al 26%. Los ingresos per cápita por hogar estuvieron fuertemente asociados con la seguridad alimentaria, incrementando seis veces más las posibilidades de sufrir inseguridad alimentaria entre los estratos más pobres. Aquellos que informaron de una baja estabilidad laboral, apoyo social o nivel educacional fueron dos veces más propensos de sufrir inseguridad alimentaria. A pesar de las mejoras significativas entre 2004 y 2013, los resultados indican que Brasil durante la crisis sufrió un gran deterioro de la seguridad alimentaria, resaltando la necesidad de políticas de emergencia para proteger y garantizar el acceso a la comida de los más vulnerables.

Understanding the double burden of malnutrition in food insecure households in Brazil.

Household food insecurity (HFI) has been associated with both obesity among mothers and undernutrition among children. However, this association has not been well investigated in mother/child pairs living in the same household. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of coexistence of maternal overweight and child stunting with HFI in Brazil. We conducted secondary data analyses of the 2006 Brazilian National Demographic and Health Survey. We analyzed the nutritional status of 4299 pairs of 15-49-year-olds mothers and their children under 5 years of age. The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) was defined as the presence of an overweight mother and a stunted child in the same household. HFI was measured with the Brazilian HFI Measurement Scale. The association between DBM and HFI was examined with hierarchical multivariable logistic regression analyses. Severe HFI was associated with DBM after adjusting for macroeconomic and household level socio-economic and demographic variables (Adjusted OR: 2.65 - CI: 1.17-8.53). Findings suggest that policies and programmes targeting HFI are needed to prevent the coexistence of child chronic undernutrition and maternal overweight/obesity in the same household. These investments are likely to be highly cost-effective as stunting has been identified as one of the major risk factors for poor child development and adult overweight/obesity and a strong risk factor for the development of costly chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Demographic and socioeconomic conditions associated with food insecurity in households in Campinas, SP, Brazil / Condições demográficas e socioeconômicas associadas à insegurança alimentar em domicílios de Campinas, SP

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the association of food insecurity with demographic and socioeconomic conditions in households in Campinas, São Paulo state, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on a representative sample of the urban population of the Southern, Southwestern, and Northwestern Health Districts of Campinas, between 2011-2012. Characteristics of the head of household, family history and household patterns were investigated. The dependent variable was food security condition, categorized as food security, mild food insecurity, and moderate/severe food insecurity. All independent variables with p-value <0.20 in the bivariate multinomial logistic regression were included in the final model of multiple multinomial logistic regression, adjusted to household head age; the remaining variables had p-value <0.05. Results: In the 691 households analyzed, there was 65% of food security, 27.9% of mild food insecurity, and 7.1% of moderate/severe food insecurity. The conditions associated with mild food insecurity were monthly per capita income less than the minimum wage, household head unemployed for more than six months between 2004-2010, living in properties given to the family/occupied/other, and density higher than two people per bedroon. The moderate/severe food insecurity was associated with informal employment condition of the household head and the presence of a beneficiary of the Bolsa Família (Family Allowance Program), a cash transfer-type program, in the household. The higher the score of the consumer goods, the lower the probability of mild food insecurity or moderate/severe food insecurity. There was a higher probability of mild food insecurity and moderate/severe food insecurity in unfinished masonry-built houses/other. Conclusion: More than one third of the households investigated experienced some form of food insecurity. Mild food insecurity was associated with demographic conditions, while moderate/severe food insecurity was associated with socioeconomic conditions, especially those related to the household head.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a associação da insegurança alimentar com as condições demográficas e socioeconômicas em domicílios de Campinas (SP). Métodos: Estudo transversal com amostra representativa da população urbana dos Distritos de Saúde Sul, Sudoeste e Noroeste de Campinas, realizado entre 2011-2012. Estudaram-se as características do chefe de família, dos antecedentes familiares e do domicílio. A variável dependente foi condição de segurança alimentar, categorizada em segurança alimentar, insegurança alimentar leve e insegurança alimentar moderada/grave. Todas as variáveis independentes com p-valor<0,20 na regressão logística multinomial bivariada foram incluídas no modelo final de regressão logística multinomial múltipla, ajustado pela idade do chefe da família, permanecendo aquelas com p<0,05. Resultados: Nos 691 domicílios analisados, houve 65,0% em segurança alimentar, 27,9% em insegurança alimentar leve e 7,1% em insegurança alimentar moderada/grave. As condições associadas à insegurança alimentar leve foram renda familiar mensal per capita menor que um salário mínimo, desemprego do chefe da família por mais de seis meses entre 2004-2010, residir em domicílios de condição cedido/invasão/outro e com densidade maior que duas pessoas por dormitório. A insegurança alimentar moderada/grave esteve associada à informalidade do emprego do chefe da família e ter titular do Bolsa Família no domicílio. Quanto maior o escore de bens de consumo, menor foi a chance de insegurança alimentar leve ou moderada/grave, enquanto que houve maior chance da presença de qualquer tipo de insegurança alimentar nos domicílios construídos com alvenaria inacabada/outros. Conclusão: Mais de um terço dos domicílios apresentam alguma forma de insegurança alimentar. A insegurança alimentar leve está associada às condições demográficas, enquanto que a moderada/grave associa-se às condições socioeconômicas, principalmente relacionadas ao chefe da família.

Food Insecurity and the Negative Impact on Brazilian Children's Health-Why Does Food Security Matter for Our Future Prosperity? Brazilian National Survey (PNDS 2006/07).

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity (FI) refers to limited or uncertain access to food resulting from financial constraints. Numerous studies have shown association between FI and adverse health outcomes among adults and children around the world, but in Brazil, such information is scarce, especially if referring to nationally representative information. OBJECTIVE: To test for an independent association between FI and health outcomes. METHODS: Most recent Brazilian Demographic and Health Survey using nationally representative complex probability sampling. Participants were 3923 children <5 years of age, each representing a household. Data from the validated Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale were dichotomized as food secure (food security/mild FI) or food insecure (moderate FI/severe FI). Poisson regression was used to test for associations between FI and various health indicators. RESULTS: Models adjusted for socioeconomic and demographic variables showed that children hospitalized for pneumonia or diarrhea were 30% more prevalent in FI households (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.3; 1.1-1.6). Underweight children were 40% more prevalent in FI households (aPR: 1.4; 1.1-1.7). Children who didn't eat meat and fruits and vegetables every day were 20% and 70% more prevalent in FI households (aPR: 1.2; 1.1-1.4 and aPR: 1.7; 1.3-2.3), respectively. CONCLUSION: Children who grow up in food-insecure households have been shown to have worse health conditions than those in food-secure households. Consequently, their human capital accumulation and work-life productivity are likely to be reduced in the future, leading them into adulthood less capable of generating sufficient income, resulting in a cycle of intergenerational poverty and FI.