Direct and indirect associations of experience of racial discrimination, dietary patterns and obesity in adults from southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the direct and indirect associations of experience of racial discrimination on dietary patterns (DP), obesity and abdominal obesity. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional population-based study. The main exposure was self-reported experiences of racial discrimination (Experiences of Discrimination scale). The mediator variables were the DP: healthy, Brazilian traditional, sugar and carbohydrates, and fast food. The outcomes were obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥ 88 cm for women; ≥ 102 cm for men). Structural equation modelling was applied. SETTING: Porto Alegre, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Totally, 400 adults aged between 20 and 70 years were participated. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 47·2 years (sd = 13·9), and 75 % were women. Experiencing racial discrimination had a positive direct effect on obesity (healthy DP: ß = 0·153, P < 0·05; Brazilian DP: ß = 0·156, P < 0·05; sugar and carbohydrates DP: ß = 0·156, P < 0·05; and fast-food DP: ß = 0·153, P < 0·05) and abdominal obesity (healthy DP: ß = 0·206, P < 0·01; Brazilian DP: ß = 0·210, P < 0·01; sugar and carbohydrates DP: ß = 0·204, P < 0·01; and fast-food DP: ß = 0·204, P < 0·01). The experience of racial discrimination did not have a direct effect on DP, nor did it exert an indirect effect on obesity and abdominal obesity through any DP. CONCLUSIONS: A higher experience of racial discrimination is associated with obesity and abdominal obesity, independent of diet.

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

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

Dietary intake in children and adolescents with food addiction: A systematic review.

Food addiction (FA) is characterized by behavioral changes related to the consumption of palatable foods, marked by dependence, impulsivity, and compulsion. Children and adolescents are more vulnerable to FA owing to their significant consumption of ultra-processed foods. This review aims to investigate the differences in dietary intake in pediatric populations with and without FA. We conducted a systematic literature review. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and PsycINFO databases were searched up to July 2023. Potentially eligible studies were independently checked by two researchers. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Of the 4868 articles identified, six studies were included. All the included studies had high methodological quality. High consumption of calories and fat was observed in children and adolescents with FA. A diet quality analysis showed that the consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as sugary drinks, sweets, and chips, was related to FA. Given these findings, we concluded that FA in childhood may be associated with higher energy consumption and, consequently, higher intake of macronutrients. Few studies have examined the relationship between FA and food intake in childhood, and more studies are required.

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

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

Social inequities in the food retail patterns around schools in Recife, Brazil / Desigualdades sociais no padrão do varejo de alimentos no entorno de escolas em Recife, Brasil

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

Resumo Este trabalho objetivou descrever o ambiente alimentar comunitário no entorno das escolas e sua associação com a vulnerabilidade socioambiental territorial na cidade com maior índice de desigualdade social intraurbana do Brasil. Métodos: estudo ecológico observacional, inclui dados sobre a presença e o tipo de varejo de alimentos em uma área de 400 m no entorno de escolas públicas e privadas de Recife. Descrevemos o Índice de Vulnerabilidade à Saúde (IVS) dos setores censitários e realizamos análises multivariadas. Resultados: por meio da análise fatorial, observamos dois padrões de agrupamento de estabelecimentos. O padrão "Diversos pontos de venda de alimentos" foi associado positivamente com IVS médio (β 0,14; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95% - 0,11; 0,16) e áreas de IVS mais alto (β 0,15; IC95% - 0,11; 0,17), enquanto o padrão "Grandes redes varejistas de alimentos" foi inversamente associado às áreas de IVS médio (β -0,42; IC95% - 0,53; -0,30) e alto IVS (β -0,32; IC95% - 0,45; -0,18) e positivamente associado com escolas particulares (β 0,15; IC95% - 0,030; 0,27). Conclusão: a maior variedade de estabelecimentos está em áreas de alto IVS, e grandes redes varejistas de alimentos predominam no entorno de escolas particulares, especialmente em áreas de baixo IVS.

Estimated fetal weight standards of the INTERGROWTH-21st project for the prediction of adverse outcomes: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and assess the risk of bias in the literature evaluating the performance of INTERGROWTH-21st estimated fetal weight (EFW) standards to predict maternal, fetal and neonatal adverse outcomes. METHODS: Searches were performed in seven electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, Lilacs, Scielo and Google Scholar) using citation tools and keywords (intergrowth AND (standard OR reference OR formula OR model OR curve); all from 2014 to the last search on April 16th, 2021). We included full-text articles investigating the ability of INTERGROWTH-21st EFW standards to predict maternal, fetal or neonatal adverse outcomes in women with a singleton pregnancy who gave birth to infants with no congenital abnormalities. The study was registered on PROSPERO under the number CRD42020115462. Risk of bias was assessed with a customized instrument based on the CHARMS checklist and composed of 9 domains. Meta-analysis was performed using relative risk (RR [95%CI]) and summary ROC curves on outcomes reported by two or more methodologically homogeneous studies. RESULTS: Sixteen studies evaluating fifteen different outcomes were selected. The risk of bias was high (>50% of studies with high risk) for two domains: blindness of assessment (81.3%) and calibration assessment (93.8%). Considering all the outcomes investigated, for 95% of the results, the specificity was above 73.0%, but the sensitivity was below 64.1%. Pooled results demonstrated a higher RR of neonatal small for gestational age (6.71 [5.51-8.17]), Apgar <7 at 5 min (2.17 [1.48-3.18]), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (2.22 [1.76-2.79]) for fetuses classified <10th percentile when compared to those classified above this limit. The limitation of the study is the absence of heterogeneity exploration or publication bias investigation, whereas no outcomes were evaluated by more than five studies. CONCLUSIONS: The IG-21 EFW standard has low sensitivity and high specificity for adverse events of pregnancy. Classification <10th percentile identifies a high-risk group for developing maternal, fetal and neonatal adverse outcomes, especially neonatal small for gestational age, Apgar <7 at 5 min, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Future studies should include blind assessment of outcomes, perform calibration analysis with continuous data, and evaluate alternative cutoff points.

Social and ethnic-racial inequities of physical accessibility to street markets in Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil

Street markets in Brazil are important spaces for the commercialization of fruits and vegetables (FV), which access by the urban population is considered one of the key aspects for the socalled "healthy cities". This study adopts an ecological approach with geographic-spatial emphasis to describe accessibility to street markets in Porto Alegre, Brazil, by four different modes of transport (walking, bicycle, bus and car). The distribution of markets across the city is more balanced than other food establishments, although physical accessibility is highly uneven across modes of transport: the ability to reach a market on foot in 10 minutes or less is restricted to no more than 25 % of the population, while almost 90% can do it by driving a car. More importantly, the study found a direct and positive association between levels of accessibility to street markets and income: wealthier areas can reach fairs in less time using any mode of transport than poorer ones (p<0.001). In addition, regions with a majority of white inhabitants have significantly better accessibility to the fairs on foot, by bicycle and by bus (p<0.01) than regions with a majority of Black, Indigenous or yellow populations. Our study highlights the importance of addressing inequalities in access to healthy foods.

As feiras livres no Brasil são espaços importantes para a venda de frutas, verduras e legumes (FLV), considerados um dos aspectos-chave para "cidades saudáveis". Este estudo adota uma abordagem ecológica com ênfase geográfico-espacial para descrever a acessibilidade às feiras livres em Porto Alegre, Brasil, por quatro modos de transporte (a pé, bicicleta, ônibus e carro). A distribuição das feiras pela cidade é mais equilibrada do que outros estabelecimentos de alimentos, embora a acessibilidade física seja altamente desigual entre os diferentes modos de transporte: a capacidade de alcançar uma feira a pé em 10 minutos ou menos é restrita a menos de 25% da população, enquanto quase 90% podem fazê-lo dirigindo um carro. Mais importante, o estudo encontrou uma associação direta e positiva entre os níveis de acessibilidade às feiras e a renda: as localidades mais ricas podem chegar às feiras em menos tempo usando qualquer modo de transporte do que as mais pobres (p<0,001). Além disso, regiões com maioria de habitantes brancos têm acessibilidade significativamente melhor às feiras a pé, de bicicleta e de ônibus (p<0,01) do que regiões com maioria de população negra, indígena ou amarela. Nosso estudo destaca a importância de abordar as desigualdades no acesso aos alimentos saudáveis.

Racial disparities in lifestyle habits and dietary patterns in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives: To evaluate lifestyle habits and dietary patterns among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and their association with skin color. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1315 undergraduate students from a public higher education institution. Sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and food consumption were collected. Factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns and multivariate logistic regression was conducted to estimate the associations between race/skin color and outcomes. Results: Black individuals were less likely to show behaviors associated with the use of cigarettes or tobacco products (OR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.42-0.89). However, black individuals with higher income (greater than, or equal to one minimum wage per person) were less likely to show behaviors associated with illicit drug use (OR = 0.54; 95% CI 0.31-0.96), use of cigarettes or tobacco products (OR = 0.46; 95% CI 0.24-0.87) and alcohol consumption (OR = 0.64; CI 95% 0.42-0.98). In addition, individuals of race/skin color black with lower income (less than one minimum wage per person) showed decreased consumption of vegetables (OR = 0.68; CI 95% 0.48-0.96). Conclusions: Black college students with higher income were less likely to show undesirable behaviors related to the use of psychoactive substances. In contrast, individuals with lower income had lower consumption of foods from the vegetable group, which can be considered an unfavorable health-related behavior.

Association between the community food environment and dietary patterns in residents of areas of different socio-economic levels of a southern capital city in Brazil.

This study aimed to verify the association between the community food environment and dietary patterns in a population of different socio-economic levels. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 400 adults and elderly aged between 20 and 70 years residing in the central area of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Four dietary patterns were explored: healthy, traditional Brazilian, refined carbohydrates and sugars, and fast food. The community food environment included the identification of all food stores by areas where individuals lived and auditing based on the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey in Stores (NEMS-S) score. Poisson regression was used to estimate the prevalence ratios (PR) and their respective 95 % CI. After the adjustment for individual sociodemographic characteristics, residents of the area with the best community food environment (highest NEMS-S score) had 12 % and 18 % lower probabilities of high consumption (upper tertile) of the traditional (PR = 0·88; 95 % CI (0·78, 0·98)) and refined carbohydrate and sugar (PR = 0·82; 95 % CI (0·73, 0·92)) dietary patterns, respectively, compared with those living in the area with the worst community food environment (lowest NEMS-S score). Healthy and fast-food dietary patterns showed no association with the community food environment. In conclusion, the community food environment is a factor associated with the consumption of certain dietary patterns, independent of individual sociodemographic characteristics. Thus, aspects of the community food environment become important in food and nutrition actions and policies aimed at health promotion.

Relationship between temperature and relative humidity on initial spread of COVID-19 cases and related deaths in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Climate conditions may influence the transmission of COVID-19. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of temperature and relative humidity on COVID-19 cases and related deaths during the initial phase of the epidemic in Brazil. METHODOLOGY: An ecological study based on secondary data was conducted. Daily data on new COVID-19 cases, deaths, and climate indicators were collected from February 20 to April 18, 2020 (n = 59 days) for all state capital cities in Brazil and the Federal District (Brasília). The climate indicators included mean temperature, temperature amplitude, mean relative humidity, relative humidity amplitude, and percentage of days with mean relative humidity ≤ 65 %. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed for all cities and stratified by quintiles of the COVID-19 incidence rate. RESULTS: The mean daily temperature was positively correlated with the number of days until the first COVID-19 case was reported. A lower mean relative humidity was correlated with a lower number of cases and deaths in Brazil, especially when the relative humidity was ≤ 65 %. Higher temperatures and humidity amplitudes were correlated with lower COVID-19 mortality. Additionally, after controlling for humidity, cumulative cases of COVID-19 were inversely associated with temperature in cities with mean temperatures less than 25.8 °C. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in temperature and humidity across the Brazilian territory may have influenced the spread of the novel coronavirus during the initial phase of the epidemic.

Cardiovascular risk behavior among industrial workers in the Northeast of Brazil: a cluster analysis.

This research aimed to investigate the occurrence of clusters of cardiovascular risk behaviors and their association with social demographic and occupational characteristics in a population of industrial workers in the metropolitan area of Recife, Brazil. It was a transversal study with 727 workers of both genders. We identified cluster distribution from the variables: smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and waist circumference, by a combination of hierarchical and non-hierarchical analysis. We later tested the association with the social demographic and occupational variables with a multi-varied analysis. We have identified a protection cluster (sufficient physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption) and a risk cluster (high waist circumference, sedentarism, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption). The protection cluster was positively associated with night shift or variable shift work (RP: 1.66, IC95%: 1.26-2.17), and the risk cluster was associated with women (RP: 1.15, IC95%: 1.01-1.31). Cluster analysis allowed to identify that, for day shift workers and women, the shortest daytime outside the work environment can influence the adoption of cardiovascular risk behaviors.

Cardiovascular risk behavior among industrial workers in the Northeast of Brazil: a cluster analysis / Comportamento de risco cardiovascular entre trabalhadores industriais no nordeste do Brasil: uma análise de cluster

Abstract This research aimed to investigate the occurrence of clusters of cardiovascular risk behaviors and their association with social demographic and occupational characteristics in a population of industrial workers in the metropolitan area of Recife, Brazil. It was a transversal study with 727 workers of both genders. We identified cluster distribution from the variables: smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and waist circumference, by a combination of hierarchical and non-hierarchical analysis. We later tested the association with the social demographic and occupational variables with a multi-varied analysis. We have identified a protection cluster (sufficient physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption) and a risk cluster (high waist circumference, sedentarism, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption). The protection cluster was positively associated with night shift or variable shift work (RP: 1.66, IC95%: 1.26-2.17), and the risk cluster was associated with women (RP: 1.15, IC95%: 1.01-1.31). Cluster analysis allowed to identify that, for day shift workers and women, the shortest daytime outside the work environment can influence the adoption of cardiovascular risk behaviors.

Resumo Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência de clusters de comportamentos de risco cardiovascular e sua associação com características sociodemográficas e ocupacionais em uma população de trabalhadores da indústria da região metropolitana de Recife, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 727 trabalhadores de ambos os gêneros. Identificou-se a distribuição do cluster a partir das variáveis: tabagismo, etilismo, atividade física e circunferência da cintura, por meio de uma combinação de análise hierárquica e não hierárquica. Posteriormente, testamos a associação às variáveis sociodemográficas e ocupacionais com uma análise multivariada. Identificamos a formação consistente de um cluster de proteção (atividade física suficiente, consumo moderado de álcool) e de um cluster de risco (circunferência da cintura elevada, sedentarismo, tabagismo, consumo excessivo de álcool). O cluster de proteção associou-se positivamente ao turno noturno ou turnos variáveis (RP: 1,66, IC95%: 1,26-2,17) e o cluster de risco esteve associado às mulheres (RP: 1,15, IC95%: 1,01-1,31). A análise de cluster permitiu identificar que, para trabalhadores diurnos e mulheres, a menor jornada diurna fora do trabalho pode influenciar na adoção de comportamentos de risco cardiovascular.

Association between dietary patterns and socioeconomic factors and food environment in a city in the South of Brazil. / Associação entre padrões alimentares com fatores socioeconômicos e ambiente alimentar em uma cidade do Sul do Brasil.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary patterns and demographic and socioeconomic factors and the food environment among adults and older persons in a city in the south of Brazil. We conducted a cross-sectional study with people of both sexes aged between 20 and 70 years. Dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis. Poisson regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Four dietary patterns were identified: Healthy; Traditional; Refined Carbs and Sugars; and Fast Food. Positive associations were found between being female and higher income and the Healthy dietary pattern; being black or brown and living in a household with at least six members and the Traditional and Refined Carbs and Sugars patterns; and higher education and the fast-food dietary pattern. Having main meals at home was associated with the Traditional pattern and having lunch or dinner away from home was the associated with Refined Carbs and Sugars and fast-food patterns. Lower socioeconomic status leads to higher consumption of the Traditional and/or Refined Carbs and Sugars dietary patterns, while higher socioeconomic status appears to enable individuals to choose between healthy or fast-food patterns.

Objetivou-se estudar a associação entre padrão alimentar, fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos e o ambiente alimentar em uma população de adultos e idosos de uma cidade do Sul do Brasil. Estudo transversal com pessoas de ambos os sexos e idade entre 20 e 70 anos. Os padrões alimentares foram identificados por meio da análise de componentes principais. A regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para estimar as razões de prevalência brutas e ajustadas e os intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC 95%). Quatro padrões alimentares foram identificados: saudável, tradicional, carboidratos e açúcares refinados e fast food. Encontraram-se associações positivas entre: sexo feminino e maior renda com o padrão alimentar saudável; cor da pele preta ou parda e domicílios com seis ou mais moradores com padrões alimentares tradicional e carboidratos e açúcares refinados; maior escolaridade com o padrão fast food. Realizar as principais refeições em casa associou-se ao padrão tradicional, e almoço ou jantar fora do domicílio com os padrões carboidratos e açúcares refinados e fast food. Posição socioeconômica mais baixa leva ao maior consumo do padrão alimentar tradicional e/ou rico em carboidratos e açúcares, e uma posição socioeconômica mais elevada parece permitir uma escolha entre padrão saudável ou fast food.

Perceived racial discrimination and eating habits: a systematic review and conceptual models.

CONTEXT: There is no systematic review on the relationship between racial discrimination and eating habits. OBJECTIVE: A systematic review was conducted to synthesize evidence on the association between perceived racial discrimination (PRD) and eating habits. A conceptual model was developed to depict the most common mechanisms used to explain this association. DATA SOURCES: Articles were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and PsycINFO databases from inception to January 2021. STUDY SELECTION: Only observational studies were included, and there were no restrictions on age, racial group, or country. Two reviewers selected the articles independently. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted independently by 2 reviewers. The assessment of methodological quality was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: All studies retrieved were conducted among the US population. Nineteen studies were included. On average, the studies showed a methodological quality of 66%. Forty-six associations were evaluated: 38 between PRD and negative eating habits, 29 between PRD and eating behavior, and 17 between PRD and food consumption. CONCLUSIONS: PRD negatively affects eating habits. A conceptual framework based on ecosocial theory is suggested as a guide for future research. Further studies in different countries (beyond the United States) should be conducted to understand how racial discrimination affects eating habits within different ethnic, cultural, social, and economic contexts. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42019142605.

Social environment perception and associations with overweight in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil.

The prevalence of overweight in Brazilian adults has grown in recent years. There is evidence indicating that environmental factors, especially social characteristics, may be involved in the aetiology of overweight, but few studies have investigated this association adequately. The main objective of this study was to identify residents' perception of their social environment (social cohesion, security and violence) and assess its relationship with overweight in a central area of Porto Alegre, Brazil. The associations between socioeconomic characteristics and social environment perception were also explored. This cross-sectional study conducted in 2018-19 had 400 participants aged from 20 to 70 years living in low- and high-income areas of the city of Porto Alegre. Participants' perception of social cohesion, security and violence were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. Participants' body mass index (BMI) was measured, and those with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 were considered to be overweight. Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated through Poisson regression analysis; level of significance was 5%. The prevalence of overweight in the sample was 68.8% (95% CI 64.0-73.2). Individuals with a more positive social cohesion perception had a higher prevalence of overweight (PR 1.06; 95% CI: 1.00-1.12; p=0.02) than those with a less positive perception. Brown individuals also had a higher prevalence of overweight (PR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02-1.15; p=0.03) than those of other skin colour/race. No association was found between overweight and perception of security or violence. Therefore, social cohesion may be an important factor in overweight and the findings highlight the importance of considering social factors, and their perceptions, when planning actions for the prevention and control of overweight in a population.

Association of occupational exposure to pesticides with overweight and abdominal obesity in family farmers in southern Brazil.

The association of chronic exposure to pesticides with overweight and abdominal obesity in adult farmers was investigated. This cross-sectional study included a random sample of 122 farmers and their family members of both sexes (61% were male), living in the municipality of Farroupilha, southern Brazil. Pesticide groups and their individual compounds were self-reported and classified according to major functional and chemical classes (never used, 1-20 years, or > 20 years of use). Abdominal obesity and overweight were the outcomes of interest. A multivariate Poisson regression model was analyzed. After confounding factors were controlled, chronic use (>20 years) of insecticides (PR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.00-2.10) and organophosphorus pesticides (PR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.02-2.12) was associated with a higher prevalence of overweight but not abdominal obesity. Additional studies are needed to confirm our findings and clarify the specific mechanisms of these pollutants in the etiology of obesity.

Associação entre padrões alimentares com fatores socioeconômicos e ambiente alimentar em uma cidade do Sul do Brasil / Association between dietary patterns and socioeconomic factors and food environment in a city in the South of Brazil

Resumo Objetivou-se estudar a associação entre padrão alimentar, fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos e o ambiente alimentar em uma população de adultos e idosos de uma cidade do Sul do Brasil. Estudo transversal com pessoas de ambos os sexos e idade entre 20 e 70 anos. Os padrões alimentares foram identificados por meio da análise de componentes principais. A regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para estimar as razões de prevalência brutas e ajustadas e os intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC 95%). Quatro padrões alimentares foram identificados: saudável, tradicional, carboidratos e açúcares refinados e fast food. Encontraram-se associações positivas entre: sexo feminino e maior renda com o padrão alimentar saudável; cor da pele preta ou parda e domicílios com seis ou mais moradores com padrões alimentares tradicional e carboidratos e açúcares refinados; maior escolaridade com o padrão fast food. Realizar as principais refeições em casa associou-se ao padrão tradicional, e almoço ou jantar fora do domicílio com os padrões carboidratos e açúcares refinados e fast food. Posição socioeconômica mais baixa leva ao maior consumo do padrão alimentar tradicional e/ou rico em carboidratos e açúcares, e uma posição socioeconômica mais elevada parece permitir uma escolha entre padrão saudável ou fast food.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary patterns and demographic and socioeconomic factors and the food environment among adults and older persons in a city in the south of Brazil. We conducted a cross-sectional study with people of both sexes aged between 20 and 70 years. Dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis. Poisson regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Four dietary patterns were identified: Healthy; Traditional; Refined Carbs and Sugars; and Fast Food. Positive associations were found between being female and higher income and the Healthy dietary pattern; being black or brown and living in a household with at least six members and the Traditional and Refined Carbs and Sugars patterns; and higher education and the fast-food dietary pattern. Having main meals at home was associated with the Traditional pattern and having lunch or dinner away from home was the associated with Refined Carbs and Sugars and fast-food patterns. Lower socioeconomic status leads to higher consumption of the Traditional and/or Refined Carbs and Sugars dietary patterns, while higher socioeconomic status appears to enable individuals to choose between healthy or fast-food patterns.

Development and validation of a food frequency questionnaire for children aged 7 to 10 years / Desenvolvimento e validação de um questionário de frequência alimentar para crianças de 7 a 10 anos de idade

ABSTRACT Objective Food and nutritional evaluation of children can support public policies to combat early overweight and obesity. This study developed and validated a quantitative food frequency questionnaire for assessing the dietary intake of children. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of the development of a food frequency questionnaire for 130 children of both genders aged 7 to 10 years old. For the food frequency questionnaire list, 81 food items were selected. The validity of the food frequency questionnaire was evaluated by comparison with 24-hour recalls and reproducibility was performed by comparing two food frequency questionnaires. Results Most of the foods with 95% relative contribution were ultra-processed, such as packaged snacks and powdered juice. In validation, correlation coefficients were found between 0.45 (p<0.000) for lipids and 0.37 (p<0.000) for carbohydrates. An adjustment for energy reduced the correlations, but there was an increase in the correlation in calcium (r=0.75) and retinol (r=0.20). In terms of reproducibility, all macronutrients and calcium showed a satisfactory intraclass correlation coefficient (>0.400) and moderate correlations [proteins (0.54; p<0.000) and lipids (0.41; p<0.000)]. Conclusion The food frequency questionnaire developed was valid and able to assess the local food consumption by children from northeastern Brazil.

RESUMO Objetivo A avaliação alimentar e nutricional de crianças pode subsidiar políticas públicas de combate ao sobrepeso e à obesidade precoce. Este estudo desenvolveu e validou um questionário quantitativo de frequência alimentar para avaliação do consumo alimentar de crianças de 7 a 10 anos. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal do desenvolvimento de um questionário de frequência alimentar que avaliou 130 crianças de ambos os sexos com idades entre 7 e 10 anos. Para a lista do questionário, foram selecionados 81 itens alimentares. A validade do instrumento foi avaliada por meio da comparação com recordatórios de 24 horas e a reprodutibilidade foi realizada pela comparação de dois questionários de frequência alimentar. Resultados A maioria dos alimentos com 95% de contribuição relativa foi ultraprocessada, como salgadinhos embalados e suco em pó. Na validação, foram encontrados coeficientes de correlação entre 0,45 (p<0,000) para lipídios e 0,37 (p<0,000) para carboidratos. Um ajuste para energia reduziu as correlações, mas houve um aumento na correlação de cálcio (r=0,75) e retinol (r=0,20). Em termos de reprodutibilidade, todos os macronutrientes e o cálcio apresentaram coeficiente de correlação intraclasse satisfatório (>0,400) e correlações moderadas [proteínas (0,54; p<0,000) e lipídios (0,41; p<0,000)]. Conclusão O questionário de frequência alimentar desenvolvido é válido e foi capaz de avaliar o consumo alimentar local de crianças do Nordeste do Brasil.

Association of dietary patterns, number of daily meals and anthropometric measures in women in age of menopause

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association of dietary patterns, number of daily meals and anthropometric measures among women in age of menopause. Subjects and methods: This was a transversal study with 320 women over 50 years old from Caxias do Sul, Brazil. The outcomes were body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Multiple linear regression was performed. Results: Three dietary patterns: regional, fruits and vegetables, and common Brazilian was identified by Principal Component Analysis. After adjustment, higher adoption of the regional dietary pattern was associated with increased BMI (β = 0.56 [CI95% = 0.03-1.08], p = 0.037) and WC (β = 1.28 [CI95% = 0.17-2,55], p = 0.047). The highest number of meals per day (>=5/day) was associated with reduced BMI (β = -1.18 [CI95% = -2.30 to -0.05], p = 0.041) and WC (β = -2.77 [CI95% = -5.41 to -0.13], p = 0.039), and a mid-afternoon snack BMI (β = -2.16 [CI95% = -3.66 to -0.65], p = 0.005) and WC (β = -5.76 [CI95% = -9.29 to -2.23], p = 0,001). The regional dietary pattern was inversely associated with have five or more meals per day (β = -0.51 [CI95% = -0.84 to -0.18], p = 0.002) and have a mid-afternoon snack (β = -0.63 [CI95% = -1.07 to -0.18], p = 0.006). The fruit and vegetables dietary pattern was positively associated with have five or more meals per day (β = 0.35 [CI95% = 0.02-0.69], p = 0.034). Conclusion: The regional dietary pattern has resulted in higher BMI and WC measures and contributes to decreased meals per day, behavior associated with higher anthropometric measures.

Association of dietary patterns, number of daily meals and anthropometric measures in women in age of menopause.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of dietary patterns, number of daily meals and anthropometric measures among women in age of menopause. METHODS: This was a transversal study with 320 women over 50 years old from Caxias do Sul, Brazil. The outcomes were body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Multiple linear regression was performed. RESULTS: Three dietary patterns: regional, fruits and vegetables, and common Brazilian was identified by Principal Component Analysis. After adjustment, higher adoption of the regional dietary pattern was associated with increased BMI (ß = 0.56 [CI95% = 0.03-1.08], p = 0.037) and WC (ß = 1.28 [CI95% = 0.17-2,55], p = 0.047). The highest number of meals per day (>=5/day) was associated with reduced BMI (ß = -1.18 [CI95% = -2.30 to -0.05], p = 0.041) and WC (ß = -2.77 [CI95% = -5.41 to -0.13], p = 0.039), and a mid-afternoon snack BMI (ß = -2.16 [CI95% = -3.66 to -0.65], p = 0.005) and WC (ß = -5.76 [CI95% = -9.29 to -2.23], p = 0,001). The regional dietary pattern was inversely associated with have five or more meals per day (ß = -0.51 [CI95% = -0.84 to -0.18], p = 0.002) and have a mid-afternoon snack (ß = -0.63 [CI95% = -1.07 to -0.18], p = 0.006). The fruit and vegetables dietary pattern was positively associated with have five or more meals per day (ß = 0.35 [CI95% = 0.02-0.69], p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: The regional dietary pattern has resulted in higher BMI and WC measures and contributes to decreased meals per day, behavior associated with higher anthropometric measures.