Ultra-processed foods consumption among children and associated socioeconomic and demographic factors

Objective: To evaluate the consumption of ultra-processed foods among children, and to investigate associations with socioeconomic and demographic factors. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study with 599 children aged 6 months to 2 years, and listed as users of Family Health Units, in a medium-size city. Mothers were approached at home by researchers and community health workers from the Family Health Units, for data collection. Two questionnaires were used: the socioeconomic and demographic questionnaire, and the form Sistema de Vigilancia Alimentar e Nutricional of Ministerio da Saude do Brasil , for children aged 6 months to 2 years. Ultra-processed food consumption and socioeconomic and demographic factors were defined as dependent and independent variables, respectively. Multiple regression analysis with a significance level of 5% was used to test associations between ultra-processed food consumption and socioeconomic and demographic variables. Results: Ultra-processed food consumption was associated with child age between 1 and 2 years (OR=3.89; 95%CI: 2.32-6.50 and OR=3.33; 95%CI: 2.00-5.56, respectively), number of people living in the same household (OR=1.94; 95%CI: 1.23-3.05), and recipients of government benefits (OR=1.88; 95%CI: 1.15-3.04). Conclusion: Ultra-processed food consumption among children undergoing complementary feeding may be influenced by socioeconomic and demographic factors.

Automated summary

The study found that consumption of ultra-processed foods among children is associated with child age, number of people living in the same household, and recipients of government benefits.