Marcadores do consumo alimentar e estado nutricional de crianças: uma relação com determinantes sociais

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood obesity represents one of the greatest public health challenges, resulting from the interaction of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors that contribute to the formation of an obesogenic environment. Factors such as the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF), low access to fresh foods, physical inactivity, marketing of unhealthy foods, and high screen exposure contribute to inadequate diets and a higher risk of developing obesity and other noncommunicable chronic diseases. In this context, the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System and Primary Health Care play an essential role in the early identification of inadequate eating habits and in promoting child health. Objective: To investigate the relationship between the prevalence of dietary markers and nutritional status, considering the sociodemographic and territorial context of children assisted in Primary Health Care. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study based on secondary data from 1,030 children aged 2 to 9 years attended in the Primary Health Care system of Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, in 2023. Information was obtained through the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System and the electronic medical record “Vivver Sistemas,” analyzing the following data: food consumption and screen exposure using the Food Consumption Markers questionnaire, and nutritional status determined by weight and height. Results: Most participating children were preschoolers, female, of mixed race (“parda”), and residents of urban areas. It was observed that the consumption of healthy dietary markers, such as beans, fruits, and vegetables, was more frequent among children living in rural areas, while the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the habit of eating meals in front of screens were more common among those living in urban areas. Obesity was more prevalent among children from urban areas and of mixed race, being more frequent in school-aged children than in preschoolers. In addition, both preschoolers and school-aged children with excess weight showed lower vegetable consumption and higher intake of ultra-processed foods, highlighting the relationship between inadequate dietary patterns and excess weight. Conclusion: Nutritional status and dietary markers in children were found to be associated with sociodemographic and territorial context, with higher consumption of healthy foods in rural areas and higher consumption of ultra-processed foods in urban zones. These findings reinforce the influence of social determinants of health on children’s diet and nutrition.